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!

Toasting you with my Nectar Fuzzy Navel Protein lunch! Congratulations!

Cheers, as I raise my glass to you. Thank you for your post. While not normally an emotional person, this one really hit home.

What a lovely post!

Thanks for sharing!

What a great post with a "happily ever after" for you and your band! Thanks for posting :-)

Cheers to that!!! Chingching!

Thanks so much for sharing!

Congratulations. Thanks for the inspiring post. Raising my water to you.

Happy Bandiversary to you!! Hopefully about this time next year, it will be 2 wks away from my first bandiversary!

So very happy for you! Thanks for the wonderful post and a huge congratulations to you!!!!

Happy 1 Year Bandiversary !!!!!!!!