Almost 7 years with my band and over 100 lbs gone!

Hi all!

I accidentally posted this to the main board, but meant to put it here, with my banded peeps.

It's been years since I've last posted and I apologize for that. I remember when I started my journey how much I treasured updates from longterm banders, then I just sort of dropped off the face of the Earth.

I had my band surgery Sept. 21, 2005. At the time I was hovering around 260. Today I am happy to say I've been holding at 155-150 for about three years. My BMI is spot on in the middle of average. But the best thing are all the great clothes I can now find. I'm a thrift store junkie and finding things in size 6 is much easier.

I see my doctor at least once a year, but haven't had a fill in four years. The band changed my entire view of food. I now enjoy every single bite. I love the textures, the flavors, the aromas. The band forced me to start savoring food. If anything I'm even more I love with eating than before.

As the weight started coming off I also found it easier to exercise. It started with just walks around the block, taking the stairs, parking far away from the stores, etc, but now I'm happy to say I've ran three half marathons and hope to tackle a full marathon within the next two years.

The thing I'm most proud of is the confidence the weightless gave me to go out there and achieve my dream of going back to school. I had my surgery right before I started my undergrad. I am now working on my Masters thesis and will start the PhD program next fall.

It's been a long, hard trip, but I can honestly say I've never been happier in my life.

Blessings to all and thank you for all the support I've received over the years.

Tabitha

Happy Bandiversary! You have done so well, especially at keeping it off, the hardest part of the WL battle, way to go!! Continued good luck!

 Tabitha,  Thank you for posting.  I don't see too much from long term banders.  Congrats on your weight loss, and your education.  Michelle.

Thanks for sharing and congratulations on all of you achievements!

Congratsyou have done fantastic.

Tabitha:

Where, oh where, have you been? There are so few old-timers around anymore! It's so nice to hear from one who's doing well and enjoying life.

 Such encouraging news!  With so much negativity on the boards it is great to hear some positive news!  I am going in tomorrow to have my port replace.  It has been leaking for quite some time and I have gradually began to regain.  I believe I really have used that as an excuse to EAT JUNK!!!!  So, as of tomorrow I am going to get back on track.  Your encouraging words have come at a great time for me mentally.  Thanks SO MUCH!!!

YAY! so glad you posted. I was banded around the same time, and haven't been as successful, but recently started again. The good thing is I'm not where I was.. about 62 lbs ago. What an encouragement. Thanks for stopping by to encourage everyone! Congratulations!

Wow!!  Congrats to all of your successes!!  That is amazing!!