I am almost 6 weeks out from my surgery. I had a birthday yesterday and had a wonderful time. I did not miss the birthday cake at all!

On Friday, my mom had a dinner and she asked if there was anything special that I would like, like she always does. I sent her a recipe for a low-fat eggplant ricotta bake, and it was delicious! In fact, many family members who could have had much carbier/less healthful dishes also on the menu, opted to have my special dish as well. After dinner, we played a rousing game of Catchphrase--way better than fattening dessert!

My mom also gave me an ice cream maker. I made my version of Eggface's chocolate Peanut Butter Protein "ice cream" today and it was sooo good. The ingredients were soy milk, chocolate Protein powder, white chocolate SF syrup, and powdered/defatted peanut butter (JustGreatStuff--an organic version of PB2). It was just as good, if not better, than traditional ice cream, and nutritionally, it was the same as a Protein shake (I ate 3.5 ounces as a meal and have another serving left over). I felt like I was eating a giant Reese's cup--but with 15 g of protein and about 125 calories.

Today my husband got carryout Mexican food and I enjoyed some delicious refried Beans with fresh salsa, cheese and Greek yogurt (I am a vegetarian--they were lard-free). I have enough refried beans left over to get me thru several more meals.

My husband usually works weekends but took yesterday and today off and we had a great time just spending time together. He bought me a huge bouquet of my favorite flowers, daffodils.

Yesterday, we got a lot of shopping and a lot of walking in. Tomorrow I'm going to officially start back with my Water aerobics classes (I had to wait 6 weeks to restart any type of formal exercise class, though I have been walking).

I truly did not miss anything this year--not even a fancy dinner out or birthday cake. I feel lucky to have had VSG and I really enjoyed my time with loved ones this weekend. Here's to new traditions and a new, healthier way of life!

Note: here is a photo of the ice cream. It looks like a huge portion but it's 3.5 ounces in a teeny tiny dessert dish that I bought at an auction many years ago. I always wished I had a use for it and now I do!

Happy, happy birthday to you!! It's sounds like a great weekend!

Oh and how yummy does that ice cream sound!!!

That is so awesome and inspiring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy birthday!! What a great sounding weekend long celebration - with the focus on spending great time with your loved ones. I plan to make some of Eggface's Protein ice-cream this week. I won her giveaway of the ice creammaker last month and was so excited!!

Keep up the great work TES!!

Happy Birthday!!! Sounds great. Thanks for the inspiration and I have got to try the ice cream.