I either need a hug or a kick in the butt

Barb, I know that things haven't been that great for you lately either. Did you happen to read the posts that people sent me? I really feel reenergized now, maybe it can help you too. I have told you before I am only a phone call away ifyou ever want to talk, just let meknow. Christine

Hi Christine, You look so awesome in your profile. You should be shoutin' from the roof tops, girl! I would. I'm not very good at tough love, so I'll give ya a hug. I totally understand about worrying about gaining back. My sister lost 180# in 2000 after the same procedure and has gained back 35# of it. The constant snacking seems to be her down-fall. I'm no angel either, believe me and I know tha****ching her lose all that and still eat wrong made me think I had a free pass to skinnyville. NOT! Hardly, this takes alot of discipline and hard work. I don't have the discipline mastered yet, but I'm still trying. She was a binger so the huge difference made her lose easy. I was never a huge eatter, just the wrong crud and that's STILL happening, so the weight is coming off slooowly. Let's help each other, Christine. God knows I need it too! ~Hugs, Kelly

Kelly, Let me know if you come up with any good ideas. Maybe we need to have another challenge like the walking one we had earlier? Thanks, Christine

Good idea. I'll be thinking about that! lol Doesn't take much to get me excited. Hmmm, a new challenge would be great. I have a new computer now so there wouldn't be that excuse not to log on! I would love to make a challenge of walking. I'll post it in a little while under a new post. Thanks. ~Hugs, Kelly

I think everyones' posts point to the fact that being thin really doesn't solve anything. We all still have issues and some old issues are really dredged up by loosing weight. Perhaps some of us gained weight in order to not deal with the issues in the first place. I know this is true for me. Unfortunately the only answer is the old pull you up by the bootstraps thing...and only you can do it. You've just got to decide to do what you have to do to stay thin. If your goal oriented set goals for yourself. If not, find what works for you. You can do it. Hang in there and keep us posted Courtney

Ok Chrsitine, I am good at tough love. I practice it on myself everyday! Get past yourself! You don't need more hugs because the food is providing the hugs for you. The food is wrapping itself around your head and soon your body! You have to exercise. The simple fact is "calories in----calories out"! If you put it in you must work it off! There is no place in your life for high carb, low protein crappy food. There is plenty of time for wise decision making, planning and exercise. Even Bill Gates says he makes time for exercise. You should be scared of the weight gain because you are inviting it. It's time to regain who you are, NOT WHAT IS AFFECTING YOU!!! See a counselor, a nutritionist, the southbeach.com or proteinpower.com websites, and, in my opinion, get yourself to alot of support group meetings! I have one monthly in my home and I go to two every month at my surgery center. I am also the coordinator/founder of the PA Pilgrimage (a retreat for WLS folks). Get yourself involved and remember WHO you are. Are you nothing more than food? Does food direct you, own you, sabotage you? You must become more than the power of food. You are more than food. Food is ultimately only a form of energy. It has NO power over you and when it does, you must take the time to evaluate why. Why are you losing the fire? Find the reasons and attack them like your life depends on it. Because it does. Now....here's a little ((HUG)) because I really do care. If I didn't I wouldn't have put up all of this. Now get up and kick yourself in the butt. You're the only one who can. ***Shauna*** "This is my marathon. No matter what pace I keep, I will emerge as the winner."