I WISH YOU JOYFUL LIVING

Friends, I am lost in thought today; remembering my first Thanksgiving 8 months after surgery, must have still weighed around 250 or so. I remember trying the smallest bite of pumpkin pie and 5 minutes later I was walking in circles in my family room trying to stave off the Big Dump - to no avail. Boy, was I sick. Tomorrow I will be able to eat the whole pie without being sick and without feeling the least bit uncomfortable--but I won't do that. My pouch is no longer my tool; my tool is my brain and my heart - my brain to continue to commit on a daily basis to healthy living by watching what I eat and working out; my heart to constantly remind myself that I'm worth the effort and the struggle. I hope you will think and feel likewise, today, tomorrow, and for as long as possible. I am very, very thankful for this board. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. My love to you, Maureen

Reenie, In the beginning, the surgery takes care of about 99% of the weight loss. At this point, I think it takes care of about 10% at best. Thanksgiving with my family is a hoot. My father fixes a large traditional meal except that we never know what kind of turkey we'll get. It can be anything from deep fried to Chinese. I take a couple dozen of the tamales that I make every year. All the while Dad's cooking, he grouses about how his ancestors should have pushed the pilgrams off Plymouth rock. Then he gives us all a history lesson about the way it really was. (He once gave a talk about Thanksgiving at my nephew's school and the principal asked that he never come back because he terrified the children with his stories of blood and gore.) He refuses to watch any game with the Washington Redskins because they won't change their name. My son's girlfriend is Navajo and her family is very tradional, living 2 hours away from civilization on the reservation. Even she is amused at my father's annual tyrade. In the background, my mother and step-mother get drunk while my brother, brother-in-law and son tackle each other in front of the TV. We're usually joined by my brother-in-laws ex-wife and the couple that were the best man and maid of honor at my parent's wedding 47 years ago. How my step-mother puts up with all this, I'll never know. That's probably why she's usually drunk by dinner. At least she's a happy drunk. After 30 years of being married to my father, she's used to it. I hope you have a wondrous Thanksgiving and enjoy your family. It's got to be a calmer day than what I'm about to step into. Love ya, Connie

Thanks & right back at you girl!! I had a wonderful day with Ex's(soon not to be Ex)family & my dogs. Yes, food was there, but was very good & did not endulge too heavily on the high-carb/sugar stuff. stuck to the veggies & turkey of course. Took a SF jello pie that was wonderful so I stayed out of the pumpkin pie. I sure would not have done that before. Take care & Happy rest of the weekend to you. I have to deal with maniac shoppers today at Wally World!! See ya Marilyn, the Bearlady