Yesterday was five months since I was banded. It has been a journey of ups and downs, but I think I would do it all over again. While my weight loss journey has put some added stress on my relationship with my boyfriend, we are working through those bumps and I am so much healthier in just 5 short months.

I have lost a total of 69.2 pounds and I am so close to be under 200 pounds for the first time in years, probably since high school. I lost 24 of this prior to surgery.

I also ran 9 miles this past Saturday. I only started running again in September. I used to run and have even done a couple half marathons, but I am in better running shape then ever. I am training for my first marathon on May 6, a week after my 30th birthday.

I hope that this post will encourage someone who is struggling. I definitely have been on a rollercoaster since surgery and even before. There have been days that I have been frustrated by the slowness of the process, but then I remember that it took me my whole life to put the weight on and it doesn't have to come off overnight. The hard work is worth it when you look at all the health benefits you will receive long term.

That's great

Whoa! If 70 pounds in 5 months is "slow process" I'll take it with a huge smile and a loud "thank you ma'am!" That's so awesome and very much inspiring! Thanks for sharing!

Overall it hasn't been slow, but I tend to lose a few pounds and then gain them back before losing them for good. So that part has been frustrating.

Whoa! If 70 pounds in 5 months is "slow process" I'll take it with a huge smile and a loud "thank you ma'am!" That's so awesome and very much inspiring! Thanks for sharing!

OMG!!! i am so glad to hear that it is possible to gain a few pounds... i have been between 172-177 for the last 3weeks. But I am happy for you. you are doing great. and yea, i had relationship problems in the beginning... but it is better now