Hi everyone

Got some time on my hands today so thought I'd check in and say hello. I caught up on some old notes and it never fails to amaze me how supportive the oldies are to the newbies. Carolyn, Jesi, Dixie, Lynn, and everyone else....you guys are so sweet to the newer post-ops and the pre-ops. OK, I am officially one year out now. I weighed a whopping 143 at my surgeon check up the other day. Three pounds from the goal. I had hoped to make that goal by now, but I am OK with it. I exercise a lot and I know that the muscle weighs more than fat and my body is leaner, even if it is three pounds from the goal. My BMI was 25.3, can you believe it??? My labs were perfect. I am working on compiling a list of things I could NOT do one year ago that I can do now. I need this reminder as I make the decision every single day to choose health. Today I am tempted to not choose health by not going to the Y and doing my treadmill routine. I feel lazy. Lazy is what got me in that predicament in the first place. I have to fight laziness every single day. I hosted Christmas eve at my house for the first time in YEARS. I had the energy to do all the cleaning and food prep ahead of the party, and I knew I'd have the energy I'd need to do all the clean up afterwards. I have not had this kind of energy or motivation in a long, long time. OK, I just wanted to pop in and say Merry Christmas! jean

Congrats on being a year out! Isn't life amazing? I had hoped to be at goal at 1 year also but that didn't happen. But I'm okay with that. I'm pretty close now and have gotten serious about getting there. I completley understand the lazy thing. I really hate to exercise. I mean, REALLY HATE, to exercise. But I'm not sure I'm really lazy or just so danged busy that I don't make time for exercise. I prefer to think the later but I've got to get on it. Things that amaze me about being normal size: 1) I can shop anywhere. And sometimes I can't find anything small enough! 2) I don't have to worrry about fitting into a booth. 3) I don't need a seat belt extension on either my car or a plane. 4) I can tie my shoes in the middle! 5) I didn't really know I was invisible when I was heavy. The first time a male store clerk flirted with me I almost passed out! I could go on and on. I would do this again in a heartbeat. Now I will finish this journey with a tummy tuck and things will be complete.

Morning Jean Merry Christmas back at you I don't get a chance to pop in much anymore, always on the go! Christmas Day was wow moments for me also, I saw some family friends I hadn't seen since surgery, 100 lbs ago! I came in calling them by name giving hugs AND they didn't know me! I loved it! Had to be re-introduced & what a rush having that happen, especially since these were people that held me when I was a new baby!!!! You have done so well with your weight loss, keep up the good work. Congrats to you & big hugs being sent your way. Carolyn