Eight months and a day ago, I woke up with diabetes, sleep apnea, crazy blood pressure fluctuations, tired, unmotivated and with low self-esteem...even though I didn't know it.

Eight months and a day ago, I followed through with a surgery that most people frown upon and have misconceptions about. They told me not to do it: "consider the risks" they said.

Eight months and a day ago, I told myself "this is the right thing to do, the decisions that make you think hard about are usually the ones that will impact your life the most but they are often for the best."

Eight months and a day ago, I put my life in strangers hands and trusted that in the end I would come out better than I was went I went in.

Eight months and a day ago, I thought it would be hard living the banded life: "what about all the foods I'll miss...what if I slip...what if I am one of the ones the band doesn't work for...what if...what if...what if... shhhhhh! I had to quiet my mind. The greatest fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. I was tired and lonely - I just didn't know it.

Eight months and a day ago, I arrived on the other side; floating on the awesome knock-out punch, unaware of the gut-wrenching pain soon to follow. It was worth it.

Eight months and a day ago, I was me - just not at my best.

Eight months and a day ago, my life changed dramatically. It's strange how it has all unfolded, I've enjoyed the victories both large and small. I've enjoyed getting to know and communicate with people who share this lifestyle with me; congratulating many, consoling others - while feeling the need to put some in check at times, but always enjoying the sense of community nonetheless.

Eight months and a day ago, I didn't think I would be a pound away from the lowest weight I've been since before I was a teen.

Ain't the band grand?

Great post! Choosing ourselves first and our healthy futures -- what a powerful thing that is. Thanks for the reminder of how lucky I feel to have made this decision, to have had everything line up the way it did and now to be on my way. I can feel my life changing in so many ways. Not just the weight loss but doors opening -- lots of energy and creativity. Have a great day!

It's really strange, we want to get the weight off and that's our primary focus but you don't think about all of the other things that come along with it...but how could you? There is something new all the time we discover about ourselves and it's always something positive. Thanks for your reply and I hope you have an awesome day, too!!!

Great post! Choosing ourselves first and our healthy futures -- what a powerful thing that is. Thanks for the reminder of how lucky I feel to have made this decision, to have had everything line up the way it did and now to be on my way. I can feel my life changing in so many ways. Not just the weight loss but doors opening -- lots of energy and creativity. Have a great day!

Thank you for your post. It was truly awe inspiring.

Awesome post!!!!!! Thank you:)

Great post!

great post!!

the weight is def a big thing for me, but I also can wait to look in the closet and have to pick 'what fits' vs. 'what I actually WANT to wear', not wanted to crawl out of my skin when my fiancé touches me, looking forward to family and friend gatherings so they can see my progress instead of how much weight I've put on since last time. all the little things. I cannot wait!

What a wonderful reminder of how our lives are changed for the better! Congrats on your amazing success both on and off the scale.

thanks for your really inspiring post...great writing skills

Congrats to you and good luck on future successes!!

Wonderful post....beautifully written and obviously straight from your heart! Congrats on all of your successes!

Congratulations to you!

Great post, thanks.

Congrats!! Are band day is very close to one another (june 18th for me) and I cant explain how this has changed my life. I no you feel and look great!!!