This WAS me:

(on my way into surgery @ 371lbs and miserable! I forgot I even had this picture until my husband sent it to me the other day.)

This IS me today:

(not the best picture but it is today in my office @ 246lbs!)

Today is my 1 year bandiversary. I am down 125lbs. I feel amazing. I am still working hard and have become an exercise fanatic. I want to lose another 50-70lbs to get to my goal and while it is not coming off as fast as it was I am positive I will get there.

I am so proud of myself. It has been an emotional, difficult and amazing journey. I still learn new things on a daily basis with my band. I have been kind of at a plateau the last month or so but I know that is because of some poor food choices I have been making and eating out a lot. This is my life now. The one thing the band has given me that no other diet (WW, Jenny Craig, diet pills, etc.) has ever given me is the ability to start each day brand new. Since my band I know when I make bad choices one day I start new the next. I know when the scale slows that I have to change up my routine (exercise and eating). I will get to my goal, slowly but surely.

This forum has been a lifesaver for me. Anytime I am feeling down, hungry, mad, sick or in need of a swift kick in the ass I come here. I reach out to all of you and I am never disappointed. I know there is always someone who has been where I am and has gotten through it. It has truly made all of the difference. So to all of you that come here and lend support and take the time to answer questions, I say THANK YOU! You have played a huge part in my success!

WOOHOO!! I made it through the first year, if I can do it, you can do it. Good Luck!!

CONGRATS ON YOUR BANDIVERSARY AND YOUR EXCELLENT LOSS!!!!!!

Many congrats to you!! You are a true inspiration. I needed to see this today as right now I keep thinking, what did I do to myself. I am only 2 day pre-op, so I know it will get better but this is rough. I can't wait to be where you are though. Thanks for inspiring me.

congrats....and thank you for sharing !

Congrats .....this is wonderful !!!

Congratulations Tracie...you are doing awesome!!

That's amazing!! 125 lbs in a year is AWESOME!! Congratulations!!

What an inspiration you are =) Congratulations!!

Thank you so much for sharing and GREAT JOB!! That is a great success and you have accomplished so much in one year. I didn't meet my one year goal, but I am not giving up. I had gotten off track for a few months but have recently gotten back on. You are an inspiration and a reminder that it CAN be done. Don't lose your motivation you are doing awesome!

AWESOME! Way to go!!

Congratulations. You look so happy in today's picture. Loving the smile. Best of luck and continued success.

this is so wonderful:)

Wow you look great! I'm so happy for you

Congratulations! Thank you so much for sharing your success! I am at the pre-op stage and stories like are encouraging and exciting. Best wishes for continued success.

Thanks everyone! I am so excited for what the future will bring! Have a great day!