This time a year ago, I was at the hospital waiting to go into surgery to get the lapband. What a mess I was that day. Full of doubt and fear....what was I doing to myself, and worse yet, what if I wasn't successful? I wasn't doing this to look better, I was doing it because I was heading towards losing the ability to walk. How scary is that?? I wasn't worried about walking in pain...I was worried that I wouldn't be able to walk at all.

I also loved to eat. Just loved it...and loved to eat as much as I could...which is why I was morbidly obese. My life was focused on food so I couldn't imagine what my life would be if food wasn't front and center. I ate out alot...it was both the food and the socializing that I was focused on. What if I couldn't eat out anymore? Would I lose my friends? Would I enjoy my life? Again...I worried about how this surgery would change my life...but not in a positive way, I was thinking totally in a negative way. So...I was not in a good place physically or emotionally on January 14th, 2013.

Well here it is...a full year later and from a physical perspective, I've lost over a hundred pounds, I've gone from a size 26 pant and 4X top to slacks in size 12 and tops in mostly medium and large. Avenue and other plus size stores/departments are in my rearview mirror. I'd forgotten how much nicer smaller clothes are and how much fun it is to clothes shop again. It's a new mindset...not 'does it fit?' but 'how does it look?' Most important though is that I lost enough weight to have the hip replacement surgery I needed so badly. I'm still healing but already I have made leaps and bounds in terms of my mobility. I can walk up and down stairs again...I joined the Y last March and am a regular there. I swim again, and now can ride a bike. I couldn't do either a year ago. I ride the subways again, I don't fear walking more than a block or two, I found that eating out is still something I can do and look forward to even though I don't overeat. Or should I say, especially because I don't overeat. I've learned that a little bit of good food is just as enjoyable, if not better than eating too much of it.

Now..that doesn't mean it's all been a bed of roses...that's not realistic. I've had other health issues that have me concerned though I know I'm still better off smaller than larger in terms of tackling those issues. I also have body image issues that I'm working with a therapist to deal with. I've got alot of loose skin and I often don't recognize the old woman I see staring at me in the mirror. I realize it's my perception that's off, not anyone else's. All I get are compliments...I just don't believe them. So this too is an ongoing journey...and one most of us can relate to in that we didn't see ourselves as fat when we were, so why see ourselves as normal when we are?

All I can say is that this surgery saved my life...I truly believe it. I'm not suddenly living a perfect life...no one does. I'm simply living my life in a healthier way and seeing me get back what obesity took away. To all of you on this forum I say thank you. Without it, and the people on it, I don't know that I would have been this successful. The support and encouragement has been invaluable to me from the first day I found this site right up to today and I am grateful to you all.

Oh...and I've attached a before and after pic though I'm still on my journey. Just wanted to give you an idea of what 100 lbs. less looks like.

I'm so proud of you!!! My situation is similar to yours. Last year I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and in August I had a heart attack at age 36, and developed diabetes after that. I have always struggled with my weight but I was able to manage. After all that I decided to have my lap band so that I could still be around to care for my children. I have prepared my self mentally to succeed in this wonderfull journey ahead of me and i'm ready to post all of my accomplishments in future. The LORD has given me the strength to continue. God bless!!!

Happy bandiversary! Well done--you've worked hard, consistently, and you look wonderful. Thanks for posting your story and showing us your impressive transformation.

Congrats! Looking good!

Happy Bandiversary and Congratulations! Wishing you much continued success.

Congratulation... well done you've done so well.

Happy bandaversary

You are an inspiration and I look forward to reading your posts and seeing the wonderful successes you have had.

Wishing you a terrific anniversary with many more to come in the future.

2014 is going to be a fabulous year!

Thank you for your wonderful, inspiring story!

Thanks everyone! It just breaks my heart to read about others who struggle, who are fearful and question their decision to go ahead with WLS, and I just want them to know that we all understand the fears and anxiety but that given time, almost everyone will find success.

Thanks everyone! It just breaks my heart to read about others who struggle, who are fearful and question their decision to go ahead with WLS, and I just want them to know that we all understand the fears and anxiety but that given time, almost everyone will find success.

YOU NEED TO POST what you just wrote on a thread.....as its true GF

Happy anniversary and I am thankful for your band too because you inspired me n helped me through this process reading your post

Good job, and happy 1 year, I hope to have lost 100 pounds by the time I reach my 1 year. I have the same issues with who I see in the mirror, its just one of those things I need to get over I guess.

You are one of my new heros..maybe superheros. Thanks for sharing your inspirational story. God bles

Congrats! You are truly inspirational!