Sunday, August 29, 2010

ONE YEAR BANDIVERSARY!!!


Yesterday was the 28th- my very first bandiversary. I had a wonderful post planned but was struck down yesterday morning by a debilitating migraine. After being in bed for more than 26 hours, I am finally sitting down at my computer to write this post.

It's amazing to think that it has already been a year since I was banded. Although I find it easy to feel a sense of disappointment in the fact that I have lost "only" 67 pounds, it's comforting to know that I did not GAIN 10...15...20+ pounds over the course of the year.

I am officially a size 16, again. When I was pushing a size 26, I swore I would be elated to be a size 18 again for the rest of my life. But, alas, it is hard to find happiness when one is looking for happiness in all of the wrong places. My goal for this next year is to concentrate solely on eating well and working on fitness. I am hoping that I can let go of scale numbers and pant sizes long enough to concentrate on what really matters.

Over this past year, a few things have changed. Here is a list of some things that have impacted my life for the better, in no particular order:
  • I no longer worry about being able to keep up with my children.
  • I sleep better.
  • I can run 2-3 miles instead of just 2-3 sidewalk squares.
  • Physical activities don't scare me any longer.
  • I don't exhaust myself in the morning just getting dressed.
  • I don't think people are staring at me anymore.
  • People look me in the eyes rather than staring at me.
  • I no longer think about driving through drive-thrus all day long.
  • When I do go through a drive-thru, I can only eat a VERY small portion of what I used to.
  • My intimate life has gotten better (my husband agrees).
  • I no longer worry about what I am going to wear (okay, that's a lie- but I worry a whole heck less than I used to!).
  • My small shower has gotten larger!
  • I can cross my legs comfortably.
  • I can try on clothes now and actually feel happy about what fits.
  • Along with better self-esteem I have gained a TON of self assertiveness. So don't mess with me! ;)
  • I don't worry about fitting into a chair- or breaking it!
  • Men flirt with me again. This has been hard to get used to. I often think some of my weight gain was to act as a shield from male attention.
  • My whole family eats better and exercises more now.
This list could go on and on, but I am heading back to bed before my head starts to throb again! I am sure I will continue to add to this list during the next few days. I am not really able to think straight right now.

Here's to another successful year in Bandland! Cheers!

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

congratulations!! You are doing great - look at that long list of wonderful things that make this year better than last!! It's inspiring to me as I get ready for my surgery in 3 weeks. Thank you!

Jessica said...

Congrats!!!!! I hope to have a list as great as yours when my bandiversary rolls around!!!!

Amy said...

Congratulations on one year successfully behind you! 67 lbs lost is amazing, but the rest of your list is even more amazing than the lbs lost. Congrats on once again living the life you were meant to live.

Hope the headache goes away soon. :)

Nicole said...

Congrats on your one year!! Isn't it amazing the difference I just celebrated mine on the 24th

Jacquie said...

Congratulations! You are doing great!

Liz - Lizzle - Libby Lou said...

Congradulations for making it to a year, Sweetie! You have done well and 67 lbs is wonderful! You just don't need to compare yourself to fellow bandsters who lose 100-120 lbs. Just do what is right for you!

Ice Queen said...

Happy Bandiversary!

And 67 pounds is huge! Look how far you have come in one short year and how much farther you will have traveled by your second bandiversary.

Congratulations on all of your accomplishments. :D

Sherry said...

I'm celebrating you by having another glass of pinot grigio! Congratulations and keep us posted. Your tips and thoughts help those of us who are still relatively 'new' to this process!

Kristin said...

Congratulations! You've had a great year, and you have more great stuff ahead.

Sarah G said...

Happy Bandiversary!

MB said...

CONGRATS!!!!!!

Lap Band Groupie said...

HAPPY BANDIVERSARY!

Annie said...

Happy Bandiversary! You look great- 67lbs is a lot- and with the band, it's just a matter of time, right? Keep posting your success, and stay positive! For many of us newbies and pre-bandies we are in awe of your success and get so much from your experience.
Annie

From Fat to Fit said...

You're doing amazing! I like your list...I need to make one of my own. Congrats!

Kate said...

Wow! Congrats!! 67 pounds in 1 year is amazing, and something to be so proud of. I swear, when I can wear a size 16 again I am going to dance naked in the streets out of happiness.

Jess said...

Yours is one of the first handful of blogs I lurked during my pre-band researched. Thanks for sharing your journey so far and I look forward to more!

And congrats and be proud. That's a great list!!

99ToGo said...

Your list almost makes me want to cry, I'm so happy for you!! And 67 pounds? NOTHING to sneeze at. That's a whole heck of a lot of weight.

I love your goal for this next year :) And I'm glad your head is on the mend.

XOXO

Shrinking Mommy said...

congrats! you have always been one person who sticks out in my mind as consistent with this... good job!

Colls said...

Yay, congrats on a year and your success! <3

Retta said...

Happy Bandiversary!!! "Only" 67 lbs is FANTASTIC!!!
I just found your blog & will be reading from now on. I look forward to getting to know you!

Maybe This Time said...

what a wonderful & inspiring list! thrilled for you!

Mom to the Fourth Power said...

Congrats on your loss this last year! Awesome. I sure related to your list too. The hubs and I are on a journey to lose weight as well. Nice to meet you... your pics look great!
~Margene

Natalia said...

Lynn, Congratulations! I'm so happy for you and all the positive changes you've made!

DiZneDiVa said...

Congrats! Happy Bandiversary! You look amazing! *Maria*-blogger from "This one time at BAND Camp..." Follow my journey at mybigfatbandgeeklife.blogspot.com