What a beautiful day today in New Jersey! The sun is coming out - the weather is going to be nice, with a chance of rain later. Rain or no rain, warm weather or not, I am in a happy place. I have not felt this great in a long time.

I am down to 197 pounds, from 288 when I had my surgery. There could be thunderstorms, hailstorms, 10 below, freezing rain -nothing will bring me down today!

I have done a lot of hard work with this LAP-BAND® to stay on track - meaning exercising on a daily basis, eating healthier, watching every calorie that goes in my mouth. As we all know, this takes a lot of work. As I told those who said I took the easy way out - I said BAH - HUMBUG! There is nothing easy about this. I think lap banders are some of the strongest people. This is a life, body and mind change, just like with all the diets out there, you have to make a major change in your life, and this is no different.

Everybody chooses the path that works for them, and I chose this one. With all diets and weight loss, we have to still do the work. I made the best choice in my life by doing this. I have so much more energy - I am so much happier, personable, confident, and I have so much more self-esteem.

Last year at this time I was miserable - so sad. What a difference a year makes!

My husband and I are going out today to celebrate my day. I am so giddy and happy, I feel like a kid going on a school outing to the circus (we actually ARE going to the circus today!).

To all my friends out there, have a wonderful day, and thanks so much for your ongoing support! :tt1:

CHECK OUT MY BLOG TO SEE ANY OF MY RECIPES OF THE DAY AND EXERCISE TIPS OF THE DAY ALONG WITH SO MUCH MORE.

http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/