My biggest dilemma is that I have to take medicine in the morning. I don't want to eat until around 11 am because I like to have a late night snack of 100 calorie pack of cocoa dusted almonds. I've been putting off taking my medicine but the one I can't put off is an anti biotic.

I guess I can share this ,lol. I have to take an antibiotic before have sex or I will get a UTI.I have to take it with food.

I guess half of a Greek Yogurt would be 50 calories. I need to look up string cheese and baby bell light.

How about you? Is the 5:2 plan working with your life? I also don't like working out with my trainer on an empty stomach.

Will this not work if you have 11 hours in between instead of 12? There must be some reason you have to have 12 hours off.

Finished work today for the summer break (5weeks). Cuba in 3 weeks time and we are so looking forward to it. That weight I was losing for the holiday is still hanging on to me.

Sheryl saw your post about instant pot. I have one and I love it. If you go back many pages on our posts I think I asked you guys for advice on whether to get one and at that stage non of you knew anything about it. Meat comes out really moist, just the way I like it.

It has been warm, so I ahve been grilling lately, but cant wait to try the instant pot! Thanks for the tips...

I am pissed at the latest slam on vets. Getting sick of this.

Sheryl, pressurecookingtoday.com is a good site, the Thai chicken thighs are amazing and the dish freezes well.

I haven't been posting much because I finally met someone I really like. His name is Mike and he's 10 years younger than me. He sent me a message from POF and I would have never contacted him because of the age difference. We've been spending most of our time together.

We get a long really well and he cracks me up laughing all the time.

How are things with your beau Sheryl?

I am going to have to get one of those instant pots. I am probably going to be doing a lot more cooking now that I have someone to cook for.

I wonder what happened to Kim!!

Denise so glad you have found someone to spend time with and laugh with - we all need a special someone to laugh with. No news here but I am off to Cuba on the 15th and so looking forward to it.

Back from the dead! Not really dead, but piled up with stuff to do, stressful stuff and an amazing trip to Scotland. Sorry I didn't check in, I was too busy eating junk and gaining weight. sad face here.... Im back on track, and my hubby is actually joining in... never been on a diet or watched his weight, but a BIG know it all! of course. Its good though, helps having a buddy in the kitchen. I am still down 40 pounds, but gained the rest back. In giant pants again.... Still way better off than before surgery, but trying to make a new start of it. Have a show coming up, working hard on getting paintings done, house still in mediation limbo.... the contracting engineer said in a deposition the other day that there is a 50/50 chance that our roofs might actually cave in! While I was in Scotland, I found out that my job was going to be over by January 2017... at this time it looks like that is not true, but administration has not sent an official letter yet. At the same time found out a co worker of 15 years was killed in a hit and run... lots of horrible drama here for a spell. Still dancing, and walking... curbing the sugar monster that has been ruling my life for a few months.... It may take me some time to catch up on your posts... just wanted to let you know I am here.

So good to hear from you Kim! I am in the same boat as far as trying to keep the weight off and even lose the weight I've gained. It's hard. There is food everywhere and I have no willpower.

Please don't disappear. Even if you only have time to write a few lines, let us know how it's going. We're in this together. I can't handle the newbies worried about stalls or gaining 5 lbs.

now where is Sheryl?

So good to hear from you Kim! I am in the same boat as far as trying to keep the weight off and even lose the weight I've gained. It's hard. There is food everywhere and I have no willpower.

Please don't disappear. Even if you only have time to write a few lines, let us know how it's going. We're in this together. I can't handle the newbies worried about stalls or gaining 5 lbs.

now where is Sheryl?

Thanks, sorry I was gone for so long. Has Sheryl been out for a while?

It has been warm, so I ahve been grilling lately, but cant wait to try the instant pot! Thanks for the tips...

I am pissed at the latest slam on vets. Getting sick of this.

???

Personally I'm on my knees and I need you guys. I don't have anyone in the UK

Sorry I wasn't here for you Cathy, Ill try to be better about that! On June 26th I was in Scotland! We drove all over, Stayed in Mull, and Louis and Harris... wild and wonderful. Also went many other places, stayed in castles, visited standing stones and wishing wells... Neolithic sites and saw lots of art too. We would stop for tea everyday... In farmhouses, castles and small towns... it was lovely, and fattening!I I have to say, you live in a lovely part of the world... Did not get too close to Wales.. perhaps some day. Also spent some time learning how to drink Scotch! We had a blast, Thank goodness I did a good bit of walking as well....

Thought of you and Coop while I was there...

@@feedyoureye Kim, Wow that is alot of drama and stress. The whole maintenance thing is such a battle. I started my sleeve story at 308, maintained under my goal of 158 for a long time, even got down under 140 at one point. I am now about 173 -175 and holding steady for several months (at least I stopped gaining!). I still like my looks but my arthritis is really a problem and I know I would be better 20-25# lighter but I can't seem to buckle down and make it happen.

@@UK Cathy How are you doing now? Would love to hear an update!

@@Oregondaisy Denise are you still seeing Mike?

I am doing awesome in many many ways but I got some pretty bad news. You know I have a bum hip (right) and when I went in for my 4th injection, the ortho doc saw my CT scan I had done with the kidney stone. It was not intended to view arthritis but he told me I have severe arthritis in my right hip, moderate in my left, and severe to moderate in my lower back. The scan didn't show my upper back, but I feel like I have it there too. I have already been diagnosied with severe arthritis in both knees. Obesity has taken a real toll on me and I am angry at myself over it. I realize that isn't productive, but it is hard to let go of the regrets and grief sometimes.

Good news I am doing really well with my boyfriend. He has taught me to play golf, he is so loving to me. He has alot of flaws too - don't get me wrong - but I am enjoying having a lover and friend by my side.

Work is hellish. Layoffs mean I got more work. Grateful for a good job, but pretty tired.

I'm so happy for you that you have met a nice man to spend time with. Is it the same guy you were with a couple months ago? I have Arthritis too, creeping in here and there.... Not as bad as you... I think at least part of it is the weight ... but don't kick yourself about it.... skinny people get it too!

Sept 1 will be 6 months since I met Michael. He has been teaching me to golf (driving range) and he was so proud of how well I did my first time on the course. I am a beginner for sure, but I was alot better than others I saw - thanks to his coaching!

We have an awesome love life, I know all of his friends, he knows mine... its feeling like a for reals relationship.

My joint pain is really a problem though. I keep trying to just muscle through it, but it makes me feel sad. It makes me fear becoming disabled, of feeling like I did when I was obese.

And the issue on these forums - don't worry about it. It is just the constant theme that vets are "the problem". If you don;t read or post much you won't even notice it, but I am just kind of done with wasting time on it.

I'm having a lot of trouble with arthritis too. I have it really bad in my food and my cortisone shot is just now starting to wear off. It lasted months. I almost forgot how painful it is.

Taking PPIs is really bad for the bones but my acid reflux would not be tolerable without them. I am going to try taking zantac an acid reducer instead of an acid blocker and see how bad my acid is because those don't hurt the bones the way PPIs do.

I know the problems in my back are caused by arthritis and my fingers look terrible. There are big bumps on all my knuckles.

Mike and I are getting along great!