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Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Happy first birthday to Amanda's Waning!

My blog is one year old today!  So much has changed since I made my first entry, entitled WLS in 10 days.   For one thing, NO ONE commented on my first post.  I had one comment (from Erika at Dirt Track Diva - love her!) on my second post which is actually a much more interesting post as it is my back-story.

I love blogging and I love all of you who have supported me and helped me over the last year.  I feel like I have a support group of sorts that is available 24/7!  When I've had questions, needed a shoulder to cry on or needed people to celebrate with, you've been here!

I've struggled with food addiction and disordered eating behavior since I was a kid.  I never remember a time when I felt "normal" around food.  At times I've binged, purged, starved, compulsively exercised, dieted, eaten normally, obsessed about what I eat, and been oblivious to what I eat.  I've counted calories, points, fat grams.  I've weighed and measured my food and written down every morsel that went into my mouth.  I've evaluated my self-worth based on a number on the scale, my size of clothes, and the person I saw when I looked in the mirror.  I've felt enormous at 118 lbs. (52.5 kg.).

I don't know why gastric banding "changed" me.  I understand the mechanics of why it helped with the weight loss, but I don't know why the obsession has been relieved to the extent that it has.  It's not perfect, not "normal", but my life is so much better!

Losing 100+ lbs. is great.  Wearing a size 12/medium is great.  Learning to have a more normal relationship with food is INCREDIBLE!        

20 comments:

trishajo said...

Congrats Amanda! You're truly a success! And of course such an inspiration on top of that!

Lyla said...

Happy anniversary :)

Jacquie said...

Happy Birthday Amanda! I cannot believe it is a year for you and than for me next month! Congrats on your loss and your continued success with your band.

LDswims said...

Happy Anniversary! Your blog has always been one of my faves!

Kristin said...

It's been a pleasure to read about your triumphs this year, Amanda. Happy anniversary!

Rachel said...

I'm thankful for your blog and you...I've learned so much from both~!

http://rachelthinwitin.blogspot.com/

Shannon said...

Happy Blog Birthday...you are such an inspriation! I cant wait to hang out in portland :)

Ms. M said...

Happy blog birthday, Amanda! :)

Rhonda said...

Happy blog-iversary! How amazing that you've been through this all in under a year, and you look fantastic to top it off! :) I'm so glad I found your blog, you're an inspiration!!

Bonnie said...

Thanks so much for sharing and continuing to share your journey. Your blog is an inspiration.

CC said...

oh happy day!!

ahem...i WANT a piece of that cake!! lol

Nella said...

Congrats sweet thing! You are an inspiration!
What a beautiful day it is on the westcoast!

Mandy said...

Hi Amanda!
Happy b-day Blog! You asked if I feel as though my consistant menu seems to help me lose weight! I would say yes! Except the week that its "that time of the month"...LOL.
I average (since surgery) 4-5 lb weight loss per week. And I am very strict with my diet and calories..Don't get me wrong, I slip up and give in once in a while..But I am only human and have cravings :) Keep up the great work! 100 lbs is amazing. I am 1/2 way there..I just hit my 50 lbs!
Take care,

Sarah said...

Hi Amanda! Great post. I just read your second post ever - it's crazy how much our stories are alike - including the vegetarian thing! I enjoy your blog - congrats on your success!

Cassie said...

Happy Anniversary. You truly are an inspiration. Keep going strong :) Well done!

~Lisa~ said...

Happy Blog-aversary!!! Thank you for the inspiration and motivation that you are to me!!

Sam said...

Happy Anniversary on your great blog, I love this family, it helps us so much!! Congrats, you have achieved so much :o)

Amanda said...

Very cool! Congrats!

Momto4redheads said...

I nominated you for an award!

MandaPanda said...

I'm so glad you started this blog because it's been so inspirational to me! Happy Anniversary!