I stole this from another board. I hope none of us try to use the excuses below to explain our lack of total success. I think our commitment to each other and the support we have received have kept most of us out of these traps. 1. Assume you are different, and what works for the successful people doesn't or won't work for you. 2. Make excuses. For everything. Tell everyone you know how your predicament isn't your fault. 3. Don't exercise. You are a busy person and don't have time. Besides, you hate it. 4. End every excuse-filled sentence with "I must be doing something right, I'm still losing weight." 5. Test the limits of your surgery. Overeat. Graze. 6. Eat sugar. You can get used to a little nausea. 7. Eat bread, rice, potatoes & pasta. You shouldn't have to deprive yourself of anything. 8. Fall for the packaging and advertising gimmicks. "All natural" means it's good for me, right? 9. Whine. Think and talk about all the things you have to give up. Dwell on them. 10. Take the cheapest vitamins you can find. Stop taking them after a year because you are tired of the routine. 11. Don't follow any advice or directions from your surgeon or anyone else. You know best. 12. Eat that holiday candy. It would be a shame for it to go to waste. 13. Don't use your pouch. Try diet pills instead. 14. Forget protein. It tastes bad. Bring on the sandwiches! 15. Don't educate yourself. Just follow your doctors blindly. 16. Drink soda. Preferably with meals. It's just too hard not to drink something for that half hour three times a day. 17. Smoke. You're an adult and you have that right. 18. Eat everything offered to you when visiting others. You wouldn't want to hurt their feelings. 19. Drink alcohol. Daily. You have earned the right to enjoy yourself. 20. Be content with losing 50% of your excess. Losing the other 50% is too much work, and you didn't do this to have to be on a diet for the rest of your life.

Barbara, Wow, a poster boy, I'm all a blush. I went to see my mom Christmas day. She is in a rehab hospital trying to build her strength back up, but now she has pneumonia. The good news is that her mental faculties are back in order. For awhile she was pretty far out there because of all of the medications she was on. Thanks for your support and encouragment, Have a great day, Rick

Hey there everyone...post surgery...I would have had no problem with my menu choice for New Years Eve...it has always been Chineese food...last year we did that and I got so sick from dumping my DH told me I was never allowed to eat it again...so here is my question...what are all of you doing for your New Years Eve menu...I will be having a few people over my house...I do not like going out rather be safe and sound and toasty warm with my friends and family...thanks for anyone who posts Jannine 357/157/TT

Well....are you "drop-dead gorgeous" or what?!!!! I don't know about posting the bottom half - if it is as good as the top half...which I am sure it will be...your husband is going to spend ALL his time ripping off pictures on military lockers!!!! You and MiMi and Danni are all "poster gals" for the military! Seriously...you look great! We are so proud of you! Also, so glad you are back posting with us - we have missed you! Barbara

Thanks Rick! You know as well as I do that some days are better than others, but all in all I am VERY happy with my results. And Now is when the real HARD part starts! Maintaining!!!!!!!!! Not so easy when old habits die hard or not at all. Amy I