My confession...

I posted this on the main board in answer to someone's question about drinking soda-those who know me know this is not an exaggeration!!  ALL YOU NEWBIES READ THIS AND TAKE ME SERIOUSSLY!! For what it's worth, here is my 2 cents- I had surgery in May of 2005, and didn't drink any soda the first year or so, lost about 130 lbs.....then started drinking diet soda-and my weight leveled out within a month.  I have not lost a bit since then.  I had a SEVERE problem with soda-I was drinking 2-3 2liter bottles of diet mtn dew a day (excuse-I was working FT and in school nights and couldn't stay awake without the caffeine, cant do tea or coffee).  Well, 2 weeks ago I took stock of things I needed to change, and the soda had to go-I have not had any since then.  (thank goodness there is crystal lite w/caffeine!).  I can tell you with certainty-my pouch feels different now.  Whether or not the carbonation 'stretched'it out or just made me oblivious to the discomfort of over eating, I was very obviously able to eat a LOT more when I was drinking soda-even though I never drank with eating.  Moral of my story?  DONT START!!  I hope that now I can get back on track and lose the last 40-50 lbs I would like to get off.  Good luck-find other things that are non carbonated (and non-caffeine, too!) and you will be better off. hugs- lynn

You must not be sleeping either... Congrats on the confession and for helping others understand the purpose of not having soda after surgery.  It's so important for us to learn from each other.  You are very brave to put yourself out there!   I'm so excited for you for 2008 - you are going to rock the house.  New job, new attitude, new resolutions to not drink pop and hopefully with all that will be the continued success of getting rid of those last 40-50 pounds.  You can do it Lynn - I see a renewed spirit within you and it smells like success! (at least I think that's what I'm smelling!) See ya in a couple hours at coffee - the way this night is going I might be there by 4:00 ....ugh!

When I saw my nutritionist in January she warned me about carbonation at ANY stage after surgery whether it's 6 months or 5 years.  She said there's new studies out there that link post-op weight gain with carbonated drinks because it stretches your pouch so much. 

Im so proud of you for taking stock and seeing where you could improve. Did you say there was Crystal light with caff.? Where where where.. LOL Good for you.. wow things are really coming around arent they????   WAHHHOOOOOOO

I guess no one is sleeping this morning.  I've done most of my laundry, taken my shower and cleaned the bathrooms and am basically ready for coffee this morning.   I plan on getting the info on the caffeine crystal lite this morning (as if I needed it).  Sounds like you have a plan to get back on it Lynn.  You go girl.  I have 49 pounds left to lose and know that they will be the challenging pounds then the real work starts.  Congrats on your success and just know you will work the remaining pounds off.  Look forward to meeting you this morning. Bonnie

Congratulations Lynn on "coming clean." My doc says NO SODA EVER. But I saw many others said soda OK after a period of time. Even though I'm not a soda lover, your post has confirmed for me what my doc teaches regarding soda. Thanks for sharing and good luck with the "cold turkey" approach!

HIJACK........ Hello Linda Anne...I have a question or two for you.... I want to make those meatballs today. I never got shopping yesterday.  The recipe you gave didn't say how much mozz. cheese to use. Also do you use fresh parm.????? Loves ya!!  connie d

I just used a cup of mozz cup O parmasian and pound each of meat. Hope that helps!

Was the parmasian fresh or grated??? Can't wait to try them...YUM-O!! Hugs, connie d

I'm very proud of you!!!  When you told me last weekend I could see you beam with pride that you kicked the habit!!!  You go girlfriend!!!  You know I'm behind you 100%!!!  Stick with the plan and the tool works -- you just proved it.   You are going to have a fab 2008!!!   XXOO