A trip around the world with stops in all major cities. Than, a cruise around the world with stops in all major cities. THEN, road trips on all major contenients. Well, that should take up quite a few years. (Oh yeah, I want to stay & shop at all the stops on each trip.) Debbie 315/155/145 (hopefully) -109"

Great question, Nick. I don't think I overate because of stress before the surgery. My body seems to cope with stress with headaches. I was diagnosed with this problem probably 20 years ago and take daily prescribed medication to keep me from having these headaches. My doctor told me that the headaches are my body's way of dealing with stress. With that said, I did tend to eat when bored, and still want to do this to this day. My problem was (and still is sometimes) snacking. I would never eat big meals, but would snack all the time. I grew up with a snack cabinet in the house. My mother always had snacks handy (and she probably weighed 125 at her heaviest). I notice that both my brother and sister tend to snack also. For some strange reason, I don't want what I used to want before surgery. Chips and dip just don't taste as good anymore. I don't know if its psychological or if my tastes have actually changed. So, as you can probably see, this surgery was perfect for me. I get to eat 5 small meals a day. Right up my alley! Its great that you have become more assertive. You are probably more comfortable with yourself now. If you use this assertiveness in the correct way, it can be a very positive thing, especially at work. Wanda

I have never been on a cruise. I would love to have a long, long cruise to anywhere! I could use a long relaxing vacation to destress myself. Paula

Great question, Nick. I was and still am a stress/emotional eater. Would you mind sharing the names of resources that you have found helpful as I too need to work on this problem (as well as several other problem behaviors)? I simply cannot have snack type foods around the house. Even without "bad snacks" I can take a "good snack" and make a big problem of it. I have not had any candy, chips, ice cream, etc. since surgery. But, I became hooked on different foods throughout the last year. I can no longer buy power crunch bars in french vanilla because I was eating 3-5 bars a day. Now it is cereal, the Go Lean Crunch. I cannot limit myself and have eaten a box in 2 days. It is a daily struggle. My mom died 2 months ago and I have been greatly stressed since then. I do find that I am not out of control, just not making good food choices. Since I made goal 11 weeks ago, I have been able to actually lose 5 pounds. I never could have done that before. This site is so soothing to me -knowing others have similar problems, sharing, learning, and supporting. You are so right that we can only work through our problems and try to identify new coping methods. 11 weeks ago I was terrified that I couldn't maintain the 179 pound loss -I never had before. But, I am doing ok and pray that I not ever get back to square one. It takes a total conscious commitment meal by meal for me. I'm afraid I am still somewhat passive. It's great you have become more assertive. Hopefully, as I work on my head that I will be more assertive as well. I do notice though, I have become a strong self health care advocate. I insist on the special care that we need, ie. dexascan yearly, comprehensive labs including vitamins every 6 months or sooner if needed. My pcp isn't very knowledgeable on caring for wls patients (she has 3). I have learned so much researching that I educate her too. She's grown to appreciate it (I think!!!). So, Nick great question. It made me think, and I am ready to get started to work on my head!!! Sorry I rambled on so. Best wishes, Paula

EVERYWHERE! esp if money is not there to stop me. my friends did it the past two years and saw everywhere and I was/am so jealous. I want to experience the world!! sarah