I can verify this too Ladybug, as I use to get the lumps as well as my doc said, "cut out the caffeine." I did NOT know that diet drinks can increase your appetite though and I am glad to hear it. Glad because this explains a lot of things to me! And...it strengthens my resolve to NOT drink them anymore, or to cut back to one or two a week. Maybe I will lose my taste for them LB...Let's hope so.

Vicki, I've gone back over the threads to see if I've missed any important tips that I could incorporate into this new lifestyle of mine and the "mini" goals you mentioned really appeals to me. I'm giving that a whirl.

I sincerely thank you all. And I've already had emails from people outside of this forum saying they too were going to try some of these tips so see? You're helping more than just me. You are simply the best!

JJ