Hello Everyone

Hi, Charlie, I have missed your posts! When I was a pre-op and new post-op, I always really enjoyed your contributions--some serious, some funny, all helpful in some way! Now that I'm 1 1/2 yrs. post-op, I appreciate even more those like you who can continue to give me hints, perspective, and jewels of wisdom--as I struggle to maintain. I sure hear ya on the issue of being able to eat a very reasonable amount of protein/veggies--and not always the case w/ (how can I phrase this?) soft non-essentials!! I, too, do not dump, so I have to be really strong in avoiding the bad carbs, which I do MOST of the time--but not all. Exercising is something I just make myself do. Not one minute of it comes naturally to me. The first year, I was very faithful at exercising (aerobics &/or weight training &/or brisk walking) 45-60 min., 6 days/wk. Now I do pretty much the same routine, but just 4-5 days/wk. I absolutely force myself to do this because I eat more cals than a lot of people do (approx. 1500-1800, sometimes more). I'm just 5'4", so I'd gain on this if I didn't exercise. GReat to have you back; don't stay away! Jo 295/150ish (at goal)

CHARLIE!!!! So glad to have you back posting again! I don't think we should call this the grads board, but rather the struggler's board! I think we all struggle. I haven't reached goal after a year and I struggle, struggle, struggle to lose a pound at a time. I HATE EXERCISE! I only do what I do because I know I must. Sheesh. Please continue to post. You have been very much missed! Pat

Oh, I hear you about the pizza thing! Lots of people have always said, and it is so true, that the doctor didn't operate on our heads! We're still the same people inside, and it's a constant struggle to do what we know we should do! I, too have never dumped, so sweets continue to be my biggest nemesis. Exercise - what is that? Gee I admire anyone who is able to do it faithfully and regularly. I just wasn't born with the exercise gene, I guess. Gee, I envy you having that beach nearby. I truly love the ocean, and would love to be there. That doesn't mean, of course, that I would use it to walk on! LOL Best wishes.

Hey Sweet Charlie -- long time no see, or hear! I could have posted your entire post myself (except from being across from the beach). My big nemesis appears to be bread in all forms -- buttered rolls, bagels and big doughy NY pretzels especially. Whilst the first year post op, I couldn't even begin to think about bread, now it goes down much too easily -- I don't dump either and though can't eat an enourmous amount of sweets, I can eat more than I should! So far today, I have been good -- but I'm trying to take it only an hour at a time - yes it is a new day. Here's wishing us both strength in our food choices today! Hugs, Nannette

HI Charlie! Glad to see you're back! I've missed your posts! I also discovered I don't dump on sugar. Not a good thing to know when you have a sweet tooth that would make an bull elephant proud!!! I try to be good but sometimes I'm not very successful. Stick around and let's try to help each other! Vickie J.