My 11 month Bandiversary is coming up on the 23rd, and I just wanted to share how great of a ride this has been so far!

Some of the many good things:

This past weekend, for the first time ever, I participated in a 5K race (Race for The Cure) and ran it, instead of walked! This is HUGE for me, since at this time last year, I was physically unable to run due to a co-morbidity called "compartmental syndrome."

I recently noticed that my legs no longer touch when I walk!

I fit in regular sized clothing and am finally able to shop in normal stores again! As a result, shopping has become fun again, and I actually enjoy shopping with my friends (since now I don't have to pretend to look at accessories while they try on all of the cute clothes that were too small for me)!

I actually LIKE how my body is looking these days. That's surprising & interesting to me because when I was gaining, I felt huge at this weight.

I am not uncomfortable on airplanes any more (well, not more than the average person anyway) and no longer am terrified of getting stuck in a middle seat!

Some funny observations:

Sometimes I look at a pair of pants and think "There is NO WAY these are going to fit!" and they do! It's hard for me to really understand what I look like right now.

I had some anxiety about getting rid of my "fat" clothes until I realized that -- unlike after any "diet" I've ever done in the past -- I'm not going to need them again.

The other day, a woman I know at work (who I don't work with or see all that often) INTRODUCED HERSELF TO ME IN THE ELEVATOR because she didn't recognize me! How crazy is that?!

Just wanted to share these things! We all have a lot to look forward to!

Catherine

My 11 month Bandiversary is coming up on the 23rd, and I just wanted to share how great of a ride this has been so far!

Some of the many good things:

This past weekend, for the first time ever, I participated in a 5K race (Race for The Cure) and ran it, instead of walked! This is HUGE for me, since at this time last year, I was physically unable to run due to a co-morbidity called "compartmental syndrome."

I recently noticed that my legs no longer touch when I walk!

I fit in regular sized clothing and am finally able to shop in normal stores again! As a result, shopping has become fun again, and I actually enjoy shopping with my friends (since now I don't have to pretend to look at accessories while they try on all of the cute clothes that were too small for me)!

I actually LIKE how my body is looking these days. That's surprising & interesting to me because when I was gaining, I felt huge at this weight.

I am not uncomfortable on airplanes any more (well, not more than the average person anyway) and no longer am terrified of getting stuck in a middle seat!

Some funny observations:

Sometimes I look at a pair of pants and think "There is NO WAY these are going to fit!" and they do! It's hard for me to really understand what I look like right now.

I had some anxiety about getting rid of my "fat" clothes until I realized that -- unlike after any "diet" I've ever done in the past -- I'm not going to need them again.

The other day, a woman I know at work (who I don't work with or see all that often) INTRODUCED HERSELF TO ME IN THE ELEVATOR because she didn't recognize me! How crazy is that?!

Just wanted to share these things! We all have a lot to look forward to!

Catherine

Catherine,

Awesome story! You are an inspiration to many! Congrats on your weight loss and for feeling fabulous!

I was banded last November...unlike you, I haven't lost as much weight and do get depressed about it at times...I have been stuck at the same weight now for almost three months...not by fault of the band, only my own doing...like most people that are overweight, I struggle with the mental part of weight loss...I've had trouble with over eating, still wanting the larger portions even though I know I can't finish them...so what I do is, I eat what I can and then an hour or so later I eat some more...I eat too many slider foods and too many foods that don't give me any restriction...I thought by this point, almost 10 months into this, I would have this under better control...did you have any struggles throughout this past year? If so, what were they and how have you managed to handle them? I need to start journaling my food and exercising more...I know that this is key and I will stay stagnant if I don't make these change...the band works great, I just need to focus less on the food...I was afraid of this issue before I was banded, thinking "how am I going to handle the mental issues I have with food...the band has no control over that!" I still haven't figured this out...I'm proud of myself for the 36lbs I've lost and I know that eventuallly, I will get to where I want to be...I'm NOT giving up...but it has been a struggle and although I know what I have to do, I'm struggling with actually DOING IT! Can you relate to any of this? I would love to hear your thoughts...what motivates you, how do you stay focused?

Congratulations, Catherine, you are awesome and a great role model. I loved your NSVs.

Mimi

How wonderful! Congratulations! What an inspiring post! I have been feeling a bit discouraged since I was banded on 9-4-09, because it feels like I will never reach the point where you are at now.

Again, congratulations, and thanks for posting this to keep encouraging those of us who are just starting out!!!

CAPPY,

I was banded June 15, 2009. I have only had one fill and do not feel very restricted. I too have been having difficultly with eating too much and the psyo of overeating! I re-joined weight watchers and have found this to be very helpful!!! It gives me guidelines and I feel with the band I am able to stick to it. I am going thourgh a rough spot these past few weeks but I'm still going to the meetings. Of course, I don't tell them I have been banded....lol!

Congratulations Catherine! You are doing great. Keep up the good work. I wanted to share one of my NSV's. For years I have gone with my sisters (who are a size 3/4 and a size 8/10) to Victoria's Secret and watched them shop while I looked at lip gloss and shimmer body powder. I finally got down to a size that I could order a bra and panties. And the bra was actually to big and I had to return it. The panties fit perfectly! WOOHOO! I returned the bra and using my new pretty pink angel credit card (LOL) I ordered several more pair of panties and 3 new bras! Oh yeah... and two tubes of lip gloss... hehehhehe

Cappy -- I like Sahsue's suggestion about joining WW. That could be a big help! You probably should go in and talk to your doctor about this -- and maybe get a fill as well. There is no reason that you can't get back on track now!

I've been relatively consistent, though I do go through bad eating weeks like everyone else. Actually, blogging and being on this board has been a big help to me. It keeps me thinking about being banded and makes me feel like I'm in this process with other bandsters. Maybe you should think about starting a blog about getting back on track. I bet there are a bunch of other people in the same boat who would love to read about that and who would be inspired by your success!

Best wishes,

Catherine

DaMomb, I love your VS NSV!! That is great! :mad2:

Congrats on the NSV's! I've been reading your blog this morning....it's great!:mad2:

Ruth