Where to begin?

Hello Nebraskans, What a ride, I mean emotions go and down. I think I've got a handle with fear of eating. I always thought that I just wasn't hungry, but I think the truth is Iam afraid to eat because I don't want to get food stuck in my new pouch. I was taking all my recommended vitamins and drinking my proteins, started having problems with diarrhea, so I called my surgeon. They said I need to start eating to bulk up my bowels. So for 4 days now I've been trying to add little things. Today I had so much more energy, I shopped for hours! I walked by the scale going into Wal Mart, I just didn't want to get on, but when I left I did. Since my surgery on 4/4/06 to today I've lost 64lbs. I still am not liking sweet things, I really like sour bitter tastes. Does anyone have any ideas of things I might like? I would appreciate it. Thanks for listening, I really need you people it helps it really does. Take care, Brooke

Hi Brooke, WooHoo! Congratulations on your weight loss. That is awesome. You could drink a small amount of tomato juice, tea with out sugar, suck on green olives. Keep up the good work. Mona

Mona, You sure know your stuff! I love the OLIVES, JUST LOVE THEM. I tried the tomato juice, but I needed more spice so I tried the V8 spicy hot, yum. Thanks again, I sure wish you were closer to Lincoln. Between you, Beth and Jimmy you guys really have it together. Brooke

Brooke that is wonderful, I am so proud of you. I had my surgery March 21, 2006. I have lost 33 lbs since then. I am tending to beat myself up though, as I do not think I am losing fast enough. I know everyone is different, but I just want more. I can't really explain it. I do know if I exercised more it would make a BIG difference. I feel the same way about sweet things. My problem is going to be with fats I am afraid. As far as sour things you might want to try dill pickle chips, I cannot eat the spears, but I can eat the chips. This was supposed to be a bright and positive congratulations on how great you have done, I kind of brought it down, I am sorry. For some reason I am just really emotional right now and I don't understand why. I usually only get this way during "that time of the month" and its not "that time of the month". I have no clue. Hoping this funk doesn't last long. But again congratulations! And keep up the good work. Lori W.

Hi Lori, I remember posting you the day you got home. I know about the up and downs. I try to stay away from the scale, I weigh only every two weeks, that way I don't get so bummed! I wouldn't be so hard on yourself, we didn't get like this overnight. Yes, we are all very different, you see I started this weighing 458lbs. I have a lot more weight to loose than most, I'm sure that's the difference. I'm careful about what I do put in my mouth. Things like cottage cheese, yogurt & protein shakes are so hard for me, their so sweet. I'm going out to get some dill pickle chips, I'll give them a try. You might try that V8 spicy hot, I just loved it. Keep in touch Lori, Brooke P.S. I'm back to walking my mile, it feels good!

I've heard of other people making 'lasagna' by putting marinara sauce over cottage cheese and sprinkling on parmesan and heating it. I imagine you could also add some ground meat if you wanted to. I haven't tried this myself, but I do know of several people who do this. good luck! and Congrats on how well you have done so far. Sally

Brooke, You are doing so awesome! I just wanted to write and say HI! Talk to you soon, Katie

Hey Katie, Where have you been? I've missed you, how are you doing? I tried to go to Shelly's meeting, but I got a sick kid. I'll try to get there the next time. Hope I finally meet you. Things are really changing fast, I mean in a good way! Take care Brooke

Brooke! I have been struggling through life after surgery. I am back to work and dont have time to stop and think. I decided it would be best to follow the diet more than I was before. I guess I finally came to my senses. It took a stenosis to get me there. I am doing much better now that I have had the opening widened. Living, breathing, and playing. That is what I am just trying to do everyday. I have to tell you how I am loving the decision I made to have this surgery. Everyday I notice change and that is wonderful. I am going to Shelly's Meeting on June 8th or 9th I cant remember the day. Try and come it would be great to finally meet you! You are doing awesome also! Keep it up! I will have to call you sometime. Talk to you soon, Katie