OMG!!!! I am so excited and so loving the new me. I know it has been a bit, but things are busy in the summer months for me. What a journey this has been. I have met so many fantastic people since the start of this and have had so many people supporting me. It has been incredible. I think if there was one thing I had to chose that has made all this worth it, it be... I LIKE ME!!!! Before, I couldn't say that, and now I can say I like me. I am so much more relaxed and calm, and I feel so good about myself. That alone has made it all worth it to me. The 42 pounds gone is great, and I fell better than I can ever remember feeling, but the liking myself takes the cake.

Life is funny. We have all put this weight on for many reasons. Some easy to talk about and some not so easy, but for whatever reason we have for putting on the weight, I think many of you will discover that when you lose whatever amount it is that makes you like yourself, that will be worth everything we go through.

I met a couple recently at a support group. Usually we break into lapband or gastric groups but it was so small we all sat together. We discussed items and the man of the couple said regardless what gastric people go through, he said they have it easy compared to lapband. They had a different opinion of what lapband people go through after hearing all the things we deal with it. They had thought of lapband as another "weight watchers diet", and let me tell you, it is NOTHING of the sort. It is a complicated, life changing deal. We have a lot of issues to deal with, and this couple really felt blessed after hearing all our stories.

Whatever procedure you chose for whatever reason you have, make it the right one. I personally would not change a decision I have made. I have made the commitment to this lifestyle change and it was so worth it.

On an ending note, I challenge you all in 4 or 5 or 6 months from your surgery to pick one thing you are most proud of. Really think about that because it is really hard to chose just one, but I know mine. I have known it since 2 months out, but never disclosed it till now.

I am most rpoud that I have done this and stuck to it. I have not cheated or faluted in my journey. Many people probably would have told you that I start things and don't finish it, but I have continued on with this and every day I lose another pound just keeps me more motivated. I am PROUD of myself. I have people tell me how proud of me they are, which is absoluetly wonderful to hear, but to hear myself say that to me and really believe it is a feeling that will stay with me forever.

I love the new me and cannot wait to see me in about 2-3 more months. Stay tuned all!!!!

Best wishes to all banded and soon to be bandsters. It is a roller coaster ride that will bring you lots of fun.

Wendy:thumbup: