yay girl congrats i am so happy for you

congrats gurl..ur doing gr8t just like i knew u would..

Hi Tara,

I am really excited to see you on here. I have some topics that I would like to see discussed if possible.
1. Strategies for dealing with changes in how people treat you. I find that people treat me differently now that I am smaller and it makes me angry. These are people who have known me for the past two years. I liked myself before surgery and I like myself now. I am the same person I just look different. 
2. Does your mind really catch up with your body and are there things we can do to help the process?
3. Any help with stress reduction would be helpful.
4. How do you recognize when you might be sabotaging yourself?
5. Tips for dealing graciously with attention from the opposite sex ?

I am looking forward to your posts.

Ole

How fast time goes by!!  I'm glad to hear things are going so well and congratulations on the weight loss!! 

I can totally relate to the fast eating.  I'm already 8months out and could never master that one...lol  I still eat too fast.  I've also noticed at this far out, how easy it is to gain the weight back.  I can eat anything and not get sick.  I can also eat a lot more than I could early out so yes, this is a tool and if we're not careful, the weight can and will come back.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend.  Unfortunately that is a risk we all face going into surgery.   I pray his family can understand the reasons we all take that risk.

22 lbs is so obtainable and I'm sure we'll hear from you again soon when you make your goal!!  Congrats!!

Protein Bars?   Protein bars, if really needed, can act as a meal replacement in a bind. However most of them tend to have higher calorie and carbohydrate content. If they are frequently used as a snack, make sure you’re watching your daily calorie and carbohydrate intake to assure you’re not exceeding. I highly recommend getting your protein from the food itself. Aim for lean proteins coming from:
  ~Lean Meats: chicken, turkey, fish, and beef that’s 95 % lean ~Soy: edamame (soy beans), veggie burgers, tofu ~Dairy: non fat or low fat cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Ricotta cheese, and non fat milk

Try to use protein bars sparingly.  If you're looking to boost protein between meals, opt instead for a low calorie/low carbohydrate protein drink or consider smaller protein snack such as reduced fat mozzarella string cheese.