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

Rae, I am going to start this next week. I am also joining a jazzercise class.I will be having hernia repair surgery and a T/T in May. I have lost 112 lbs so far but really want to lose another 50 lbs by then. I am having this done in May because my Dr. is taking a new job in June and I really want him to do my surgery. Thanks for all your support. I will keep you posted how I do. Good luck on your T/T. See you lighter. Joanne

Lynda, This is really funny. I went to WalMart and got my picture taken to give to my Husband for Christmas. I weighed 263 lbs when we got married 33 years ago. I started this journey at 345lbs. I have lost 111lbs and weigh less now then I did at age 12. I also found out yesterday that in May I will be having surgery to repair a hernia and a T/T. Life is so good. See all lighter. Joanne

CONGRATS. Your doing great. I too understand what that feeling is like. I have caught myself checking me out in windows and mirrors, and that was something I would NEVER have done before. Its a great experience. I am down 142lbs so far, and still have about 65 or so more to go to get to goal, but feeling wonderful. I too broke down and got family portraits taken for christmas. I was surprized like you because I too avoided cameras like it was the plague. Keep up the great work, and enjoy the new you. Anita B 420/278/200 someday hopefully

Printed off the diet and posting to my fridge.. I was thinking that the only way to bust this was to go back to the very beginning... a very good place to start!! Thanks... and the reason I didnt post earlier is I usually just stick to Indiana Board because I am sooo busy delivering baskets and having meetings with new friends... I am down 85 pounds and from a 28 to a 16 but am sure i could have done better.. Linda