CreoleSoul62

Hello all!

Yesterday was my One Year Bandiversary. Since starting the process to be banded' date=' I am down 53.5 lbs. I am down 58.5 from my all time high.

I want to post about how my attitude about "dieting" has changed over the last year. Prior to this journey I had tried numerous times to lose weight. Each time keeping a jornal and pictures. Keeping track of my weight and measurements. Obsessing over every bite and every calorie burned. I was never able to make lifestyle changes that were maintainable. It was an on or off mentality.

Over the past year my attitude has changed drastically along with my relationship with food.

Don't get me wrong, I still love food--but my appetite no longer rules me. In years gone by, my hunger would run my day. That no longer happens. I eat my meal and I am satisfied for a few hours. I don't constantly think about my next meal or snack.< /p>

I am more active because I don't hurt and it is a joy to be involved in life.

After my band surgery, I went about things the way I always have, weighing in and taking my measurements weekly, keeping focus on the weight loss prize. Getting frustrated when things didn't move at the rate I felt they should. Now, at 1 year, I have averaged a pound a week. Not too shabby!!

At some point recently, I discovered I am no longer weighing and measuring myself obsessively. On the date of my bandiversary, I didn't even get on the scale! I did the day before as Saturday is the day I check my weight as a rule.

The best change of all is that this time, I am relaxed and confident that I will succeed. The changes to my diet are easily maintainable. I don't worry that if I relax my vigilance I will regain the weight.

I realize that it has only been a year, but this is the longest I have ever gone without being on some sort of "diet" or "program." All the while losing at a steady pace (over the course of a year, not every week).

Another poster in the success stories forum talked of feeling "normal." I so agree with this statement. I no longer wonder if I stand out in the crowd, or if peoplare looking at my plate and thinking......

At this point, I am very thankful for my band and the chages it has helped me make.

Best wishes to all!

Denise[/quote']

Hi l am new to this and am just now starting the lap band process. lam not sure but lam going for it my name is troy lynn and l live in new orleans. I need this so bad my knee hurt so bad I can badly walk. l can not sit to long in one place too long. The bottom of my stomach hurts so bad l will be so gald when I get banded. l have go through this so l can findly get me a job it will feel so to work a nine to five l never had a job like that. To finally will buy my first home l have so many dreams when l do this and just maybe fine a real man. l have kids and they are grown and have their on family so its just me and my little dog. I know this will be a road I will never forget, so let the journey begin:)