A year ago today, January 6, 2012, I had Lap Band surgery. I remember being scared out of mind and seriously considering canceling the whole thing. I cannot not tell how glad I am I didn't give into that fear and went through with it.

I have lost 175 pounds in the last year!

I've lost it by simply monitoring my calorie intake and portion size, making good food choices, walking, and learning to work with my band. I won't lie and say it's easy but it's not hard either. It's work. The biggest adjustment has been getting used to a new, healthy way of thinking and living. I still have a little ways to go before I reach goal, but I'm confident I'll be there by my second band anniversary.

To all those who are told you can't lose a lot of weight with the band, or you are too big or your BMI is too high to be successful with the band- I am living proof that's not true. The band is work and you can be successful with your band as long as you're willing to work for it.

Thanks to everyone for being there for the last year of support and encouragement!!!

Just curious, how does it feel now? Do you feel like you have changed physically and emotionally? Your kids must be so proud of you too!!

Honestly, it feels kinda surreal. Because I've lost so much so fast I don't think the newness has worn off yet. Well that and the fact I'm still losing. But it really does feel amazing. My kids are thrilled, in large part because I'm actually an active part of their lives now. Before I would sit on the sofa, groaning in the effort just to get up and get a soda. Now, I'm constantly on the go with them doing fun stuff like going to the zoo or even shopping at the mall.

I think the emotional change is even greater than the physical one, though. For the first time in my adult life, I'm truly happy. I love my life and the person I'm becoming.

A year ago today, January 6, 2012, I had Lap Band surgery. I remember being scared out of mind and seriously considering canceling the whole thing. I cannot not tell how glad I am I didn't give into that fear and went through with it.

I have lost 175 pounds in the last year!

Thanks to everyone for being there for the last year of support and encouragement!!!

beautiful pic Mis!!! Now we need to get you into some smaller clothes.

I am so proud of your accomplishment. Enjoy this bandaniversary....you earned it!

beautiful pic Mis!!! Now we need to get you into some smaller clothes.

I am so proud of your accomplishment. Enjoy this bandaniversary....you earned it!

hahaha yeah I know, but you've lost a ton of weight, you know how it is! It's next to impossible to keep up with the dropping sizes so I swear I'm constantly in big clothes lol.

That sure I'm wearing in the current pic fit great 2 months ago when I bought it, now it's just too baggy lol

Missy, Congratulations and job well done. I hope the coming year brings you continued success toward your goal!

Well done, you look fantastic!!! You can see how good you feel in that pretty smile.

What an inspiring thread to read today. I am 31 and have to lose 175 lbs (my surgery is in 3 weeks). Thank you for the inspiration.

You look amazing congratulations XOXO

You look amazing!

It was a relief for me to see that someone else thought about cancelling their surgery. I am on Jan 28th and I am losing my mind over it.

Wow! What an accomplishment, congratulations! You look wonderful, you should be so proud.

You look amazing!

It was a relief for me to see that someone else thought about cancelling their surgery. I am on Jan 28th and I am losing my mind over it.

I think it's pretty normal. I've talked to tons of people who freaked out in the days, even minutes, before surgery. I can remember being hooked up to an IV, waiting for them to wheel me into surgery, thinking "I can yank this thing out (the IV) and just get the hell out right now". I was that scared!

Good luck on your surgery, you'll do fine and be glad you did

Your awesome!!!

Congratulations!!!!!! I too have enjoyed your posts so it's great to see what you've been able to accomplish.

Wow! Missy, you're doing such a great job! Before coming to this site in 2009, I would've told you it was impossible to healthfully lose 175 lbs in a year. But you're living proof that it CAN be done!

Congrats to you! May this New Year being you to your goal!

Marci

This is wonderful news!!! I am new to the site and was wondering how can we help our skin tighten while we lose the weight or will we just have to have surgery to get rid of it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-3S because it is wise and all knowing...

This is wonderful news!!! I am new to the site and was wondering how can we help our skin tighten while we lose the weight or will we just have to have surgery to get rid of it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-3S because it is wise and all knowing...

Well, it depends greatly on your age, how overweight you are and how long you've been that way, and skin elasticity overall. Plus...just genes. Some simply do better than others.

As for myself, I am getting a tummy tuck in a couple months. I'm also looking into getting financed for other skin removal, like my arms and legs. I desperately need it.