Hello there "tigerlilyhair" - Thanks for the reply. You are actually my first, so it is very appreciated. It sounds as if you are doing quite well. The emotional stuff is truly the biggest hurdle of all. I went to the discussion group at UMASS Weight Center last week. It was really quite encouraging and informative. Many of the people have been around for quite some time and seem to all know the same slogan. It is 90% behavoir and 10% weight. I really do believe that. You are most likely shifting weight and body mass, etc. On your way to a new, healthy and slimmer you! Feel free to email me whenever you like. Yivee_hp1960@yahoo.com I will continue trying this blogging and forum. A few women in class told me that there is a way to get to a "local" group as well, but I have yet to discover it. C'est la vie! Best of success. Enjoy your 30s - they are a very rewarding time in one's life. Then again, I think the 40s are awesome too. After all, it is was my 40s that I got married for the first time and am loving it! Two years on the 16th of this month.