I just had Gastric Bypass Surgery on April 17, 2012. I was 540 pounds before the surgery & currently I'm loosing about a pound a day! Feeling much better already! I'm now focusing on a High Protein/Sugar Free diet. Mexican (read as almost anything spicy)! I still make killer breakfasts for my family! I an avid crock pot cooker (I own two)! With our big family I've become a master at whipping out fast, nutritious, & delicious meals, CHEAP! I grew on a big farm. We raised prime beef so growing up I got spoiled eating beef fixed in many different ways & I'm not just talking hamburger! My father passed away when I was in the fifth grade which meant my Mom had to go to work. I had two choices, either learn how to cook or starve! Not hard to figure out which one I chose! I started entering cooking competitions when I was around 14. Immediately (with my Mom's coaching) I started winning ribbons! I have never made a batch of fudge that wasn't runny! The last batch I made wouldn't even in the freezer overnight! I also had my first real kitchen (grease)fire back in January of 2012. I put the fire out OK but inhaled too much fire extinguisher & got a free ride to the hospital in an ambulance! OOPS! Note to self: next time turn the stove OFF before dealing with the kids! :-)~