So I had this thought. The only way to be truly successful in sustaining a significant loss of weight is to devote your entire life's energy to the cause. Every day. Every thought, every moment has to be wrapped around keeping the weight off, keeping fit and healthy. Thinking about what to eat and when; thinking about how to work out and where - and when - and how often. The people who stay fit, firm, and healthy in this country of extreme excess are those that (1) have the gene pool of a string bean, or (2) work as professionals in the health and fitness industry. They live it and breathe it 24/7. I certainly don't fall into either category. If I look at a string bean these days, I gain 5 lbs. My gene pool is filled with the creme filling you find inside a twinkie. I'm gaining, not by a landslide (yet) but enough to see that the fat cells that make up my thighs are fat and sassy again. Those fat cells all throughout my body are doing the

because they know the losing party is over - and the gaining party is building a head of steam. And in the face of it, I have to get up at 5am every morning to do what needs to be done, all of which has virtually nothing to do with sustaining my weight loss - job, kids, house, husband, long-distance ailing father, bills, more bills, yadayadayada. This is not a pity party! I'm just sharing what I think the real problem is. I'm not Jillian Michaels or Richard Simmons or Mr. Rogers - who could have probably eaten through a dozen boxes of Hostess twinkies with nary a belch or an added ounce to his stringbean frame. Ok. Just thought I'd pop in. Hugs to all - especially to Kim. Would sure love to hear from you guys. Maureen