Had my cardiologist appointment today........I am very pleased with myself!

A little background....

A few years back I had cardiac issues.....one artery was over 60% blocked in 2 places, and instead of 2 stents, they inserted 1 long stent.

During that surgery, they found another artery that was 100% occluded. But I have walked around with it for so long that the artery grew branches around the blockage to

restore blood flow. It did result in a infarct however, with signs of scar tissue. I SHOULD BE DEAD!

They asked me when did I have my heart attack, which I replied I don't remember ever having one. They said that was not unusual at all for Diabetics, to have "Silent" MI's. Plus, when you're over 100 lbs overweight, and have to catch your breath carrying groceries into the house, how can you tell the difference???

I go to the gym 5 days a week. Up until last week I was running on the treadmill for 30minutes immediately followed by 30 minutes on the elliptical, maintaining a level 3 cardio workout for 60 minutes.

Last week the gym was crowded, no ellipticals available, so I stayed on the treadmill for the full 60 minutes. Stretched my 30 minutes of running to 40, the alternated walking and running for the remaining 20 minutes, again not letting my BPM fall too low.

This is my new routine, with my new goal to run for 60 straight minutes.

Because of my weight related health issues, I see on a regular basis my PCP, Bariatric Surgeon, Cardiologist, Endocrinologist, Dermatologist, and even a Podiatrist! All from being overweight!

I have met my weight loss goal 12 months after my surgery, and ALL my Dr's are thrilled and applaud my success...(even the one's who though it was not a good idea)

Do I have any regrets? You Kidding? What is the alternative, St. Mary's Cemetery?

Am I upset over the sacrifices I had to do? Like never being able to eat some of my favorite foods again? Not at all....I would give up more in a instant if needed!!!!

Was / is it easy??? Once I got through that adjustment phase, Bandster Hell, to where my band was sufficiently adjusted to do it's thing....I can say it has been the EASIEST weight loss program

I have or could ever do.....the band controls my hunger and portion sizes...all I have to do is choose the right foods, low fat, low cholesterol, low sugar, etc, all the things any diabetic / cardiac patient knows already.

Do I occasionally eat cake, Cookies, have a beer, etc? Sure...all normal weight people do...just not in excess....

I don't get stuck anymore, that happened the majority of the time during the adjustment phase.....most days I don't even think about having the band, untill I take a big gulp of Water or a large swallow....and then, Oh Yes!...There it is! Almost forgot.

Typing this I just though about all the self proclaimed experts that are going to have their opinions on my success....one of the reasons I don't come around here all that often, and have joined other smaller groups...

But you know what? It does not matter what other people think.....it's all about you and I taking care of ourselves and our own....when it's time to pay the piper, these self experts will be nowhere to be found!

I'm happy, My Dr.'s are happy., and so is my Family.....and that is all that matters.

Congrats very inspirational!

Thank You.....I have no complaints.....and in the end that's what matters the most....

WOW ! Miss you on here !! Very inspiring as usual ! :-)

I also miss your advice!! Please keep posting here, like u said who cares what others think! There are people on here (like Myself) who have not had the pre op counseling and need successful motivated people like you to help us through our journeys!!

Oh yeah, almost forgot; CONGRATULATIONS!!!