Now, back to the reality of it all. Amazing how much a month can change a person. I gained 15 pounds in a month...from 204.5 to 219.5 BUT...have lost back down to 212.5 since 12/27/08.

Wow, this is the year I do it. I lose this weight once and for all. Yes, I have done it before but it is different this time....this time I am a nonsmoker and am losing the weight. A double threat woman! I sure did put back some food over the past month! Whew....between cooking and baking I ate ALOT and the scale shows it. But that is the past and this is my now.

Fun and games is over. I had said before...I am an all or nothing type of woman. I either go full speed ahead or do not go at all. Well, the role model bandster is back and I sure have missed her. No sodas, rice, bread or pasta. I did it for a year, lost down to 173, took 9 months off (when I quit smoking) and gained 46 pounds...now it is back to business time again. Funny how when I actually made up my mind to start again how easily I jumped back on the wagon and following the rules. AND with enthusiasm. THAT is the key. If you cannot get excited and fired up about what ou are doing, do not even try. And I am fired up....ready....finally. I guess just the realization of "it is what it is"...with "you can't fix what you don't acknowledge" (and all my clothes mysterously shrinking) is just the kick in the pants I needed. I saw 219.5 and thought 'oh hell no'.

So, here I go again...THIS time will be more rewarding than the first.

WATCH ME GO!

yea! i am right there with u sister! good luck!

Oh I hear ya!!!!! This was my first holiday season since my band this past October and it's been rough!!!!!! I too, made lots and lots of cookies and every evening they were screaming my name, not to mention I just had to sample them as I was baking. And of coarse, I had to sample the dough too! Not sure how I did weight wise as I don't have a scale, but I go for my 3rd fill in a week and a half and I'm determined to get and stay on track again. Boy, this is quite a learning process trying to eat healthy and only when your really hungry! But I WILL do it. I haven't come this far to blow it and I keep telling myself that by next year I'll be able to handle the temptation of the cookies. I will, I will!!!!

Good for you for being so determined. I know we'll get through this and will learn from our mistakes.