What Tips Have You Learned In Your Journey?

Anytime I get outta hand, Nate says "Am I going to have to throw you outside?"  HA HA HA

Aaawww....the ability to compete!  LOVE IT!!!  For years I was the one who was driven out of the room (between hubby and 2 boys), and I am SO happy that since increasing my carbs, that I can now make them all cry - HAHAHA!  Yes...it's the little things in life! Tracking your food is a great tip.  For me it helps me be accountable, and ensure that I am eating enough. And taking measurments is very important.  Sometimes, the scale just isn't enough, but those handy-dandy measurements can do it.

Well you guys have pretty much said it all. But I would like to add, being involved with a good support group is always good. We all need a support team somewhere and some how. No matter what you think in your mind there comes a point where you find yourself saying what if or I wonder if someone else has gone through this or that? And what can I do to change something,being involved w/ a group of your own peers you can ask these questions and know that they to have been through what you are going through. So if your not involved w/ a support group in your area or threw your surgeons office, find out how to start up ion in the area your in. Its not that hard to do so, it is so important to be around folks that have gone through this w/ you.

I agree witht he support group comments.  Support groups are a valuable tool and equally important to an old-timer as to the newbie. BUT....how to find a support group that fits is often difficult.  Some support groups just do not have the information and some support groups have the wrong mindset/people running it. Unfortunately, it's not like Weigh****chers where if you don't like one leader, you can attend a different meeting.  If this is the only support group in your area, you are pretty much stuck. But...I whole heartedly agree that support groups are very important.

Running a little late getting to this one, but here is what I have: 1. Exercise is like sleeping, eating, and going to the bathroom. It simply must be done. Do not look at it as a punishment or unpleasant time. It is simply part of your new life. Make time for it and make it fun. I got myself an iPod for Christmas and I take my time at the gym to catch up on all the great music I have in my collection. Sometimes I watch tv on the treadmill and feel amazing informed after really focusing for that hour. But, just like eating a bad meal or not getting enough sleep, missing a workout is not th end of the world. I can remember before when I would try to exercise, I would miss a day or two and just quit. Now you just have to learn to write it off and move on. 2. Let your family know not to feel guilty. More than likely they were enablers of your bad habits and since they love you they liked in some way seeing the pleasure you got in eating. What they didn't feel, though, was the pain you had from your weight. Tell them this is for you and you are fine. I am amazed at how full I am now by a cup of soup while my rail thin wife eats a massive plate of pasta. But she has told me that it racks her with guilt to be eating when I am not. 3. The scale can drive you crazy. Your body will float in weight during the day depending on what's gone into it and what needs to go out. I used to go insane because my weight can float between 5-7 lbs. during the day just from the fluid I take in. Choose a set time to weight and try to wear clothes that weigh the same each time. 4. In a similar vein, tell the scale to kiss your foot. Yes, it is important to look at your weight. But look at the real changes. Look at the inches you are losing. I have gone from a 56 waist to a 38. But I still weigh 265 lbs. I happen to be built very differently. So if I worry about the numbers I'll go insane. The undeniable fact is that my shirts are 5 sizes smaller and I have dropped 18" on my waist. 5. There are no stupid questions. Enough said.