Today is my one-year bandiversary!

November 2, 2008

It is hard to believe, it was one year ago today that I was banded by

Dr. Aceves. I have lost a total of 60 pounds to date, and I feel

great! I am exactly where I saw myself a year ago; 60% of the extra

weight is gone. I am no longer obese (on most days! ). I am

simply " overweight " . I plan to change that down this next year

to " normal BMI " . I am in no way the " perfect bandster " but I have

found what works for me. I no longer have high blood pressure, and

in a year I have only had one attack of hypoglycemia. I have had 4

fills for a total of 6.6 ml in a J & J band, and I am ready for another

little fill, probably 0.6 ml. I feel that I am almost at my sweet

spot, but not quite yet. Each fill lasts longer than the one before,

but eventually I feel that loss of restriction. I don't know why,

and I always have all of my fluid when they check at fill time, but

for some reason I lose restriction, and since I am NOT a perfect

bandster, I can't be left to my own devices. I need that " gentle

reminder " that good restriction gives me. Maybe someday I will be

perfect, but I kind of doubt it. I do follow the basics, though, no

drinking while eating. I try to exercise, but I didn't get that

overwhelming urge to run a marathon or join a gym and spend every

waking hour there. I pretty much knew that wasn't going to happen!

I have never been an exercise freak, though. I do definitely

exercise more than I did 60 pounds ago, though. That on top of the

exercise I get shopping for new clothes! I can shop off the racks

now, and I take advantage of that pretty often. I no longer

feel " out of place " when I am out and about. At 5'11 " tall, I will

never blend in, but I am so much more comfortable and confident than

I was. I have never, even for a second, regretted getting my band.

I love my new lifestyle and I am looking forward to getting these

last 40 or so pounds off and staying that way! Janice, , Penny,

, and Dana~ I would love to hear from you guys! How does it

feel to have hit that momentous 1-year mark? Here's to all of the

success and the learning of that first year. To all of you who have

just been banded or are getting ready~know that I have not one

regret. It is not easy, but banded life is wonderful!

Sheri

276/216/174

4 fills

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