KittyBabbitt

I whole-heartedly agree. As long as we follow the basics of Protein first and eating slowly- popcorn or some other delicious treat wont hurt. I'm just 5 months post op and have lost 65 pounds. I find that the serving size is what I have to change so I don't end up throwing alot of food away. We saw the new James Bond Movie - Spectre at Christmas and I ate a bit of popcorn. It tasted great - but I was a little nauseated - so I did not continue:( i guess I've learned to pay more attention to my body's signals and symptoms. Happy New Year!

Stress actually raises the Cortisol levels in you! You're Cortisol levels are probably off the chart - which is like being in a fight or flight mode all the time. So, it totally makes sense that you couldn't or didn't lose weight. No way your body is going to let go of any fat - when it's so stressed. I am sorry for all that your family has endured - tough stuff. But, I love your last paragraphs about reducing stress and learning to relax. You got this, girl! Hang in there and eat some protein before you take a bite of the mashed potatoes! Love, Beth

Happy New Year everyone! I made it through the Holidays without gaining an ounce. Not one stinkin ounce. No one was more surprised than me! I am almost 5 months post-op (Roux N Y) and noticed that when I would get on the scale, especially after I indulged in Holiday-fare and sparkly drinks, I did not gain any weight. How is that even possible?!? The "FatVoice" in me said - wow - that's a freaking miracle. I dodged a bullet, lived to fight another day, beat the odds... all those things I tell myself as I am resolving to choose more wisely. Whew! Right - you've heard the inner voice I'm talkin about. But here's the thing - because I hadn't gained anything, I was pumped to make a better choice - even if it was just for the next 4 hours! I thought to myself - "get some protein in you!" For the FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, I have a "SkinnyVoice". It's not very loud yet - but I heard it say "You haven't blown it. You got this, Girl". Obviously (because i'm still so new to the by-pass), I made healthy choices most of the time - but as I think back on the last 6 weeks. I felt full. My worry about weighing in was that because I was full I must've gained weight. right??? I got to the point where I would weigh myself when I felt full - just to see. And, whaddaya know - BEING FULL ISN'T THE SAME AS BEING FAT! I get it now - I watched thin people when I was at parties or other social gatherings and noticed that they do not feel compelled to finish a bite. At one party, a really pretty woman ate EXACTLY 1/2 of her Peppermint Schnapps Parfait. I asked her about it and she told me that she had made up her mind BEFORE she took the first bite. Second epiphany, SKINNY PEOPLE HAVE TO WORK AT BEING SKINNY, TOO! wth?? I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when she gets to see behind the black curtain! So, Water Always & Protein First - and for the Love of God - eat when you are hungry!