Have Safe, Healthy & Fun Weekend Everyone!

Hi All. I haven't been around for sometime and missed you all.  Reason: My husband works from home now and our computers are in the same room. His telephone speakers are on at all times so that his employees have instant access to him and vice-versa. They can hear what goes on in this room and I can hear about 10 guys talking at the same time. It drives me nuts!. I'm glad that hubby no longer has to travel but this setup is cramping my style. When he gets a vacation, we have to set up a room just for him so we both have privacy. I can't hear myself think anymore. (Other than that I really like having him home) He is off today and next week, so here I am. I am still walking, walking,walking. I really feel that it is the one thing that is absolutely helping me maintain my weight. I know that I can stand to lose some more pounds, but I have not been trying.I am interested at this point of just maintaining and not gaining. If I lose - I lose. I do not get on the scale for months at a time. That works for me. I can tell by my clothes (around the waist) if I gain or not, which fortunately, I have not. I can honestly say that I feel at least twenty years younger than I am. It's unreal. That is the biggest plus from my WLS journey. I'm not particularly thrilled with my body, but not having an extra 90 lbs. made such an extreme difference physically. I am enjoying outdoor activities, gardening  and even lawn games and such. Today, hubby and I walked the boardwalk for 3 miles. I love it. ( I walked 2 miles before that in the morning with my pup.) I can't say that I don't struggle with food because I certainly do. It frustrates me to be so limited in what I eat. I just can't get the hang of what moderation means, so I just have stay away from even one thing that might be too tempting. If I don't, it sets off a whole eating frenzy. This doesn't work for everyone, but again, it works for me. I am an addict. I've got to do, what I've got to do. Sometimes I still have dreams of having a cup of caffienated coffee with chocolate cake and a ciggie hanging from my mouth. LOL  I am very much aware that I'm only a thin line away from those days. Phew! There are times prior to this, that I stopped writing because I felt like I had no pearls of  wisdom - nothing really to offer anyone. (LOL, self esteem hasn't changed.) Even if that is true, I can be a good listener! I'm b-a-c-k ! Have a wonderful 4th of July.

WELCOME BACK DIANE~~

Awww, thanks Maryellen.  I hope that you feeling back to your old self again.

Diane, Good to see you back. Your new avatar is beautiful!! You look awesome. Can't wait to see you next month at the LIPO meeting. Happy 4th to you too. Hugs, Lisa

Hey Lisa. Thanks. Have a great day! See you soon.

Welcome back!! We missed you!!! Never think you don't have anything to offer! Even if it's just a simple "hi" or "nice job" it can mean the world to someone!!!  Keep up the great work & hope tp see you around more!! Cece

Hi Cece. Thanks for the nice words. You sound like you are doing terrific.  G-O-O-D   O !

Diane,
You are looking and sounding fabulous! Your wisdom about avoiding certain foods rings so true for me too. I put on 14 pounds after reaching my lowest weight and got scared and started really limiting the snacky foods I was allowing myself. I've already taken off 7, it's been slow, but I feel more sane about my eating again and I realize over and over that there are certain food that I can only taste very occasionally, and the rest of the time NO NO NO!!

I'm glad to hear that you're walking consistently. I have pretty much kept to that, a little less in the winter than I would have liked, but now back to doing it every day. You are so right that walking is imperative to keeping down the weight. It's also really good for the head! Keeps me sane!

I understand how you feel about feeling 20 years younger than you are. I think those of us that have lost a lot of weight carry an emotional burden along with the weight that is released once the weight comes off. It feels so freeing!

I am glad you are back! I missed your posts. Keep up all the good work. You are terrific!

Hugs,
Amy

Hey Amy. Thanks for the vote of confidence. That was sweet. You are one determined woman and I'm so glad that you are on track right now.  I hope that your day is a happy one. 

Hey Diane, I love your avitar; you look fantastic.   I need some of your determination w/the walking.  I stop & start w/my exercise.  Now that I found the heavy-duty collar I can go back to walking my Golden...I don't have to be wedded to the elliptical in the summer! Have a great weekend!