Happy Hump Day!!!

First of all, thanks to all of you for the bday wishes!!  Yes, yesterday was the second anniversary of my 39th bday!!  Actually, I don't look 41, and when I'm not battling the gyn demons, I don't FEEL 41.  In fact, yesterday, my brother, who's 6 years younger than me, said, "Tia, we look like our ages should be reversed!"  Ok, I'll take it!!  LOL!! I had a nice day - work was amazingly kind, and trust me, I haven't worked with decent people in so long I'd almost forgotten what it was like.  They brought in authentic Jewish bagels, cream cheese, tofu cream cheese (you couldn't tell the difference, but I was surprised at how little protein there was), Krispy Kreme Donuts (OMG!!!), and bday party ware!!  It was SUCH a sweet gesture.  Then I went to lunch at Firs****ch Cafe with my best work friend, and out to dinner with my brother and KB.  See?  Our celebrations STILL revolve around food even post-op, but I guarantee you that I made MUCH better choices that I would have pre-op!!! So what's on tap for everyone today?  My brother's having new furniture delivered, so tonight, we're going to look at curtains (again - hopefully, this time, he'll remember to measure the window BEFORE!), and lamps.  There are some FUGLY lamps out there.  My brother's not frou-frou, and I'm trying to steer him toward somewhat of a nautical theme.  We'll see. I've also decide to begin alternating my usual breakfast of Greek yogurt, strawberries and Grape Nuts with a protein shake.  The RTD kind, no gritty mix-ups for me - the foam makes me gag!!!  I need to get back on track so I can get the rest of this weight off.  If you're one of the lucky ones still in your honeymoon phase - trust me - maximize this time, because it gets harder to lose and easier to gain.  Take it from me!!  No really, please take it from me!!!! Okay everyone, have a great day!!!!  Enjoy the beautiful weather!!! Tia

Tia I am still sick as a dog.  Happy Birthday girl!  Hugs Kristen

Jeez, hurry up and get better, wouldja?  You need to plan our next get-together!!! Keep drinking and taking your meds like a good girl!!! Tia

Tia, sounds like you had a great one, and that's nice to hear. You are just about 6 months older than me. Looking at your picture, I thought you were several years younger. It was about at our age that my dad and his older (by 5 years) sister switched places too.  Interesting that tofu cream cheese isn't higher in protein. You make a good point, in that celebrations do still involve food, whether we like it or not. You can celebrate without compromising your progress. Why should your co-workers go without, because you choose not to have it? I hope that nobody feels they cannot indulge in their favorite foods around me. I chose this way of eating, they did not. I have tried many RTD shakes. The only one I remotely like is Atkins. They have the least aftertaste for me. Have you tried any of the bars? I talked to Sloan about them last time I met with her (I miss her already). She said that as long as they aren't that high in sugar alcohol and are low in carbs, they are OK. She said Atkins were fine. Not saying they are for everyone, but putting ideas out there to switch it up.  I like the Atkins caramel bars. They are chocolate and caramel, and high in protein, but low in carbs with less sugar alcohol. Do you have certain shakes that you've tried and don't mind?

Hi Kath - Thanks for the compliment!!  I think I have Mom to thank for the fact that I don't look my age.  She's 64 and has NO wrinkles!!!  It's incredible!!  My poor brother is a letter carrier, so his skin is really subjected to the elements, and he's losing his hair pretty quickly.  I tried to tell him that bald men are sexy (at least to me), and that he shouldn't worry about it.  But it's like someone telling me that men like heavy women and I shouldn't worry about my weight!!!!! Oh, yeah, ALL of our family celebrations involve food, but I will say that everyone, even my closest friends, make sure that there's something wls friendly for me.  Most of the time though, I try to make something that I can eat and that everyone else will enjoy, too.  Never had any complaints yet!!! I used to do the Atkins shakes pre-op, but post-op, they're too thick for me.  Right now, I'm drinking an iced coffee with the EAS Advant Edge Carb Control Shake in French Vanilla as my creamer.  They are the ONLY ones I can tolerate - if it's got a texture, grit, aftertaste or foam - no way!!!  It has 17 g of protein, 0 sugars, 1 net carb and 110 calories.  A good deal for me. I don't do too  many protein bars anymore, but I do like the Pure Protein bars.  Pretty good nutritional counts in those, too.   Hope you have a great day!! Tia