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I come from a large, second generation Italian family from New york. Whenever I go visit, it's all about food. We're all always around the table eating and having a good time together. That's going to be difficult to modify.

I've had luck using my own reward/reduction program. If I eat a low fat, low cal breakfast, then follow that with a lunch that is similar I can allow myself a treat with dinner. It could be a Cannoli or a small piece of pie. Last night we had cooked crab and I allowed my self a small portion of melted butter with some hot red peppers in it. When the ice cream was served later I passed on that and instead had a cup of decaf tea with a few plums. Sort of like checks and balances. Also, getting out and doing vigorous exercise a few days a week helps up your allotment for rich food... just don't overdo it!

hopefully you dont visit too often, cutnstuf! seriously, you will find a way that works for you. my family is similar (scandinavian) and its all about portion control when visiting them. tell them you have to control your food intake or next time you will be visiting them in a box! (pardon my morbid humor-you get that way after having several heart procedures).

Haha! Your humor is no more morbid than mine!

It's been a while since I last posted. For those who remember me, I did my PhD in sleep research investigating factors that may contribute to sleep apnea, particularly in obese males. After a couple of years of postdoc studies, the decision was made to move out of full-time research. Lack of funding and job security heavily contributed to my decision to explore other options.

Following the diagnosis of a heart condition in our daughter at 2 weeks of age, I decided that I wanted to get into the cardiology field. I eventually ended up getting a cardiac technician job. My primary roles include assisting with angiogram and angioplasty procedures and conducting echo scans. I'm loving the change and it feels great knowing I am part of a team that saves lives.

Cutnstuf wrote:Cutnstuf is back. So, it turns out I had 2 blocked arteries, the 1 they worked on was 100% blocked, the other is about 70% blocked. They had to put in 2 stents due to the extent of the blockage. We're going to do the other one in a month or so down the road. I was discharged this morning around 10:00 and I gotta tell you, I haven't felt this good in a long time. Next step is to enter into cardiac rehab and diet management. Going to be a real learning experience.

Great stuff to know that your are on the mend. Did the cardiologist tell you which arteries were blocked? I'm surprised a 100% blockage didn't cause a heart attack but I guess it depends on where the blockage was. Lucky man. Have you had a followup echo to determine the function of your heart?

He probably told me the name of the particular vessell, but I wouldn't remember, He did say though that it was located on the bottom right side of my heart. Follow-ups are next week. One with the cardio doc, one with the cardio nurse, one with my pcp, one with cardio rehab, and I even have a dental appt mixed in there somewhere.