When I was moved to stage 4, whole grain carbs were on my list. I eat toast, crackers, anything whole grained. I just has to be in moderation. I am fine without bread also, but I too need grains. What does your NUT say? And if it is on your list, then you shouldn't worry about having it.

Annie, I am going to try a full fledged salad tomorrow. Today I rolled up spinach leaves inside turkey and cheese and it was good. I have been having a strawberry or two. Trying to get my kids to the gym with me. I want to start light weights since I walk with the dogs.
Question, do you do any carbs like crackers? I have kashi crackers that are lo fat and hi fiber. I can't seem to break that habit. I am alright without bread, but need like 4 crackers sometimes. Some people freak about it but it is on my list of things to start eating in small amounts, the whole wheat pasta and toast, etc.
What do you think?
Julia

My fave thing so far is salad. I like it with carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers and lettuce. I use Newmans Light red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing. It is VERY yummy. I tried oranges, but that didn't work. I do well with blueberries and watermelon and strawberries (if my kids don't eat them all first). I am much happier now that I have so many choices. Just chew slowly and only take small bites until you know how you will react.
Every person loses weight differently, and if you are going slow, then you will have less sagging skin than the rest of us. LOL
I start back to school on Aug 27. My oldest goes back on Aug. 31. My little guy is going into 1st grade and he starts Sept. 2
I have been feeling better than ever. I just wish that I could get the exercise thing down. I am not even back to work and I cannot get a grip on it. I just don't have motivation as of right now. UGG
Good to hear from you.
Take care of that puppy!!! (he'll keep you running LOL)
Annie

Hi Annie, I am feeling fine, just slow going on the weight loss. Just had my first taste of beef other than ground meat. I slow cooked lean stew meat and had that, it went down well. Can't wait to start on fresh veggies and fruit this week.
Like I said, progress is very slow, the NUT said it is okay for me because I lost like 30 pounds before the surgery. But I haven't even gotten to 20 pounds yet, seems like all are leaving me in the dust. But so so so thankful I do not have any complications so far.
We just got a new puppy so I have been running around after him a lot. I am also back at work so I am having a hard time timing my meals and drinking.
What are you able to eat so far? I am almost afraid to try fresh fruit and vegies. Of course the only ones I want are what we can't have corn, broccoli and zucchini.
Thanks for the note. I hope you are doing well. When do you start school this year? my kids start before labor day this year.
Julia

Hey Julia:
How is it going. I haven't heard from you in a while. Are you feeling better? How has your progress been. Would love to hear from you.
Annie

Annie, glad to hear you are doing so well now. I am really in the dumps. I have only lost 15 pounds from surgery and it really upsets me. I am 5 weeks out? I keep thinking I could have done this myself. Where is my 30 pound weight loss for the first month? I am going to call the nurse today. I feel like I am doing everything right but to no avail. Sorry to whine, not attractive I know, but it is distressing. Glad you are on full foods. I am still in soft regular foods, can't wait to have a salad of all things! anyway, I think I should stop reading this message board as it just bums me out, I am happy for all of those but feeling sorry for me.
Thanks for listening. Julia

Annie, I am sorry you are not feeling like eating. I am doing okay. I am able to tolerate the protein powders okay. Don't love them but they don't make me sick. I really try not to read the negative stuff too because it makes me worry which to me is the worst part of the process. I will definitely try to give you a call in the next day or two. maybe after my appt. on Thursday, I have questions for the surgeon.

I'm sorry. Maybe I just looked at it quick and didn't answer it because I didn't know the number. I will enter it into my phone, then if you call again I will know it is you. I wasn't posting becuase I wasn't feeling great about the whole thing, and I didn't want to be negative. I am having a big problem getting in my protein. I can still barely eat and have no appetite. There have been a couple of days when I forget to eat. I know that is bad. I can't handle the protein shakes, they give me nausea just smelling them. So, I ordered some protein water from GNC. I'll let you know how it tastes. In 8 oz, there is 15 protein, so that should help.
My family all want to walk with me, and my 6 yr old son doesn't want to leave his bike or friends, so then I don't get to walk. We have to figure something else out.
Let me know how you appointment goes, I am sure that you lost.
Annie

Hey Annie, how are you? I tried calling the other day but it did not go through. I go back to the surgeon on Thursday, I am at 3 weeks 1 day right now. I feel like I haven't lost anything since surgery. my scale at home has not moved in a week. I have been getting protein in and my liquids. I am still on the darn pureed diet for one more week. Getting so tired of that.
I haven't seen you post in awhile hope all is well.
I have been making my son go with me on short 15 - 20 minute walks. He has to hold my dog because she is too big and dr says not to hold her leash yet. So he has begrudgingly been going. Guilt works. I find that most of my struggles are my worrying about complications. It seems to have hit me hard all of a sudden and I don't even have any.
Well, just wanted to catch up, we are pretty close time wise on the surgery.
Julia