Sounds like you had a great Christmas!! Congrats on the Christmas sweatshirt Our Christmas was very quiet with just hubby, myself, and our 3.5 year old. We ended up going out to eat and it wasn't a big deal at all. I ate a piece of apple pie with some vanilla ice cream, which I think was the first time I ate an entire piece of pie since having the surgery! Present-wise, I got some stuff I'd been needing and a few books. It was just really nice to be together as a family. We went to see the movie Narnia as well. All in all, just a simple day Weight-wise, I'm doing fine. I am 8.5 weeks pg and have managed not to gain any weight so far!! YIPPEE!! By this time with my son, I'd already gained 15lbs! Anyway, I'm looking forward to the great things to come in 2006. And looking forward to your check in posts. Erica 259/137/130-140ish 8.5 weeks pg

in terms of food ---It was for me... I got to have things at my house and even though it was exhausting... I could control my intake and things were a lot less frenzied... I knew where everything was and knew I could come back later for something else... I was so busy serving and making sure everyone else was set that I could just nibble and not have to sit at a formal table with a plate. I"m learning... I guess I'm not hopeless yet!!! in terms of presents --- what a joy to be able to get clothes presents again, without having to send everyone Lane Bryant way!!! I actually got to get and wear one of those cute CHristmas sweatshirts (always wanted one and never could find one I liked in my size) that was the bomb!!! in terms of WLS progress ----And even better, the scale started moving downwards again!!! go figure!!! I had stopped even focusing there figuring I had lost all that I was going to lose!! I hit the wonderfuls and even saw a glimpse of the 180s.... life is good!! in terms of relationships ---- I got a ways to come - immedicate family has not seen me, I must be nervous about letting them really know me - most do not even know I have had surgery - so this should be interesting. Have not met the love interest, but got an interesting note from a man back east - that made my Christmas day - who knows?! OK OK>.. I am exhausted, but realize that January 2006 is literally around the corner... is that truly unreal.... time to really evaluate the past and formulate goals for the next year... Thanks guys for hangin in there with me... and will start the January check in post in a few days Happy Holidays!!! How did you do???? B

Hi Judy - CONGRATULATIONS on the weight loss! You should be so very proud of yourself! Remember, we all lose weight differently and you shouldn't compare your results to anyone else. A few tips from me....I find that I lose when I choose the "right" foods (stay away from high fatty foods and carbs), exercise 3-4 times per week, drink lots of water, and get in my protein. It seems so easy yet it can be so hard! I'm finding it easy to slip into old habits and thankfully have been catching myself and getting back on track. This is the tough part of the journey, in my opinion, because I think we could easily revert to our old way of thinking. Thank goodness, the pouch limits the amount we can eat, but it doesn't always limit the WHAT. Just hang in there and try some of the tips above if you're not already doing them. And keep in mind....we're one year out. Did we put all this weight on in a year? It's coming off and before you know it we'll be at our goal weight! Have a wonderful holiday, Judy, and enjoy the new YOU! Denise

Michelle, I just wanted to let you know you look GREAT!!! I can't get over how much you transformed in just one year. Keep up the good work!!! I have printed out your profile to read it over. Hopefully, I'll get some tips. I still have 35-40 lbs to loose. jab

Hi we are anniversary buddies, i had surgery on Nov 29 th too, I am getting really scared lately,,, i read what you said but i was wondering if you feel like me. I am eating all the time lately, not a lot at one meal but all day long... even sweets,,, i am always getting hungry,,,,, i am really scared. what about you,, do you feel you can all day too. thanks joann