Reflections: One Year Ago

Dec 12, 2009

Wow, I can't believe that the day has finally come to post about my experience with the band one year out.  It has been a truly incredible year and I have learned so much about life during this time.  Here are just a few of the key points:

(1) I realize that I knew very little about proper nutrition and exercising techniques a year ago.  Now, I know what I need to do to stay healthy . . . whether I choose to follow the rules, on the other hand, will always be completely up to me.  I have worked my band to the max and it really can't help me any more from this point forward - i.e., more restriction won't change any more behaviors.  That's a scary thought . . .

(2) It is hard to imagine, but my husband and I have actually gotten even closer the past year.  He began watching what he ate and exercising a few months after I started and it has given us yet another activity to do together.   Our girls have benefited from the positive behavior changes as well - more nutritious foods and much more exercise overall for all of us.  A year ago, I thought that I was being selfish for wanting surgery for myself.  Now, I realize that it was a watershed moment for my entire family and I am so happy for that.

(3) The band/losing weight is no longer the biggest obsession in my life these days.  I am back to being thoroughly engaged in my work and my career and my family time.  Another scary thought, since this is how I started putting the weight on the first time.  I have to keep myself focused to make sure that I stay within my maintenance range and it is not easy to do.

I have written in posts lately that the band is just one tool that is used to get to a healthier lifestyle and I hope that any new folks looking at my profile or looking into the band really take that to heart. 

P.S.  I should mention that I waited 3 months to get my first fill, have had only 4 fills, and no unfills.  My restriction is not tight and I can still swallow pills whole and eat bread, rice, and pasta.  I have decided to keep my band on the loose side to avoid long-term risks and also because it better reflects my own lifestyle - I want to be able to enjoy good foods on occasion and not embarrass myself with stuck episodes in front of co-workers.

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