"Ah Ha" moment... aka "How the hell did I let myelf get to this"

[terry1118 1,274]

I had lost eighty pounds four years ago with Optifast. I felt great, got rid if my fat clothes and bought a entire new wardrobe. When I stopped the program I began to gain weight again. It snowballed and after three years I was back where I had been before. And as I gained I had to buy bigger and bigger clothes. Last Christmas I topped my previous highest weight and was down to only one pair of work pants and a few shirts that fit. I couldn't button my winter coats. I refused to buy anything bigger! Going past my highest weight hit me hard. I'm normally a positive happy person but I became depressed. I was in constant pain - back, knees, and feet and was prediabetic. I knew I had to do something or my life would not be worth living. I couldn't live without joy in my life.

My boss had the band and did well. I started by talking to him. He told me our insurance paid for it. I began to look at it as a more serious option. I researched and talked to people and talked to my doctors. One made my appointment for the seminar, the other congratulated me and hugged me! After the seminar it was full steam ahead! I don't regret it. And the joy has come back to my life. :-)

[sageandcoyesmommy 28]

I had a few of these moments. The biggest moment was when I realized I was keeping my kids at home all the time just because I didn't want to go anywhere. They shouldn't be trapped at home just because I don't have any energy and don't want to be seen in public. Another moment was when I realized I was having more trouble breathing when laying down than when I was pregnant! Come on September 5th!

[nessa123 0]

Curious to hear from everyone' date=' at what point you realized SOMETHING has to be done... I was sitting at the edge of my bed one day not too long ago watching tv the had faded to black for just a few seconds---at that moment I saw my reflection for the first time in a very long time and it was as though someone hit me with a bat and I just thought to myself "what the hell has happened to me and when did I get this big"... I never realized that I dont look at myself in a mirror and havent for many years... Ive had several moments like this since then but this tha one that made me decide something had to be done or I wouldnt be around when my daughter if I continued.........

<3 brknhrtd8911 <3[/quote']

Hi yes been there too I have to lose 1 stone then I have an appointment with the Surgeon to get a date for my op x

[DLCoggin 1,788]

In February or March of 2011, the doctor put me on Metformin for type 2 diabetes. That did it. Met with my surgeon for the first time on May 10, 2011. Surgery on October 20, 2011. Thirteen months later my weight stabilized at 155 lbs. Weight this morning 151.8 (active weekend). The key to the weight loss - stay focused on following the protocol your team gives you as close to the letter as you possibly can, stay active, stay away from the scales for at least a week at a time and most important of all, maintain a food log.

The key to weight maintenance - continuing to maintain your food log, for life. It's quick - 5 to 10 minutes a day tops. It's easy - lots of apps that do pretty much the same thing but My Fitness Pal highly recommended. It's free. And it changes your relationship with food in ways I never imagined possible. I'm loving the new me and you're gonna love the new you!!

[jerz 251]

My moment was when my husband went to visit his children about 500 miles away. We fussed and argued on the phone everyday due to me being insecure about trivial things. Then I realized that he wasn't making me unhappy, I was the one that was not happy with my life. June 25, 2012 was the weight loss seminar but due to hurricane Sandy and it's effects, I had RNY on 1/28/13. Best decision I've ever made. My husband and I are finally having a son that we wished for for almost 13 years!

HW:358 DOS:338 CW:275 SD:1/28/13

[kristlynngirl 184]

I always knew I had a weight problem, but it wasn't until I started paying attention to what I looked like in photo's my ex's mother took. I never took photos that included my whole body, just the shoulders up. She took pictures of people standing next to each other. I was always the biggest person in the photos. I had been thinking about the surgery for years, but those photos sealed the deal for me.

[kristy3k 1,133]

Kristy3k am I reading that right you have lost almost 200 lbs in 6 months? If so that is amazing (even not that amount of time it is still phenomenal). What is your secret to the amazing loss? I'm in the same boat.

Oh no not six months... I had surgery in feb of 2012... But still a weight loss journey I am happy to have gone on! Advise... Protein, log, Water... Move your butt!!! Oh and be happy!!

[ShirleyJ84 41]

Oh no not six months... I had surgery in feb of 2012... But still a weight loss journey I am happy to have gone on! Advise... Protein' date=' log, Water... Move your butt!!! Oh and be happy!![/quote']

Thank you for clarifying. But even in 18 months that is an incredible feat. Congratulations on the progress!

And my moment was when my sister tagged me in some photos from last Christmas. I cannot believe I have gotten that big. Now I am taking the small steps to make my 6 months fly by and then I can get my surgery.