Getting the band for me has been a process of more than just losing weight. It has been the warp drive for my journey of self reflection, improvement, and discovery. I have found out so much about myself since last year.

I learned what my body really looks like. Ive seen glimpses of what it can do. I was raised well. I am strong in many many ways and now I can feel the strength in my body. I am not my family or friends. Most importantly I am not what other people think of me. I define me.

I have learned that I incredibly smart. One would think that being so, I would have made that revelation eons ago. I had been told my whole life but I never really believed it. I have begun to own my intellect.

This year has been a banner year for me. This year has been amazing for my mind, body, and spirit. I feel closer to whole than ever. I have dropped almost 100 lbs of weight and about a ton of baggage in the last 10 1/2 months.

My band has helped me get healthier inside and out. I am happy. I feel love for me. I see the possibilities before me to become more athletic, more social, and more experienced. I see only what I can do. I have a real life now, full of happiness and disappointment and I am so happy to finally be participating.

I love my band.