So I've been laying low for awhile... haven't lost anything, actually gained.  But I am OK with it.  Had some issues with not being able to eat or drink anything at all and had to have some fluid taken out of my band.  Now I have no restriction and am able to eat anything I want.  But I go back tomorrow for a fill and that will get me back on track.  I am worthless on my own... completely worthless!

I heard my husband last night tell his brother that he couldn't put on one of his tool pouches because he had gained so much weight. He said "I am right at 178". I just smiled to myself. My goal is to weigh less than him but right now I am exactly the same weight as him. He has no idea, of course, but I do!

I'm noticing more and more in my clothes even though I am not losing the pounds as quickly. Still averaging about a pound a week and that's great, but my clothes are getting baggier. I have been giving clothes away be the bagful. I refuse to ever need them again in those sizes. I bought two pair of size 12 pants over the holidays and when I wore them this week I realized that I could have bought the size 10's. They were both a bit loose. I think I just can't wrap my head around the fact that I don't need to buy big clothes or clothes that have a "W" in the size. It's hard when you've done that for the past 14 years or so. I'm happy about it, don't get me wrong, but I still tend to buy clothes bigger rather than smaller.

28 pounds to goal. That just doesn't seem all that scary anymore. I've already done that a couple of times in the past 8 months. What's 28 pounds? But... can I really do it? Can I really get to that magic number? I've not been close to it in almost 2 decades... It would be great to head into my 40's healthy and feeling good. Really great...

So this weekend we attended a memorial service for my husband's first wife. She passed away December 28th from a stroke. They had been divorced for a really long time but we went to be with his step-son and just be supportive.

Anyway, before the memorial we attended church with his stepson's family. It was the fist Sunday of the year and of course the talk was of resolutions. He said something that struck a cord with me. He said instead of making a bunch of resolutions that never get past February, to "try something different". Of course, he was talking about the religious side of things and I completely understand that. But, it made me think... Should I bother with a "resolution"? I know that losing weight and getting fit are resolutions I make every year. This year I know that is one that I will keep. But overall, what do I resolve to do? Is there a point to making them at all?

"Try Something Different". Don't keep doing the same things you've always done and expecting different results. I think that is good advice for all areas of our lives. Weightloss, health, finances, relationships...

So this year I am not making any resolutions. Instead, I am going to look at those areas of my life where I know change is needed and I am going to "try something different". What will happen? What will be the end result? I have no idea. But I know that nothing will change if I don't try.

I am very excited to say that I have met my end of year goal! Today was my last "official" weigh in of the year. I only count my weight on Fridays. Today I was at 183 on the dot. My end of year goal 184 or 50 pounds lost since surgery. So I hit 51 pounds lost since surgery and 63 pounds lost overall since I lost 12 on my pre-op diet. That goal was revised from 45 pounds lost that I hit at the beginning of December.

I think I am well on my way to hitting my goal of 150 pounds by the anniversary of my surgery date which will be April 25th. 33 pounds in 4 months? I know it will slow down some as I get closer and I know that I need to be more diligent about working out. I have a LOT of toning and shaping to do. Still, I am happy with my progress so far. I know that the Band was the answer for me. I couldn't be happier.

I am in the 180's now... it's been decades since I have been there... but the most exciting part of that is that now I am in the "overweight" range with my BMI.  No longer am I OBESE.  Such a horrible word.  I am very happy.  I met my end of year goal already so I am bumping it up another 5 pounds.  I have lost 45 pounds since my lapband surgery.  I hope to lose another by 5 to make it 50 pounds by the end of this year.  That will make it only 34 pounds that I need to lose to be at goal by the end of April.  I can do it... I know I can!!!!

Still losing... very happily.  No giant temptations over the holidays. I just can't eat what I used to.  I am down to 190.6...  I'm only 2 pounds away from  my end of the year goal.  I feel sure I will meet and beat that goal!  I've been sick all weekend, which makes me not even want to eat.  Sinus infection I think.  I'm going to see if I can get into the doctor this morning.  I know she'll be happy to see my continued success. 

I'm wearing size 12 jeans!!! YAY!