I can't Believe it! Is this REALLTY Happening for Me?

[enjoythetime 1,457]

I just returned from seeing my surgeon and found out that I've EXCEED MY GOAL!!! The tears just won't stop flowing! I'm setting here in disbelief that this is actually happening. One year ago I was setting in this very chair with tears flowing because I was so miserably overweight that I could barely bend over to tie my shoes and even though I knew my surgery was a GO I sat here with that hopeless feeling wondering if this plastic little ring was really going to help me. As I reflect on the past 11 months it all just seems so unreal and hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I'm where I am today. I go in every month to see my Dr. so of I course I knew I was 6lbs away from goal but to see those numbers and to hear someone say you made it, you passed it, is life changing!!!

For anyone who's thinking about this surgery, or is in a rut wondering why you had the surgery, it's ALL worth it!!! The 2 week pre-op (or whatever your doctor orders), the discomfort from surgery, the 6 weeks of bandster hell because you're sick of liquids and mushies, the starving all the time until your first fill, the balancing act of how much Fluid is enough, I'm in the green zone or the yellow or red, It's ALL worth it!

I NEVER truly thought when I had this surgery this would happen for me the way it has. I knew I was determined and that failure wasn't an option but I never thought the outcome would look like this!

My life has changed in so many ways. First and foremost, I'm healthy!!! I can walk up a flight of stairs without being winded, play sports with my kids, buy whatever I want in the stores and no longer have to wonder if it comes in my size, I don't have to worry about flying and praying the seat belt fits around me. I'm so much happier, the small things in life just seem to make it all worth while and before I missed so many of them because I was so unhappy and self concious. One of the greatest feelings is not feeling like an embarassement to my husband and kids (not that they ever made me think I was), but when your mom is 34 years old and is as wide as she is tall, it's hard to be proud of that I'm sure.

Don't get me wrong it's not all sunshine and roses, but it is what you make it and if you put 100% into it you're going to get a good return on your investment!

Now it's time to move onto the next phase, life long maintenance which scares the hell out of me to be quite honest!!!! I know however that this time I've made a lifestyle change, unlike with past diets, where when once you've reached your goal you think you're "done" so you start raiding the pantry because "you've earned it", this time I know it's all about balance and doing things I know I can LIVE WITH AND WITHOUT for the REST OF MY LIFE.

This group is an amazing source or support and information!!! Thank you!

Edited April 21, 2014 by enjoythetime

[betty_s 476]

congrats girl! you look AMAZING!!!

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

Just one word -- WOW!

[2muchfun 8,927]

I just posted on one of your other threads that everyone should click on your gallery. I'm going to do it again:

http://www.bariatricpal.com/gallery/member/147342-enjoythetime/

Your transformation is truly amazing. You look 20 years younger and so happy. We're happy for you too.

[dlamp112 34]

CONGRATS! Way to go! Thank you for sharing

[2muchfun 8,927]

I like this one:

[enjoythetime 1,457]

I just posted on one of your other threads that everyone should click on your gallery. I'm going to do it again:

http://www.bariatricpal.com/gallery/member/147342-enjoythetime/

Your transformation is truly amazing. You look 20 years younger and so happy. We're happy for you too.

2muchfun, you're such an inspiration!!! I've learned sooo much from you by just reading your posts and comments, you give genuine and solid advice and I just appreciate you so much!!!

THANK YOU!!

Edited April 21, 2014 by enjoythetime

[enjoythetime 1,457]

congrats girl! you look AMAZING!!!

Bettys, thank you girl! You're off to a wonderful start yourself!!! Keep up the great work;)

[enjoythetime 1,457]

Just one word -- WOW!

Thank you so much!!

[SandyM 1,956]

You look great!!!

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Yippee! What a wonderful achievement!

[Bandista 7,466]

Oh my goodness, what a transformation! I am so happy for you. Truly inspirational. Thank you from those of us still in the trenches (which is still a pretty great place to be).

[Shelly2221 126]

Amazing!

[2muchfun 8,927]

For a few years now I've made the claim, many times, that the most people can expect to lose with the Lap-Band is 8 lbs a month. You, CarolinaGirl and Missy have made me a liar. I know there are others and I apologize for not mentioning everyone but these are the three that just popped in my head.

I'm going to have to ask you to share with all of us how you did this in less than a year? Exercise? Typical daily caloric and food intake? How did you stay motivated? Take your time. We can wait. (insert jeopardy music here)

[silly_weasel 39]

Wow! Truly amazing! Congratulations! And yes, please...tell us your routine.