Well, today is my 61st Birthday. I guess no cake and no ice cream for me. Haha, maybe a frosty protein shake (actually that sound pretty good as it is still hot in Florida).

I got up this AM and decided it would be nice to stand on the old scale. Well, I am down some. 2 more pounds down ..that makes 106 down..not bad. In fact, I feel pretty good about that. I am still on the "no exercise allowed" list until the Neurologist gives me the OK and that won't be until my visit on the 18th. (If then). I am walking a bit, about a mile a day but that is nothing compared to what I used to do (4-5 miles a day + a gym work out). Oh well, I do have to take care of my health. That fall has really left me with some issues. My weight loss has really slowed to a creep but, at least it is not going UP..I am thankful for that.

Anyway, since it is my birthday, it is a good time to reflect on the past just a bit. A year and 2 months ago I was SHORT and EXTREMELY CHUNKY..268 pounds - baby blimp..today, 162. Still short and a bit chunky, but so much better than I was before. This journey has been worth it. Sure, I get stuff stuck, and I get miserable. I can't eat somethings that I used to enjoy but I try to figure out a way to satisfy myself with a substitution so all in all it is OK. I buy clothes in the regular department now and not in the plus size department - that is cool and I can hook my seat belt, sit in a standard size chair at the movies and on a flight..wow..my life has changed so much. My only regret..I didn't do this sooner. I get mad at myself every now and then for "breaking the rules". Don't sit there saying "what rules" you know what I am talking about. There is some really good tasting stuff out there that is a slider and goes down very nicely...This does take willpower and I am not the Queen of willpower nor patience..so I have cheated. Thanks to the band - it is just that, a cheat and not a way of life.

So tomorrow is another day - a year older and hopefully wiser. I am so blessed to have a beautiful and supportive family (even though not everyone was on board with this surgery when I had it done). I will keep moving forward. Thank you to all my Lapband buddies that have been there to kick my butt when I fell off the bandwagon and encouraging me to stick with it on the bad days and to the ones who cheered with me on those NSV moments and the actual weight loss. You guys are the best - I guess becuase we are all in the same boat. Across the world in some cases, but in the same boat. I am glad I found you guys !!!!

Have a great day, stay on track, get some extra exercise in this week and be proud of yourself and all that you have accomplished.

Melinda in Florida