Oh yes, we could meet up at Crandal gin. I know it well Mindyou, I suppose it would be better to meet somewhere with no food!!! It would be so lovely to meet up if we can. We may be able to travel down to Houston too, as have been thinking of doing some travelling this year. I am taking the laptop, so will be online while there - I'm addicted and couldn't be parted from it hee hee. How has the weather been in Texas lately? I'm so looking forward to some sunshine - it's been grey and miserable for what seems like an age here - we hardly got any summer either. Ruth

Hi Holly - I'm very happy for you that you are finally getting resolution to this. My mother (she's 59, so the >60 rule is crazy) has been struggling with her knees and had partial knee replacements in both knees last year. Now she has to get total knee replacements in both knees, because the partials were not enough. So I've seen how difficult and painful it has been for her with her knees, and am glad that you are getting this resolved. You will feel so much better! Take care, Heather

Thanks Cindy - I found this very helpful as well. Puts things in proper perspective. I have gradually lost my focus, and I need to get it back on track. Thanks, Heather

I did well during the daytime, kept very busy to help force food from my mind. Then when the work was done and the sun came down, PIGFEST!! I am so glad the new day brings a clean slate and I'm glad you remind us, Ruth, that it's not about perfection!! So this evening, I am going to tackle a few things in the house. I have new valences to hang in the living room, so this will be a good project to keep me busy for a little bit. And I also need to write an appeal letter for my husband. I've also tried to simplify my holiday meal to help take some of the stress off. I am having most of it catered and just making a couple side dishes and a few desserts (at least one will be WLS friendly). The holidays are always very stressful for me. The stress doesn't necessarily come from the present, but more from the past. I thought time would heal my wounds, but I guess not enough time has passed to heal them all. Even my husband commented yesterday, he asked me if I was okay, as I was putting my Christmas decorations on the tree. I lied and kept my emotions inside. Okay, not such a good idea, because then I turned around and ate a bunch of pasta! I should have spilled the beans since he was so receptive. Onto a brighter note, we have all come so very far in this journey!! When I sit back and think about where I was and where I am today, it's just amazing. I am thankful for so much.... for having WLS, for learning to live again, for meeting such amazing people like yourselves along this journey.. Have a great day! Diane

Well today was better than yesterday for me. Still a long way to go as I'm completely back into the old habits of wanting to eat constantly. But remember, progress not perfection, and I'm making progress, even if it is slow. I managed to stop the grazing while watching tv tonight by sheer determination every second. Each time I went into the kitchen to get something to put in my mouth I had a cup of ho****er. Tomorrow I'll work on stopping the grazing throughout the day too. I've also decided that after Christmas I'm going to join a slimming club to help me be accountable with a weekly weigh in. I definately do not want that 100lbs to creep back on. There is no way I am going back to that life. So what are you working on tomorrow? Take one step at a time and we'll get there...