wvugal

lots of recipes here... (and pintrest) http://www.bellplantation.com/Recipe/

I made some last night in a skillet with a bit of olive oil, and cooked it a bit on low with some parm cheese, sliced mushrooms and garlic salt, then added a bit of light alfredo sauce... it was pretty yummy. And it satisfies my mental "want" for Pasta... great alternative for me at least!!

When I got serious and decided I wanted to pursue RNY, I of course, changed my diet/eating habits. My boyfriend hated to eat in front of me because it made him feel bad for me, so he in turn, changed his diet/eating habits as well. I'm not saying he doesn't occasionally snack or have ice-cream (which I encourage him too, as it does not bother me in the least)... but just having better habits and a healthier diet helped him out. I had him get on the scales the other day, as I noticed how big his clothes were getting, and he had lost 37# without even trying. Since Feb. Not bad for just altering his diet to help support me... He doesn't need to lose much more and really didn't look overweight to being with, but it's nice that he supports me and tries not to tempt me. We are living a much healthier lifestyle for sure.

I end up baking mine just a little longer... Do you remove the seeds before or after? recipes say before, I've done both. If you do it before, I also take a little more out of the middle after baking it so it's not "slimy". I also brush the underside of the squash with olive oil before baking. Once I remove a little more of the area where the seeds were, I let it cool for a bit, then shred with a fork. I shred small amounts and put them into a bowl as I shred it, so it's not just a big pile that molds together. I haven't had a real issue with mine being clumpy. Pic is of my "spaghetti" I made the other night... not a great pic, I just snapped it quickly for a friend on a low carb diet.

yummly.com, pintrest or even just google recipes for spaghetti squash. There are tons of ways to make it. I cook it and shred it, then I freeze it into small portions and then do all sorts of things with it.

WalMart and the local grocery stores around here carry it during the summer. Farmer's Markets are a good resource as well. It can be frozen once it's cooked and scraped out of the "skin"... there are tons of recipes out there. I was a Pasta lover and this gives you the feeling of eating pasta without the heaviness/fullness, carbs etc... it is a good alternative. Spaghetti squash? Where do you buy that?

I have had my Mirena (2 of them) since 2009 and haven't had a period after the first month, until now... I am 3 months post op and last month, I had one day of light "spotting" and this month, same deal. I have, however, had the cramps, back pain, bloating etc, before and after the spotting. Just saw my doctor last Friday and was told this was normal after surgery and that most ladies return to "normal" after their bodies/hormones readjust. I will also be seeing my OB/GYN next month and will definitely be bringing this up to her as well. I LOVED being period-free and I hope it returns to that state. I do not enjoy the cramps, back pain or bloating

The bariatric team here also has one therapist on staff that they set you up with as part of the "clearance" program they use. They specialize in bariatrics and eating disorders, so they know what to look for, talk to you about, etc.

When I came to in recovery, the nurses explained that I had a morphine drip and could push the button each time that it turned green and that I should push it, so I didn't end up in pain. I do not like the way that pain meds make me feel, so I opted not to push the button. I really didn't have any pain at all, surprising enough. I was in the hospital from Monday afternoon, in my room by 7pm and released Weds at 10am without pain meds and when released, the doc prescribed me a liquid pain med, which I did fill, but is sitting unopened at home. I will say, that I rode home with a pillow between my incisions and the seat belt and it also helped for holding your tummy if you have a bumpy ride home. The most pain I experience and it was only maybe a 2, was getting up from the recliner or out of bed. I didn't really experience the gas pain until toward the end of week 1, and then it wasn't horrible. Walking does help, especially to help prevent blood clots. I will add that I did not have a drain. My physician opts to not use them and of that, I am very glad. Maybe that is why I didn't have much pain, I'm not sure... All in all, it was a great experience. Dr. Tabone is top-notch, as well as his PACs.... It's scary to think about up to the surgery date, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat and I am only 3 months out!!

besides cauliflower and chicken pizza crusts, I have been making dishes with spaghetti squash. Takes the place of Pasta and I don't notice much of a difference!!

YES!!!! I forgot... boots that fit my calves!!

My nurse case manager had her RNY at Duke almost 13 years ago... She has maintained her initial weight loss and throughout the 12 years + has only regained about 12 lbs. She contributes that to a sedentary job vs. a nursing job on the trauma floor, but honestly, she looks great at the weight she is now. I have other friends that are 2-3 years out that are maintaining with ease as well... Can't wait for more time to pass for myself. I am only 3 months post surgery.

You look fabulous!! Keep doing what you are doing, it is obviously working for you!!

shopping in the regular sized section of the store, or just being able to buy something off the rack without searching forever! Riding a zipline, parasailing.... One item on my list was swimming with dolphins... I was able to mark that one off last month! Amazing!!