I'm not very good about this Blogging thing. It was so interesting to read over my thoughts as I was getting ready for surgery. I'm afraid I am skipping over quite a bit here, but I would like to post an update for anyone out there that may be interested.

So far, I have lost 106 pounds. I would like to lose 50-60 more, but I know I can do it. It is just going to take time, and one of the most important lessons I have learned about this journey is that time is going to pass anyway. I can be heavier or I can be lighter, but time is ticking by, regardless.

I have managed to move out of the "morbidly obese" category and into "mildly obese." As I have mentioned before, I am not a fan of that word, but I think it is important for me to face it, and the medical implications that it carries. I do have a long way to go, but it is really exciting to think about how far I have come.

My legs, knees and ankles don't hurt anymore. I can climb up the stairs without getting out of breath. When playing on the floor with my little girl, I can practically jump to my feet, rather than the 5 minute grunt-fest I used to endure. We walk, we hike, we swim, we ride bikes. And I actually ENJOY these things! It isn't painful anymore, it is actually fun.

I do not have a single regret about having this surgery. It took four fills for me to reach the level of restriction that I currently have. I am not able to eat bread, and I sometimes have trouble with rice, and tortillas are out of the question. However, I really don't miss them. I have not felt deprived. Although, this may not be the same advice you will get from your doctor, I never really looked at this as a diet. I eat pretty much what I want, but I only eat a tiny little bit of it. I am sure that this approach has slowed my progress on occasion, but, I am really ok with that. I feel so confident that I can live this life, and know that I am still moving in the right direction (1-2 lbs. lost a week.) I have had all the requisite blood work done, and I am getting all of my essential nutrients. I can't just eat boiled chicken and mushy green beans. If I am SLOW, and really CHEW my food like crazy, I can eat what I want. I can live with that.

Two more things I want to share. I can cross my legs - with ease!! It is the coolest thing. It makes me feel so slim. Also, I am sleeping through the night. No more sleep apnea. I did not realize how ridiculously tired I was, ALL THE TIME, because I was getting such poor sleep. I don't struggle to keep my eyes open while I am driving to work. I don't wake up with headaches. It is incredible. This new found energy is probably the best side effect of all.

I will try to be better about posting. I have some other musings that I have never posted, but are saved on my computer. I would like to get them up here as well. If you are reading this and are still wondering if LAP-BAND® is the right choice, I would be happy to talk to you! For me, it was the best decision I have ever made. Even though it is not fast, and it certainly is not easy, it is amazing.

Good luck on your journey!

Alissa:thumbup: