WestieLove

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

299.8!!! First time under 300 in 4+ years! I am so excited I can hardly stand it... and I got to start mushies today... first realy meal in 3 weeks... today was a good day

299.8!!! First time under 300 in 4+ years! I am so excited I can hardly stand it... and I got to start mushies today... first realy meal in 3 weeks... today was a good day

299.8!!! First time under 300 in 4+ years! I am so excited I can hardly stand it... and I got to start mushies today... first realy meal in 3 weeks... today was a good day

I actually made broccoli Soup and put unflavored whey Protein in it to get the protein in and ate it once a day in addition to my shakes. I added extra chicken broth to make it runnier.

299.8!!! First time under 300 in 4+ years! I am so excited I can hardly stand it... and I got to start mushies today... first realy meal in 3 weeks... today was a good day

299.8!!! First time under 300 in 4+ years! I am so excited I can hardly stand it... and I got to start mushies today... first realy meal in 3 weeks... today was a good day

299.8!!! First time under 300 in 4+ years! I am so excited I can hardly stand it... and I got to start mushies today... first realy meal in 3 weeks... today was a good day

299.8!!! First time under 300 in 4+ years! I am so excited I can hardly stand it... and I got to start mushies today... first realy meal in 3 weeks... today was a good day

299.8!!! First time under 300 in 4+ years! I am so excited I can hardly stand it... and I got to start mushies today... first realy meal in 3 weeks... today was a good day

299.8!!! First time under 300 in 4+ years! I am so excited I can hardly stand it... and I got to start mushies today... first realy meal in 3 weeks... today was a good day

299.8!!! First time under 300 in 4+ years! I am so excited I can hardly stand it... and I got to start mushies today... first realy meal in 3 weeks... today was a good day

299.8!!! First time under 300 in 4+ years! I am so excited I can hardly stand it... and I got to start mushies today... first realy meal in 3 weeks... today was a good day

299.8!!! First time under 300 in 4+ years! I am so excited I can hardly stand it... and I got to start mushies today... first realy meal in 3 weeks... today was a good day