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I am about 8 1/2 months out and can eat a lot. I could actually eat more than I do. But I have a set plan and I really try to stick with it. I am getting from 1000-1200 calories per day, less than 50 carbs, and 80-100 grams of Protein. My weight loss has slowed way down, but I am about 10 pounds from goal. Still, I am losing, just a pound every week or so. I'm good with that. I do allow myself to partake naturally at luncheons, business meetings, family gatherings, special occassions. I have pizza once a week and eat all that I can - which is one piece! Rest of the time, I stick to the plan. I'm so grateful. Surgery went well. No complications. Lost lots of weight. Can tolerate most foods. How lucky is all that??

And the Band Plays on… DAY 1: Today isn’t really Day 1. It took me 2 years to decide to have gastric band (lap-band) surgery. I’m well into the process, too. I’ve attended Dr. Teng’s (surgeon) seminar, which was like a cattle call of the morbidly obese, plus some folks who looked just plump to me. I had my first consultation with the very pleasant and to-the-point doctor, who says I can get down to 165 (!!!!). I had a very intrusive but enlightening psychological profile. I’ve met with a very slim dietician, who says he thinks I’ll get into the 180-190 range and told me losing weight before the surgery reduces the size of your liver and makes the surgery easier. I have created a chronological diet history (a real walk down memory lane) and assembled all required medical proof of obesity for Aetna EXCEPT for 2004. (I have 2003, but not 04.) I need medical records for 5 years and in 2004 I was out of work and living on Ramen. A doctor’s visit was a luxury, with no insurance. But I recall a visit to my oby-gyn for anti-depressants, and I have requested my records in writing, since she has retired without passing on her records. So far, no reply. I’m trying not to stress since everything else is falling into place like dominos. If I don’t have the records this week, I may knock on the doctor’s door this Friday (yes, I have her address). Or perhaps a certified letter would be less obnoxious. I’ve learned to trust Dr. Teng’s staff for help when I think I’ve hit a roadblock, like the $2,000 deposit. They told me about getting a CareCredit Card (geonlineservice.com) for medical expenses. I was approved for $2,000, no problem (even without perfect credit) and I almost wish I’d asked for more. I’m not sure how much the hospital will be after insurance. A little history: Chubby kid who was fed a nutritious diet and had plenty of exercise. Can anyone say “Genetics played a role” in this body? I was introduced to diet pills in high school by my boyfriend’s doctor and starved to the 150-160 range. In college, pizza and a new awareness of the evils of amphetamines took me to 180-190. For my wedding day after graduation, I starved into a Size 14, the best I could do. I started overeating BEFORE the honeymoon started. We stopped for food AFTER the reception. I’m surprised the wedding dress didn’t burst! My husband was chunky, too. I yo-yo’d for 9 years and got way up into the 200s. I even did the binge/purge thing to try to stay at an acceptable weight. I worked out. I fought the good fight. Once, I went on an 800 calorie a day diet and worked out for an hour a day. I lost a ton of weight but then hurt myself at the gym and spent the next 3 months with my leg in a cast and Nacho pity parties at night. After my first divorce, I went on the Divorce Diet Diet Coke, coffee, alcohol) and looked pretty good. I met my second husband, fell in love, got married, ended up with two great kids and eventually, another divorce. I packed on plenty of weight before, during, and after the pregnancies, but the divorce diet and exercise took a lot of it off. Then my health started going to hell. Eventually, I was diabetic and 315 lbs. But there has to be a Day 1, so I am proclaiming this day as Numero Uno because I am following the dietician’s pre-op diet for the first