Good for you, Pat! Sounds like you are doing remarkably well.

I didn't see this till now. I would of joined but to late now. Hope you all do good.

That's a bummer, Sandra. You can still join in for the month with the chitchat and inspiration. At the end of the month meanmom will post a link for June.

@Leann, I can't go on a road trip and do really well with eating, either. I tried one year for vacation. I was miserable and I think I gained about half a pound. I decided it wasn't worth it and I'd just be better before and after the trip. Plus, I get really grumpy if I'm on a road trip and can't nibble on what I want and people don't want to be around me! ;)

I have been ravenous for the last couple of days. It's teacher appreciation week and our wonderful PTA set up a fruit stand for us this year. I have a nice bag of wonderful fruits on my desk to snack on tomorrow when I get hungry.

Pat, glad to hear that it sounds like you're doing well. Hope every day is a little better. Did you receive my FQs? I'm sorry, again, for being so late this time.

Yes Cindy A I received your FQ. I saw the doctor today and he was thrilled with how well I am doing. He removed my staples and I am allowed to drive as along as I'm not taking any pain meds. My DD is home from Florida for a visit and we went to the mall just for a little bit. Then the Dr and then I went to a retirement party. Numerous teachers and my favorite principal are retiring. I saw a lot of old friends and stayed a lot longer than I intended. I was on my feet too long and now I am really tired. It is amazing how tired surgery can make you. I would love a nap but it is way too late in the day for that. My knee is tired but feels ok. Tomorrow I am planning on sewing for a while. If my leg hangs down too long it swells. I will see how it goes. As long as I was on my feet today et the swelling isn't bad.
Pat

I found that when I get late afternoon hunger pangs or just the munchies, I can drink a cup of black coffee or a cup of hot chicken broth and I am good to go till dinner. I was able to dodge the freshly baked brownies and the Panera baked goodies that some how showed up at the house. I also like to eat Mezzetta peperoncinis to meet some of my cravings. Anyone else have goodies that are low cal? My husband also buys me these tiny organic cherry tomatoes. I have them stand on the counter and munch on them when I feel like it.

Braggs Apple Cider vinegar anyone? Am I the only crazy person that got convinced to drink this stuff to help control hunger pangs, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels. I know it sounds like snake oil or a cure all. It sure tastes bad to me but I am trying it, 2 TBS and a cup of water, first thing in the morning so it doesn't get diluted by any food in my stomach. It is supposedly also a probiotic.

annaquilts, I only heard about drinking vinegar or diluted vinegar within the past year or so. I was a little confused about what I read regarding what the benefits are and what some people consider to be dangerous effects, especially if it's overdone. Let us know what you think of it and how you feel over time. Are you planning on drinking it every morning for weeks? Indefinitely? Good luck with it. I bet it does taste bad, but maybe you'll get used to it. :)

I'm giving myself this weekend off. I have two Mother's Day celebrations. I'll get back on track on Monday. The new yoga studio is about to open and I cannot wait! My back has slowly gotten worse since my regular place closed and I've not been good about stretching on my own. My favorite teacher is going to be teaching at the new studio, can't wait.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Cindy you are right. It tastes utterly disgusting. I did talk about it with my gastroenterologist and he suggested probiotic pills instead since the apple cider vinegar tastes so bad.

My kids informed me they have mother's day under control and they will be cooking and it will be within my calorie limits. So we will see. Tomorrow I have a tea with my two youngest daughters and grandma. It sounded like it will be more of a luncheon. I hope I will be "good" this weekend.

Happy Saturday everyone!

Pat, it sounds like you are making wonderful progress. I am watching you closely since my surgeries are a month away. Your success does a lot to erode the apprehensions I have.

Oh and btw Pat, I tried to mail my skinnies to you but for some reason, our post office is closed today. They will go out on Monday for sure. (THAT isn't a holiday, is it?)

Cindy, I hate those days when I am starving or when nothing I eat satisfies me. I think you will return next week with a new determination after taking a few days off.

Anna, in the past, I have drank a cup of hot chocolate to chase away those hungries, but coffee and broth are great suggestions. I love cherry tomatoes - another tool in our arsenal. I have also done apple cider vinegar, but mostly for the health benefits. Must not have been very effective in suppressing my appetite or I would have stayed with it. How sweet of your daughters to honor you and help you at the same time. A couple of years ago, my son bought me a 5# bag of peanut M&M's for Mothers day - I asked him to never do that again. By the time I was done with that bag (took me a couple of months), I didn't wanna look at another piece!

Sandra, definitely hang around with us this month! We wanna get to know you better. :)

Pat, is it warming up in your part of the world? Hopefully no bad storms.

We drove home from Denver on Thursday - 15 hour drive. For some reason, riding in a car cripples me. I gingerly get out of the car, then stand for several minutes as I wait for my knees to join the rest of my body. My confusion-why doesn't this happen when I've been in bed all night? Having my knees in a semi-bent or bent position for more than an hour has to be the culprit. We got caught in some of the nasty storms rolling across Texas. I took my son back to Austin yesterday and my husband said he has never seen a storm like the one that hit - 2.5" of rain fell in 45 minutes. And I missed that! I luv luv luv the rain.

A very happy Mother's Day to you all. May you be surrounded by those you love!