Congrats! Both on your decision and your success.
Something the Forum hasn't yet beat to death is the subject of tying the meat to make a more compact package. I do it on everything that I put in there...well, maybe not chicken...but certainly a beef roast.
I find it helps a lot on chuckies especially. It tends to keep the 'bits and ends' from separating out, and getting overcooked.
Enjoy!