time. Before I started this process, I lost 6 lbs and was up and down until settling at 298. Meeting the dietician made me throw a “Nobody can make me do this!” tantrum of eating for a few days. I realized last night that it was entirely up to me. So today, I’m following the diet. You may find some recipes in this blog. I make no claims at being a great cook. I do love to “invent” recipes, so I will be trying to create edible meals. I bought tiny bowls, a small food processor, and will use my children’s old baby spoons to eat. I am using Andrew Lessman’s Secure shakes (powder) because it’s in my cabinet. Once it’s gone, I’ll buy the ones recommended by Brandon, the dietician. I am checking off days on the diet sheet because I have 7 days until my appointment with Dr. Teng when all the paperwork is submitted to Aetna. Then, we see if I get approval or a fight. They supposedly approve this surgery. Food so far today: Brkfast: 8 oz choc soy milk 2 scoops protein powder 4 oz OJ 8 oz V8 1 cup coffee Lunch: 2 scoops protein powder in water Handful broccoli florets, ground up in food processor and microwaved with 2 oz shredded parmesan cheese, 1 tsp diet margarine, garlic powder. (not bad) Dinner: OK, dinner didn’t go so well. I was hungry at 3 pm so I ate a banana. At dinner, I had a cup of rice, a T diet margarine, an entire pork chop, and a large serving or asparagus. Any other night, that would be OK, but it’s more than twice what I was supposed to eat. This will be easier when I am banded and get full easily! I’m determined to do better tomorrow! Day 2 Today went better and I followed my diet except for two of the 100 cal snacks and some sunflower seeds at night. I find that the whole ordeal of shelling the seeds and chewing them to pulp keeps my mind off other treats. I am upset today about a couple of things but I can deal with them. I think another long, hot bath tonight and submerged (except face) meditation is in order. It felt good last night until the A/C came on with a whoosh and broke my focus. Food today: Breakfast: 8 oz soy mile and two scoops protein powder 1 small banana 4 oz berry Cheerios Snack: 100 cal Sun chips Lunch: Broccoli with lemon pepper 4 oz shrimp 2 scoops protein powder in water Snack: Coffee and 100 cal cookies Dinner: 3 oz turkey burger with mustard and onions (no bun) Green beans 2 oz frozen defrosted berries Snack: sunflower seeds I still haven’t received the medical records from 2004. I guess I need to send a registered letter but am a little short on cash. I’ll call Dr. Teng’s office tomorrow to get Tina’s advice. The weirdest thing happened recently. I met a guy for coffee from an on-line dating site. He sounded OK on the phone and I said I was heavyset. He was nice enough and intelligent but no chemistry for me. I think he liked me, though, which is awkward. I even told him about the upcoming (I hope) lapband surgery and he was very negative and full of misinformation that “a friend” had given him. I told him he was misinformed. Although we did meet later and walked our dogs in a nearby park (very public) and I enjoyed talking to him, I just don’t have time for someone right now who has to be convinced that this is the right decision for me. It took me 2 years of research and soul searching before I made this decision. I think I’d better hold off on dating until after the surgery. Then the deed is done. Of course, then if I meet someone I’ll always wonder if he would still like me as a fat woman… Day 3 I do not feel well today. I didn’t sleep well last night and today I feel like my blood sugar is all over the place. I ate the same breakfast as yesterday but felt really light-headed at 9:30, so I ate another 2 oz of cheerios. I was starving at noon and had half a turkey bacon sandwich and skipped the shake. Now I feel dizzy … like I ate at a buffet. I may go lie down for a bit. Met a possible “band buddy” on-line last night. Her name is Mary and she is a retired nurse. She sounds close to the same stage in the process and I know I could use some moral support.

