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I think that's a great idea! You can have a closed group so no one outside the group can see what you are posting. I just had my second post-op visit with the doc yesterday. Everything is looking good. I'm a week and a half out from surgery and get to start mushies, i.e. mashed potatoes, hummus, Greek yogurt, etc. I feel really good. From the two-week liver shrink diet to now, I've lost 21 lbs.

I am also 4 months out & have hit a wall with my weight loss. I'm down 74 lbs & very happy about that but I have 90 more to go!!! This is supposed to be the time we are dropping it like it's hot! I blame my plateau on cheating on my diet, not getting enough Water in, & not exercising enough. Sooooo...I'm back on the horse & starting drinking Protein shakes again, parking at the far end of the lot, and putting myself on a food & supplement schedule. I have 5 alarms on my phone that go off every time it's time for me to take my supplements and/or eat. I'm also squeezing exercise in wherever I can. I brought an 8lb dumbbell set to work and do arm exercises during down time. I also do butt clenches & squats. I get very weird looks from my co-workers, but screw it! I'm loving all the new found energy I have everyday! I'm pretty much living on Protein Shakes, egg whites, grilled chicken, tuna salad, G2 & Powerade Zero, & Greek yogurt. That's really all we can do, right?? But you should be proud of 50 lbs, that's 50 lbs less your carrying around! Good job!!

I read few blogs today of folks that are in the proverbial Bandster Hell. Some are eating and frustrated, some are using Weight Watchers to fill the void and others are just hungry. I do think that LapBand medical community needs to be a little more effective in helping people through this phase of the process. My take on things is they do a great job upfront with the sales pitch and the pre-op prep. I think most doctors do a good job with the operation day and the basic post-op recovery. However, there seems to be a decided gap between the operation and the restriction phase of the band process. Which as we all know has been labeled Bandster Hell or BH for this blog. So for those of you in, or approaching BH, here is a check list to think about: 1. Avoid Consumption as Usual – it seems fairly common that once you are basically healed, many people can eat all they want and some like to test the limits of what you can eat. Needless to say this is not what we want to do. Just, assume that you can eat like the old you, but don’t do it.  2. Prepare a BH Menu – Knowing the BH is coming, plan a special menu that is healthy and helps you keep the right habits until you have restriction. I would plan it just like you were at restriction just don’t beat yourself up if the portions are bigger during this time. One person was doing Weight Watcher, some do South Beach, but whatever it is knowledge and planning are power here. 3. Focus on 5-6 Meals a Day – For me the best way to manage BH is to get some 8oz dishes with lids (I got mine at Smart and Final) then plan on eating every 3-4 hours. This keeps me focused on small meals, but allows me to have some extra healthy food. 4. Get Your Protein – Use Whey Protein to help you get enough protein. I mix mine with yogurt and blueberries, oatmeal and other foods to load up on it. 5. Focus on Exercise – This is a great time to get your exercise program going and that will help you interim weight management, and make the time when you do have restriction more productive. 6. You Are Not Failing – BH is part of winning in the long term. You are supposed to go through this part of the journey. Don’t beat yourself up. This time is available to you to prepare for the restriction phase of the process 7. You Did Not Do This For Nothing – Reading hundreds of these threads from folks who have walked through the valley of BH, all agree when you get to the other side it will be worth it for you. You did not deal with Pre-Op, spend the money, or go through surgery for nothing. 8. Embrace the Process – This is one of the stages of BH, don’t fight it, make it work for you. Focus on picking good foods, get your body in better shape with exercise and focus on the positive. Like many of you I am trudging my way through BH. I am staying focused getting to the other side and finding the promised land of restriction.

I am so jealous that you're eating soft foods! I'm 9 days out & will be on clears until next Wednesday, when I go back for my first postop appt. I will then be on 2 weeks of fulls before I can move to purees. Gah...seems like a really long time to have a whole month before a freakin' puree. The only 2 exceptions to my clear liquids are skim milk & kefir (liquid yogurt), which I'm very thankful for. My scale has begun to move, but certainly nothing as dramatic as 22 lbs! I love your attitude...thanks for sharing it!

Great ideas here so far...here are a couple of mine: Breakfast: oatmeal and 1/2 banana cottage and applesauce frozen whole wheat waffle Cereal with milk (or yogurt cuz Greg swears by it!!!...don;t tell him I said so...but it IS good!!!) Southwestern EggBeaters scrambled cheese and crackers when I am in a hurry Lunch: Tuna to Go package, applesauce chicken salad and crackers Soup at hand by Campbells Dinner: this is the tough one cuz I am starving when I get home lately...waiting for a fill next week...but I try to have veggies and some kinda Protein. Need ideas.

