I'm in love with exercise...specifically, walking!:wub: I've been active before - worked summers during high school and college as a lifeguard, which meant being able to swim 500 yds, 4 different strokes, in less than 12 minutes - but never had the results I'm getting now.

Since my last fill, I've had good restriction, and I'm off the plateau that I was on. I'm down a few pounds and feeling really good about my progress - though, of course, I wish it were faster!

I attribute my good results to my lovely little internal enforcer - the lap band. Never before have I been able to control the quantity of food I eat like I can now with the help of the band.

I also started wearing a Bodybugg fitness band the past few weeks and have noticed a difference. I log my food intake faithfully (and honestly) and I get immediate feedback on what I'm doing right and wrong. I never go anywhere without my Bugg - it's a constant reminder of my goals and what I'm doing to reach them.

I drove past (yes, past!) a Wendy's the other day and realized that in my pre-banded life, I would have probably pulled into the drive-thru, ordered a double Baconator (1/2 lb of beef, multiple strips of bacon, cheese), a Biggie french fry, and a Biggie diet soda ('cause I'm diabetic, dontcha know - can't have all that sugar :ohmy:) and finished it all, plus a Frosty for dessert (never mind all the sugar that was in that). :scared2:

Thanks to my band, I don't even bother pulling in any more - I know it won't go down! :wub:

I've had some wonderful NSV's (non-scale victories) lately:

1. My insulin dose has been cut in half with approval from my doctor. :w00t: My blood sugar measurements in the morning have been so good that I think I'm really close to getting off all of the medication!

2. I've dropped several clothing sizes, and have to buy new clothes. :w00t: This is a big deal for me, because I love to shop, and because I love clothes! I'm really looking forward to a new wardrobe when my journey is over.

3. More stamina :smile: I don't get out of breath when I go out dancing with my husband as easily any more - heck, I can hang with some folks 10 years younger than me now, where pre-band, it was one song and out.

I'm actually looking forward to summer this year, because I know my new slimmer body will look better in summer clothes than I've looked in years! Even the prospect of swimsuit shopping doesn't hold the terror that it used to for me - I can't wait to see what new things I'll be able to fit into and wear!

If you're reading this and you're not yet banded, do your research, talk to your doctor, and then make an educated, quality decision. For me, there was no other option, and I don't regret it one bit.

If you are already banded, but struggling, please don't give up - if you haven't been to see your doctor lately, go back and get an adjustment or a fill if needed. Talk to them - they are there to help.

A new, healthier life is the payoff for taking this very serious and important step. You can do it - if I can, anybody can! :thumbup:

congrats on your victories! Every time I read about someone's steps forward, it really tells me that this is the right thing to do!