WhoozisAnyway

I make Greek yogurt (also called Lebneh or Labneh by my Lebanese in-laws) by taking a 32 oz. container of nonfat plain yogurt and straining it overnight using either cheesecloth or a coffee filter in a colander. Pretty much like part 2 of your recipe. You can use any brand of plain yogurt, even the no name cheapy, just make sure gelatin is not listed in the ingredients or it won't set. You'll end up with about 16 oz of yummy Lebneh. I've never tried to make from scratch, thanks for sharing your recipe! Will have to give it a shot!

Getting good news from my doctor, instead of more bad news and another medication. Being able to accept a compliment (like "you have pretty eyes") from someone without thinking that it's the only nice thing they could say because I've gotten so fat. Feeling comfortable in my own skin rather than feeling like I'm trapped in a stranger's body. Not being ashamed to have my photo taken. Oh, the list could go on and on.

You can find frozen lightly salted edamame in the freezer section of most grocery stores (I get it at either Target or WalMart). Usually comes in steamer bags or trays for the microwave. Yummy stuff! Roasted or steamed, it's great either way.

All right, enough of my lurking on this site. I have never participated in a forum but what the heck, it's time to try something new! I have learned so much from reading this forum, many thanks to all of you for your informative posts and discussions. After a lifetime of yo yo dieting and health problems, I am ready for a permanent solution. Last fall a dear friend had the sleeve (to date he's lost 110 lbs!!!), and I started paying attention. Had the first consultation with the surgeon and started my six month insurance-mandated waiting period. Last week I found out my insurance company no longer requires the waiting period, so now I'm on high speed! Had the psych eval today and the surgeon's office submitted to the insurance company this afternoon! Hoping and praying this is approved quickly. I was diagnosed with HBP on Monday (my BP went up during surgery in January and never came back down) so now I'm on yet another medication. I am so anxious to get this scheduled and done!!! I know my biggest obstacle is myself. My husband and siblings are very supportive. I've only told a few friends, I am so ashamed of how I've let myself go and even talking about weight makes me cringe. I'm on a strict pre-surgery diet since last weekend, and so far so good since I have a goal. My surgeon didn't want me to start dieting too soon as he only wants me to lose a few lbs pre-surg. Have not been able to exercise yet, as I threw my back out again and have been almost immobilized until this week. I'm too young to have the health problems of an elderly person and I feel like finally there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I may not be a fast loser because of the health issues but I don't care. Anything has got to be better than this. After a lifetime of hiding my shame, I just threw it all out to a room full of strangers. Now THAT feels weird - cathartic, but weird!