blondegal_ 1,028 Posted December 19, 2013 Last year on this date I had Lapband surgery with plication and a hernia repaired. It was something I needed to do as I literally weighed double the amount that I was supposed to. I didn't have medical issues (high bp, etc) but I knew it was just a matter of time that my health was going to start to decline. I felt worse each day, so I decided surgery would be the best way to save me from myself. And a few days after surgery, I did have a complete melt down of "WTF have I done", but looking bad I chalk that up to the pain and lack of sleep. But the pain did go away and I started getting some of the best sleep I had gotten in years. AND the weight started coming off. Once I dropped 30 lbs, I felt so much better. And now I'm down more than 100 lbs and I feel normal again. I've counted calories every single day. MFP told me today I have logged in for 365 days! I won't say I've been on a diet, but I believe to be successful I needed to be aware of what I was eating. I did not know serving sizes and calorie amounts before. I exercise, but I am not good at being consistent doing it. But I don't stress over that or belittle myself. Why? Because this is my new way life and I wanted to be as realistic as possible. I was not going to get to goal in 3 months; I was not going to go to the gym everyday at 5 am; I was not going to only eat perfectly healthy. I'm me - perfectly imperfect. The surgery was not going to change that. But it has helped me be healthy. It's a tool that I use every day. And that I am thankful for. So if you're just starting your journey, don't be hard on yourself. Be realistic. Give yourself time to succeed. Don't compare yourself to others. And remember to love yourself. I wear size medium shirts and 14 pants. I'll prolly always be pear shaped, but that's ok as I like having curves. I still need to lose pounds, but I'm confident I'll get to goal. Besides my profile pic, this is the first time for me to share any photos. The one is a before and after. The summer before surgery and this past October. The other one is from just a few days ago. Best of luck on your journey! :-) Tara 10 Bandista, joaniet, catfish87 and 7 others reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sojourner 2,446 Posted December 19, 2013 Well done...you are looking wonderful! Keep up the great work! 3 catfish87, blondegal_ and Bandista reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yadiordz 346 Posted December 19, 2013 Thanks so much, I just start my journey a few weeks ago and this pictures are very helpfull , you look great so happy for you , I can't wait to see myself in a year!! 1 Bandista reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MyHighway 52 Posted December 19, 2013 I really needed this today. I needed a good success story. Congratulations you look terrific. 1 Bandista reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blondegal_ 1,028 Posted December 19, 2013 Thanks so much, I just start my journey a few weeks ago and this pictures are very helpfull , you look great so happy for you , I can't wait to see myself in a year!! Just believe in yourself and the band. It does take time. And the main thing that the band has given me is time. No more countdown to an early departure from life. Just a long healthy life to come. 2 Bandista and catfish87 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blondegal_ 1,028 Posted December 19, 2013 I really needed this today. I needed a good success story. Congratulations you look terrific. You'll be successful too. A lot of people stop posting once they reach goal or a good spot. I know I post less now. But the success stories do exist. The band does work. 3 MyHighway, catfish87 and Bandista reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kll724 3,055 Posted December 19, 2013 So cute! congrats and happy bandiversary! 3 Bandista, blondegal_ and catfish87 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
parisshel 1,892 Posted December 19, 2013 Well done! Your transformation is a statement of dedication and consistent effort. You look (and sound) wonderfully happy! 4 kll724, catfish87, blondegal_ and 1 other reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lady VS 1,147 Posted December 19, 2013 Happy bandaversary 3 kll724, blondegal_ and catfish87 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bandista 7,466 Posted December 19, 2013 You are fabulous! Let me say that again -- fabulous! What a great post. You have a wonderful attitude and this is such an inspiration for those of us just beginning. I can't wait to post a year from now...I want to be right there with you! 4 blondegal_, LapbandLo, kll724 and 1 other reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peedie12 29 Posted December 20, 2013 I too am 1yr out It's so amazing but it takes work 3 kll724, Bandista and blondegal_ reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steffyp 63 Posted December 20, 2013 Happy Bandiversary!! I'm 6 months in and am feeling better already. I still have a ways to go but I feel like this is the best thing I have ever done. It's stories like yours that keep me pushing on. I'm so happy for you!! 3 blondegal_, kll724 and Bandista reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catfish87 3,471 Posted December 20, 2013 Tara....Congrats to you! Your story is proof this thing really works! Best wishes for your continued success. 3 blondegal_, Bandista and kll724 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LapbandLo 294 Posted December 20, 2013 YES! I love it. Great job! I can't wait until September for my 1 year story! 3 Bandista, blondegal_ and kll724 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blondegal_ 1,028 Posted December 20, 2013 Thanks everyone. It really has been a good year for me. :-) 2 Bandista and kll724 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites