Hi Lorraine, Happy New Year to you, too. We just got home to So. FL today from spending a week in Kentucky visiting DH's dad. It was cold and rainy most of the time but family is important....so it was good to visit. I missed visiting my OH forums, though. What do you think of when you reflect on the past year? My last year was filled with a lot for one who has chosen to start a new career at age 56....I completed my AA in June and my AS in December. I doubt if I would have had the confidence to pursue nursing....or anything else, for that matter, weighing what I did before my WLS three plus years ago. Any New Years resolutions? I need to exercise more, drink more water....things that have been neglected while I have been at the computer and studying. I resolve to have more personal devotional time, too. It's important to keep not only the physical and mental refreshed....but the soul as well. You are right...we have friendship thru our WLS bond....It's great. Have a wonderful New Year. Let's all resolve to post at least once a month this coming year. luvitsunnyv Ruthanna

Rachael, Hi there and how are you? I can feel what you are saying. I now don't have to open too many doors. Isn't it sad that we are judged by our outer appearance. I just celebrated my 3 year anniversay on 12/15/06. I am 3 years post-op. I have maintained my weight, up 10lbs down 10 lbs and range anywhere from 140-150lbs. I am still wearing a Size 8. I started my journey at near 300 lbs,and got down to 245 before my surgery. I can cross my legs and I am enjoying life. Happy Anniversary again to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lorraine

I know what you mean. It feels like a lifetime ago, sometimes. Others, like it was yesterday. I lost 100lbs, stopped at a size 16 and thought, this is it. And was, not content, but better off than a size 28. Then, the CFS and FM hit hard, and another 40ish gone and I'm a size 10. More than content now. Just wish I had the money to have my arms done. Three lbs each at least of skin flapping in the breeze. I have to buy a size 12 and alter all my tops. I can't buy a dress. I have to buy separates. Too costly to alter a dress, and although I'm handy with tops, doing a dress isn't something I've tried. I still battle my illnesses daily, but still get along. My struggle now is to keep my weight UP! How's that for a laugh?! My worst problem is my bony butt. My tailbone broke off years ago, and the remaining part sticks out and hurts like the devil if I sit back too long, or even sleep on my back too long. My feet shrank into a 7 1/2 or an 8. I used to wear a size 9W. But I did lose my breast tissue. Flat as a boy. I wear a 'Barely B' bra and had to go down, recently into size 6 panties. The plus is SHOPPING. I can fit into junior size clothes. Some of the jeans fit better than misses. Not so much with tops, but the jean do, since I have no butt. If anyone is interested in reading about FM or CFS, they can go to www.prohealth.com and read all about either condition all they want. There's even a newsletter they can subscribe to, if they wish. I do, and it's very informative. Hugs to everyone. Nona

Maureen, Happy Anniversary to you!!! I know you are living the new thin life. I traveled to Florida in August. Last trip I had to wedge myself between 2 people, who were not too happy right up against me. It was wonderful to be able to buckle the seat belt and have room to cross my legs. That was one thing I could never do before. Enjoy your new grandbaby. I can"t wait myself to be one. I know you can chase that baby when or if she or he is getting around in mischief. I think about how I could hardly enjoy my kids at the park, due to my obese body. I now can run around with my boyfriend and walk and enjoy life. Happy Holidays to all!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy New Year! God Bles All! Lorraine

Happy Anniversary Maureen. I'm a little late sending my greetings. I bet you and your sisters had some notes to compare....I would have loved to been a fly on the wall! Keep up your wonderful work on your journey! luvitsunnyv