Today I have been banded for one year. I sure can’t believe it has been a whole year. I can still remember searching for a doctor, waiting for the date to get here and being scared and excited all at once.

I have had great weight losses, and long plateaus, but I don’t regret for one moment getting my band. I feel like the band has not only saved my life, but it has given me a whole new life.

I can do so many things now that I couldn’t do before:

I can take long walks, climb stairs without feeling like I am going to pass out. I can get up off the floor without help, I can bend over, do exercises, work in the yard, run, look people in the face instead of at the ground. I can dance all night long, I can see my feet, I can look at myself in the mirror and not want to cry, I can wear dresses/suits and heels, I can shop in the Misses department (although I find myself in the plus section all the time), I can wear different styles of clothing and I might add all kinds of colors, and I can wear my hair in many different styles.

I am learning how to accept compliments. I don’t look around the room to see if I am the biggest person there anymore. I am not afraid to sit in any chair, and I don’t feel like everyone is watching what I am eating.

I have a different attitude, I am a much happier person, I am loving life in general. For the first time my weight is less than my driver’s license says! I even fit into some of DH clothes!

I have met many new friends here on this board and in person. I have a brand new family of friends here. I laugh as well as cry with y’all. This board has been my inspiration and I couldn’t have done it without each and everyone of you. So, at this time I want to say “Thank you” for being there.

I still have a ways to go, but I know I will get there. This is the first time in my life I know I can loose all this weight and keep it off.

Well, now y'all have me crying! Thank you for all the kind words, they mean an awful lot to me!

P.S. Forgiveness????? Forgivness happened a long time ago, life is too short, let the good times roll!

Happy Bandiversary Betty! Party girl! You've earned it!

Oh happy day!!! Congartulations..YOU are a true inspiration to All of Us!!!!

Thanks, that means a lot!

Congratz

Cheers Betty! Congrats on a job well done!

Betty,

What a wonderful year this has been for you. Looking at the list of your life changing experiences is a big source of encouragement for me - especially the "looking people in the eye" one.

I just looked at your total weightloss, and WOW!!!!!! Last time I checked you were around -70.

You are truly a success AND an inspiration. ((hugs)) to many more HAPPY years!

oh and I agree with the rest - we need a current side by side. With your new figure, you need to be striking a pose for us!

go Bet- ty! go Bet-ty! go Bet-ty!

I'll post some pictures as soon as I can.

I can't believe it's been a year already!! Whoo hooo!! CONGRATS!!!

:banana

Congratulations Betty!! What an awesome year we've shared, here's to the rest of your years being just as full of life experiences and joy as this past one!

You've done an awesome job

Woooohoooooo!!!! Congrats, I hope when my 1 yr bandiversary comes up, I cant be as successful as you have been.

Well done....You should be sooo very proud of yourself.

Pictures, pictures, pictures, we want pictures!!!!!

Thanks Y'all!

Pat I will post some pictures when I can get DH to take some. I have been trying to find something that fits me. I went looking for new jeans last week, but couldn't find anything I liked. I got sick of trying them on, each one fits differently.

Yeah, I know, see my jeans, jeans, jeans thread. I did buy two pair tonight at Dress Barn, size 14 regulars, not with the Womens. I also bought two pair of dress slacks, drum roll.....size 12.