Jesse--that was a terrific article about you in the OH magazine. I am looking forward to reading your book when it comes out, more men need to speak up and make themselves heard. I am sure that a lot of men are cowed into silence simply by the numbers and loudness of the women who are so excited by this surgery. Speak up, you guys. Just pretend that you're talking about Football, or NASCAR, or whatever gets your blood pumping, and speak out--talk about your experiences!!! connie 297/197/???

Hi Everyone: It's Friday and the final day of 2004. I was just sitting here reflecting on 2004 and all I can say is "What A Year This Has Been." I lost 61 pounds this year making my total since September, 2003 at 183 pounds. I'm wearing size 32 pants and a medium shirt. I can go into any store and marvel at the selection of clothes I can buy. For example, I got a lot of gift cards at work for Christmas and I have spent this week at the after christmas sales. I have bought stuff from major designers at major stores and people are just amazed that how I'm looking now. Weight loss surgery has brought so much happiness in my life and the added attention has been great. I have been in an article in a french newspaper and featured in the latest ObesityHelp Magazine. I have had the opportunity to speak with others in my company about WLS. I am writing a book about my experiences during my first year out. Its been quite a special year for me and I would not trade the experience for anything. Although I was never at a loss for confidence, I am now as confident as I have ever been in everything I do. I would be remiss if I did not thank all of you for your support. It's you, the people who post that keep me going. Yes, it has been a great year and I look forward to another great year in 2005. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! Till next time, Jesse 373/190/-183

Hang in there kiddo....It will come off. I am still struggling to get below 200 lbs. The gosh darn scale just does not want to hit the 199 mark for love nor money. Happy New Year to all! Carolyn Sue

Christmas has come & gone and I am glad. Had a wonderful holiday but I let myself partake too much of the libations (booze) and the scale says I am up 3 pounds. I know I know give it a few days, keep working at the gym etc etc but I still cant help but be scared that I will step on the scale and it will once again read 360 pounds. UGH I never knew 3 pounds going up would mean so much more than it does going down. I am hiting the gym after work even though I dont want too. Hopefully I will make this set back disappear fast. Wishing myself luck..

Hi Everyone: It's that time again. Time for my regular Friday post. Just got in from the gym so the 12 Days of Holiday Exercise is officially over! I found that if you put exercise into your busy schedule and promise youeself that it's better to be a little late to the party as opposed to cancelling your exercise, you will feel better about yourself. We all feel varied emotions at this time of year depending on our cir****tances but I feel nothing but joy and happiness. Through will and determination I have accomplished all the weight loss and health goals I set for myself. However, the journey has just begun and the drive to obtain greater success remains as strong as ever. There is still work to be done to maintain my new found health along with my new body. To all my Obesity Help friends and fans, a Merry Christmas to all. Till next time, Jesse 373/190/-183