Penny, I SO feel you...I am in exactly the same zone, 249 starting weight, 124 today...2 kids, busy lifestyle...I too find myself slipping into old bad habits - grazing when I'm not hungry (sf & dark chocolate are my biggest downfalls), not making the best choices of the menu when we go out to restaurants (always have salad but add in the potato skins w/sour cream or hot wings or jalapeno poppers or you get the idea)...I'm also maintaining, which is good, right?...and I do get my exercise (water aerobics w/ weights 3 times a week)...BUT, I too am worried, it is way to easy to be slipping back, keep telling myself to stop but then fall off the wagon again...I guess for me, I weigh everyday, its going to take seeing that scale creep to make me really stop...I know quite a few longterm posties and they tell me the slipping is common, because you get more comfortable with eating again... Just wanted you to know you are not alone in this boat...I'm keeping us both in my prayers...Its a daily struggle, I know I'm an addict...I will keep going to support group, over the last year I've seen a lot of people drop out of the group as they make their goal, but I think the support group helps me remember where I came from and what I need to do by talking to the newbies... Alesia

It's my one year anniversary today. I've went from 240 to 128 in one year. That was a size 18/20 to a size 4. I've also bought 2 pairs of pants in the little girls section that are size 16's and can wear my son's shorts that are size 10/12's. I am extremely proud of myself and all that I have accomplished, cause lord knows it a lot, and if it wasn't for the good lord, I wouldn't have been able to do it. My problem now is that I haven't been exercising. Well, not necessarily not doing it, but not like I should. I play ball once a week, and have 2 sons. One plays once a week, the other twice, so we've stayed pretty busy. In the midst of all this, it's hard to eat a decent meal every night, so we fall back into the routine of eating fast food all the time. Don't get me wrong, I don't over due it, it's just that I know that food is not good for me. I may eat one taco from taco bell, or half a mcchicken, and half order of fries from mcdonalds, or just a roast beef from arby's. My point is, I know that I can eat anything, and I don't/won't get sick. I can also eat a little more now too, which also scares me. Again, I don't over due it, but I just get scared, nervous. Does that make sense? I've not gained any weight, I've maintained my weight for about 6 weeks, but I'm not losing anymore either. I want down to between 120-123, but I keep getting told by all my friend/family, that I've lost enough, and anymore I'll start lookign bulemic. I don't think I could ever lose that much, but that's me. I need help from anyone who's felt this way, and how do you make yourself get back on the right track. Ball season is over, so I already know that 2 weeks from today, maybe even today, I'm going to get my membership back at the YMCA. That's my first major step in getting back on track. I know that it's got to be one step at a time. My other issue is alcohol. I have found that I can drink a lot of alcohol, and I've developed quite an issue with it. I think I had one before surgery and never realized it. I do now, and after this past weekend, and watching one of my friends who is a recovering addict drink non stop, it made me realize that I don't want this to be a part of my life. Having a drink every now and then is one thing, but staying drunk every weekend, is rediculous, and I'm not ready to give my life to alcohol. Anyone with any advice, stories, recommendations.... Your help is greatly appreciated.

JOy Congratulations on your surgiversary. You have done great. It is amazing what a difference a year can make. I have done a great deal of reflecting on that myself. I agree with you on the skin issue. I am not sure if my insurance covers it or not or wether I have the courage to go under the knife again. Oh well, I look great in clothes. Congratulations on the bathing suit. At the very least you can sit out in the sprinkler in your yard LOL. LYnn

Thanks Kerri. Yes, it's been a wonderful year... except for the loose skin! YIKES!! I hope you blood work comes back clear, too! Joy

You are absolutely stunning my dear!!! Hugs and congratulations!! Jo