The only diet I follow is really what was on the sheet that my doctor gave to me. The liquid diet for the 1st 48 hours and then after that for this 1st month I only eat: Breakfast: 1-2 eggs scrambled 1 package of grits omelette (no meat) 1 package of oatmeal (any of the above) Lunch: Soup at Hand 1 can of tuna or one of the flavored packages w/mayo, salt, pepper small salad or any fish Dinner: Any baked fish or salmon steamed veggies Snacks: Jell-o w/fat free whipped topping fat free pudding cottage cheese applesauce popiscles/fudgsicles (sugar free) fat free frozen strawberry yogurt w/whipped cream This is just a example but check with your doctor...He told me for the 1st month to stay away from beef, veal, pork, chicken and to try salads 2 weeks after. No bread, pasta, rice, corn...even though it is a starch I stillhave mashed potatos since they are soft. I also found that Viactiv makes a multi-vitamin now and that is alot better than drinking Centrum! It's like having a chocolate! Plenty of water and hot tea has helped me....and NO sodas! juices are great but you might want to dilute them in the beginning. Hope this helps! Good luck on your band!

I am on day 13 of 100% liquid Diet. My surgery is this coming Monday 6/6. This is what I been living on for the past 3 weeks (started earlier as a trial) Drinks: 64oz daily of any of the items below Water, sugar free noncarbonated beverage such as Crystal Light, Sugar free fitness beverage such as 0 calorie Propel Fitness Water or G2, Bullion or Broth, Decaffeinated coffee or tea, "Flat" decaffeinated diet soft drinks such as flattened diet ginger ale, Diet Jell-O or Gelatin 20, Tomato or V-8 Juice (NOT splash or Fusion unless DIET), Sugar- Free Popsicle (less than 20 calories each; limit 2-3 per day) Meal Options: 3-5 a day Shakes (Premier, Optifast, Carnation Instant Breakfast etc.) It also gives you guidelines to make your own between 150-250 Calories/serving, 12g of protein per serving minimum, 10-15 grams of sugar per serving Snack: 2-3 per day Yogurt: Nonfat, light, Nonfat or 1% milk, Tomato or Low Fat Cream Soup, Sugar Free Pudding, Greek Yogurt Fat Free I hope this gives you an idea. As per nurse if is not on the list I am not allow to eat it 😐 but it is almost over 😄

@ I was a total sugarholic before my bypass surgery. It is not the reason I chose bypass but I am very glad that I did. It solved many other comorbitities very quickly post op. For me, the first 6 months following surgery I could actually eat sugar but hated the taste of it so I abstained As much as possible. I am actually allergic to sugar substitutes, they give me severe migraines so I have to use real sugar, honey or agave as sweeteners. Because of this, the only thing I drink is Water. Thankfully I broke the soda/juice/caffeine habit almost 5 years ago. I am happy drinking water or fruit infused water every day. In the last few months I have been eating more sugar than I would like to in things like pudding and even once in a while I will have a tiny serving of frozen yogurt or ice cream. For me, even eating yogurt contains real sugar. I don't have dumping syndrome so I really have to be careful and watch it so I don't get myself into a sugar habit again.

Hi, Cheri. Good luck on your surgery. I had mine back in February '07. To date, I've lost 48 lbs. and I'm feeling so much better, and I still have 100 lbs. to go! Honestly, I think you have to be committed to changing the way you eat to maintain your weight loss over the long-term. The lapband will keep your portions under control without too much effort on your part. If you eat too much, you're going to feel uncomfortable, and unless you stick yourself with pins for pleasure you'll probably want to avoid that. However, Desserts seem to go through the band without any trouble. For myself, I've had to commit to limiting myself to one dessert a week. Sometimes it's a medium sized cup of ice cream at Coldstone Creamery, sometimes it's a piece of cake, BUT it's once a week -- no excuses. Believe me, the first 3 months that was hard, but now I don't think about chocolate everyday at 3:00 pm and then again at 9:00 pm. I've learned to substitute that stuff with a cup of yogurt and a 2 TBS of Go Lean Kashi Crunch, and I've even learned to enjoy sliced fruit in the afternoon. The short answer is that the lapband has worked for me and I believe I can keep the weight loss off if I don't make the choice to go back to my old habits. The lapband has curbed my hunger and lessened my desire to eat for the sake of eating. That's what the lapband is meant to do. It was a good decision for me. The problems are almost non-existent and when I have a problem it's because I'm eating too fast. PB's are not this huge, dramatic event I thought they would be before I had the surgery. Do yourself a favor and don't pay attention to that kind of talk. You can avoid them if you eat the way your suppose to eat -- small bites, chew well, eat slowly. If you do PB, you won't feel the need to call a doctor or run to the emergency room. Enjoy the journey.

