People ask me all the time how I had the fortitude to spend 2 years of my life on such a strict eating regimen... Because even though I have a band around my stomach helping me out I still had to count calories and make good choices to achieve the goals I set forth.

I have come to the realization that it's just time spent. There is no magic solution it's just doing everything right day after day after day. And if there was a blip in one of those minutes or hours then it was having the ability to move on and go back to what I knew was right.

I found that food is fleeting... Kind of like putting gas or a meal on a credit card.... When the bill comes in you have no idea where it went, how it tasted or if you even liked it......you have nothing to show for it. I found if I had something I thought I wanted but knew I shouldn't it was just instant gratification and not anything I could hold on too. It just seemed pointless after a while.

I have a hard time recalling the trying times. I know I didn't wake up from a dream 2 years later and was thin...but it's tough to recall all those 10 lbs losses and achievements because I am finally in a place that seems the most natural place in the world. I am comfortable with my body.

When you feel like it will never happen for you...just remember its just time spent.

Love your inspiring stories and encouraging words! Thanks it really does help!!

I'm trying to take a different look at food. Instead of viewing eating as a pleasure and something I planned and looked forward to, I am treating it as fuel for my body. I really enjoy cooking and watching cooking shows but for now, I need to put that to the side and devote that time to other activities.

This is such a good post. A great read first thing in the morning

Thanks! It seems that reprogramming is really important. Looking at the mountain seems daunting but looking at one step at a time is un eventful.

Thanks again for sharing!

Yes I agree Floridadays. It is just time. It's no different then spending 20 years at a job, or 18 years raising kids, or being married for 50 years. It's just time and we all have plenty of it. The thing that keeps me going is that if I had not done it I wouldn't have that precious time that I have now. I know I did right by taking 3 years out of my life to get healthy. It was a good investment for sure.

food for me was comfort. After grieving the loss of my mother 2 years ago I succumbed to food. That was my only outlet. And now that health has been challenging a d I am working through my grief it's time to put food in its place so I can be healthy and be productive. I look forward to me pressing my way through this journey. And thank God for victory!!!!

Happy Healthy New Year!!

So true! Words of wisdom! It's hard to think two years back from the beginning of this journey. It hasn't been negative, a few bumps in the road but overall pleasant experience and in the end a huge sense of accomplishment. As I get closer to goal (within pounds), I realize that activity level and exercise is now the key to get me there. I don't know if I could have done this without band...in fact I couldn't. But looking back I question why I didn't do this without the band.

I'm still in the process of loosing the weight. I have begun to understand what floridays is saying. What a freedom, not letting food run my life. It's still hard, but so many other things to think about. Not out of breath, knees don't hurt. Best part shopping in any store I want. That's living in the moment.