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Monday, February 13, 2012

Life-changer!

Two years ago yesterday marks the day I took control of my eating and my life and had Lap-band weight loss surgery.  It feels like a life-time ago.  I feel like a different person.  I know I look different on the outside, which is what I originally thought mattered the most, but what I have come to appreciate is how this surgery changed me on the inside. 

Surgery does a pretty good job with the physical part of obesity.  The mental stuff is much harder.  Surgery cannot make us make good food choices or force us to exercise or slap the third cookie out of our hand.  In all the years that I struggled with food, I wanted to be thin, but I didn't want to give up binging and overeating.  I wanted my cake and to eat it too.  Literally.

Proverbial Cake
 

And then I had weight loss surgery and I realized that what I really wanted was to be healthy.  I quit beating myself up and trying to shame myself into making good choices.  Shame, as it turns out, isn't a great motivator unless you're trying to create resentment and hostility.  I also realized that I could still eat the foods I loved.  Getting and being healthy is not about deprivation.

I have learned so much in the last two years and you guys have been a huge part of my success.  You've given me a sounding board.  You've listened and supported and encouraged.  I know I wouldn't have been so successful without you and I am eternally grateful!   

14 comments:

Lap Band Gal said...

Congrats! :-)

A.J. said...

My 2 year is in March and I have to say I whole heartedly agree with your assessment!!! Congrats!!

FreeJulie said...

Congratulations to you on such an awesome journey and thank you for all the inspiration and motivation you've provided me!

~Sandi @ This one time at 'band' camp... said...

Congrats!

JD said...

So true! Amanda, thank you for always being so honest. I agree 100% with everything you said. Thanks for your comments on my last post-I appreciate it!!! Congrats on your awesome success.

Janice said...

Congratulations on your accomplishments and the journey along the way. The cake does look awfully good though! Couldn't resist!

Vanessa said...

Great post! Congrats on two years!

greenie said...

Woot, woot! Love your reflections on your journey. So inspirational as I'm about to start mine. I'm gonna "star" this post.

Congrats. I haven't commented on some of your last posts, but you look sooo great!

Sam said...

Congrats on a great two years, and on the mental lessons you have learnt :o)

MandaPanda said...

Is it wrong that your proverbial cake totally makes me want real cake? Congrats on your 2 years. You've come so far and grown (emotionally) so much. YOU are one of the reasons I feel like I can be successful with this band. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

Cat said...

Congratulations on your 2 year mark dear Amanda!! I'm approaching my 1 year in just about 1 month. : ) I'm so happy to have found this community and I believe you were the second person I started reading. You were the first person to sent a shout out to the community for me and I'm so grateful. Congratulations to one of the most inspirational members of our community. *hearts*

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on two years and all the growth (mentally) and losses (physically). Also, congrats on being a STAR.

Rhonda said...

Happy bandiversary, my friend! :)

trishajo said...

congrats girl!!!