And the Band Plays on… DAY 1: Today isn’t really Day 1. It took me 2 years to decide to have gastric band (lap-band) surgery. I’m well into the process, too. I’ve attended Dr. Teng’s (surgeon) seminar, which was like a cattle call of the morbidly obese, plus some folks who looked just plump to me. I had my first consultation with the very pleasant and to-the-point doctor, who says I can get down to 165 (!!!!). I had a very intrusive but enlightening psychological profile. I’ve met with a very slim dietician, who says he thinks I’ll get into the 180-190 range and told me losing weight before the surgery reduces the size of your liver and makes the surgery easier. I have created a chronological diet history (a real walk down memory lane) and assembled all required medical proof of obesity for Aetna EXCEPT for 2004. (I have 2003, but not 04.) I need medical records for 5 years and in 2004 I was out of work and living on Ramen. A doctor’s visit was a luxury, with no insurance. But I recall a visit to my oby-gyn for anti-depressants, and I have requested my records in writing, since she has retired without passing on her records. So far, no reply. I’m trying not to stress since everything else is falling into place like dominos. If I don’t have the records this week, I may knock on the doctor’s door this Friday (yes, I have her address). Or perhaps a certified letter would be less obnoxious. I’ve learned to trust Dr. Teng’s staff for help when I think I’ve hit a roadblock, like the $2,000 deposit. They told me about getting a CareCredit Card (geonlineservice.com) for medical expenses. I was approved for $2,000, no problem (even without perfect credit) and I almost wish I’d asked for more. I’m not sure how much the hospital will be after insurance. A little history: Chubby kid who was fed a nutritious diet and had plenty of exercise. Can anyone say “Genetics played a role” in this body? I was introduced to diet pills in high school by my boyfriend’s doctor and starved to the 150-160 range. In college, pizza and a new awareness of the evils of amphetamines took me to 180-190. For my wedding day after graduation, I starved into a Size 14, the best I could do. I started overeating BEFORE the honeymoon started. We stopped for food AFTER the reception. I’m surprised the wedding dress didn’t burst! My husband was chunky, too. I yo-yo’d for 9 years and got way up into the 200s. I even did the binge/purge thing to try to stay at an acceptable weight. I worked out. I fought the good fight. Once, I went on an 800 calorie a day diet and worked out for an hour a day. I lost a ton of weight but then hurt myself at the gym and spent the next 3 months with my leg in a cast and Nacho pity parties at night. After my first divorce, I went on the Divorce Diet Diet Coke, coffee, alcohol) and looked pretty good. I met my second husband, fell in love, got married, ended up with two great kids and eventually, another divorce. I packed on plenty of weight before, during, and after the pregnancies, but the divorce diet and exercise took a lot of it off. Then my health started going to hell. Eventually, I was diabetic and 315 lbs. But there has to be a Day 1, so I am proclaiming this day as Numero Uno because I am following the dietician’s pre-op diet for the first time. Before I started this process, I lost 6 lbs and was up and down until settling at 298. Meeting the dietician made me throw a “Nobody can make me do this!” tantrum of eating for a few days. I realized last night that it was entirely up to me. So today, I’m following the diet. You may find some recipes in this blog. I make no claims at being a great cook. I do love to “invent” recipes, so I will be trying to create edible meals. I bought tiny bowls, a small food processor, and will use my children’s old baby spoons to eat. I am using Andrew Lessman’s Secure shakes (powder) because it’s in my cabinet. Once it’s gone, I’ll buy the ones recommended by Brandon, the dietician. I am checking off days on the diet sheet because I have 7 days until my appointment with Dr. Teng when all the paperwork is submitted to Aetna. Then, we see if I get approval or a fight. They supposedly approve this surgery. Food so far today: Brkfast: 8 oz choc soy milk 2 scoops protein powder 4 oz OJ 8 oz V8 1 cup coffee Lunch: 2 scoops protein powder in water Handful broccoli florets, ground up in food processor and microwaved with 2 oz shredded parmesan cheese, 1 tsp diet margarine, garlic powder. (not bad) Dinner: OK, dinner didn’t go so well. I was hungry at 3 pm so I ate a banana. At dinner, I had a cup of rice, a T diet margarine, an entire pork chop, and a large serving or asparagus. Any other night, that would be OK, but it’s more than twice what I was supposed to eat. This will be easier when I am banded and get full easily! I’m determined to do better tomorrow! Day 2 Today went better and I followed my diet except for two of the 100 cal snacks and some sunflower seeds at night. I find that the whole ordeal of shelling the seeds and chewing them to pulp keeps my mind off other treats. I am upset today about a couple of things but I can deal with them. I think another long, hot bath tonight and submerged (except face) meditation is in order. It felt good last night until the A/C came on with a whoosh and broke my focus. Food today: Breakfast: 8 oz soy mile and two scoops protein powder 1 small banana 4 oz berry Cheerios Snack: 100 cal Sun chips Lunch: Broccoli with lemon pepper 4 oz shrimp 2 scoops protein powder in water Snack: Coffee and 100 cal cookies Dinner: 3 oz turkey burger with mustard and onions (no bun) Green beans 2 oz frozen defrosted berries Snack: sunflower seeds I still haven’t received the medical records from 2004. I guess I need to send a registered letter but am a little short on cash. I’ll call Dr. Teng’s office tomorrow to get Tina’s advice. The weirdest thing happened recently. I met a guy for coffee from an on-line dating site. He sounded OK on the phone and I said I was heavyset. He was nice enough and intelligent but no chemistry for me. I think he liked me, though, which is awkward. I even told him about the upcoming (I hope) lapband surgery and he was very negative and full of misinformation that “a friend” had given him. I told him he was misinformed. Although we did meet later and walked our dogs in a nearby park (very public) and I enjoyed talking to him, I just don’t have time for someone right now who has to be convinced that this is the right decision for me. It took me 2 years of research and soul searching before I made this decision. I think I’d better hold off on dating until after the surgery. Then the deed is done. Of course, then if I meet someone I’ll always wonder if he would still like me as a fat woman… Day 3 I do not feel well today. I didn’t sleep well last night and today I feel like my blood sugar is all over the place. I ate the same breakfast as yesterday but felt really light-headed at 9:30, so I ate another 2 oz of cheerios. I was starving at noon and had half a turkey bacon sandwich and skipped the shake. Now I feel dizzy … like I ate at a buffet. I may go lie down for a bit. Met a possible “band buddy” on-line last night. Her name is Mary and she is a retired nurse. She sounds close to the same stage in the process and I know I could use some moral support.

