Today is my 6 month surgiversary.

I have been wanting this day to come for so long!!! I remember how miserable I was the first 8 weeks after surgery. Sometimes the only thing that would get me through it was knowing that I would someday be right here - near my goal, eating more normal food, and living a good life. I was not sure what to expect from this journey - and it continues to surprise me. In some ways I am more limited than I thought I would be. However, I am also a lot more successful than I thought I would be.

As of today, I have lost 52 pounds, gone from a BMI of 31 to a BMI of 23, gone from a size 18/20 jeans to a snug size 10, gone from a 40DD bra to a 34DD bra (which is still hard to find). This surgery was everything the lap band promised to be, but wasn't. It has forced me to change my life. These changes are not always easy to make, but you really have no choice. I still struggle with the emotional side of eating certain things. I am still restricted to just over a 1/4 cup of food, but I find that I am able to eat again within an hour - this is where I have to try and be disciplined. It's always easier when I am busy :-) I find that I have no physical sensation of hunger, but I do have powerful cravings - something I still have to work on. I can't drink alcohol because of a burning sensation I get when I drink it. I could probably triple up on acid reducers to fix that, but I figure I'm not missing out on much by not drinking. I also stopped eating bread because of reflux issues. I find I can skip my acid reducer altogether if I eat clean and I eat small portions - it's worth it to me to try and eat the right way and skip the meds. I've been off the acid reducers for about 3 weeks.

My weight loss has slowed down a little. I think I am eating between 1000 and 1200 cals a day - more on the weekends because I have more idle time and I will snack a little. My report says I have lost 5.5 pounds in the last 30 days. It seems to come off in small bursts now - no weight loss for 2 weeks and then 2 pounds in a few days. That cycle is fine with me :-) I would be happy at this weight forever, but I am curious to see where my body wants to settle.

On a personal note, I got engaged last month. I went wedding dress shopping and my biggest fear is that the dress will be too big for them to alter when it gets here. Crazy. It's 2 months till the wedding and I am hoping that I don't lose too much. Oh well, we'll deal with that when it happens...

Finally, I'll talk about health. I don't exercise - I know, I know, it's terrible. I just haven't been able to force myself into regular exercise. I do walk A LOT more than I used to - to the store, around the block, by the beach, etc. I don't take the Vitamins anymore and my 6 month bloodwork was perfect. I stopped taking the acid reducer last month and I noticed the weird taste in my mouth went away and I have more frequent BM's (sorry if too TMI), I get about 60 grams of Protein a day - all from meat / yogurt / cheese, I eat about 50 grams of carbs - mostly from granola or oatmeal. I still eat 5 to 6 times a day.

I have 8 pounds until I reach my "made up" goal. I know in my 20's I was very healthy at 120 pounds which would be another 20 or so to lose. I don't know if I want to go there - at this point I feel like I am along for the ride. If I lose 10 more, great! If I lose 20 more, great! If I stay where I am, great!!

Bottom line: right now, I am really happy.

Good luck to all----

Excellent CONGRATULATIONS!! You've done an amazing job!!

Also, CONGRATS on your engagement! You're going to look stunning on your Wedding Day.

Wow, great post! Congrats on the success, and on the upcoming wedding! I hope you'll post photos.

I am so happy for you, I truly am. Congratulations on everything, you deserve it!

Wow, congrats! You are rocking it.

Congratulations to you!

Such an awesome update!! I always liked reading your posts when I first got on here, you were super helpful to all us "newbies." Glad you are so close to goal and doing so well!!

Congratulations!! Thank you for sharing your story - i'm preop and I can hardly wait to see what 6 months time brings me. Well, 6 months 2 and a half weeks. I'm also a band revision. I'm so happy for you!

Hey, my sleeve sista! What an awesome update. Congrats to you on your engagement!

I know I've said it, but I just have to say again, way to go on getting so close to your goal (and so fast!). Like you said, you will be happy one way or the other and that is really all that matters.

Now as far as the dress goes, that is so exciting! I'm sure they can take it up a bit if you lose a few or 10 between now and then.

Also, good for you on getting off that acid reducer. I long for that day!!! =)

Congrats, congrats, congrats!

Thanks, everyone for the well-wishes!!! This board kept me afloat for the first 3 months. I remember being on this site for hours a day during the first 2 weeks - holy moly, that was tough!!!

This is such a great, positive place and a great source for information. This site is the reason I got the revision, the place where I found my surgeon (shout out to Dr Aceves!!), and where I met some really fantastic people.

Wow, I'm getting emotional now :-)

Anyway, thanks to everyone for your support!

CONGRATS!!!!

Woohoo!! I'm about a week ahead of you. Congrats on being so close to goal and on your engagement!!!