repost from main board...Merry Christmas Oh Family!!!!

Merry Christmas Oh Family, I was just wanting to drop in, and wish everyone Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays! The 29th of Dec I will be 8 months out, and as of today i've lost 140lbs! Life is getting better for me daily, but I still deal with my demons which has slowed down progress for me in other areas of my life that doesn't include food. This week was my for lack of a better term, " unveiling" to the social world outside of my house in terms of parties. My hubby's job had two parties this week, and I was terrified of how people would percieve me. Most of the people I met knew of my surgery. I was SO relieved that no one made a mention of it I hate being the center of attention however the parties went just fine I handled myself well, and hubby was proud of me. It was difficult for me in the sense that I still see myself as 353lbs my weight previous to surgery, and i've lost 140lbs since then! Eating out in public is something i'm still weary of fearing I may eat the wrong thing or too much of something keeps me from enjoying food the way I wish I could. I can eat a wide variety of food, but on occasion I do run across something too rich, spicy, or sweet. I can eat sweets in small quantities, but sweets really aren't my thing. My weightloss has slowed down considerably after about the 4th month I slowed down to about 10lbs a month, and now it seems to have slowed to 8lbs or so a month. I'm so greatful for this surgery i'm only 14lbs away from my personal goal of 199 i'm pretty confident that i'll go beyond that, but if I can just get into wonderland i'll be thrilled! One of the effects of surgery for me personally is being cold. I don't believe i've read a post or if I did it's been too long to remember of anyone being cold to the bone after surgery. Prior to surgery I was hot natured it didn't matter the time of year I was always hotter than anyone else. So it's definately came as a surprize that after surgery, and having lost the amount of weight I have that my first winter postop i'm freezing to death! I'm not used to this, and my hubby and I battle constantly over the thermostat! I sleep with socks which i've never done, and two blankets. I'm also having hairloss that isn't pleasant it's actually quite annoying especially when cooking. I would swear i've lost about half of my hair's thickness thank God I had thick hair to begin with. It's not all sunshine and roses, but for myself personally this surgery has been a gift from God, and if given the chance I would do it again in a heartbeat! I will be posting new pics of me after the holidays and I hope that most of you will do so as well since it is such an inspiration to all who surf this site. I want to personally thank everyone who has encouraged me through my journey, and I hope that in some small way I can give that gift to someone else. The hope and promise that this surgery can and will change the live's of people who undergo this procedure. For the pre-ops reading this post keep the faith, and read study as much as you can prior to surgery for it will help you through your process. Know also that you've got friends here this site is wonderful in terms of peer support, and love. In closing I wish all of you peace, love, and happiness this holiday season, and in the new year 2006!!! love, kriss 353/213/199

Kriss, You have said it all so well. You will be to your personal goal before you know it. I have that same goal and I think many of us do. Here's to a new year for us all. I am so looking forward to it and all the Wow Moments to come. Keep your head up and be proud of what you have accomplished so far. Lift that hat Girl and let the beauty shine!!!!! See you lighter. Joanne

Kriss the family parties were the hardest for me.. I got hugs galore!! but then there were those who can't or wont consider surgery that shied away from me... Their loss... I am the same person just a few pounds lighter.. I also now sleep in socks and I even wear gloves sometimes because I have trouble keeping my hands inside the covers... The house isnt that cold... I am... Huddy has hot flashes from the medication he is on so he has to remain cooler... Ahhh what a pair we are.. Married 32 years last Thur. Linda Kay