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!

Thanks for this post =)

you are an inspiration!!

Wonderful and inspirational post. Thank you for sharing!

Outstanding Post! I was just banded on Friday and it's all so overwhelming at times learning what to do and what to do "right".

Thanks for this!!

I am raising my protein shake!

Wonderful words.

Congratulations and Amen sister, I'm barely two weeks so many of your questions are hitting home right now.

its not gonna come easy and its not gonna come without sacrafices but the rewards will be that much sweeter. Thanks for your words of encouragement for many of us!

Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing your joy and wisdom.

i hope i can post a great story like yours a year from now ! im only 7 weeks banded so we'll see where im at dec 2012. best of luck to you !

This is very intirational! I havent set my surgery date but it seems that it will likely be the first or second Monday in March. Hearing stories like yours helps to feel confident that I am making the right choice and feel like the new me is judt around the corner.

Happy Bandiversary!! Thank you so much for the inspirational words.

Hurray! And HAppy 1st bandiversary to you!!!You are an inspiration to us oldies and the newbies, too! Karen

Raising my protein drink to ya

Thanks for sharing!

I just wanted to tell you I copied your post and put in in a virtual time capsule to me sent to me in one, so I will read it then and ask myself the same questions and hopefully get the same answers!

Its called hasslebot. where they will send you email reminders of whatever you want.

Amen Sister! I couldn't have said it better myself....I was too amazed at how fast the year went by and what I learned about myself and my weird relationship with food. So much has changed mentally and physically. I'm so happy with my choice to be banded!

Good luck and keep up the good work!