Well, I'm just shy of the 3 week mark. I've lost 18 lbs. Wow. I never would have been able to imagine such weight loss! I will be leaving the clothes I wore here at my mother's house to be sold at the next garage sale. They have gotten sloppy big. That's o.k. It's a great excuse for getting a few new things. Not a lot, because at this rate, I'll be outshrinking even the next size by the time I go to work!

I have experienced the worst pain since my gall bladder attacks! I'm not sure if it was the dumping thing, or if something got stuck. All I know is that I was eating grilled tilapia with orange/teryaki glaze, glazed carrots and baked potato with butter and sour cream. I had measured out my fish, eaten 2 carrots and 3 small bites of potato. I had eaten only a few bites of the fish when I got hit with the pain just under my breastbone. It brought tears to my eyes and I had to leave the restaurant. I could feel my pouch contracting, probably trying to make me throw up. I didn't, but I would have if it would have helped! It lasted about 15 minutes. I'm very grateful for Cathy and John. I got hold of them and they told me what was happening. I am still sore from the ordeal yet today--my pouch is very tender. I don't know if it was the sugar in the glaze or if I didn't chew something well enough. I am being extra careful today.

I am really grateful also that this happened. It is a grim reminder that I need to be careful with what I eat and to chew my food better. I've done some cheating lately, and I pay for it. Fried foods are a definite no-no! Pizza was pretty bad. Lasagna wasn't good, but it wasn't as bad as the ordeal last night. Beans work really well, especially refried beans and cheese. Mashed potatoes are yummy, but there's no protein and next to water, that is the most important. I've been really good about getting at least 64 oz. of water every day. They say that helps the liver process food and get rid of fat. I'm all for anything that will help things along!

I will be home on Wednesday. I'll post pics then. We'll see how I do when I'm at home and don't have so many people helping me along...