Stephanie, You are very right, this is a life long process. We just have taken steps to make it easier and more enjoyable. We have better health on our side and that makes everthing easier. I agree with out about being a list maker. It gives such great satisfaction to be able to cross something off from your list. I also know that the list will always have stuff left on it. I'm glad it does. If everthing gets crossed off, then what is left to live for? I have lots of lists and not all of them are on paper. I have adventures I have yet to take. I look forward to the challenges and unexpected happiness in the future. Have a great weekend, Rick

Barbara, Thank your for reminding us that we all have the power to DREAM. It is up to us to make our dreams come true. We have the power we have the knowledge, but mostly we have the tool(s) we need to make this happen. Have a great weekend, Rick

I used to lay in bed at night and dayDREAM about what my life would be like if I was thin. While I don't consider myself thin by any means, I am certainly thinner. So now I ask myself, "is my life anything like I dreamed it would be"? I remember thinking how much better my life would be if I just lost 100 pounds. Is it? Yes. I don't think it's better in the ways I imagined, but my life is certainly much fuller. I think now my life is about possibilities. Now, I CAN do anything I want. I can go anywhere without fear of restrictions due to my weight. I can apply for any job and know that my weight will not be a hindrance in the interviewing process. I can achieve any goal. Absolutely anything is possible. It's so wonderful that I can live a life that is not limited by my weight. I love it! Hugs, Stephanie

You know Rick - the other day I was talking to someone in my office about my 18 month surgeon's visit last week and I told her I still had about 40 pounds to lose, but I had lost 145 already. Her comment was...."I forgot you ever weighed that much - it just doesn't seem like you were an entire person bigger". I guess I take it as a compliment because I think she was one person who "loved" me like I was and saw the good in me and even though she saw the "fat" in me - she really didn't seem to judge me by that. But then again I could be wrong! I guess the upside to no more compliments on how good you look - is there are not snide comments..."Mommy, look at the fat lady"...or the looks of digust by strangers on the street. I have always been a pretty up beat person my entire life despite some of the adversities I have had to endure - with my parents, my retarded sister, a bad marriage - but then I have had so many good things to balance out the bad things - 5 beautiful children and step-children, 3 grandchildren, a wonderful 2nd husband and now this excellent health status and weight loss. I consider myself very lucky. So my hope for those you do suffer from depression - please get help and kick it early to make yourself happier. Thank you for being here for all of us....Barbara

Di - I am not sure about your question. On my pedometer I put in my current weight and height and it adjusts to that. Some pedometers you walk 10 steps and then measure how far it is and set it to that. Hopefully you have some instructions for your pedometer that will help you out. It seems like pedometers are all set different ways. Wish I could be more help. What type of pedometer do you have? I bought at first the one that Rebeka recommended and then at my surgeon's office last week they were selling the same kind as Rebeka's but it was made a little different and was friendlier to wear - more rounded. With that one I set the height and weight, but on the first one I measured my gait. Both were Omron pedometers. Good luck and again so glad you will be joining us! Barb