It's hard to believe that one year ago, I was getting ready for surgery tomorrow. As I feel asleep, I had this terrifying feeling...WHY AM I DOING THIS?! I CAN STILL BACK OUT.
But I didn't. And sometimes I am so proud of myself I get teary eyed. (Not a cryer by nature mind you.)
I had my one-year check up with my PCP last week. It's my 2-year anniversary with her. She asked me if the past year just whizzed by. Well, honestly, sometimes yes. Sometimes no.
When the old habits started rearing their head, time seemed to stand still. When I showed up to appointments knowing that I had dropped, time flew.
So now that one year is under my belt (somewhat pun intended), I can tell you this:
1. If I knew how long the process before surgery was going to take and all the tests I was to be put through would I still do it? YES
2. If I knew the amount of pain that lingered 6 weeks after surgery, would I do it? YES
3. If I knew that I would hit highs that would seem like I could fly like a superhero and have lows that would make me question everything, would I do it? YES
4. If I knew my life would be enriched by the wonderful medical staff I have worked and am working with now if I had just gone with the status quo and given up? YES
5. If I knew that I would learn so much about myself and then have the courage and ability to change those things I could not continue to live by, would I do it? YES
6. If I knew that some would not understand my choice yet I would gain so many advocates, would I still do it? YES
So to all of you are considering, days away from surgery or post op: It was the best choice of my life. And it probably is for you too!
In honor of my 1-year anniversary, I did all liquid today. I just felt it was the right thing to do to honor all of those who have stood by me through thick and thin. (Pun intended!) So would you all join me and raise your Protein shake to all of us who are banders and Celebrate the journey we have all chosen to take and the successes we will enjoy!
Thank you for allowing me to post this!
So yesterday was my 6 month ban-anniversary. In six months I have lost 65 pounds and dropped 4 sizes. I am leaving for vacation to Europe in 3 weeks. All of this would not have been possible without my band.
This has not been the easiest journey but I am lucky. Lucky I have had no issues with the band. I work out 4x a week and keep within my calorie limit using my fitness pal.
I am hitting a bit of a wall with the diet I know it will pass. I think I need a fill I haven’t had one since November. I sometimes feel this head hunger is never going to leave me. Head hunger is my biggest struggle. I easily can 4 hours or more between eating and when I starting eating it is like I am starving. I am glad my band lets me know when it is time to stop. I am hoping in the next 6 months I will have this head hunger beat and keep up my weight loss, I am half way to my goal. The band is the best decision I have made ever and I wish I would have done it sooner.
You're not alone. Reading your post made me cry. I don't know if I"m mourning food loss or what. But I feel like 'what the hell did I get myself into.' My family, of course, eats regular foods, sometimes with the kids we drive through McDonalds, I just roll the window down to air out the smell, and cry. I feel like if you have not had the band you can not understand it. I tell my fiancee- try imaginig you can't drink soda anymore, you can't eat all the fast food you used to love, people EXPECT you to be losing weight fast, I have never felt so abslutely hungry in all my life, etc, etc, etc. I finally told my honey last night "you have no idea how much I cry lately." Maybe it will pass, IDK, but you are not alone!
