So it has been a year and...

[patsal 1]

I am happier than ever.

I am down only 70 pounds...which is halfway to goal...which is awesome and more than I have ever lost in my life.

I learned that my plateaus are long and they suck...but that you have to just keep doing what you've always done and this too shall pass--even if it takes almost 6 months.

I discovered that real restirction takes time and when it happens it is wonderful...I now know what it feels like not to think about food constantly, to forget to eat and to eat to live not the other way around.

Just because I am a slow loser doesn't make me a failure...if it is worth having it is worth working for.

I know many on here lose at a really great pace and keep losing, my guess is that is a wonderful feeling. I am not one of those people and once I realized it wasn't me doing anything wrong that was a huge relief.

[eko 1]

Happy Anniversary! Thanks so much for posting your story for those of us who are behind you. You give us hope and encouragement that slow is okay, even when we want something faster. You go girl! I am so glad you are happy!

[CheckYes 46]

I love this post this morning!

I think you've got a great attitude, patsal. It is one that will serve you well, I think.

Good for you! Half way to goal?!?! I'd take that ANY day!

[DIRKT32 1]

Now that is what i call a healthy attitude towards the band.It seems that not only you have lost weight but you have gain a bigger self-love.I find that amazing.

Congratulations.

[amberakamom 13]

Fabulous!!! I'm happy for you!!!

[thelastsamurai 1]

I am happier than ever.

I am down only 70 pounds...which is halfway to goal...which is awesome and more than I have ever lost in my life.

I learned that my plateaus are long and they suck...but that you have to just keep doing what you've always done and this too shall pass--even if it takes almost 6 months.

I discovered that real restirction takes time and when it happens it is wonderful...I now know what it feels like not to think about food constantly, to forget to eat and to eat to live not the other way around.

Just because I am a slow loser doesn't make me a failure...if it is worth having it is worth working for.

I know many on here lose at a really great pace and keep losing, my guess is that is a wonderful feeling. I am not one of those people and once I realized it wasn't me doing anything wrong that was a huge relief.

I wish that I had the patience that you have been endowed with (although it sounds like it took time for you to develop that patience as well). I have been obsessing over numbers and weight and how quickly and comparing, and GOD my head is ready to bust because of the stress I'm putting on myself! I've always been an overachiever, and for some reason, whenever I see people's numbers, it's an instant calculation, and comparison - I am driving myself up a wall! I need to find a way to step back from the scale, take a look at my lifestyle, and take hold of my power to make good decisions! Thank you so much for sharing this!

[reverie 49]

Congrats!! It's good to know that you were willing to become satisfied with your weight loss rates and realize that none of us lose at the same rate.

[LapBandBobbi 8]

Patsal - Congratulations on your success so far. I feel like our stories are the same. I have just passed my one year mark and feel like I am a very slow loser too. But, I don't stress over it. I'm very happy with my progress and know the number on the scale will consistantly keep going down. I can't remember the last time I was at my current weight and every day is exciting as I lose more.

Keep up the good work and keep your positive attitude! I believe posts like this will inspire others!

[Juliat 6]

I am happier than ever.

I am down only 70 pounds...which is halfway to goal...which is awesome and more than I have ever lost in my life.

I learned that my plateaus are long and they suck...but that you have to just keep doing what you've always done and this too shall pass--even if it takes almost 6 months.

I discovered that real restirction takes time and when it happens it is wonderful...I now know what it feels like not to think about food constantly, to forget to eat and to eat to live not the other way around.

Just because I am a slow loser doesn't make me a failure...if it is worth having it is worth working for.

I know many on here lose at a really great pace and keep losing, my guess is that is a wonderful feeling. I am not one of those people and once I realized it wasn't me doing anything wrong that was a huge relief.

I love this post! Thank you!

[happiness1 1]

your doing great!! keep up the good work!

[isaviolinist 11]

Great attitude! When you think of this as a life change and a constant and changing process, instead of a means to end, it is so much easier to make peace with food and your body. All the best to you!!

[L12 13]

You're not a slow loser; you've lost about 1.3 pounds per week on average, which is an ideal rate. Plus, if you didn't lose much right away AND had plateaus, you must have lost more than that per week when you did lose! And if you're still at your sweet spot, your weight loss probably won't stop; I actually lost a bit more in the second year than I did in the first, exceeding my goal. Keep going, and keep focusing on the positive!

[patsal 1]

Thanks for all the positive responses.

Lapbandwagon, hang in there it will all come together. I was very impatient at first as well and really worried I had not done the right thing, and that I would fail at the weight loss thing once again. I have also always been an overachiever and the only thing that I could not conquer was my own weight. Be patient with yourself and honest as well. Track the calories, track the Protein grams and exercise. If you are following all the rules your body will eventually have to give up and cooperate, lol!

[nu2ywg 4]

Congratulations to you! Great post and great attitude. I love it when people post their happiness like this, it's very inspirational to newer people.

[oceangirl6 0]

YOU GO GIRL!!!!

THANX FOR GREAT POST

DAY 6 FOR ME

STILL HURTIN BUT HOPIN

I am happier than ever.

I am down only 70 pounds...which is halfway to goal...which is awesome and more than I have ever lost in my life.

I learned that my plateaus are long and they suck...but that you have to just keep doing what you've always done and this too shall pass--even if it takes almost 6 months.

I discovered that real restirction takes time and when it happens it is wonderful...I now know what it feels like not to think about food constantly, to forget to eat and to eat to live not the other way around.

Just because I am a slow loser doesn't make me a failure...if it is worth having it is worth working for.

I know many on here lose at a really great pace and keep losing, my guess is that is a wonderful feeling. I am not one of those people and once I realized it wasn't me doing anything wrong that was a huge relief.