Guys, here is a list that was previously posted of items helpful to have on hand re: surgery. Thought I would pass it on to all the June Folks... LAP BAND SURGERY SHOPPING LIST NON-food ITEMS: BBQ or Toilet tongs, for a good reach in the r.r. 4.98 Heating pad(12inx24in) 16.88 Flexible ice pack (hot/cold 12inx16in) 14.44 A few books or movies(your choice, I spent about 70.00us) xx.xx Squishy pillow for car ride for seatbelt (shoulder pad) 16.88 Make sure you have a good blender 19.97 Kitchen timer (first few days, sip every 15 mins)(analog) 2.88 Kitchen timer (digital – better for travelling) 3.47 Pedo-meter(depending on the one you get – don’t forget to adjust to your stride) 4.88 PHARMACEUTICALS: liquid Tylenol/Motrin (Check early in case pharmacy needs to order in advance) 4.98 Chewable or liquid gas-x(I got strips, you will pay more than shown here) 3.60 Gauze Pads 4x4 6.57 Paper/bandage tape 2.57 Wet Wipes 2.64 Pill crusher 3.89 Chewable Vitamins 8.97 Hospital Medicine cups (I got 3oz/88ml cups – 100ct) 1.48 Cough Drops(Halls big box) 6.88 Stool Softener (Dr. asked me not to get this, if needed talk to him) xx.xx Moist and nice tasting Lip Balm(got chapstick – cherry – 2for deal) 0.88 FOOD ITEMS: Protein shakes(these vary from 22 – 55 dollars depending on quality and quantity) xx.xx Plenty of water(bottled Water for me 3cases 16oz. bottles 10.00) 10.00 broth or stuff to make broth(several flavors but all about the same cost) 2.98 sugar free popsicles 2.66 Sugar free Jello 0.50 Sugar free breath mints (chewable) 1.33 Crystal Light "On the GO" assorted flavors(I don’t like CL so I got store brand/price per box) 2.50 Bouillon(several flavors but all about the same cost) 2.07 Cream of Wheat 2.92 Creamy Soups 0.66 Applesauce 1.82 FAT FREE yogurt 1.76 Soup-at-Hand - soups - for creamy stage(on sale) 1.25 pudding cups (SF/FF) - helps w/ taking meds(got instant, more flavors, price per box) 0.50 Sugar free hot cocoa 1.87 Decaf tea(got regular, decaf is a little more in cost) 2.12 CLOTHES POST-OP: Loose fitting, easily removable(one size larger than I wear, sweats, top and bottom) 15.88 Buttons downs or pullover(sale rack found $5.00 per, one size larger) 5.00 Thong shoes/slip-on so no bending and tying(make sure they are a good pair) 12.88 Sports Bra! Sutures will be hurt by under wires(I have a daughter and wife that helped here) 6.88

Sippy cup?! Thats genius! My doctors list is: ~Gas X ( I bought the dissolving strips) ~Liquid Multivitamin (I found Centrum in a liquid) ~SF popsicles (for dry throat) ~SF Jello ~Broth ~SF beverages (I prefer water) ~Protein drinks ~Mini spoons to help you eat smaller (Im buying a baby spoon) ~Beneprotien ( I found this on my own. Its has no taste and even better NO SMELL! 5g of Protein in each serving so great to add to yogurt of water) STAGE 2 ITEMS ~Food processor ~Eggs, tuna, canned chicken, low fat mayo ~Cream Soups ~SF pudding ~Oatmeal ~Instant mashed potatoes ~Yogurt I still have a few small things to pick up as far as food but I am well stocked for now. Oh and my DVR is loading with good things to watch during down times. :party:

