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

You look great. I've never been on a cruise, but I don't know anyone who has taken a cruise and not gained weight. I guess they are floating buffets.

Good luck in 2005!!!!

Mary, you look amazing and beautiful. Thanks for rejoining us and giving all us newbies some inspiration.

Thank you all for such positive feedback. I feel good about publicly recommiting. And I do appreciate all your feedback!

BTW - While I have not posted in quite a while, I haven't really "left". I do read the boards quite regularly. I guess I just wasn't motivated to do a lot of posting.

It's been nice to see so many new people joining. There seemed to be a lot of us from August 2003 - many of whom are still around and posting. But I've enjoyed reading all the posts from those of you who joined since then.

Kelly - Thanks for your comments. I will stay around and will post more often.

Vera - yes, it was me who told the story about visiting my friends in NY. And yes, they now have a very different reaction and are very positive and supportive.

What's funny is that I still get some people seeing me for the 1st time and still responding that they love my new hairstyle! At this point, I just think it's a riot, thank them nicely and laugh to myself.

Day 2 of my new resolve - and I'm still feeling good!

Thanks again for all your support.

Mary

About your wardrobe, your taste is marvelous darlin!

Hot Tamale,

Mary, you look amazing! Your photos are such an inspiration to me.

Keep up the good work and dont be a stranger.......