I was tickled pink to see an entire area devoted to TFN, but then dissapointed to pop in and see that there were no recent postings. Is anybody out there reading??

I used to tease my hubby about his Food Network addiction, because he tends to put it on as background noise (his excuse) while working at home or doing other things around the house. I would get so frustrated with his having the tv on 24/7 when sometimes you just want to hear the gurgle of the fish tank, or the sound of your own migrant throught passing through your head.. but it's a conversation I never win at..

Anyhow, while in hospital for several months last year, I found a strange comfort in the TFN, and since I was in hospital 5 hours from home and my family had to be here for work and school, I would put it on and though ti sounds strange, it was like inviting "old friends" into my home. All the familiar voices made me feel a little closer to home -- is that weird? Maybe..

Ah well it made me feel better at the time. I began looking for new ideas to cook the same old same old, plus I was on the lookout for preparation methods for food that I would be able to eat after the surgery. Boy was I ever happy to realize that we were already eating the right things, I would just be eating less of them after the surgery. I didn't have any big lists of things I would never be able to have anymore..

We'd done an overhaul little by little over about 5 years.. I don't think we really conciously thought about it, but it started out with little things. Found that buying chicken breast in a box at costco was not only convenient, but better for us, started making bacon in the oven instead of frying it, --- some things were little but some slightly larger.. every little bit makes a difference.

Now my reasons for the WLS had little to do with food consumption. I had severe lymphedema after having ovarian cancer years ago. The fluid buildup was so bad that I'd gained 120 pounds in 5 years, in another 5 the doctor said I'd be dead -- no question. We monitored everything I ate for 8 months, and wrote it down. The dietician came every week.. I remember how she marvelled that I'd written down we had frozen yogurt, or the day I'd had a glass of pop.. she said most aren't so honest, but I told her I wanted her help, and how could she help if I lied to her..

Anyhow, the doctor felt that the WLS was my only option. My experience was not the norm by any means.. but I've never done anything half way, or the easy way so why start now right? LOL As of Dec 10th, I've lost 268 pounds, and I'm always amazed when I look in the mirror at the face staring back at me.. she looks nothing like the ME I used to see.. It's really strange still, but they tell me that will pass..

Anyhow, as you can tell I'm a chatterbox, so please forgive me for rambling.. I look forward to getting to know you all..