Ok... weird... after adding that, the formatting is back! ARGH!! Go figure!

Aloha Sassy!

About the only advise I can offer you is to measure your foods.... always! If you don't have a little scale, get one. They are priceless. It's really difficult to estimate portions early on. Weigh it or measure it. It's really important to not eat until you feel stuffed. Eat to satisfy and often that feeling of satisfaction won't come while you're eating but will come 15-20 minutes afterward.

Your choices seem healthy and wise to me! But, I'm not a nutritionist. Protein first... that's the rule! Spices? I love them and did from Day 1!! I could hardly wait to get some spice in my mouth after all the bland and fruity drinks during the early phases. One of my favorites now is Tako Poke... and it's spicy! Some people have problems with spices, so I think this might be an individual thing. Only advise from me is: try it and see... small amounts at first, of course. Remember, no drinking while eating, so you will have to tolerate the spices for a while if you decide to indulge. That isn't always easy!

I stay away from starches, too. I have not had bread, rice, pasta, or potatoes since my surgery and I don't plan to. I used to love all of them, but it's the proverbial slippery slope. Carbs crave carbs and sugar craves sugar with me so I stay away from them. They are not my friends anymore. I worked too hard to get where I am and I have learned a lot about proper nutrition and how foods affect us. I can't eliminate all carbs all together, but I try to keep them below 30gm/day... 20gm/day when I am trying to lose.

Do I miss some of these foods? Not as much as I thought I would. Honestly! Especially the breads and rice. I loved them pre-op. And that is exactly why I needed to stop eating them, too!

Some people never crave sweets post-op. I mentally do and still fight that monster. I always loved sweets, but that too is something I need to stay away from. I found out that the fewer sweets I have,the less I craved them, so I make it easy on myself and simply say, "No!"

I enjoy being proud of my body again, wearing stylish clothes, being active,and,mostly, seeing my husband's smile. I won't ruin that for myself ever again! I have a tool now that will help me maintain myself for life.

Stay well and keep us posted on your progress! I wish you good health...

Malama pono
((hugs))

IM basically on the soft food diet now...and can basically eat anything according to my guidlines...However how do my fellow islanders eat now....and how mu*****uantity....please share your meals and experience....here is the food list that i stick too...

- Yummy's tofu - about 1 ounce (i cut out the part that sits in the sauce)
- Ahi poke - about 2 ounces (I even use to puree the plain ahi with water and a lil salt during the   puree phase)

here are things i wanna try and see if its acceptable.....
- Raw crab - suggesting about 2 half of the crabs
- turkey meatballs - is it healthy ( the ones in the bag at foodland)
- charsiu chicken breast -  (doesnt sound to healthy.,...but maybe a drizzle of charsiu for taste)
- Tilapia - (how do you prepare it the best way)
- Kimchee shrimp - (can we tolerate the spices)

Can anyone provide insight of things that they eat....as far as me i was kind of thinking to eliminate all starch from my diet and get those from my vegetables...what are your take on that...

Reminder, Today at noon (Hawaii time), I'll be conducting our first "Telereach" seminar.  Its like attending a seminar or support group but over the phone.  I'll be discussing the basics of the diet after surgery, and touch on protein supplements, multivitamins and supplements necessary for some patients.  We'll also have a basic open forum so you can come with questions for me, or come with ideas to share with others.  Here's how it works:

At 12:00pm, call this toll free number: 866-642-1665
When prompted, type in the Passcode: 456561

I'll be on the line along with others who have also called in.  I really hope to get a chance to speak with you! Even if you can just attend for 20 mins, it's good to keep in touch and can be helpful for staying on track!

Aloha,
Amy

Hey Kanani, I logged on and created an account, but I still can not see your info, picture, or anything at all.   I found this blog to write to you with.  Anyways let me know what to do.
Love, Lisa