Check in all you celebrants!

Well, this IS our month to reflect and evaluate where we are, isn't it?! I'd like to pose some questions, and I'll include my answers. 1. Are you at your goal weight? If not, how much more would you like to lose? I'm not at goal weight -- just 15 lbs. to go. 2. How do you think you're going to do with either reaching that goal or maintaining if you're already there? I expect to reach my goal of 160 by March 2006. I'm going to step up my exercising. I've got a treadmill on my Christmas wish list, even though I don't have a real good place to put it!! I'm also going back to a few basics. For example, I made SF Jello this a.m. I've not done that for several months. I never did too many protein shakes -- surgeon doesn't recommend them, but I plan on drinking about 4 during the week to increase my protein level. I've started up my food log again. I seem to conveniently forget what I've eaten during the day! 3. How have your relationships improved (or not) since your weight loss? My sweet husband and I had some counseling sessions to help us deal with communication issues mostly. I'm much more vocal about my feelings. Sometimes this is a good thing. It's bad when I don't think before opening my mouth!! 4. Are you a happier person since your weight loss? I am happier. I was pretty happy before my surgery. Now, I have many more fewer worries and concerns about my health, which makes me happier. Looking forward to hearing from you. Mary

Good day Mary, 1. Goal. I never was really given a goal but I'm happy right now at my weight. A lot of people tell me I'm starting to look old the more weight I lose in my face. I guess I need a face lift I would not mind getting down to a nice size 8 pants instead of a large 10 pants 2. How do you think you're going to do with either reaching that goal or maintaining if you're already there? Watch what I eat and start working my skinny butt a little harder. 3. How have your relationships improved (or not) since your weight loss? We had a wonderful relationship before my WLS but I was the one that was not happy due to my health problems so I pushed my husband and even friends away at times but now we can't get enough of each other and I'm not scared to face his family anymore. We spend so much time together going out on our days off and talking more. Before my WLS I never left the house because of my obesity. I would force myself to go to work but that was it. 4. Are you a happier person since your weight loss? Oh, yes I'm 500% more happier with myself as a person. In all honesty I did not care if I lived or died. I hated looking at myself in the mirror, I hated going out in public because of the way people looked at me and I felt that my husband was a shamed of me although he told me ALL the time that he was never a shamed of me (it was all in my head) I hated feeling tired, run down and just plain sick all the time and I got so tired of going from Dorctor to Doctor. That's why I hate going to see Dr. Koren as I don't feel I need Doctors anymore. Now I'm on top of the world and I love being seen out in public with my husband. I feel good when I put my clothes on and I love meeting my friends for lunch, Like that Mary Starshine What a kick in the pants she is as she keeps you smiling and laughing Donna 338/163

1. Are you at your goal weight? If not, how much more would you like to lose? No not yet. I need to lose about 70 more pounds to be at a normal weight for my height so the road is still long for me... 2. How do you think you're going to do with either reaching that goal or maintaining if you're already there? I am having a hard time right now with all the stress in life/school so I've not been making the best of choices in what I am eating. That has got to change again! I've come too far to ruin this. I will get there but I don't know when. 3. How have your relationships improved (or not) since your weight loss? All of the relationships in my life have improved for sure... My fiance had his RNY done in September and he's in the journey with me now (Down over 60 lbs already - MEN!! )... Life is a lot better for sure!! 4. Are you a happier person since your weight loss? I am so much happier now... I wear makeup again and do my hair... Total 360 from one year ago... I feel pretty now and sometimes even sexy... Life is good and I thank the good lord everyday for this opportunity!! (((HUGS TO MY DECEMBER FAMILY!!!!))) Chelle 423/255/180??

I was looking your pictures and you have come along way my dear. Looking good Donna 338/163

Thank you Donna! You look amazing yourself... I still am in shock that a year is almost up... My anniversary is next Saturday and that seems so impossible... But I feel great and life is only getting better... (((HUGS))) Chelle 423/255/180???

I wish we could ALL get together and have one BIG PARTY Shame we don't all live in the same State. Donna 338/163

1. Are you at your goal weight? If not, how much more would you like to lose? I'm not at goal weight. I have 45 pounds to go. Still haven't hit that Century Club, yet. 2. How do you think you're going to do with either reaching that goal or maintaining if you're already there? To reach my goal, will require determination and lots of exercise. The weight doesn't just fall off of me. I have to work at it. I am still hopeful that I will reach goal and that I will retain my loss. 3. How have your relationships improved (or not) since your weight loss? My boyfriend is one of my biggest supporters. We are very stable in our relationship and this was just another of lifes hurdles to jump together. He understands my desire to become healthy and to be able to plan for a retirement together. Since I began to lose the weight, he has been very proud of me and he supports my desire to spend alittle money on new clothes and/or makeover items. 4. Are you a happier person since your weight loss? Most days, I think I am the same person. I was always happy, for the sake of my family. I hid my angst about my health issues very well, not wanting to depress any of my family members. Now, I am healthy and I don't have to hide anything. It gives me great comfort to be open and frank about my new found health. As I am still on the journey, I don't want to allow myself to get into any kind of "celebration" mode...especially one that might involve foods. LOL Karen G

HI, Chelle, Karen and Donna! Thanks for your self-insightful and honest replies. Karen, you're so right about not celebrating with food, although I'm going out for my birthday on Thursday -- I'll be 62 -- and definitely order a filet mignon! Friday is my physical re-birth anniversary, and won't be going out again. Chelle, I'm so glad to hear that you're happier with yourself. Also it's great that your fiance is traveling the road with you. I wish us all well in continuing our journeys with wisdom and good choices. Yes, I feel as if I'm working at it at this point. But no one said it was all going to be easy now, did they??!! Hugs, Mary

I was a year out on 10th. 1. Yes I am at goal weight, my BMI is now 24.6 so I am very happy. 2. I am just going to carry on doing the same as I have for the past year and see how it goes. 3. I was single before and am still single 4. I am a much happier person - life is great. Lisa