My fitness pal says I'm not saying enough calories daily... Surgery was 5/27 and I'm not getting more than 500 calories per day... It is a struggle to drink and get the protein down... 18 pounds lost so far...then when I eat soft foods, stomach is irritated and when I drink, I feel life in stretching my stomach!! Thoughts?

Last night I attended the introduction seminar for a running group to train for a half marathon to be held on July 4th. It was pretty exciting, I have to say. There were over 150 people there. We got a cool tech shirt and socks and a brief intoduction to the program. We will get together twice a week, Wednesdays at a track to work on speed and strength and on Saturday mornings for a long run. These runs will be all over town and in Vancouver as well, each week somewhere new with varying distances going up to a max of 12 miles. I bought a Garmin 405 GPS watch today which has a heart rate monitor. Last weekend, I bonked after 4 miles going at a 8:15/mile pace, so this morning, I slowed it down to a 9:00/mile and ran just shy of 5 miles and felt fine. One of my struggles is pace, so, instead of trying to pace based on time, I am going to pace based on heart rate. We'll give this a try so I can try to get a basic feel for a pace. Nutrition is also going to be one of my struggles. I am finding it difficult to eat enough. 1,200 calories isn't going to cut it running 4/5 miles per day. Just think when I am running 8/10/12 miles. I tried an energy gel this morning before my run, so that could be why I was able to do this morning bonk-less. It is going to be an experiment, for sure. I have some whole wheat spaghetti with chicken for lunch, so we'll see how I feel and recover. Also, I am running in the Valentine's Run on the 12th. I signed up for the 8K, which is 5 miles, so I should be OK with that since I am running that distance in training, now. I will continue to post on my training over the next 20 weeks or so leading up to the half marathon, so click on the Follow just above to the left if you want to stay tuned. I will post everything I learn about this training as it relates to me and my sleeve.

Can't really recommend anything inspirational but I can heartily endorse JOURNALING every bite of food you put in your mouth. Be brutally honest because you're the only one who is going to see this journal...and if you cheat, you are only cheating yourself. I've found that if I make a note of WHEN I eat, I can learn something from that. I figured out that my worst time of day was from the minute I walked in the door at home until I got dinner prepared. Then I figured out that I was going far too long between lunch and dinner. I talked to my doctor's office and they recommended that because I have about 7 hours between lunch and dinner I should ignore the "no snacks" rule and eat something in the range of about 60-70 calories and all Protein late in the afternoon so that I don't arrive home starving hungry. Then last week, I read something from Dr. Oz that said when you start to get hungry your body produces a hormone called ghrelein and if you don't eat, it produces more, and then more until you do finally eat. And if you postpone eating too long, then you are pretty much at the mercy of this hormone. It made a lot of sense for me. So, journaling helped me solve a nagging problem.

