It was about this time a year ago I was taken back for my surgery. I really wasn't nervous at all and I really didn't know what to expect after being banded. I only knew I was a huge man and I was tired of not being a active person I wanted to be. it hurt me to know that people saw me as a obese man. I didn't realize then I was treated different because of my size.

I want to say this has been a year more of self discovery than anything else. Though it has not been a perfect year with ups and downs with diet, exercise and motivation. I can honestly say, my life is so much better this year than probably the previous 18 or so years.

For those that have been banded or those thinking about it, know this, it's a journey of self exploration. It is a journey ofnyou finding out things about you that you didn't even know. As you take this journey open your body, soul and spirit to new experiences. If you live in the city, take advantage of the arts. Take advantage of fun runs, join a league team. Just open yourself up. If you live in a rural area, enjoy the nature God has blessed you with. You can become a mentor to others and support them in their journey in weight loss. We know more about losing weight than most doctors do. Help someone else, even if they haven't been banded.

I will finish here but I'd like to say, may God richly bless each and everyone here.

Thanks for sharing some wonderful "pearls of wisdom" with all of us!

Congratulations on your weight loss success, and also for reacquainting yourself with you...another part of the journey.

Best wishes for your continued health and success...

Congrats on the bandiversary!! How much have you lost?

Woohoo congrats

I have lost 80 pounds this past year.

My motivation has waned the past couple of months but I'm back on track now. I want 15-20 more pounds and I'll be at my goal weight. I want to get to the point where I'm no longer classified as obese or overweight. I'm close. Real close.

Congrats! Here's to another great year

I should posted I lost 30 pre-op and then the 80 since surgery.

All I know is my shirts do not require 3 X's, 2 X's or even a X in front of the L any longer.

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Congratulation Jeff! Thanks for sharing your story. Glad you got healthy

WTG!!! I'm a month out and hope I have a wonderful post to write here a year from now:)!!!

Clarks you too will have a wonderful story about your journey into self exploration. Just remember to stay with the program and work the program. There will be days of the good, the bad and the ugly but there will always be a tomorrow that can be a great day for you. It's a marathon and not a sprint.