I haven't been on here for awhile...a million excuses about life getting in the way, but today I sat down with my surgeon for the first time in 6 months. (He'd been deployed to Kosovo and just returned) and we had a heart to heart about the last year.

And HE called me a success story.

And I love that I can agree with him. I've succeeded in doing SO MANY THINGS I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD EVER DO.

In the past year I've lost a total of 75 pounds. I went from a size 24 to a size 12/14. I went from heaving breaths to running 5ks. My BP went from 160/110 to 104/67 (taken today!)

I was an insulin dependant type 2 diabetic with high cholesterol. Both of those things are non-existant now. My blood sugars are in the normal range with no pills or shots. My cholesterol is low...just like it should be.

I laugh more. I live more.

I'm not done...I've got a list of things I still want to accomplish...

-another 50 pounds to lose.

-Zumba instructor certification

-skydiving

-triathalon

...and the list goes on...but the best part is that I know I can do it. If you are struggling right now with your band...follow the rules. They work.

I just wanted to jump on here and thank all these lapbanders that encouraged me along the way and tell the newly banded that you can DO IT! Whatever that ellusive goal of yours is...you can reach it!

That's wonderful & thanks for encouraging those of us just beginning this journey. I'm 8 weeks post op & have lost 25 lbs with about 60 more to go. So, this gives me hope. I wish you continued success!

Way to go girlfriend! You look fantastic, and yes, every bit a success story! Congratulations !

Way to go! And thanks for all the inspiration. I am so happy with my band. Love your list of things you want to accomplish -- GO, GO, GO!!!!!!

I've been wondering how you're doing. I keep checking your blog for new posts. Glad you're doing great!

Very inspirational!! Keep posting!

@ I've followed you from the beginning of your journey….especially since I was starting out a few months after your surgery date.

Congrats to you for all you have accomplishment and for being a success in SOOOO many ways!

You are an inspiration and I love to hear the successes from those that were just starting out when I was.

Thanks for checking in…..and yes, life does have a way of "getting in the way" of being here…and that is the best feeling EVER…..

….AHHHH LIVING LIFE…..TRULY LIVING LIFE!

(clapping my hands) Way to go!!!!!! Awesome!