I haven't had chicken or bagels since I got banded. I read on the forum that those are trouble so I avoided them along with steak and burgers and bread rolls, I stick to pita bread and eat just a little bit... I eat carbs, my lunch is a square of lasagna the size of my palm, and I try to make the lasagna as healthy as possible. Or I have some sushi. Or if I stick to veggies for lunch I get a grilled cheese sandwich ( in pita bread) for dinner. Everything hurt last week except the mashed zucchini, yogurt and Cereal. From the first bite down to the last. 4 weeks after a fill! I exepected that this could happen if I get too tight for what I am willing to put up with. But this came out of the blue. Just as I was getting ready to get another fill! Being on a liquid diet again has helped and the medicine as well, today I was able to eat something non-solid so I am less freaked out. I have re planned my meals to cut down even more, which I am fine with, I just wanted to know if this is the band doing its job or if something is wrong. Because the pain was excruciating! is it supposed to hurt THAT bad? So I won't be able to have a single bite of the things I love? I was kinda hoping I could still nibble of a few things here and there

hello November sleevers!! as som of you know I was sleeved Monday. was relapsed yesterday. The surgery was textbook. I woke in recovery in some pain, more discomfort than anything else. Very sore. I woke up in my room that night with vicious dry mouth. Every time I tried to move it was so uncomfortable. For a brief moment laying in my bed a couple hours after surgery I asked "why did I do this" Then a wonderful nurse realized I was uncomfortable. She got me a cold sponge lolly pop to use on my lips and tongue. That, mixed with painkillers I received I began to change my tune :-) I woke up the day after surgery feeling better. Went for the leak test and passed. I was so happy bout that. Then they removed my catheter (guys worst nightmare) After said catheter was removed life got a whole lot better. Because I passed my leak test I was able to have water and diet juice or decaf coffee and tea. Even ate some yogurt. I was feeling much better at this point. Still sore of course, I mean I just had major surgery. I tried to fight the pain meds and that was my biggest mistake. I don't everyone to think I was excruciating pain, it was more discomfort from the gas pains and Soreness from the incision sites and external drain. Side note : Dr Kim is a brilliant surgeon. I honestly believe she is at the top of her field . My incisions sites look like tiny scratches, they are so clean and are healing incredibly. I want to take another minute to acknowledge her personality and her bedside manner. She made time to see me personally 4 times after surgery. With her hectic scheduled that meant alot. She explained my leak test In detail to me and my mom. She explained that when I woke up it wouldnt be pain so much as a pressure in your chest. Boy was she right! So after Getty some fluids in I started to feel much better. I went for a few walks with a physical therapist that actually made me feel better, to be up and moving. They bring an assortment of bariatric fluids to your room 3 times a day, to see which one you can tolerate. Plain yogurt never tasted so good! The I had my drain taking out after realizing I was healing properly. I was able to take a shower after the

If you have emotional ties to eating you should consider counseling to help support you on this journey. That being said, I had mine 8/31 and have felt deprived at all yet, probably because I battled more pain than expected. I don't know if you started on clear liquid or full liquids but I started on full liquids and tomato soup made with milk has been awesome when I feel hungry. I try and sip protein shakes throughout the morning and evening, drinking 1/2 a premiere shake at a time. Also smooth light yogurt is helpful, but I can eat more than I think I should (1/2 a container). Hang in there, things will normalize for us and the weight loss and health will be worth it. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Surgeon wants me to get back down from 700-800 calories to only 600 per day. Sooooo I'm trying even though I feel better eating at 700-800 daily. you know what? Ever! 3 months out: B - Fage Greek yogurt and three strawberries S - coffee with cream L - 2 oz chicken with sauteed mushrooms S - string cheese and 5 special k crisps D - Fish or chicken of some sort (going out) vites- Done! water- working it! exercise- going to see Rock of Ages so I'm exercising my right to be entertained... I hope!

Happy March! YAY that means Spring starts this month! I'm so ready for it. It was actually 61 degrees when I left work yesterday, but it was raining, so no walk outside! i think I actually dumped last night! Got som really sad and bad news about a little 5 year old boy in the girls school that passed away from leukemia, and I tried to eat away the pain. I just made myself sick. My Joey had cancer a year and a half ago, and whenever i hear of a child passing from cancer i just cave. It sucks so bad! Ok, new day to start over, AGAIN!!! PreB- Protein shake B- yogurt L- small portion of meaty lasagna D- corned beef & cabbage (going out with the girls tonight)(left overs for lunch) S- cheese stick Vites- already in there Water - working on it exercise - will try to walk at lunch again ( at least 20 minutes) NEXT>>>>>

