Today is my 6 month bandaversary, and I'm taking a minute this morning to reflect and to enjoy my journey so far. Before my pre-op diet, I weighed 230 pounds (which I always count as my "before" weight) and exactly six months later, I have lost 40 pounds! It has been an amazing experience, not always easy, not always fun or comfortable, but I am loving and working with my band! My medical team has been incredible and I am blessed to have the support of some amazing friends who are also bandsters. My family is supportive, my husband proud of my accomplishment (and I'm so glad, he was really concerned about spending the money on the surgery, but sees how happy and healthy I'm becoming!)

I have about 45 more pounds to go, which I hope to have off by sometime in the summer of 2013. If I keep on working with my band and exercising, that shouldn't be a problem! I've had my share of stuck episodes, overeating, eating too fast, eating the wrong thing, and learning - and it's all been worth it. I am changing my habits slowly and surely and will be maintaining a healthy weight for the rest of my life.

I am blessed and grateful for the opportunity to have a lap band - this is the BEST decision I've EVER MADE!