Orchids&Dragons

NEW UPDATE: Frustr8's very sleepy today. Probably from nausea meds. They have had her up and walking and sipping fluids. So far, so good!

I read some of the comments at the bottom. Someone else had that problem, too. The recipe creator suggested that they cut the squash (or sweet potato in your case) smaller before roasting, in order to dry it out more.

I just realized the #1 assumption that ticks me off. The assumption that others are entitled to voice an opinion on my weight. They're entitled to the opinion, just don't assume that I want to hear it or will feel any need to act upon it. (Wide-world in general, not on threads here.)

Kinda helps to set the bar low, huh? LOL! Seriously, glad your progressing nicely!

How many calories?

Sadly, it's bound to slow down. You used to carry another whole person around piggyback all day. Now it's just you. Mine has slowed a lot, too. I've added in a couple of "meals" of fruit and veggies only and that seems to have made it pick up a bit. Sometimes that means I have to drink a protein shot at the end of the day, but I love my veggies! It takes me 2 sittings to eat a snack-size bag of sugar snap peas and grape tomatoes. But I had been eating snacks like Whisps because they have more protein, but they just make me crave more salty/crunchy. I don't need any help in that department.

25 should be nothing for you, Miss Superloser! Especially now that you're getting better with your water again!

No, it means you are normal! You will find that loads of us on the forums have struggled with the same issues. You can accomplish anything that you put first on your priority list. Welcome to the forums! You'll find this to be a very friendly, supportive place to share and learn. I think the more you learn ahead of time, the more successful you're likely to be. Don't think you have to do this alone. Best wishes on your surgery. As for your hunger - are you allowed jello on your liquid diet? (They're all different) If so, sf jello helps to give a bit of feeling of "fullness" that you won't get from regular liquids.

Awesome comparison! You sure do look amazing now! Congrats!

Congratulations! But, OMGosh, I just realized - I hit overweight last week and missed it! YEAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad your surgery is done. Hope you have a speedy recovery!

Yes, her surgery went well and she is doing fine so far.

Or how long the shelf life of Fairlife is before the expiration, too. I just bought some that expires in NOVEMBER!

Those look good!

Deli ham is a little higher in fat, but still quite low calorie. You should be able to enjoy some. Especially in the vast quantities we eat

Will they have to move it again after you lose all the weight?

Whoa! That design is stunning!

There are many ways to eat "around" your restriction. One of the most common is slider foods - something like chips or pretzels that usually make you thirsty so that you drink while eating them. This turns them to mush, which slides right past your restriction, enabling you to eat far more than normal. Other sliders are ice cream, soft fruit, bread, crackers, etc. You can pack in a lot of non-nutritive calories in a relatively short period of time. Another major way to fall of the wagon is liquid calories: alcohol, juice, energy drinks, soda, etc. You won't get any restriction from these either and they sure do add up.

UPDATE on Frustr8: I just heard from Tomkitten that Frustr8 is out of surgery. Doctor said there were no problems. She's very tired but sitting up and sipping liquids. I'm sure she'll be back on the boards in no time! She's been dreaming of this day and it finally happened. Praise be!

I totally agree. And my earlier response was typed before you mentioned that it was a "mean girls clique". That certainly makes a difference.

I'm 6 months out and eat 800-1000 cal/day. The adviser at the hospital thinks I should be at 1000-1200, so it sounds like you're perfect.

You can't really blame them for their ignorance. Right now, they're probably jealous as hell about your success, which they think is from diet and exercise, which makes them feel like total failures, which makes them resent your healthy choices, which . . . into an endless loop. No, I'm not saying you're obligated to tell anyone anything that you don't want. However, leaving them in the dark automatically excludes them from being any kind of support system. The other possibility is that they're trying to "peer pressure" you into being less restrictive with your diet because they have no idea that your diet/health is being medically supervised. All they see is extreme weight loss and that may scare them. Just my 2¢ worth.

Love the disclaimer! I think the only "backpack" person you're likely to offend is Bran from GoT!

Awesome attitude. You're setting yourself up for success! Best wishes for a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery!

What quilt design are you going to use? So far, the components look amazing together. I love the mix of stronger graphics with the watercolors! At least it keeps your mind off the colonoscopy!