Each year I start off New Years Eve with a list of goals that I hope to achieve with in the year. Some of them are met, some are not, some get "partially" met. This year will be different. I have been banded for 7 months. I have 40 pounds to reach my goal. I had truely wanted to be there by the time I hit my one year bandiversary however I am learning with each month that this is not a race or a contest. The goal should be my health. I have lost an average of 10 pounds a month untill December then I found myself upset on the 28th when I realized I had only lost about 4 pounds this month. Most years in the past I would have gained like crazy. How in the world can I be upset? So I am off of most of my bloodpressure medications. I feel better than I have in years, I have lost about four pant sizes, I can breath again. Life is good. So what if i dont reach my goal by May 28th? Will life end? Realistically if I continue to do well, I am healthier all the time and working towards my goals is THAT urgent to get there by a certain day? I believe it is good to have a goal to shoot for but it seems when we put so much pressure on ourselves that failure becomes overwhelming. I am so blessed to have this band. I am 200% better off than I was last year and cant wait to see what the future holds. Watch out 2010, here I come....God bless each of you lap band family. Here we come new year.:biggrin: