NSV - More weight lost NOW than I did with WLS...

I think this is significant..and a huge milestone for me. I just realized that my current weight get's me to a point that I haven't seen in MANY YEARS - AND.. at lower weight than I had reached with a Lap Band.

Many years ago I had a band placed, and sometime over a year ago, I had it de-activated/loosened due to complications. Over a 7-8 year period, I gained and lost the same weight, and got as low as 225 - my max low with the band.

I never got below that mark with the band, because I didn't learn or realize how to eat right.

Guess what?? I am UNDER that - have been for a couple weeks, BUT, I didn't realize until just now that I have beaten my lowest weight - eating HEALTHY and exercising, than what I had achieved with weight loss surgery some years ago.

i.e., I have done better completely on my own. *sigh* truth is, surgery isn't a magic pill, it only helps. You still have to do the work, it just helps a bit, and unless you Learn how to eat and exercise, you'll never succeed - surgery or no.

I've lost all of this completely 100% on my own THIS time, without any aid, and my lifestyle has truly changed. Sad that I wasted all that money and all those years, but VERY glad I didn't have a permanent surgery that could not be easily reversed, or in this case, turned off. now I live with a couple of extra pieces of plastic in my belly - useless, but a reminder nonetheless.

I am NOT bashing surgery - as there are cases where it is warranted and far more helpful - but I realize now - more than ever - that it wasn't MY.. and I stress - MY - solution. I LIKE eating fruits and veggies, I like not having complications, I like, if I want to, having a day where I can eat whatever I want without fear of the food sticking and being in pain, then being on warm liquids for days until the swelling goes down. I like being normal. I like knowing that I am accomplishing this and LEARNING a new lifestyle. This IS my answer. sometime last year, when I saw the Dr to have my band loosened/deactivated, I told him "I Just want to be able to eat fruits and veggies like a normal person" His response? "You don't need to eat fruit and vegetables to survive. That's what a multivitamin is for" My heart sank. I left his office depressed, and ended up gaining every pound i had lost with the band back. In March I started with a trainer, and have lost every one of these 44 lbs from working out and making healthier food choices, and I feel it's something I can be proud of.


Now I can eat fruit or veggies till the cows come home, and drink water any time of day, have no complications, (and yes no 'help' from the band, but I'm not missing it!!) - I am SOO EXCITED!!


Happy Saturday ALL!!