I LOVE your blog! You have really inspired me to CHOOSE to work harder at my weight loss! I was banded in October of 2009 and I have lost 80 lbs...however have gained 20 of them back...GRRRR! So I went to my doc...she took all my liquid out and put me on full liquids for 7 days. Then she will refill to see if we can start the weight loss all over again. I feel so full of guilt because of the gain and because my dad helped me pay (im a selfpay) for the surgery ...that I wonder if it was really worth it I am 45 yrs old...and single and am beginning to wonder if my weight will keep me single forever ...However after reading your blog I realize it is a CHOICE...I CAN choose the fruit over the chocolate and I CAN choose to walk instead of playing on Facebook...even tho I REALLY enjoy it! lol Thank you!

Hi Angie! I feel your pain. Okay, I actually feel my pain. I'd forgotten how much being fat hurt. Just more incentive to choose health. Funny thing, it's easier this time. I choose to grill out, not because it's tastier (which it is) and cheaper (which it is) but because I like it. Not so much in this oppressive heat with the mosquito squadrons filing flight plans with the FAA, but even then this is more fun and less work.

I'm loving being single again. I choose to date when it pleases me, and anyone who can't see past this temporary weight gain isn't worth a second date. I've already had one guy tell me somewhat bluntly that he doesn't want to date anyone overweight. (Funny, he's sporting quite a few extra pounds, too.) At first, I was a bit hurt, but then I became more and more amused at his shallowness and hypocrisy. I don't want those traits in my life, so his name was scratched from the "amusing" list. I have standards, and he just fell below the bar. The things I find fun are an equal mix of solitary and social, so if I find someone to share those amusements, I'll find them where the fun stuff is already.

(Lifting my glass of water and toasting) Here's to choosing to have fun, be healthy, and take control of that which we once thought uncontrollable. Here's to loving life.