Ginny I am crossing all my fingers and toes for you to win the prize. When will you find out?

Meg I'm sorry that you had a sinus headache. They are the worst. Hope you are feeling better today.

QOTD: I have lost touch with some people in my life. For the most part, I would say that we had evolved in ways that were no longer similar. Also, it took me quite a while to figure out that if your friend is bad mouthing all of their other friends, there is a good chance they are badmouthing you. The friends I have now I absolutely love. We all have weak moments and we support each other. They are positive, funny, witty, and genuine.

I'm sure that your Aunt would love a call just to catch up.

My menus have been thrown together and not planned. I keep good snack foods in the fridge for emergencies. Last night was a hardboiled egg for dinner. I love that you can buy they pre-cooked and peeled.

The only thing I can think of is that your body is readjusting to its new dimensions. Every time I drop a few pounds, I get a sore tailbone, knees and hips. Then after a few days it goes away. Your skeletal structure will be realigning as you lose. Maybe a few loose pillows to tuck here and there while sleeping to support where you've lost the padding might help.

Congratulations! Very well said and all true. I never want to go back and hope I can continue to stay on track. I definitely believe keeping the weight off will be much harder than losing it. Good luck!

Hi Everyone,

I made goal a couple of weeks ago and then fluttered up and down a bit but it's been a week now at 135 lbs so I felt comfortable moving my dolphin hopefully for the last time. 152 lbs GONE!

I started my journey in May of 2017. My one year surgiversary is 1 month away.

I started at 287 lbs and had trouble walking, breathing and just being. The clock was ticking and not in a good way.

I belong to a gym and have for the past 8 months. I lift weights, swim, row and various other things as the mood strikes me. I walk my dogs every night - rain, shine, or snow. We walk a minimum of 3 miles every evening. I have a whole new wardrobe and I still can't believe I wear small tops and size 10 pants. Who knew a year ago I'd be wearing skinny jeans and pretty bras from Victoria's Secret? I certainly didn't.

There have been bumps along the way but those were in the very beginning. A complication right after surgery that precipitated a second surgery and then some lingering stuff for a month or two and then it's been smooth sailing.

I can eat anything with the exception of sugar. I have dumped twice and know that eating too quickly can cause it and sugar. Everything else is fine. I can finally eat eggs again, pasta is fine (but I choose not to), all meats are OK. I don't eat bread because it doesn't really sit well and it just fills me up and causes trouble so I don't bother.

No issues with bloodwork, or energy. I'm good to go.

Fear of regain is always close but I'm pretty sure I've got this. I don't want to go back there. I don't want to be that person again. I plan on working hard at staying here. It's going to be work - probably harder work than losing weight in the first place but I'm up for hard work. I'm not afraid of it.

The only regret I have is that I didn't do this sooner.

To those of you beginning the journey, please don't believe every horror story you hear. It won't all be smooth sailing, and there will be some bumps, but I have yet to hear anyone say that it wasn't worth it.

Everyday is a new day in the beginning and each day gets better than the day before. I used to hear people say that all the time and didn't believe it, but it's true. But most of all, be kind to yourselves, take each day as it comes. We are hardly perfect but we are all human. Don't be too hard on yourself. Live your life and enjoy what each day has to offer.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!