Introduction and question

[Guest guest]

Hi, I have been lurking for many months but have not made time to read the

digests until lately. I had my surgery in June of 1998. I lost 100 pounds

within a few months, then stopped and stayed very stable without much effort. I

have not had a minute's regret in all those years, even though I stopped losing

before I got where I wanted.

Then about 2 years ago I found about 10 pounds. It made me mad but that's all

it was, so I did not freak out.

But lately I have quite suddenly put on probably 20 more pounds (I haven't

weighed, but my clothes don't fit!)

I don't think my habits changed drastically but I gradually slipped in a lot

of sugar and junk. I let myself do that because (I told myself) after all this

time I still cannot eat animal protein without great difficulty. (And I

would rather be a vegetarian anyway.)

I think I know what to do, but I'd be happy for friendly input.

I'm going back to avoiding anything that contains flour or sugar. As a

practical matter that means I eat a lot of broth-y soups! I can handle that

fairly

easily without too much hunger.

And I need to get back on the exercise wagon. It has to wait until after a

business trip next week, but I do still have a gym membership and when I go

regularly I enjoy it.

Does anyone have any suggestions for vegetarian, or nearly so, ways to get a

lot of protein?

As far as quantities go, I still think I have limited capacity, so I am

hopeful I can get back on the right track and haven't completely blown it. I

don't

drink, so those empty calories aren't happening. It's the easy calories that I

grabbed while under stress because I didn't think I had time to pay more

attention.

Anyway, that's me. As far as life stressors, I have 2 teenagers and a 10 year

old (who has a severe chronic illness and is very high-maintenance.) I have a

nice husband who works very long hours. I work from my home on my own choice

of hours. I maintain a regular creative outlet ( " me " time!) but we've let the

spiritual slide because of our son's illness. Overall, though the kids are

not growing up fast enough to suit me, life is pretty good. I do have a

history of depression and take Wellbutrin.

If you have any friendly suggestions, I'd be happy to see them.

, age 49 3/4

Open RNY June, 1998

320/lost to 305 before surgery, 200ish now more.