I haven't posted in quite a while and decided that as I start this year "anew", I needed to post again to signify my "new"/"renewed" start with my band journey.

I was banded 8/03 and have basically done quite well. In fact, overall, I've lost 115 pounds. However, after having almost no problems for the first 10 months or so, I have been struggling for quite a while. I have been on a major (6-7 month) plateau. I then had problems with reflux and difficulty tolerating food; had tests for a possible slipped and/or eroded band (which so far shows that it has not slipped and there is no sign of erosion); got an unfill a few weeks ago (which eased the reflux); and as of today, got another fill and am starting "over". In the meantime, after a long plateau, while I had a 3 week period of an unfill and while I was away on a 10 day cruise (I just got back on Saturday night), I gained back 12 pounds!

Although I am not happy about the weight gain, I know that it WILL come back off. I think I really needed a period of not feeling so restricted. (And, fortunately or unfortunately, I wasn't restricted at all while I was away!!!)

One of the things that was certainly reinforced for me is how important the band is as a tool. Over the last 16 months, I have certainly worked with this tool - I basically followed the bandster "rules"; I made generally good food choices; I exercised regularly; and I went to support groups. However, it is clear to me these are NOT permanent changes. I worked "with" my band, but I certainly do need the band. Having little or no restriction showed me how easy it is to go right back to "old" ways. So... this critical little "tool" is still the essential ingredient for helping put it all together.

As of today, January 10, 2005, I am using this post to publicly re-commit to a new start and to moving forward with my banding journey! I have worked too hard and have come too far to gain it all back! And I have experienced too many of the hard won "rewards" of weight loss to not keep going forward.

I've come a long way - but I still have a long way to go. And now I am on my way.

I'm attaching a new before and after photo update. The 1 month pre-surgery photo was taken on a cruise - at my "ATH" weight. The 1/05 photos were just taken on another cruise - showing a 115 pound weight-loss.

Wishing myself - and all of us - a good journey in 2005!

Mary

I have wondered where u went off to........and now you are back.....- a person!!! You have done a great job!!!! U look wonderful!!

Wonderful photos!! Congrats on such a great loss!! And it's okay that you took a little break and found that it's not so easy without the band. I think that is good reinforcement that you really did make the right choice with the band. Now onward!! You're looking great!

Mary, what a wonderful, refreshingly honest post! Congratulations on the fantastic weight loss. I have an unfill also right now. And you are so right, it's very easy to slip back into those bad preband habits. I really needed to hear this right now. Thanks for sharing!

It's a pleasure to meet you and welcome back! You look fantastic and every once in awhile it's good to reaffirm yourself and just get back in the swing of things! Keep us posted on your reflux and slippage issues and let us know how your feeling! Glad you are back and better than ever!

You look absolutely lovely in your photos. It is very nice to meet you and glad you came back to join us. How was your cruise? I have always wanted to take one but feel kind of chicken about it too. Who would want to be on a nice vacation sick from the Norwalk virus or sea-sickness... Is it truly not bad? Anyway congrats on your fabulous job. Teresa

Wow, great work! You look fabulous! The whole band journey is a process of learning different things at different times, I think. Thanks for letting us share your progress.

Nancy

You look radiant! Your beautiful and such an inspiration to all of us! Glad you came back to the sight please stay with us this time!

What an inspiring post! You look absolutely beautiful. What an amazing job you have done. Please keep us posted.

Mary... you look absolutely beautiful and you are definitely an inspiration! You have a great outlook and I'm sure you can do anything you put your mind to!

Darcy

Mary..what a reality check. Loved the honesty in your post. I know I have been in a slump to from the Holidays, reading your post has inspired me to get my butt back in gear. Thanks for sharing with all of us

YOu look wonderful!!! What an inspiration!!!

WOW you look great! Thanks for sharing...

Welcome back and nice to meet you

Wow Mary! You sure have come a long way. Thanks for checking back with us.

If my memory serves right and it was you. I recall a story of when you went into New York for the first time after banding to meet friends. That was over a year ago. I bet your friends are elated now.

Awesome, you were beautiful before the loss and even more so now. Your clothes look like they came from the queen. Where did you get those outfits from? Who is your fashion designer? Tell me, tell me, please.

Oh yea, happy to meet you, I've only been here since October.

WOW Mary you look great. Glad you posted your pictures.