Well, it's the end of another year and to be honest, I still have to remind myself to write 2012 on my checks (when I actually have to use one). Therefore, writing 2013 is going to be a huge pain in the rear for me. Now, I am not one to make resolutions. To be honest, i don't think I've ever kept one I've made so I finally realized that there was no reason to make any. If someone wants to change, they will...it won't just magically happen becasue it's January 1st. Trust me, I wish that was a case. If it was, we wouldn't all be constantly working to get/remain healthy and thin. Also, there would be a lot of surgeons out there who wouldn't be as wealthy as they are right now...thanks to us. You are welcome surgeons...from all of us. Sorry, i digress. Now, I thought I wold take the time to look back on my year and share my wisdom with you all....or at least what I think is wisdom. It could be a big ole pile of steaming crap, but I'm going to share it anyway. Lucky for you all, if it is crap, you don't have to smell it since you're reading it. So, here is what I've learned...or at least began to learn in 2012.

1. It's true, you do feel much better when you stop smoking. But, it's also true that even after a year, there are times you still want one....even if it's only for a second or two

2. Weight loss surgery is NOT an easy fix. It's hard work and I battle every day with changing my negative food thoughts and behaviors. But, it does get easier.

3. Getting frustrated becasue you can't eat what others are having is normal. Crying and yelling at your husband for eating pizza in front of you is PMS.

4. Fiber is CRITICAL after WLS

5. Stalls are normal...even if they last for a while

6. Getting down for being in a stall is just as normal....but remember number 5!

7. My weight loss is not like anyone else's. There are people who have lost more or not as much in the same amount of time.

8. Going from a tight size 26-28 to a good fitting 16 feels better than any food can taste

9. Taste buds change....which can be good and bad.

10. Pulling out my clothes from the dryer and having to double check to make sure they are mine due to how small they look is the coolest thing about doing laundry

11. Sex is better....and it was really good before hand

12. Raging hormones can make you a b***h to live with so make sure you live with someone who truly loves you.....I'm lucky because I would have divorced me if I were my husband

13. Make up sex while having raging hormones is even better than better

14. My boobs hang low....(cue my "hang low song"....for all those who have read my prior blogs)

15. I miss my boobs...and my butt.

16. Surgery can give me my boobs back and I'll still be thin....sounds better than having perky, big boobs right now.

17. Onions don't sit well with me anymore

18. I fart....a lot since surgery.

19. I really hope that stops soon....but not as much as my husband does

20. I have a rabbit living in my colon....and we've learned to live together

21. Pain after surgery isn't as bad as I thought it would be...and they didn't give me the right meds to deal with the pain

22. Walking is the best thing to do to get gas out

23. I am not perfect and sometimes I eat things that I shouldn't...but I don't eat much

24. Alcohol has a WHOLE different affect on me now.....that can be good or bad...good for me, bad for hubby who doesn't like me tipsy. LOL

and last but not least

25. Laughing through all the ups and downs is the only thing that can keep you sane

So, with all these little tid bits learned, I plan to go into the new year with an open mind and a willingness to continue to make positive changes, the knowledge to know I'm not perfect, and strength to say no to the bad food (most of the time). I hope you all are able to do the same.

Happy New Year everyone.....here's to a safe, happy, and healthy year ahead.

Now for some funny stuff.....LOL

Have to remember to eat so that I don't look like this in the New Year!!!

Have to remember not to eat too much so this doesn't happen....again....LOL

Most importantly, I have to remember to be happy with who I am...on the inside and out.