I have tried nuts as well. The only bad thing for me is that they have so many calories. I do still try to fit them into my diet whenever possible. Sharon

...oopps I am having lapband..wrong board. But all advice is welcome Thanks again

Thanks Sharon, As a matter of fact thanks to everyone who has replied so far to my post,you are right , I think I do need to look at how I started, and what I ate etc.I feel like I am so far off track right now and my life is so busy it seems so hard sometimes to take the time to do this. I'm like you were sharon just eating whatever I want whenever I want,I know I need to regain some control, I just need to figure out how. All of yor support right now means the world to me and I think will help me...so please keep sending me all your advice!!! You guys are great God Bless! Stephanie

Hello Stephanie, I recently stopped tracking my caloric intake. I was eating whatever I felt like (old habits... they creep back when you are not looking!!). The past 8 days I have been tracking my exercise (limited mostly to 1 day of aerobics a week/3 weeks) and caloric intake at Fitday.com (a free online site). I have kept my calories to around 1000 per day for the last eight days. The first day practically took an Act of Congress to stay on track. I ended up going to bed at 6:45 p.m. because I couldn't stand it anymore. Oh... did I mention I was CRABBY that day??? Well... I was. The hardest part was getting through the first day. After that first day though it just got easier. I was really worried what would happen over the weekend. I was pleasantly surprised to know that I could get through even that. Well... after getting through the first week I was happy (AMAZED) to find that today (my weekly weigh in day) I had lost 7#. This totally STOKED me!! I still can't believe it. I haven't lost that much ALL year let alone in ONE week!! I guess what I want to say is before looking into have another surgery see what you are able to do without taking that drastic step. 23# is workable. You can do this.... And you might just pleasantly surprise youself... I know I did. I am providing a link to my fitday journal so you can check it out (or anyone else...). They way I have it figured is that I only have to restrict my calories until I have got to goal. Then I need to reorganize my calories so that I maintain my weight. http://www.fitday.com/WebFit/PublicJournals.html?Owner=sharon001 Good luck... and Best Regards Sharon Chute Open VBG 10.28.03 340/210/170 .......^.......

Congratulations on your surgery. Dr. Rupp is a very competent surgeon. You are in the best of hands. ~~ Sending you "healing rays" and MUCH good luck as you start your NEW life!! Best Regards, Sharon Chute Open VBG (10.28.03) Sugeon: Dr. Rupp Starting weight: 340 Current weight: 210 (initial goal 190... revised goal 170) -130# so far