Don: Congrats!!!! I read this thread but do not participate as I am basically a "going to do it tomorrow" type dieter - about 7 yrs ago I lost 25 lbs on my own in 6 months - I think the "I am going to conquer" this has to be your mindset - and boy did I have excuses and still do that got in the way of succeeding - when I lost the weight I walked 2 miles in the morning 30 minutes, briskly (6 am brutal to hear that alarm) and 2 more miles before dinner about 6 pm but finally it becomes addictive ... but not as good as chocolate - cut out wine, red meat and most starches but not all - ate lots, big portions, of salads, fruits and fish and water water water (I hate chicken unless fried) - I think the walking was a huge factor and it is cheap and easy but oh so easy NOT to do - I have state of the art exercise facilities one mile from my house - Ponte Vedra Club and we pay for the gym as part of our dues - ride a bike, all kinds of machines, weights, personal trainers, nutritionists etc, etc, etc and look at ocean in this beautiful gym - do I do it??? Of course not - too lazy .. you have inspired me! Joanna