Hi Everyone I am rather embarassed to post this message and ask not to be flamed. I am trying to get out of C-H-E-A-T-I-N-G! I have found or should I say that my pouch and I have discovered that WE can cheat and get away with it. It is very easy to acomplish this with BBQ's and summer parties. What I need to know is now that I have cheated and discovered that yes, I can eat sweets without dumping, and eat the cheese puffs and pretzels and develop a craving for ice cream. I know, I know, it sounds like I am a total failure! I really am not. I still watch what I eat, I maintain getting in my waters & proteins. I stay away from breads, pastas, fats but it is just recently since going to parties that my problem has developed. Now, how can I break the cravings for this crappy junk? Do I need to start all over again from the beginning? I just want to be able to break the craving cycle. I wish I would dump because then it would be easier than being a backyard BBQ junkie. I am sure that with these summer months we have all been there. Like I said above I do not need to be flamed because I know I was wrong and am so trying to kick what could become a habit. I need help before it is too late. I have lost 113 lbs and I am 2 pounds away from Dr.s goal. I have NOT gained back any weight and this is what I am trying to avoid. I want to get back to eating nothing but healthy. Thanks for your help! Marianne

Great pictures- no wonder your family stared at you all night- you don't look like the same person!!! Victoria

Em, I dont count calories but i have heard ppl say their docs recommend anywhere from 800-1200 calories a day depending on the individual and the doctor. I jus****ch my carb intake, try to avoid things high in fat and sugar, and make sure i get my protien. I havent lost anything in 2 months. I am at 148 and my original goal was 145 so i am almost there. I really want to get to 135 but it doesn't look like thats going to happen. I just figure my body is comfortable where it is at and decided i've lost enough, lol. Good luck getting to your goal.

k so i am starting to get the hang of postin pics... lol its only taken me 9 months... yes i am a slow learner... but i seem to be a fast loser... so what do ya all think??? just go to my web page ... you can either click on my web link or go to my profile and then go to my web page... then go to my WLS pics... and wa-la there i am ... i am ~143 lbs down from 348 lbs... which i think is just great ...lol so i am clockin in at 205 lbs now.... man this surgery is great... manda 09-09-04

Cindy, I will pray for you. Don't give up. This may be the time when you will get your son back.