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And I missed it! I may have a brand new band in but I still consider the 1st August 2008 to be the first day I became a bandster. And despite the ups and downs, it has been a game changer for me. It transformed my life in so many ways that I can't even begin to articulate. Not just in my weight, my health and my prognosis for my future health, but in my confidence, my view on life, my career and my value in myself. Happy bandiversary to me! It's been an amazing 5 years and here's to many many more to come.

My knees started bothering me in the mid 2009 time period. I had cortisone shots in both knees every 3 months as well as Euflexa series twice. I tore the meniscus in my left knee and had arthroscopic surgery January 2011.The Dr. said he repaired the meniscus and cleaned out some of the arthritic damage and felt it would buy me a couple of years. Then I did the same to the right knee and once again arthroscopic surgery July 2011.this time the Doctor said he saw major cartilage damage. Then MRI of right knee cause it just was not getting better so knee cap ( patella femoral replacement which is not a full or a partial but a knee cap only ) replacement November 2011. Oh and we can't forget the physical therapy for all 3. then low and behold my feet started hurting. I had bone spurs in both heels. Cortisone shots, orthotics for my shoes and exercises did zip. Here I went again to surgery. In February 2013 I had my Achilles tendon released and lived in a boot for 6 weeks. 2 weeks of sleeping in it then 4 more all waking hours. Physical therapy once again. Did I mention that my weight had gotten to an all time high of 240??? As I was contemplating more surgery to stop the bone spur pain in the right foot I happened upon a lecture locally on the topic of weight loss surgery for seniors ( 57 is senior ). My consult was May 6th and surgery was 6 weeks ago June 19th. I am so glad I had it done. I can already see and FEEL the difference. True I had a set back but diverticulitis was not surgery related. I am down to 205 from 232 on June 19th and already down 2 sizes. You will do great. Just getting the excess pressure off the knees and feet has helped already. Chin up and you will be kicking you heels up before you know it. !!

I’ve been so lazy since being on vacation from both jobs but not too lazy to not workout. Thursday was my 3 month bandversary! I can’t believe it been 3 months since I’ve been banded. So what have I learned? I learned that God has blessed me with the best support system in the world. I learned I am getting much better with time. I learned how to be sociable again. Also I learned its okay to have a cheat day. So how did I celebrate my 3 month bandversary? I went shopping! I am not going to lie to you guys I’ve been avoiding shopping like the plague. It’s all mental for me. I remember going shopping and I will find a very cute outfit but it never came in my size. So I decided to save myself from the embarrassment and shop on line. I can’t do that now because I am over 50 pounds lighter. Yesterday was one of those days that I really wish my best friend Lesley was there with me. She would have told me to get over it and be proud of the fact that I am 50 pounds lighter! Anyway I started slow. I grab a size 14 and a size 16 pair of pants to try on first. The 16 fit fine but the 14 I was able to put on but wasn’t able to button up. It’s okay tho because I have a new goal now. Anyway so I tried on a size XL shirt it was a little too big so I garb a large and the large fit! I didn’t cry on anything but it was overwhelming. So I just brought the shirt and a couple of accessories but next time it will be different. I had a follow up appointment with my primary doctor. Last time I seen her I was weighing 236 pounds but yesterday I seen her weighing 214 pounds! She told me that she was very proud of me and she knows that I can do this. Also I no longer have high blood pressure and I am not longer morbidly obese just obese. So that is an improvement. Today I ran 2.5 miles and I am tired. I need to clean out my closet and get rid of my size 20 clothes and 1X shirts so I can make room for my new clothes. I don’t see that happening today so let try again tomorrow. Life is good and I am loving my band! Thanks for reading.

Happy Bandiversary!! Congratulations on your success, too!

I got the call this morning that will change my life forever - I'm approved for weight loss surgery. It's scheduled, in pen. I'm not turning back now. It's time. Time for me, time for change, time to get healthy. No more size 20 pants. No more hiding in cover ups when I'm in my humongous bathing suits. I'm done with the way things are and so happy to be on this new road.

I am 7 months out and this is still my biggest struggle!!!!!

I had a really bad sweet tooth prior to surgery - I guess I would say it was a sugar addiction (couldn't get enough, the more I ate it, the more I craved it. Even would get sugar "hangovers".) I had quit sugar cold-turkey in the past and went through what felt like detox around the 4th day (headaches, etc.), but after that I felt a lot better. After surgery I didn't have much sugar at all, given the liquid diet we are on - so I think that, coupled with the painkillers, got me through the "detox" period. Now, I really don't think much about it at all (I was sleeved on 3/25). I can honestly say when I see sweets and desserts, I can take it or leave it (before I would have been obsessing about it) and be satisfied with one bite. I just hope that lasts! Good luck to you. :-)

I totally understand. I am 2 weeks post op and must admit it's starting to get to me. After 30 years of eating what I wanted, eating it whenever I wanted it and however much of it I wanted and now not being able to do that is definitely mentally draining....that's putting it mildly. I definitely agree with the "mind over matter" statements. Just try to stay positive. I think that doing little tricks like carrying around your "before" picture will be helpful....whatever it takes, I have been trying on clothes in my closet that I haven't been able to wear in over a year or clothes that were tight but are now fitting just right. I've been enjoying the hell outta of that. So whatever does the trick. I'm also trying not to beat myself up for my "failures" in the past. The fact that we have even made the decision is a sign of self love moving towards a better you. It will all be for the greater good. Feel better!

I know! i'm 51/2 months out and still eat too fast. I try so hard to chew chew chew but it's just not 1st nature for me.