We had to cancel our attendance of the Christmas parade tonight due to bad behavior (little kid) and lack of passing the spelling word pre-test (big kid). Needless to say, the results of our decision are less than fun.

Parenting: it's not for wimps.

flea: [link]

I don't know if surgery counts.

It still requires a lot of work, both in moderate eating and physical activity. The surgery just gives you a big boost in making those changes, but it is up to the person to maintain a good/reasonable diet and exercise.

I know a number of people who have gone through this, gotten down to scary skinny and then slowly gained more and more back. But in just about every case, they still weigh less than pre-surgery and don't regret going through it.

Cookie Monster's Host SNL Host Audition Proves Muppets Own the Internet

And of course Jim Henson had muppets on SNL during it's first season. The monsters on the planet of volcanoes.

I think a lifestyle change is the surest way to keep it off. My dad, when he was in full tilt running mode, lost a lot of weight and was downright slender. However, his eating habits never changed and as a result, anytime his ability to run/bike decreases (whether time or injury) he puts it back on.

I've pretty much cut out pasta and bread from my diet. Sometimes I miss it, so I'll have some, but it isn't my go-to quick meal anymore. Luckily, I REALLY like spinach and fruit. And I'm a shitton more active than I was. And possibly not mildly depressed. Which I kinda think might have been an underlying thing.

Unrelatedly, I just played phantom cookie monster and delivered cookies to my neighbors. Who might be annoyed if they are dieting.

Hec, when I checked out those S1 DVDs I was blown away by that. I had no idea they'd had Muppets on the first season.

sarameg, you are such an inveterate swimmer that I'm surprised you've cut diet at all. You're so active!

Hec, when I checked out those S1 DVDs I was blown away by that. I had no idea they'd had Muppets on the first season.

I was watching it when it first aired, so I was really bummed when they quit after half a season.

sleep has a role in weight gain for me, as well as all that's been mentioned. I eat a lot more if I'm doing insomnia drills - today, for instance. Today is a good example. So I'm going to try and get some good nights' sleep and hope that my dining choices are a lot better tomorrow.

Changes which they adopt for good.

Yeah, that's the problem. Ah well.

On the Santa tip, a friend of mine made these videos for her kids that show "Santa" talking to them about what they want for Christmas, and what they have to do to get them. It was creepy! I could find the link if anyone is interested.

I took off over 50 pounds through low-carb and running. Then Mom got sick and my time for exercise went way down. Plus I realized I could help her through chemo or give a rat's ass about my carb count, but not both. I think most people who live their lives with a large amount of extra weight (more than 20 or so extra pounds), have to be able to make significant, permanent changes to their life styles to take and keep it off. For some people having "keep the weight off" as a second job isn't an option. And for other people, it's an option, but not worth it. There are worse things in life than being fat.