Hello I'm Dee, surgery was 3/1/2010. I am now living in maintenance. Before I go into what I know make me a success, I like to say that I am fortunate enough to have at my disposal a nutritionist, Dietitian, Physiatrist, psychologist and a Life coach. Without these 5 incredible people I wouldn't have been able to succeed. They've given me bravado, knowledge, the ability to understand and come to terms with my former self, among a million other pieces of advice to become successful today, etc..

The knowledge I've obtain through them and on my own is the most coveted and valuable thing I have. so, thank you to them for putting up with me, and making me see the errs of my former self, and what I know, and who I am now, and guiding me into genuine good health and good eating habits.

So a lot of the words I say here will probably be more their words more than mine. But its the gift they gave me, that I'd like to share that with others. I know a lot of people don't have these 5 people in place, so if I can give you or their words of wisdom, I will be more than happy to share.

OK Life before 'Maintenance'..wow where to start..first day home. Scary, as much research and people at my disposal, still scary. I couldn't keep ANYTHING down, dumped the first week I was home. If broth actually made it to my stomach, I was ok, normally it didn't, so I'd just wet my lips with it. That was week one, called my surgeon at least 50 times that week. Just for reassurance. I should have been calling my Psychologist!! lol..there's no handbook for fear & insecurities. My Dietitian was probably a very happy person before she met me, I'm sure of it. But she soon started with the NO NONSENSE attitude. I was instructed to adhere to my prescribed "Phase" foods, I had no special needs in that category, so basically shut up and do it. I did..lol..with good results. so I stuck to all my 'Phases" with a good outcome. I bucked and bit at every turn. The final nail in my (old life) coffin was, after the phases were over and it was time to go back to real food, which is where my life (at first) became a nightmare. MAINTENANCE..my dirty word. Oh let me say this before I end this novel..from day one I have had trouble with food upsetting my pouch. I cant just eat anything I want. My pouch is fussy and cranky till this day. Thank you for listening

Good morning Dee! Do you maintain a food log?