One more question from the newbie

In reading over the foods that I'd be able to eat, I find most of my favorites on the 'no' list. That's probably because they got me to this point in the first place. Do you find yourself eating the same things over and over? Does that get boring? Or because you eat so little of it, it doesn't seem to be a problem?

Lori, Janine here again. I LOVED Cheetos before having surgery. In fact I bought a can of cheese balls as soon as I was able to eat them post-op. Guess what happened, I had to throw out the can becuase they got stale! They just didn't hold the same appeal anymore. Now that I am losing weight I find that I am seeking out new and healthier foods to eat. I eat chicken 3 times a week for dinner, but I cook it differently each time. I eat nuts for snacks becuase of the protien. When one type of nut (such as soy) starts to get old I mix it up and snack on peanuts or almond. There are always choices. I hope this helps. - Janine

Initially, like the first 4-6 months or so, you need to watch what you are eating. But, I am 2+ yrs out and can eat anything and everything unfortunately. So, what are youwilling to give up to look and feel better?

I lost interest in a lot of the foods that I loved before, but I have never really gotten tired of what I CAN eat... I introduced new foods slowly, it made it kind of fun knowing that I was going to eat something "new" every once in a while. Remember, baby steps. Try things that you might not have eaten before... there are some great blue bunny ice cream products out made with splenda, remember they are not CALORIE free, but sugar free so you can have a treat now and then. I never was a carrot fan, but canned carrots was a "treat" for me since it was something I could eat and they actually were appetizing for me. Also, breakfast food like malt-o-meal and fruits were good. The first fast food meal I had was 2 weeks out and it was a kids meal from KFC, chicken leg, applesauce and mashed potatoes... I felt like I was eating a meal fit for a king since I never thought I would be able to eat 'junk' food again! This surgery helps you adopt a healthier lifestyle and slowly the foods you can NOT eat don't mean as much to you, either. Another thing I like to eat are budget gourment meals, I buy them at Wal-mart and there is a good selection, pastas and some rice meals, they kind of spice things up in the menu department for you, the sugar is low and the protein content is actually pretty good. I had chili mac today as a matter of fact and it was good! Good luck, ask any questions you have here or else email me if you have anything in particular you want to ask me. I am 13 months post op and have lost a total 167 pounds. ~Julie