Hello folks

It's been 7 years this July since I got my band. I was losing weight (368 at surgery) really well until I got near my adult low which is 225. At that point I hit a mental block and stayed between 239-226 until now.

Currently I am at 233 but I've had a breakthrough recently and I believe that I'm ready to lose the weight now.

Part of my issue is that I've been at least obese since I was 5 years old. So much of my identity was that of the Fat Girl. I was always the heaviest one in the room. At my highest weight I was over 400 lbs. How much over 400 I can't tell you, that was as high as the scale went. It took quite some time before I was able to use the scale.

Until recently I didn't become aware that I was no longer always the largest person in the room. I can't begin to explain how that messed with my head.

With circumstances as they are now, it is doubtful that I will ever be able to have plastics done. Knowing this was another hurdle I had to get past. Finally I realized it was a matter of deciding if I'd rather look in the mirror and see the loose skin or if I'd rather see the slightly less loose skin and the progress I still want to make. I need to learn to love my body either way, so I might as well keep moving forward.

And just because the universe has a sense of humor, two years ago I survived a stroke. Thanks to early intervention, I managed to avoid any lasting physical injury and remain completely mobile. I do have cognitive issues relating to speech and memory. One fun issue I have now is remembering to eat. After years of being obsessed with planning my next meal or snack, now I actually have to track my food to make sure I've actually put some fuel in the tank.

Has anyone else had a mental block they had to get through before you were able to get to your goal? I'm thankful that for all these years I've been able to maintain. I guess I'd like to hear that I can make it from someone besides me (and my super supportive hubby who is always in my corner)

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just wanted to reach out and say congratulations! Sometimes we just have to kick ourselves in the butt so that we can get to the other side.

I have always said, the loose skin is way better than the fat and is definately something you can live with.

and for those that do end up with plastics, the scars are way better than the loose skin!

Each of our journeys are our own and you have done a great job moving past obstacles. Keep on moving forward!

Best of luck to you!