scrapjewel

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.

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

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

Hi I notice we share a friend hear and read that your 5 weeks out. I am 6 weeks today(June3) was my surgery date. How are you doing? I've had trouble with foods and not knowing how much to measure out at a time I'm wondering if I'm eating too much. Everything seems to come up..Food wise. Being here in NC all the great produce is screaming my name..I want salad and watermelon. I'm scared to try it. anyways..I know your like who is this chic rambling on..hehe I look forward to chat'n with ya!! Hope your having a good day!Candace

I take the Effexor in capsule form. Neither my surgeon nor my psychiatrist thought it would be a problem. Now I am wondering, because I'm reading about other people not being able to take it that way. But it seems like it's working for me. I think I could tell if I wasn't getting enough of it. I've tried to go off it a couple of times, and had problems from it. Once I went off it suddenly, and I had terrible writhdrawal symptoms. Another time I was having problems with my blood pressure being too high, which my doctor thought was a side effect of the Effexor, but when we tried to switch me to another medication the depression got immediately worse and I had to go back on the Effexor again. So I think I would be able to tell if I wasn't absorbing it right. And in fact, if they would have told me I couldn't take the Effexor after the surgery, I might have reconsidered having the surgery. Effexor has literally saved my life.

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

CONGRATULATIONS Jewel!!!! I like to hear the date of June approval. That makes me know that my month that I am wishing for surgery is very near. I will be done with my 6 month diet in August so I am hoping to have surgery then!!!!