Even after regeneration the Doctor liked to think that he was the same man. He held on to the comforting thought that he would always cherish the same righteousness and fundamental beliefs. He may change his face, his personality, and his clothes, but he would always be the Doctor.

The Doctor had hoped, however, that perhaps this regeneration into his eleventh form would be good for him. One of his lasts thoughts and expectations before changing had been that maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't feel the pain of losing Rose Tyler quite so deeply. He had been wrong of course. He still thought of her with every breath, every thought, and every step. With each new adventure he couldn't help but think, 'Rose would have loved this.'

If he was honest with himself, he wouldn't have it any other way.

Thinking of Rose kept him more human. Loving her helped him remember who he once was. Wanting her was a familiar ache that he wouldn't give up for the universe.

So even though the Doctor now ate fish fingers and custard instead of bananas and chips, despite the fact that he now wore bowties and fezzes instead of tight suits and glasses, and regardless of the knowledge that every 'geronimo' was not an 'allons-y'; he would always be the same man.

And he would always love the little pink and yellow human that saved his life.