I had my lapband surgery in July 2010. I remember thinking that I would be at my goal weight in a year. Well I am 17 months out and I am still not at my goal, but I am okay with that. I know that I have worked hard. I didn't lose a lot of weight prior to the surgery. I had a hard time exercising just due to having absolutely no energy. However, once I had my first fill I started to lose weight. Come January....I hit a block...major block and I remember getting a little frustrated. However, I made a vow to not get too discouraged and stay the course. I did stay the course. The weight loss was slow. However, from January to September, I did lose 20 lbs. I decide it was time to do something. I had to change up what I was doing to continue with my weight loss. I started going to the gym with my husband. I knew that I could not have excuses...as I had in the past to not exercise. I know that there are plenty of us that will find any kind of excuse to not exercise. However, this time I made a promise to myself to be true to me. I have gone to the gym faithfully 3 times a week for the past 4 months. I am lifting weights and

doing cardio. I learned that I really feel good after I exercise. If I am stressed, It really helps me come out in a pleasant mood. I can honestly say that I don't mind exercising. Who would have after thought that I would make that statement? Now I didn't say that I "liked" it. Just that I appreciate the way it makes me feel and look. I am down 73 lbs. It gave me the courage to do so many things in life. I don't have to be at my goal to "love" me. It has been such a long time to find me again. I enjoy who I have become. I would not have had the courage to go for a promotion a year ago. This year not only did I go for the promotion, but I got the job. My rewards have been endless....