last night my family and I went out to an Italian restuarant for a celebration. it was a last minute invitation, so i kinda' panicked w/the invite.... but I did very well!! I ordered shrimp & brocolli and STILL stayed within my calorie allotment for the day! no wine, no appitizers, no dessert!!!! I also confirmed that I can NOT eat bread! this was my 2nd attempt at eatting just a small slice of the bread that arrives in a basket with your water, etc.... no go! wouldnt go down! got stuck! :crying:had to sip water and hope nobody noticed my "problem"! (they didnt)

Just looking at the rip-offs on the Starbuck's list makes me cringe. Those were of course my favorites. As the Diet Detective rightly points out, those weren't even meals. http://www.dietdetective.com/content/view/2108/156/

Down 4 pounds..yes I am one of those people that has to weigh every day. Keeps me motivated even if I know it's water weight. I pretty much slept all day after working a night shift. So not a whole lot activity, but being true to my promise..here is my accountability log of food for today: B: 2 mini crustless quiche (180 cal / 16 protein) L: 1 South Beach Protein Bar (140 cal / 10 protein) S: Shrimp Gumbo with veggies (300 cal / 19 protein), Pistachios (160 cal / 6 gm protein) D: Lean Cuisine (200 cal / 14 gm protein), Broccoli w/2 tbsp ranch, (120 cal / 3 gm protein) So thats a total for today of 1100 calories and 68 gms protein... Did well on low carbs. Come on Robyn..keep it up:tt2:

You can't tighten skin with any exercise, so there's no point in worrying about that. If you want to do arm exercises that will help burn calories but it won't affect your skin situation one way or the other.

It will ease up once you start eating more solid foods. If you are allowed thinned cream of wheat and/or grits that will help to "firm things up." Also, alot of those Protein shakes are TERRIBLE! I have found one I LOVE though. Premier Protein (available at Sam's Club or Costco) Comes in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry - very tasty! They are nutritional excellent (11 ozs, 160 calories, 30g protein, 5g of carbs, 1g sugar) They are $18.88 for a 12 pack box. Give those a whirl, they will make a world of difference for you. Take care!

I'm definitely not the standard on here or the person you should follow when it comes to eating the right amount of calories, protein or carbs so i'm not at ALL recommending you do what I did, it just worked for me. I did not calorie count at all or count my protein or carb in take. I got these little bowls and plates that I ate out of and that how I ate. I used yum yum dishes that helped me with my portion sizes. I still can not eat or drink alot but these portions bowls are what I used to eat out of and I was full. http://yumyumdish.com/ My water intake I keep a bottle with me most of the time and sipped on through out the day during my first few months though it was hard for me to get enough water in me so my NP suggested that I eat ice chips or make crystal light popsicles so that's what I did. Again by NO means am I advocating that my way is the way to do this - I just learned to listen to my body during my journey. I knew to be successful I needed to control my eating but I was never good at counting calories before but I knew I couldn't eat as much anymore so I took advance of that and just used small portion controlled dishes and I still use them. I know that I have to exercise so I got into the gym but before the gym I just walked in my neighborhood I knew at this point anything I did now would be positive and I would see the result now because of the surgery and it worked for me.

So, as the title suggests, I am totally freaking frustrated!!! I am almost 3 weeks post op. The first week went well...I lost 10 pounds. Then I hit a stall for about a week and then a couple of days ago the scale started moving down again. I was feeling happy that I had ended my first stall and then bam I gained 2 pounds! I mean I am doing everything that I am supposed to. I use myfitnesspal religiously. I use my fit bit. I have been exercising more now than in the past year. I eat right and drink right. Intellectually, I understand what happens when we stall or gain weight for that matter when our bodies are in the process of losing weight. I've read many articles about converting glycogen, how I might be losing size and not weight, how getting smaller doesn't translate into the scale moving downward. Intellectually and logically I understand and I get it, but emotionally it is too much. So since my life is about moderation and restriction now...I've decided to put the scale away and only weight once a week on Thursday mornings. I found an old tape measure and will also begin taking my measurements. Oh how I wish I took my measurements before hand...it might have saved me some heart ache. Well that was in the past and now....MOVING ON. I am still on my pureed stage which is going perfectly well. Yesterday was a good day. I actually got 600 calories in, which is amazing for me! I do think I need to get more calories and carbs in everyday. It seems kind of low. ON A SPECIAL NOTE. I URGE ANYONE THAT IS PRE-OP OR JUST BEGINNING TO TAKE BEFORE PICTURES. I KNOW IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE YOURSELF ON A PHOTO, BUT DO IT!!! ALSO, TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS SO WHEN YOU HIT THOSE STALLS YOU CAN AT LEAST GET SOME PEACE OF MIND BY MEASURING YOURSELF. I TOOK BEFORE PHOTOS (WHICH I HAVEN'T POSTED YET BECAUSE I WANT A COMPARISON PHOTO), BUT I SOOOOOO WISH I HAD TAKEN MY MEASUREMENTS. IT WILL BE HARD TO FACE THOSE NUMBERS, BUT WHEN YOU ARE LOSING YOU WILL BE SOOOOO HAPPY YOU DID.

My fave food at this stage was making my own chicken Soup. My bought pre roasted chicken from Safeway ( because it was easy. Fed my family, plus saved some breast for me.I Boiled the bones with a bunch of veggies and strained it, making my own chicken stock. It's actually better Protein than the tetra packs you can buy ( and taste better). I pureed the stock with roasted veggies, chicken breast, and milk. Then I would add spices depending on my craving..... Taco seasoning for Mexican, butter chicken sauce for Indian, etc. If I felt I needed more protein, I added a half scoop of chicken unjury to it. Yummy!! If you need more calories or fat, use cream instead of milk. This was definately my go to meal. Please remember to strain if you don't have a really good blender though!!!

<p>I have to eat 1000 calories a day to keep my weight lose steady. Some days it's pretty hard. I eat mostly dairy, eggs and tuna. I don't buy low fat cheese because if I cut all the fat out I can't reach my calorie goal. I add a little reduced fat mayo made with olive oil to my tuna to add calories. I cook my eggs in olive oil to add calories and good fat. When you're able to eat nuts, an oz. of nuts will give you calories plus protein and good fats. You can also add peanut butter to your protein shakes. Good luck

I went to the fill appointment today. My regular Dr was out so I saw the PA. Wow what a difference. I always had a problem with my Dr telling me he was ok with my progress and not really giving me motivation to keep going. Well the PA didn't pull any punches. She quizzed me on my food choices and made suggestions on alternatives. She said she could give me a fill but didn't think it would help with the things or the way I am eating. It would probably just make me get stuck and have a unfill. I am just choosing foods too soft and not substantial enough to stick with me. And of course not making the best choice with high calorie stuff. She explained how having a glass of wine before a meal just relaxes the pouch enough that you don't feel the full signal and over eat. Duh? I always knew I eat more when I drink. Now I know why. So it's back to the mental game. Remembering the why of doing this and figuring out the how.

1. Sometimes I can - sometimes not! Depends on how tight I am. 2. Mind didn't fade Everyone is different though! 3. I tell everyone that asks. I haven't had any negative feedback. (to my face anyway ) 4. YES! Follow what your doctor says and exercise! You will do great! 5. I've read there is a low profile port - don't know too much about it though 6. I'm sorry to say that I can't do chicken breast. Again, everyone is different though. I eat a lot of seafood now. 7. I think so...my band limits the amount of food I can eat so I think it won't let me overeat and put the weight back. But you have keep up with your after care (fills, diet, exercise) 8. The alcohol will slow your weight loss. I count calories, so you could save your calories for it. I say whatever works for you 9. I started with centrum chewables and now take a regular multi vitamin. I have no problem swallowing any pills now. 10. I started out a 46 DDD and now am a 42 D. Unfortunately they are kind of saggy! YUCK! Oh well, I'll eventually have to get a boob job! I have had a very positive experience. The exercise has helped me the most. Good for the mind, body and spirit! Good Luck to you!

check out the blog "the world according to eggface" - tons of easy great food ideas! other suggestions: yogurt, tuna or salmon packets (both come in a variety of flavors, high in protein, low calorie and don't need refrigeration so easy to take on the go). maybe try to plan out a few days in advance at a time so you don't feel overwhelmed in the moment of trying to figure out what to eat right then.

