hi all: about a month ago a posted a question, hoping to find out what endorphins feel like. i may be , but i think i've found mine. and i thought i'd share what they feel like since i had no idea a month ago and figure maybe someone else might like to hear what i've found. first of all the little critters are elusive. it takes me almost ten minutes before i feel anything - that's why i guess i couldn't before - i wasn't able to stay on track that long ( to my surgeon) secondly i put a wind chime and a small tv in front of my treadmill. the tv distracts me and keeps me from getting bored. the wind chime reminds me to BREATHE. the deep breathing seems to help release the elusive endorphin. thirdly, i don't sweat buckets - like i used to. now, i get a 'sheen' of perspiration along with goosebumps. then i feel the rush or inner sense of well being that i've always heard described but never felt. it makes me feel that i want the workout TO CONTINUE. it lets me LOOK FORWARD to it enough that i don't dread getting back on the treadmill (as much). thus far, it's not all that. but it is enough for me to go back and keep trying, and for that i am truly grateful. so now i'm asking the board - am i right? are these the elusive endorphins? do they get better and better as you keep exercising (please say yes) thanks for any and all input. HAPPY NEW YEAR dorthe

Hi Tami, Let me see - Protien - 60 to 70 grams daily Water - 64 oz. daily Calories - 900 - 1200 daily Exercise - everyday - change it up - maybe walk, do aerobic activity, add moderate weight training. Exercise is key for me, I find if I walk everyday I loose much more weight. Keeping up with the protien and water works for me too. I hope this helps - take care and God bless. deb k Happy New Year!

Thanks everyone for your input. I am 5'6". I really am very happy with all I have lost. I am just sooo close now that it gets frusterating. I shouldnt weigh my self everyday but I do. I never want to ever be back at 286 pounds. It is my way to keep myself in check. I dont get upset by the scale however. It doesnt get me down at all. It is one of my tools you could say! Hope everyone has a great New Year! This past one was wonderful!-Kathleen

Hey Everyone: Can you believe our 1 year anniversary is coming?!?!? YEAH for us!!! Can anyone give me an idea on how much protien, carbs or calories etc. we are suppose to have a day now. I've stopped loosing and i'm trying to get myself back on track. I WANT to get to my goal in 2006!!!! Would appreciate any info. ya'll can share. Tami 268/180/125

Stacy, I hope your surgeon figures out whats hurting you...I haven't had problems with ulcers but one of my friends was having pains, especially after eating...her surgeon did an endoscopy (sp?) and lo and behold she as a tiny ulcer. They put her on carafate (sp?), it's costly but she said it has helped tremendous. As for the amount of food you are eating....now remember we are all different, not all of our pouches were made the same size initially so they still vary in size. My pouch was extra small, I could only eat 1/2 oz out of surgery. This is a typical day of food for me. Breakfast - 4 oz cottage cheese w/scoup of protein powder or 1/2 small banana Lunch - 3 oz meat, couple bites of vegetables Snake - 1/2 Power Crunch bar Dinner - small chicken leg, 3-4 brussel sprouts I have definitely noticed in the past couple of months I can eat more...I've caught myself grazing so I've upped my water intake to ward off the grazing and hunger pains I know feel. Sure wi**** was as easy to be satisifed as it was the first 6 months. You've done well, don't stress over the eating...focus on dense protein first, it will keep you full and satisifed longer. Dana