Monday 15 October 2012

One year Bandiversary!

This is a post we all publish - we have so many expectations and fantasies and goals in mind when we first set out on this path or weight loss with the help of the band.  But I think for most it's always different to what we imagine.

I wanted to be much nearer goal by now and I am feeling a bit forlorn.  I just got Ben to take some comparison pictures of me in my undies (aren't you lucky!) and at first I just felt disgusted and horrified by my big jiggly belly, and the rest.  But then I looked at the photos I took of myself this time last year and the difference is definitely a significant one.

With my mental health being what it is, I think I should feel madly proud of myself.  I am certainly an emotional eater.  I still am.  The band has not changed that.  And the fact that my emotional needs are great, having lost 50lbs (still at 197lbs this morning) is an incredible achievement.

So despite just a bit of disappointment about not being somewhere nearer my goal, I am damn proud and happy with my accomplishments.  And that bit of disappointment shouldn't go to waste, I want to use it to motivate me into getting to goal in my second year of being banded.  I think I accept now that it's just going to take more time than I want it to.  But the wonderful thing about the band is that it (for the most part) keeps you in enough control not to gain everything back as soon as you (temporarily) give up, and that's what has led me to be successful so far.

I wish this had a happier tone, but I'm poorly with a cold, sitting in bed, still trying to shake the negative feelings that bubbled up when I looked at my pictures.  Despite that, I'm posting them so that I can look back and see where I've come from.  And hopefully the photos I take this time next year will make me proud.

Certainly one of the greatest things about this year and the band has been all of you.  I feel like I know you, I think and even sometimes dream about you.  I feel loved and supported and informed by all your stories.  We're all very lucky to have each other through this.  Thank you so much to all my 91 followers, and please, if I'm not following you, leave me a comment with a link to your blog, because I want to be following you back.  And finally to anyone who is recently banded or pre-op or just trying to decide - for me, getting the band was one of the best decisions I've ever made, I haven't regretted it even once and I know that not only would I not have lost 50lbs, but I would've gained and been bigger than ever and more miserable than ever.  So go for it!  Now don't cringe at my photos!

October 2011:


October 2012:






16 comments:

  1. Mari,

    Happy Bandaverrsary. The difference from last year is significant and should be celebrated.

    You have more to go, me to, we can it. We are not done.

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  2. You have come a long way. Try hard not to compare yourself to others. Happy Bandiversary and good luck this year. I am rooting for you!

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  3. Hppy bandaversary!!! Great job what a big difference!

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  4. yayyy happy bandiversary! what an amazing change!

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  5. You have made a huge difference! I was also (still am) at about a 50 lbs loss and I was devastated but as you said without the band we could have gained!!!

    YOU LOOK GREAT!!!!

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  6. You look great I think! You have a really nice shape to your body already. You're gonna look fabulous when you're at goal.

    I don't think you're following mine, it's http://bandlands.blogspot.com

    Anyway, great results - and happy bandiversary! You've done well :)

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  7. Mari! What a dfference. You look wonderful. I love your shape. Curves in the right place. I like it! Definitely don't sell yourself short!

    It's one thing to have friends, but it is nice to have a support system with other ladies who have been banded.

    And I hope you get to feeling better soon .

    Sandra




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  8. Happy bandiversary!!!! You look incredible. It's an amazing difference. Well done.

    Remember that the differences in the last year are more than just physical. You have more confidence, you are healthier, you can run and now you have a kick ass wondrous bf to take your photos.

    I am so pleased we have had the chance to get to know each other. Roll on hitting our goals. We can do it. xx

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  9. Happy Bandiversary. What an amazing change (and how brave of you to post those photos!!! lol).

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  10. Happy bandiversary!!! I can see a huge difference! And you have great boobs!

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  11. Happy Bandiversary! Big difference! Way To GO!

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  12. Dearest, darlingest Mari, the changes you have made in the past year are truly significant, and should ABSOLUTELY be celebrated, not denigrated in any way, especially by your inner critic. You are doing so well, and you are still down 50 lbs. That is a huge amount!!! Sometimes I think our bodies just need time to adjust, and now that you've spent some time at this place, perhaps your body and brain will be ready to take the next step. I know that's how I feel about my body, not that we are the same! I'm rooting for you, and I know you are going to kick booty!!! Sending much love!

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  13. what a huge change!! you look fabulous :)

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  14. Happy Bandiversary! ANd the changes are significant!! It's difficult not to compare our progress with others but I only lost 60 lbs my first year and I still think we're a success! :)

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  15. Congrats on your loss and happy bandiversary!! You look amazing, keep at it lady, we are all behind you. I'm new in the neighborhood, nowherebetterthanhere.blogspot.com

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  16. Mari, Congrats on your Success! 50 lbs is a huge change. I totally can see it in your before and after pics. I know that we can be so much more critical on ourselves but you have done well girlie!!

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