Today (12/30/11) is my 1 year Bandaversary!! I can't believe how fast the year has gone! I've lost around 79 lbs and I am thrilled!
It is easier to move around, my ankles don't hurt anymore, and it always amazes me when I can just "stand up" from a sitting position without holding on to anything, or grunting on the way up. Buying clothes off the rack without going to the Plus size section, is pretty cool too. I can cross my legs again, fit, with room to spare in a movie seat, and ride rollercoasters with my grandkids again.
I am often asked if I would do the band again. My answer is ABSOLUTELY!! It hasn't always been easy, but keep your eye on the prize and realize that the band doesn't DO the magic, YOU do the magic. You have to work the band, and follow the rules. The most amazing part for me is the food choices that I make now. I used to go into a restaurant and choose off the menu whatever I thought would "for sure" fill me up and how much can I get for my money.
Now I look at a menu and think, gosh..I'll never eat all of that. Never in my life thought I would order a cup of soup at a restaurant or eat 2 to 3 pieces of popcorn chicken and feel full. Sure, there are times I have my own little pity party about not eating things that aren't healthy for me, like bread, pizza, and popcorn! But then I think to myself that eating those things are what got me to 254 lbs! I am at 175 now, and I feel great!
Keep your eye on the prize and instead of thinking "I can't eat this" change it to "this isn't healthy for me". "can't eat this" is a negative. keep your thoughts positive and celebrate yourself everyday!
Best wishes to you all.