Howdy, all! It's been two years...

 ...and that's incredibly hard to believe.  I love seeing familiar faces, and I'm happy to report that all is quite well with me.  I guess I've just been too busy with life to spend as much time here as I once did, but I admit to missing the fellowship.

We traveled A LOT this year as usual, and it was not without consequence as is always the case when I'm off exploring.  Nothing huge, but I'm about eight pounds up from my very lowest weigh in, and I'm ok with that.  When I settle back down, the weight always seems to find it's way off my body because of the overall good choices I make when not tempted by nonstop decadent goodies from far away places.  My face actually appears better with the gain, but my clothes say otherwise, and I like my clothes and my comfort at about 175-177.

Would I recommend this surgery?  Absolutely.  But, I would highly caution anyone seeking any weight loss surgery to look deep inside and know that after the significant weight loss and subsequent motivation early on, my life is very much like it was before surgery.  If I eat the wrong things, even aside from portions, or with too much frequency, I could EASILY return to a much larger version of myself.  Simple fact, for me anyway.

Do I fear that?  Not really.  I know what choices to make, and I naturally make them when I'm at home.  And, I've even learned to compensate for the eating while away with increased exercise.   In fact, I just returned from a four night cruise and week at Walt Disney World WITHOUT adding any pounds.  It was that darn 10-night cruise in October and crazy post-season baseball travel (my beloved Rangers) that resulted in a gain.  Every day is just part of the evolution and learning process, and I feel confident that I have developed eating habits that will help me manage my weight for the long run.

Another bit of advise I would share with anyone peaking over here on the maintenance board is to please consider everyone in your life when you make this choice.  I may sound harsh when I say this, but I've seen far too many posts and life experiences at work that indicate vanity and a rather self-centered view on the world after surgery.  Bottomline, if you have a family and children before surgery, you can't just simply reset to say, age 18, and live the life of a partying teen without hurting others.  Just my opinion.  

What else?  Nothing I can think of other than I truly appreciate each and every one of you that are still around who made my journey thus far a positive experience.  OH is a tremendous resource, and I cherish the opportunity to learn from others and know that I'm not alone in the ongoing balance of life after surgery.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you personally celebrate, and I hope we all have a healthy and memorable 2012.

Theresa

Hi Theresa!

What a great post and update.  Thank you so much for stopping by, it is good to see you again.

I am so happy to hear that you are still utilizing your tool and doing so well.

Your travels sound fabulous.

I forgot to check if you had new pics in your profile.  We pics!

All the best over the Holiday Season and in 2012.

Hugs,

Cindy

I was thinking about you recently and wondered how you were doing, its great to hear your still off living life and are happy with you..

I have no doubt that once the holiday season is over and things get back to normal for you then you will drop the pounds you gained.

I wish you  a very merry Christmas and a happy happy new year.

Good to hear from you!  Have a very Merry Christmas!  And come back more often.