I started out in 2013 at 283 pounds. I had type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and I was miserable. I hated having photos taken of me. I couldn't go up stairs without heaving breaths, my kids were active little toddlers and I couldn't even come close to keeping up. I had no self confidence and no joy for my life. I banded in April 2013 and over the next year dropped about 70 pounds. It was like I was given a new lease on life. I felt like a completely different person and was thrilled with my health. Thats not to say my lapband journey was without complications...I had a miserable first couple of months with the band and was at a point where I asked my surgeon to remove it. I'm so glad he talked me out of it..

I disappeared from this site a few years ago because I felt like I was in maintenance...yes, I still worked to make sure I was making good choices, but other things started to take that #1 spot in my life that my lapband and weight loss had occupied for so long. Over the next year I dropped another 10 pounds and was over the moon to finally be back in "onederland."

And once again I was in maintenance...just chugging along happy with where I was and without any thought of those long ago far away health concerns like diabetes and cholesterol.

Then our family was sent to Africa for my husband's job. Wow...talk about life changing. And not just in the "developing country" way of things...all of a sudden my food and exercise "norm" was tossed out the window and I had to come up with something completely new. It was a good thing...and the change jump started my weight loss...30 pounds and counting this year.

To say I'm happy with my choice to lapband would be an understatement. I make so many good choices for myself these days. I use the band the way it's supposed to be used...as a tool to remind me to eat slower, chew longer, and make better food choices.

I took this photo on a work trip recently...I barely recognize the girl in this photo...I'm still getting used to how she looks...I know who she is and what she wants...it's the physical changes that surprise me sometimes.

I'm hoping to continue to my final goal weight of 135 over the next year...and when I reach that there is a tummy tuck and breast lift reward waiting for me...

I'm back online because with this new change in location I need the reminders of what going back to the basics means...I'm no longer content to maintain at 200 pounds...I want the bigger picture now.

That is a wonderful story! Keep making those good choices.

Keep on the good work

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App

Inspiring!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You look so happy. You will reach your goal and inspire those of us on our journey to reach ours.