Celebrating 1 year

I tried to think of ways to celebrate my bandaversary. But only one came to mind... I wanted to eat at a buffet! I was so excited to go. I haven't been to a buffet in probably 2 years. My hubby and I drove about 30 miles to get to the Golden Corral, which use to be my absolute favorite place to go when I lived in the south. It's all you can eat and the dessert table is always endless.

Anyhow... It was a Thursday night and it was packed. The line was out the door. Juan didn't want to wait, but it was my day and well... I made him. So after 20 minutes in line, we got our plates and sat down.

As I went to get my food, I was overwhelmed with joy. I just knew dinner was going to be fabulous. I got a little bit of this and a little bit of that. And as I started to eat, I realized this food was disgusting. My meat tasted like rubber, the jalapeno fish tasted like sugar, the mashed potatoes were so salty, the green bean casserole was flavorless. The only thing I liked were the onion rings, the tarter sauce, and the banana pudding...

I was bummed. Thank goodness I didn't have to pay full price for that meal. As we got into the car, I told my husband I felt empty. He asked if I got enough to eat. I told him I was full, but I felt empty. We talked about it on the way home. I realize I don't see food the same as before. Before, I would eat to feel full and to get my money's worth. Now, it isn't about being full. I realize that food doesn't comfort me the way it used to. Today, food only satisfies my hunger not my soul.

So, as the next year of my journey continues, I will remember this experience and what it taught me... food only satisfies my hunger not my soul.

One year down!

It's my one year Bandiversary! This last year has been amazing. I never thought my life would change this much. I am happier and so much healthier. I don't even want to imagine where my life would be without the band. I am so proud of myself and my determination to loose this weight. I feel so much more confident. I now can look in the mirror and smile. I am 91 lbs down and have 9lbs to go to meet my first goal.

Portion Distortion

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Today, I noticed...

Today, I noticed...

I eat the same amount of food as my two year old daughters.

Crazy, huh?

I am proud to say...ever since they could eat real food, they have eaten like baby Bandsters! Except, for Goldfish, of coarse.

Can you smell them too?

Umm... They smell so good!!
Good thing it's not a reality.

This is what I call honesty...

My Journey

Ever since I could remember, I have been overweight. I tried not to let it bother me. I always remember being 30 pounds heavier than all of my friends, but I was happy. I got married at 19 to the most amazing man. We decided to wait a while to have kids so we could finish school. So, we did. When the time came to try, we were excited. Two years and 65 pounds later, still no kids. Infertility treatment was our only option. Soon after, I got pregnant with twins at 250 lbs. Due to my pregnancy being high-risk, I quit my job and stayed home. The last 2 months were on strict bed rest. The day I had my kids, I was 301 lbs. It was the happiest day of my life. With in a month, the baby weight was gone... all 51lbs! I was so proud. During the stress of things, my husband had gained a lot of weight too. Plus with the stress of have newborn twins, the weight started creeping back on me. It was depressing!



I never thought about surgery being the solution for me. Until one day, my husband went to the doctor. The doctor told him that he had some serious problems with his blood pressure, cholesterol, and type-2 diabetes, not to mention he had some heart problems in the past. The doctor continued by telling him the only way to fix things was to have a complete lifestyle change. We talked to him about options and he recommended looking into a gastric band. So, that is what we did.

We went to a seminar at Northwest Weight Loss Surgery in Everette, Wa. There we got so much information. We fell in love with the staff and the doctor. We continued the research at home too. While researching one evening, my husband asked if I would consider having the surgery with him. He felt that the only way this could be a complete lifestyle change was if I was willing to change too. It didn't take me long to realize that this was true. So, I agreed and we were banded 2 weeks apart. I did mine first and his second.

Here we are almost one year later!

This picture was taken back in May, but you get the point. Now at 11 months since surgery, I am down 85lbs only 15lbs away from my goal! The hubby is down 71lbs and is now maintaining at 140lbs.