Can't Believe It Has Been a Year - 1 Year Bandiversary 1/26/13

Soooo...I meant to write this on the actual date of my "Bandiversary" but it just didn't happen, so here goes. It's been a year since I was banded. To date, I have lost 55.5 lbs. I really must say that I did think it would be more by now. I know I didn't even feel some type of restriction until July and didn't get to full restriction until December 2012 (if I'm even there!!!), but I guess I thought it would be a bit easier. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy with the loss and always do say that I would like to lose more slowly so that my skin will have a fighting chance; however, I think deep inside I really would have liked to see it come off a bit more quickly than this.  I have had 9 fills since I was banded, as my doctor was pretty stingy with the fills in the beginning and towards the end I didn't want as much as they were going to give me because I had heard so many horror stories about being overfilled.  I honestly must say that I don't even know if I am at my green zone at this point because often I can still eat a lot and don't get stuck on a lot of things, including bread/pizza/rice! It's quite strange I tell you...sometimes I can only eat small portions and others I can eat a lot more. I have 8cc's in a 10cc band, so I feel like I should be there by now.  I am truly jealous of those that have "rocked their band" and have done so well. I do exercise by walking 30 -40 minutes at least 5 days a week and I do use dumbbells to tighten up my arms, but other than that I really haven't done much. I have been okay with my eating at times and at other times I have not been so good. I do know that I can do a lot better and that I need to refocus my efforts, control my portions and make better choices. I know this band is a tool and I have to learn to work with it, instead of trying to fight it. 

I am still happy I got the band, as I have lost 2-3 sizes in clothing and just feel better in general. I guess I'm just a little jealous of the people I know that have been getting sleeved or gastric and they have surpassed my weight loss and they are only out of surgery 3-4 months. I promise myself that I will continue to put forth greater effort in making this band work for me, and I will continue to follow other blogs that give me inspiration, like Lap Band Gal!, Once Upon A Time...In the Land of Cheese and Sunkist and Athena Banded Warrior! 

My 40th birthday (that's just crazy!!!) is right around the corner in a few months, and I have asked my Mom to give me $$$ towards a Mountain Bike so that I can start incorporating a new form of exercise into my life, that I actually think I might enjoy. I've already mapped out some trails that I can start with and me and my husband are ready for some warmer weather.  I really want to thank you all for your support over the year and I hope you keep up with your blogs as well, as you are one of the greatest support systems a person can have!