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Been using it since before my Aug 15 surgery. Love it. Easy to use.

Congrats! We are all here to help one another.

I use Baritastic too. It's easy to use.

I almost slipped. I was making eggs for my son and alm.kost took a bit to make sure they tasted ok.. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Because I almost slipped.. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I had no restriction for that they just told me if I took my pain meds that I could not drive. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I did the regain-to-hide thing too, about five years ago. Made no sense, knew it didn’t make sense at the time, still was the best way to stop people from staring at me and catcalling me and saying things that basically boiled down to “it’s so much more comfortable for me that you’re not fat anymore!” Over the past five years I’ve gained a significant amount of professional clout that included a lot of into-the-lions-den type of confrontations, the sort where my tone and attitude remain sweet but I hold the line and generally... impose my will? That sounds weird. But basically going up against someone else psychologically and being able to confidently negotiate. And I think that attitude has carried over to post-surgical weight loss. For some reason, this time round I am just not having it. No one gets cute with their words, trash guys generally stay respectful and I am weirdly unencumbered by negative thoughts. I certainly am AWARE I still have hangups. I’ve lost enough weight that not just upper arms but thighs and boobs are now pretty loose without clothes. But my mindset about it is just wholly different. I used to dive right back into a nightgown after shenanigans, or pull the sheet up over my chest. For some reason I do not give a toss anymore and just do what’s comfortable. Which is a long way to say: do I feel more attractive? Conventionally yes, I get more looks and I fit into what I used to call “normal human clothes”, so societal validation has pretty much ticked that box. But do I personally feel more attractive? I’d have to say I just feel a blend of way, way more confident and comfortable in my (loose!) skin, which probably changes my aura considerably. If a person important to me finds that attractive then great, but I’m not sure I would get a vote. I’m the same. The casing and society’s reaction is just different.

It's also learning the difference in our needs and wants and prioritizing. Life would be boring if only our needs were met. But a lot of times we misunderstand a want for a need until we have to be without it and we realize that it was just a crutch all along. There's usually a replacement for everything. Sometimes it's a better replacement and sometimes it's a downgrade. It's not the destination but the journey.

Also, try something like this: Easy Turkey Skillet Non-stick cooking spray 1 lb lean ground turkey 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon each basil, oregano, red pepper and garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 3 tomatoes, chopped 2 medium zucchini, sliced & halved (I actually do green peppers instead) 1. Brown turkey and onion in non-stick skillet sprayed with cooking spray. Cook until turkey is cooked through and onion is soft (about 10 minutes) 2. Add tomato paste and seasoning. Simmer another 10 minutes. 3. Add tomatoes and simmer another 5 minutes. 4. Add zucchini and cook 5 minutes more. Serve hot. Serves 4 (about 1 cup per serving) Calories 181; Carbs 13g; Fiber 4g ; Protein 21g ; Fat 6g

It is really hard but doable! And just because you don't like something the first time, if you keep giving it a try, you may acquire a taste for it, whatever "it" is. But... in the meantime, the fact that you like brocolli and beans is a great start. Really good for you. Do you like chicken? Turkey? If so, there are a billion recipes for chicken. And anything that I used to make with ground beef, I now do with ground turkey. And love it! Meatloaf for example. There are pasta substitutions, though they also may be an acquired taste. You've heard of Zoodles? THese are "noodles" made from zuchinni. You can get the spiralizer anywhere, especially Bed Bath and Beyond. There is also spaghetti squash. You make these and then put whatever sauce you normally put on your pasta. Now, keep i mind, they aren't exactly like pasta but I know what I discovered is that it really isn't the pasta I like, it is the sauce. Which really helps. I'm betting you don't like to cook? If that is true, you should learn to cook or take some cooking classes to take you to that next level. I know that there are some good recipes out there that are really tasty, even for picky eaters. Try this recipe. It is perfect during the puree stage but also later: Baked Ricotta with Marinara This is the one that everyone RAVES about! 8 oz of ricotta cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan 1 large egg, beaten 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Salt & pepper to taste ½ cup marinara sauce ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese Mix ricotta cheese, parmesan, beaten egg, seasonings together and place in a oven proof dish. Pour marinara on top and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven @ 450 for about 20-25 minutes (best) or nuke it till hot and bubbly.