I can't believe it...

 As of this week, I am at goal. I truly can't believe it.... 

I started my LapBand journey at 304.5 miserable pounds. I was hurting everywhere, many sprained ankles, a hard time breathing, PCOS, and a lot of hopelessness. I tried every which way to lose weight and nothing worked. I always regained motivation, but could never lose more than 20lbs. I've been big since about 11 years old so I don't ever recall feeling thin, feeling bones, feeling NORMAL... any of that. 

I am about 2 weeks away from my two year bandiversary.... and I have lost 130lbs... weighing in at 173.8lbs. I weighed more than this in eighth grade!  My initial goal was 180lbs... but I decided for 174lbs because it puts me at a BMI of 29.9.... which FINALLY puts me in the "overweight" category! Woohoo!

I cannot begin to tell you all the WOW moments I've had.... if you sift through my blog and my vlog, you can see a lot of them there.... I can do pretty much anything now... and have tried so many new things because of my new-found health. I have really come to recognize how much of a relationship I had with food. It was always a way to celebrate for me... and always a highlight of my day. I used to live to eat. Now I eat to live. Nothing tastes as good as being skinny feels... it's so true!

I guess the next step is to set a new goal.... living in South Korea means lots of walking and healthy food.. but I also have extreme determination so I've cut out a lot of no-no foods and exercise a lot! I love being healthy, but having a little fun once in a while too.

When I get to my 2-year anniversary, I will make sure to post some really good before and afters, but I did take one AFTER two days ago in front of the mirror in my apartment. Not amazing quality, but I am proud of the photo... I sent it to my mother and her reaction made me cry. I don't think I've made my mom prouder my whole life. It's a great feeling.

Here is a BEFORE: 





Here is my recent AFTER: 

Elena:

You are such an inspiration to so many, including me.  Congratulations on your tremendous success with weight loss surgery and making the most out of your life.  Today I stand in awe of you.

RP

Good for you, keep it up.

Elena,

You have rocked your band......I'm so proud of you and happy for you.

You look amazing, and I say Korea is exactly what you needed.......

You are an inspiration to me and so many more......Enjoy the new you.....And good luck on your next goal, I know you will reach it....

Love ya, Kel

Elena,

I have looked at your blog/profile, and I am so excited for you. I hope to someday be able to say the same positive things as you!! Right now I am hurting and it is hard to stay motivated.....

While I await my "surgery date", I am doing a fun radio show and I am trying to get a guest online with me that has had the lapband surgery. Is that something you would be interested in?

Good Luck on your continued journey.

Julie

 Sure! :) I'm a journalist so it's up my alley. LOL 

I just stumbled upon a pretty cool "FREE" set up where you can do your own radio show!!! I'm doing it alone, and just started up. In the future, I do want a partner, and I'd like to speak on mostly weight loss stuff ..... I am getting requests from my fb family & friends to have someone talk about lapband.

I would be thrilled beyond belief if you would be on "my show".

I have watched your video clips, looked at your profile and I think you are doing so AWESOME !! I really need to reach out to a few folks myself for xtra support.

Julie

Elena,

What are your thoughts about the radio show on June 11?? I'd love to chat about your adventure with WLS.......

Thanks,

 Can you email me about it? What time (what time zone) etc? I am in Korea so the time difference is hard. My email: [email protected]

Dahling...You Look Mahvelous!!!