I was sleeved on the 15 th of January and my Drs have asked me not to do fruit due to sugar until the 6th month. I had a diet of lots of fruit. I do miss them. The seeds in Berries can be troublesome to many. When I have a craving I drink water or I will buy vitamin water that has a small amount of fruit juice in it. Just got to watch calorie and sugar content. Good luck. You will move past it shortly.

I have noticed that soups have lots is protein and not many calories per can ... Does anyone eat soup on Regular basis??

Life has been fast paced, haven't had much time to post. I'm focussing on eating more, but eating the right stuff. I think I haven't been eating enough calories. I'm also focussing on eating LOW CARB, Low fat, and lower calories. I either don't eat enought on days, or I eat all the bad stuff. I'm focussing on CLEAN eating. Wt - 170.1

59 more days until my cruise - yippeee. Last month, I made a goal to really focus on my exercises, and I did. I feel like I've accomplished that. I'm making it to the gym at least 5 days per week. And I'm also doing something while at work, taking breaks and jumping on the elliptical machine in our gym at work. I planned on doing a lot of strength training last night, but was not able to - but did do 35 min on the elliptical. Managed to burn about 450 calories yesterday between the exercise I did at work, and the elliptical I did last night. Since its the beginning of the month - here are some things I want to focuss on - 1) my late night eating! I barely eat anything for dinner, if I even eat, but at about 11:00 pm - I'm starving! So, we will need to work on that! 2) Continue to focuss on exercise - need to really up my strength training. 3) Work on my cruise challenge (60 day challenge goals) Wt - 178.9 - I know I said I wasn't going to weigh, but by golly, I just can't help it. Its like the scale has a magnet on it drawing me to it every morning. I was pleased to see it went down a little. I'm hoping it continues!:rolleyes2: Menu - Bfast 1 egg scrambler with meat & veggies topped with salsa snack handful of asion nuts Lunch leftover from lunch yesterday - smoked turkey and green beans snack freshstrawberries (3 small, and about 10 grapes) Dinner talapia - 2 oz, grilled, topped with homemade salsa and cilantro (new recipe I'm trying) and fresh steamed spinach, plan on making brown rice as well, might have a spoonful of that! Exercise 10:00 am - just got back from 16 min on elliptical (burned 145 calories) 3:00 pm - plan on doing another 15 min of elliptical Evening at the gym - 6:15-6:25 attending the abs, abs, abs class at the gym 6:30 - 7:00 - elliptical 9:30 - upper/lower body workout. Are we having fun yet?

This is a wonderful dish that the whole family can enjoy. I use these fish because they are among the most flaky fish, tilapia, turbot or red snapper. They are very Band friendly, this is one of my favorite recipes to make and eat. Make it yours too! ENJOY! Makes 4 servings Active Time: 7 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes 410 Calories Per Serving CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band®.blogspot.com/

Well, last night my sons gf came over, she wanted to cook for us. I let her too. :huh2: So anyhow, she grilled steaks, baked potatoes and made a salad. I measured my steak out (3 oz) and filled the other half of my plate with salad - skipped the potatoe. Anyhow, I couldn't eat it all, got too full, but then she made dessert. Okay, I thought, I'll just eat 1 cookie, after all, I wanted to be nice after all, she went thru all this trouble. Well, 1 cookie turned into 3. Later that evening I decided let me see how many calories and points a cookie is. HOLY CRAP, 170 cal each and 4 weight watcher points each! I blew my entire day with 3 freaken cookies. And to tell you the truth, they were not that great! Oh they were good, but not good enough to blow my entire day on. Lesson learned, I shouldn't be that nice! I should have let my son and the rest of my family dig into them and I should have grabbed my SF jello cup! So, this morning, scale was not that kind - shows I'm up 1.3 lbs. Wt 164.9 (yesterday was 163.6) Today is a new day, and I will not be that nice again! I've got to remember the three little words "No thank you". Exercise 3:00 pm - 20 min elliptical 8:00 pm - 1 hour circuit training/stretching

I will be three weeks out on Tuesday, what should my calorie in take be?