Happy FAT Tuesday! I think it is a Party day! YAY!!! Ok going to not party today and save it for after Lent is over and the weather is warm and we can party outside! So on the menu for today! B- Protein shake (powder, 2% milk, 1/2 banana Keira ate the other half, SF caramel syrup and some PB) L- 2.5 oz of that lovely shrimp S- yogurt or some pretzel crisps what ever strikes my mood D- not sure what mom will cook, last night it was spinach ravioli and i ate 3 of them! YUMMY! vites are in Water is half done! YAY ME! exercise is going to be a walk later on break NEXT>>>>

I was banded on 9/13 - All went very well. I have had no issues really. Not much gas pain, no throwing up, a little regular burping and definitely some incision discomfort but other than that I feel great. I was very disappointed that I gained 8 pounds during my overnight hospital stay! I guess IV fluids, etc. I was really bummed! But I am happy to say that I have lost the 8 plus another 4 pounds since then and I am feeling very confident! I am never hungry and in fact I am a little worried because I hardly eat anything. I am on liquids and yesterday all I did was drink water, crystal light and I had a liquid yogurt. I dont think I am getting enough protein. I just dont think I should eat if I am not hungry! Its amazing I feel so noninterested in food! It's like I dont want to eat because I know I can't eat! Hope the feeling sticks around for a while! I am going for post-op appt tomorrow...going to ask about protein shakes and powders. Good luck all!

I am doing really great... Better then I had expected actually. I had my gallbladder out Oct 07 and that was WAY worse then the recovery from lapband. I go for my two week post op appt today and I hope to get the ok to start back at Curves. I have missed going there and I need to get back on track with that as well. I have been doing liquids and I am very satisfied. I never feel hungry unless I have waited too long for a shake. In fact waiting on people to eat is a pain in the rear LOL! I am guessing that since I went to my PCP for my referral to the surgeon I have lost almost 25 pounds. Since my surgery I have lost about 12. I came home from the hospital 10 pounds heavier then when I left the morning of my surgery. So really I have lost almost 20 since I came home. It took almost a week to get the 10 pounds of swelling and fluids out of me. Let see... I can sleep in any position that I desire with no pain. I can sit up from laying down flat no problem. My incisions are all about healed except for the port one. One end of it is still a little red but I am treating it. I have a little bruising left behind but other then that all looks good with the incisions... I actually have to hunt for one of them. I should be able to start full liquids after my appt today... so some cream Soups and yogurt cottage cheese things like that. If you have any other questions let me know.... I am pretty much an open book!!

Greek yogurt is also good it has a lot of protien. I jike the dannon and fage brand of greek yogurt

I'm 18 months out and don't tend to always follow the Protein first rules, but I'm maintaining beneath my goal weight and still losing, so it seems to have worked out. My days tend to vary, but they usually go something along the lines of this: Breakfast - 1/3 cup Cascadian Farms Fruit and Nut Granola (I only eat this kind- no reason I just like it best) Snack (after morning workout) -Protein shake (almond milk, frozen Greek yogurt, PB2, & protein powder) lunch - 1/2 Hillshire Farms Little Plate (it has salami, cheese, and a hard cracker- like an adult lunchable) Snack - turkey and cheddar cheese roll-up or cottage cheese or 1/2 a Protein Bar or handful of granola dinner - other half of the Hilshire Farms Little Plate Snack -Veggie crisps This day works out to 916 calories (with turkey as the second snack), 92 carbs, 40 fat grams, 53g protein, 2,370 mg sodium, and 32g sugar. I ate exactly that the other day so MyFitnessPal gives me the full breakdown. The fat grams are a little higher than I like because of the cheese, and the veggie crisps have no great nutritional value, but I like them. On some days I'll eat more than that because I'm hungry or I've worked out a lot. I routinely eat a grilled chicken sandwich from a fast food place, the other day I had an entire chicken salad from Chik Fil A over the course of two meals, and I add things like hummus, watermelon, cantaloupe, crackers, chili, marinara sauce with zuchinni noodles, etc. For the most part I eat whatever I want to, just in very small servings. Also, my "whatever I want to" is dictated by my sleeve which hates anything that has fat, sugar, or has been near butter or a fryer. Almost all sweets and junk food make me instantly sick, so while I wouldn't mind eating a piece of cake, one or two bites is about all my stomach will tolerate so I just tend to not go for things like that anymore. Also, there are days where I may hit 1800 calories, so don't think you'll be stuck eating 1000 calories for the rest of your life. I'm hungrier when I workout more and when I know I'm going to blow my calorie goal for the day I just make sure I do it in protein based food instead of junk. Once you've hit the maintenance stage, you can eat anything your stomach will tolerate. I weigh myself everyday and I record everything I eat or drink in MyFitnessPal, so I keep myself accountable and then if I happen to want to have a cocktail or some cake or something else bad for me, I eat a few bites, I enjoy it, I put it into MyFitnessPal, and then I go back to eating my regular food afterwards. The nice thing about the sleeve is that it has taught me moderation- something I could never manage before surgery.

i had my first fill last saturday, but i'm not sure if it's enough. i still feel hungry between meals some days, and i can eat 2 cups of foods at dinner. on the flip side, i'm tight in the morning and usually am only able to have a protein drink or some yogurt. and lunch is usually half a sandwich or some tuna and veggies. i find myself grazing all afternoon and some evenings too. should go in and get more?

Glad to be of help, Carol. Take a seat cushion with you to the meeting. That might help a little. I can't sit long in hard folding chairs, either. My legs and knees start hurting and I get "twitchy", but, like you said... get up now and then. Do what you need to to make it through it. You won't be sorry because you'll get lots of good info. Often they have people at those meetings who have had the surgery that will share a little about their experience. And you will have an opportunity to ask questions. I can understand why they want you to be there in person. It'll be okay. You can do it. I think it's also a test of your committment. Those three hours won't be the only discomfort you'll have to go through, but it will be worth it. I saw two different dieticians and they were both excellent. They had good suggestions for supplements to take after surgery, showed me what 1/2 cup serving looks like, had examples... empty containers... of acceptable foods...different kinds of yogurt, soups, etc to show me. It was very beneficial.

Carol Thanks for the props.... Here is a typical days food & exercise. BF - Dannon Lite & Fit Yogurt with 1/4 cup LF granola or 1/2 Cup Eggbeaters with a tad of cheese & ham or a weight control oatmeal (calories for bf 100 - 160 - Protein 6 - 12 g) Lunch- Ususally left overs - Veggie 1 - 2 cups & small can of tuna About once every 2 weeks go out to lunch and eat a Taco or el pollo loco chick & bean 1 corn tortilla (Calories lunch 200 to 250 - PT 15) Afternoon - Clear Protein Drink that my Doc Sells (calories 70 - 15 grms pt 15) Dinner - 4 oz baked catfish - 1/2 cup rice or small red bake potato 1 or 2 cup yellow crooked neck squash & zuchinne. or spinach (calories 320 - 400 - pt 25) Evening - 2 SF Choc puddings & 1 heathly Choice SF fudgecicle (calorie 200 to 300 - pt 7) Exercise - 5 day a week go to gym - walk minimum 2 miles - am now doing a 16 min mile - started at 22 min mile goal is 15 min mile - may do 3 miles on one day and on saturday mornings i strive for 3 or 4 miles and once in a while do a little work on the weights - but mostly just the walking... Those calories are not exact nor is the menu - I figure i eat about 1000 to 1200 calories a day and get minium 60 grms of protein. I mostly use I can't believe it's not butter spray on my veggies & rice and some times a tad or real butter and olive oil to bake my fish - I eat fish 5-6 days a week red meat once a week- I count calories and protein and diary all my food in a little notebook that i carry. Prior to this last fill - i was usually eating 2 cup of food per meal - excluding breakfast.. I got my 2nd fill on 10/24 and will start the whole banding diet over - 1 week full liquids - 1 week mushies - 1 week soft - 4th week back to reg food. Carol - I am working hard at this and i am hungry at times -- it's a mental challenge to change your eating habits. If i am extra hungry at nite - i eat extra veggies - may have lite toast & butter along with 1/2 cup o.j. (lite) - I dislike exercise very much - but i know that it is a MUST to help you loose weight- I am an Senior Account Manager for a large insurance agency here in the Desert - I have a desk job - and am a former couch potato.... I am divorced - my 16 gs lives with me - I don't keep things in the house that i like to eat (no candy - chip - cakes and I use to eat alot of fried type foods with tons of butter) and very large portions - ususal only cook what i am going to eat that night and if there are left overs put them up right away - I am lucky that my grandson eats things i don't like so i don't have any temptations from him.... That's my day.... Food is no longer the center of my universe....

Also she said to eat more Snacks because i was only eating about 900 cals per day. She said this might be why im hungry. She also yelled at me because last month she told me to increase my cals to at least 1000. I did try. I added low fat granola to my yogurt and 1oz pretzels as a snack. Both she said are simple carbs and to NOT eat them. Ok ok i get it. Off the shopping list. She wants me to add another yogurt, cheese stick instead of the granola and pretzels. I am already getting anywhere from 90~115 g of Protein daily. Ughhh......