One year ago today I weighed 240 lbs (I am 5' 3"). My BMI was 42.5. I was wearing a tight, tight size 18/1X. I exercised by walking slow and doing pilates. I was depressed. I was not a good example for my 14 year old daughter or 11 year old son. Dates with my husband was dinner.

Today, I weigh 171 lbs. My BMI is 30.3--so close to "just" overweight I can't stand it. I wear a size 10/12 dress, 12/14 pants, large/medium sweaters. I exercise by running, spinning and lifting weights. I am happy, confident, proud. My kids...well, I shop with my daughter and actually try things on in the dressing room with her and I run with my son. Dates now may be a hike, fishing or a walk on the beach We all laugh so much more.

I don't want to say it was easy...it was not...but it works. I was not perfect, but I followed the "rules" I was given by my Dr. more often than not. I was not a fast loser and it took a bit of time to accept this, but I finally let myself lose at my body's pace without beating myself up. I did not exercise every day, but I built up my endurance so that if I wanted to I could. I did/do miss the comfort of food sometimes, but I work/worked with a therapist so that this loss was not overwhelming.

To those of you banded, reading this...I want to thank you. Your questions, your responses, your victories and your humor (and even some of your "crazies") got me through this year. I did not blog but I stalked a number of blogs...Catherine (Chronicles from Band Land), Amy (Once upon a time...), Sarah (Losing Weight, Gaining Tons), Tiffani (Rocking the Band), The New Me and Lize the Loser...(just to name a few)...you all make a difference and though you may not know me personally, you made a tremendous impact on my weight loss.

To those newly banded or just thinking about it...do it. Read this site, read the blogs, follow the "rules" your Dr. sets, do your research, don't beat yourself up, focus on one day at a time... but do it. I believe with all my heart that the band works.

This next year, I look forward to losing the last 25 or so, possible plastic surgery, eating even healthier and enjoying my success.

Have a great day!! Tracy

Congratulations Tracy!

Everything you have stated is very relatable.

Donna

Congratulations. It is nice to hear the success stories. We tend to hear more about problems around here than the successes.

Greg

Wow, Congrats!!! So So happy for you. I think what you said in your third paragraph is SOOO key. People seem so ready to give up if they don't loose quickly, and thats not how it should be. Congrats again!

Thanks for the kind words Donna, Greg and Mellabella!

Tracy

Tracy...just want to say congrats and thanks for your post. Puts it all together and hopefully will catch the eye of someone struggling or looking into having LB surgery. If you can inspire just one person by your post, you have done a your good deed for today!

Rock on, I Luv my band!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for the inspiration and gratz!! I hope to make a similar post 1 year after I get the band too!

Congratulations, Tracy!!! You have come so far and are doing so great!! Thanks for the nice mention of my blog -- I am so glad that it helped! :thumbup:

Catherine

Congratulations Tracy! Wow I can't wait until my bandiversary rolls around to see what I've been able to accomplish in a year. You have alot of the same mentality that I do in trying not to compare my progess with others and not sweat the small stuff. I am so happy to hear your progress and your outlook after a year into the band. Best of luck always!

Thanks again everyone! I really appreciate the feedback.

Congratulations and thanks for a great post. Here's to another successful year :0)

Heather, the baby is beautiful. Enjoy!

Great post! I am at the begining of my journey, and this web site has been a life saver for me. Becoming friends with people who can offer advice & words of encouragement means the world for me.

Being newly banded these are the stories i like to read about...

Heather, the baby is beautiful. Enjoy!

Thanks :0)

I think she is pretty darn cute myself . . . of course I am biased, lol. :sad: