One of the things that helped me to be honest with myself about my weight and obesity was watching My 600 Pound Life on TLC.

The new season started last night and I just finished watching the new episode that I recorded last night.

It was preceded by a compilation episode that I did see last night. Since that one included a segment on Penny I needed to take a break before seeing the new episode.

Some random thoughts:

I thought it was sobering and heart wrenching as usual.

I HATE the obligatory shower scenes. We get the idea. They could spend a lot less time on them or eliminate them entirely and spend time on other aspects of obesity, the surgery process, or the post-surgery segment.

Nikki (I think that was her name) is a beautiful girl with a lot of style. I noticed the drawings on her walls before they revealed she is a costume designer. It was great to see her get her MOJO back.

With a disabled brother and two older sisters, it was obvious to me she was starved for affection and attention.

Dr. Now mentioned when doing the sleeve instead of the bypass something that the sleeve can be just as effective even though the bypass is more aggressive.

Watching this post-sleeve, watching her eat the volumes and types of foods (donuts) she was eating pre-op looked really gross and unappealing. (Thank, God!)

I started at a lower weight than she did and I would never dream of trying to sit on one of those balance balls or on the ground. What a difference being 20 years younger than me makes!

It is heartbreaking how young so many of these patients are who are on this show. Nikki isn't the youngest by far, but she was still really young to have reached over 650 pounds. That is an awful lot of donuts.

It was interesting to see the rate of her weight loss pick up again after she started seeing a therapist and addressing her emotional issues.

I liked the analogy that the therapist used of not being able to look at and address issues until you physically put them down/let them go.

I wanted to slap her sister until they had their talk. I know we only get one side of the story, but to not allow NIKKI to be around her nieces and nephews is outright cruel.

I think her mom has a lot of food issues and is also probably dealing with a lot of stress due to both her son and daughter.

Her dad was sweet if clueless.

I am looking forward to seeing a follow-up on her in a year. I really liked her.

I know it's January and every other advertisement and commercial on TV is about diet or exercise, but still find it jarring to see those commercials on during this show. It just seems so transparent.

Did anyone else watch it? What did you think?

• VSGAnn2014 Thanks so much for the compliment. I believe Inner Surfer Girl and I will really be rocking when we get to goal.

I am resurrecting this thread. I am watching "where are they now" episodes and they are following some people in their 3rd year and beyond. It is REALLY inspiring! I still don't love Dr. Now, but it's cool watching these folks who have struggled but are still fighting the fight with much success!

I watched the last episode and it bummed be out because the dude found a woman online and is happy and getting married to her yet I'm still freaking single. lol But yeah the update on them is great

I watched the last episode and it bummed be out because the dude found a woman online and is happy and getting married to her yet I'm still freaking single. lol But yeah the update on them is great

Daveo, Daveo, Dear Daveo,

"She" is just waiting for you to come for her.

She's only a whisper away.

You'll find her. I know it.

I promise.

@@Valentina I'm hoping she comes in my life soon.

@@Valentina I'm hoping she comes in my life soon.

Soon, Daveo. Just keep your eyes and heart open.

I watched the last episode and it bummed be out because the dude found a woman online and is happy and getting married to her yet I'm still freaking single. lol But yeah the update on them is great

Yep I felt the same way! Been divorced for over 10 years. Never thought it would take me this long to find love again.

I saw this episode. It won't be 'happily ever after'. They are both hoping for love but not in love with each other. I can tell...I did the same thing years ago when I wanted to be married again after my first husband died. I married a man that I was fond of and ignored all the warning signs that we really were not compatible. The marriage lasted less than five years.

Take it from someone who knows. Better to be alone than be lonely in a relationship or marriage. That's worse.

not everyone is the same, they could last a long time. you don't know that. just because yours didn't doesn't mean theirs will not last. I do kinda get that maybe this is his first relationship and they may be rushing into things but only they know if it will last or not.

Hubby and I met online and got engaged on our second date ... 20 years ago next month.

@@Daveo is right ... weirder things have happened.

Hubby and I met online and got engaged on our second date ... 20 years ago next month.

@@Daveo is right ... weirder things have happened.

Engaged on your second date? WOW! How long were these dates that you were able to tell in 2 dates that you were compatible? Did you spend months day after day chatting online? Did you truly love each other when you got engaged? I am curious as I have been online dating for the last 10 years. Online chatting is great and there seems to be a lot of compatibility and then we meet and it turns out to be a terrible date. However I will often go on a second or third date just to be fair as many times the nerves have kicked in during that first date. Am still searching. Two things I will never give up on : losing weight and finding love.

By the way Congratulations on 20 years. When did you marry? My marriage was May 20th and lasted 9 years. I hope you two have planned a wonderful romantic anniversary.

Yes, we had talked a long time online -- had exchanged at least 60 really intense emails. To be very clear, we were writing buddies, not online sex buddies. I will admit our first date was 4 days long. And yes, he really did propose -- with a ring -- on our second date.

The truth is we were just wildly, amazingly lucky. And that's the part I hope people won't discount: Sometimes we human Beans just get wildly, amazingly lucky!

Oh believe me, I hope they do make it. I just don't think they will.

My parents met and married within a week and a half. They were married for 43 years when he passed 8 years ago.

see love doesn't need a time frame to know it's true.