Hi friends! My six-months postop bandiversary was Friday. While I thought I'd hit -40 pounds that morning, I'm still stuck at a plateau, where I've been for a week or so. I'm not upset, however; I weight 39 pounds less than I did six months ago. I'm so pleased with what the lapband has brought back to my life: courage, self-confidence, mobility, energy, happiness even during the most stressful of times (my BF had to undergo an emergency quintuple bypass three weeks ago, and these days are just crazy stressful for me right now). I feel great and what I've accomplished with the band has translated over to all other areas in my life..pushing up against my comfort zone in so many ways...including realizing a lifelong dream trip to Morocco coming up in October! This is something I've wanted to do forever but didn't feel the confidence to undertake.

One of the best lessons I've learned from my band is to be brave and stretch beyond my fears. I'm so grateful I braved this life-changing surgery. The rewards unfold before me each and every day.

Thank you all for being my support and motivational system.

Congratulations -- you look great. Thanks for posting the pix; so inspiring! And Morocco -- I have never been to North Africa but have been close (Lampedusa, etc.). Travel is something I have on my list in so many forms -- having the energy, the wherewithal, being able to make things happen. You really describe all that in your post -- not just the mobility (yippee!) but the inner confidence. I feel like I lost that somewhere along the line and I can't wait to get it back again. Best wishes during this time of stress and managing day-to-day heart patient recovery with your boyfriend. Life throws up some surprises, that's for sure. Glad you were well and able to navigate this so well -- here's to your health!

It's not really a plateau till it's about a month to 6 weeks out. One week is much too short to evaluate weight loss. Congrats, you are doing well.

You'll have to chime in after Morocco and tell us how the Bastilla was?

small steps (aka small losses) add up to big success

you are doing outstandingly well.....the pic before/amazing..you sexy thang...just keep going forward because if you do, you WILL get there

You look amazing! Can't wait to hear about Morocco...I can really identify with the stepping out of your comfort zone bit...its amazing what I will try these days...it really has been a confidence booster!

You look amazing! Can't wait to hear about Morocco...I can really identify with the stepping out of your comfort zone bit...its amazing what I will try these days...it really has been a confidence booster!

I read your blog! I didn't realize that was you! Love your posts; they keep me going.

I read your blog! I didn't realize that was you! Love your posts; they keep me going.

Oh yeah! Coolio! I love hearing that...! Thanks for reading...it keeps ME motivated!