Hi Everyone
Came to this site to gain some control with my tool again, need support/input. I have been mastered by the Carb monster for way too long! Having been on an upward slide on the scales. Made many excuses, like this summer I had a total hysterectomy so been blaming hormones, too achey to excerise when the weather was nice for walks now it's too cold. Lots of stress eating, my 25 Yr. old daughter, has been battling cancer for the last 5 years and believe me their is alot going on with that. Protein drinks never set right with me from the jump start but am willing to try again. Also I must confess I have also neglected to take any vitamins for at least the past 9 mos. So yeah I know I am not a model WLS post op but I intend to make things better. Gonna start the 5 day pouch test today-wish me luck. I purchased some Muscle Milk Light will give it a try as well (fingers crossed)
Let me introduce you to some of my worst enemies
GRAZING
Cheese-It Reduced fat Crackers
Popcorn-Orville Natural
Cheese and Peanut Butter Crackers
Pizza, Pepperoni slice with extra cheese and mushrooms, don't eat the crust with the sauce on it but usually the edge
I actually tried Christmas Cut Out Cookies this year and they did not make me sick (BAD!)
Most meals are on the run and I really have to watch what I get, was real good about it but again have lapsed.
So again I am giving you all a shout and welcome all advice/support that I can get.

Bills,
I do wish you all the best as you take the steps needed to get back on track.
I'm cheering you on. Rah! Rah! Rah! You can do it!!!
Jeanie

Thanks BeJean
Pretty sure messed up when I posted but hey I got it out there anyways. Was suppose to be in the Intro Postings

Hey Bills! My surgery date was really close to yours!!! I feel like I've found my long lost buddy. Cool. Welcome to the hood. You did just fine getting your intro out there. I'm so sorry to hear that your daughter is going through this fight--I hope that she is having good success in the battle.

Of all the things you said about what's been going on with you in your wls journey, the one I'm the MOST concerned about is the not taking your vitamins, believe it or not. I think that this may be one reason you're grazing. You're starving your body so it goes out looking for some satisfaction in the form of food. My surgeon told me that the surest way to have complications down the road was to not take my vitamins. He even made me sign a paper promising to always take my vitamins. He looked me in the eye and told me he absolutely would NOT perform a surgery on anyone not willing to take the vitamins for the rest of their life! WOW. I take that as pretty serious.

Oh, by the way, did I mention to start taking your vitamins?!

Ok, now on to the rest of the welcome: I'm so glad that you found us. Hope that you'll post often. I promise I won't always go off on you. I love new neighbors.

Best wishes as you get your focus back and get on with the business of post wls life.

Hi, wanted to just reply here real quick, funny we all seem to choose the same comfort food. I too at around 1.5 yrs out started the cheese crackers and popcorn. I have stopped them but I still grab a pretzel here and there, bad! The habit is hard to break, try having some more appropriate snacks, although we are encouraged not to snack, try grabbing something that will help you feel full and that will satisfy you. A suggestion for that is to take a high protein bar and cut it into pieces. Instead of grabbing a cracker I grab a piece of the protein bar. Also please please take your vitamins, they are most important. Also I would look at your choices of protein, they have to be solid proteins and hopefully you are not drinking with your meals to allow your pouch to do its job. The solid proteins will stay in your pouch longer and help you to distinguish brain hunger from real hunger. And then twenty to thirty minutes before and after meals.......drink, drink, drink. Sometimes you don't need a snack, sometimes your just thirsty and can't always tell the difference. Sounds funny but it's true, we associate all feelings and cravings with food, we always did, so now we should associate those feelings with water!
Hope that helps without over kill. Good luck. I have lbs to lose, I am on the 5DPT starting today. Skinny jeans feel snug.
Love to ya, Deanna

Hello Bills and Welcome to the Neighborhood!

My goodness, you've had your share of life stresses lately and I understand your frustration. I will put your daughter on my prayer list.

It is so good that you have joined us: first you will see very quickly that you are not alone in struggling with the carbs. I don't think there is a one of us who hasn't battled that demon a time or two. Next, you will also see that you can get control again and feel success with your tool.

I recommend these recipes Beat the Carb Monster Soups to you because they truly are delicious and effectively help break a processed carb cycle because you feel full and comforted. I hope your Day 1 went well and keep us posted. Remember, it's not about perfection, it's about getting back on track. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

Hi Bills. Welcome to the neighborhood. I too will pray that your daughter recovers and may I add that you MUST take your vitamins? You know this, right? So girl, put them somewhere that you really will see them every day. Out in the open where you can't ignore them! I agree that this is compounding your grazing problem. Next step is to remove every single item on your list from your house, right now! With those things and the 5DPT, you will be so on the way to your own recovery! Keep us updated on how you are doing.

Oh my gosh, that is so strange!! This is the year of the Butterfly? I just had my surgery on Nov 19, 2007 started at 222 Now I am 177. And I have been saying for 2 years that if I ever get to have the surgery I will get a Tatoo of a Butterfly... Anyway I am new to this site I really need people to talk to. I can't find a support group here in Adrian, Mi. Glad to be here. Deb

Deb,
Welcome!
Oh my goodness! I grew up in Morenci!!! Is that a coincidence or what? Did you have your surgery at Addison? I looked into it quite awhile ago & then we moved to SW Ohio.
You will find lots of support & encouragement here. The neighbors are great!
Let us know more about you.
Jeanie

Oh my gosh! Deb(Missdeb) is from Adrian, Jeanie(BeJean) was from Morenci, and I'm from Tecumseh.
Small world!
(lee41) Leah

It is such a small world! I miss my days in southern Michigan. Now I'm down here in SW Ohio & really want to go home to NW Ohio. Maybe when I'm headed north next time I can pm you & we can get together. That would be fun. Everyone here who has met another neighbor in person has said how much fun it was.

If any of you decide to visit "da UP", let me know...the tundra is a winter wonderland right now, everyone is snowed in, but visitors are always welcome! <and now I have a great recipe for some soups that we can all eat...lol!>

Bills...my apologies...where DID my manners escape to?

Welcome to the neighborhood...I have found it to be full of wonderful people who all have a different take on the journey, all with one end goal in mind. Good health!

Post lots...visit often...and let us know how you are