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!!!

Congratulations Missy! Your posts are truly inspirational to me. I just started my 3 month insurance medically monitored diet. Each appointment they discuss bypass and sleeve surgeries. I tell them the same thing each time, I understand that the lapband is a tool. I am not looking for the fastest way to loose weight. I am most comfortable with lapband. I have 200 pounds to loose and to see stories like yours I know it can be done with the band.

A year ago today' date=' 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!!!

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This is inspirational.

WOW WOW !! Absolutely stunning !! :-) congratulations !! Your post were my inspiration when I was prepping for pre op last year.I started strong but fizzled because of a couple of traumatic " life" incidents over last summer and fall. I came here tonight looking for that spark , I think I just found it with this post. Good luck with your tummy tuck and next phase ! :-)

Wow Missy...you look amazing...that is some hard work...you should be very proud of your healthy life style now

Your look wonderful Missy, and you do seem to have a glow about you. I know that you must be proud her yourself!

You look amazing. You give inspiration in each post. You should be so proud of your accomplishment.

You look absolutely amazing & what a beautiful smile! Such an inspiration, Thank You!

A big congratulations! You look amazing and are a great inspiration! I hope that the ability to have this new tool in my belt is going to help me shed those pounds like it helped you!

You've done so well! You inspire us all. Great work!

Congratulations, thanks for the inspiration,

Wow u look great