6 Month Update

Monday was my 6 month marker.  I can't believe all the progress I've made in 6 months, both on the scale and off.  It's been quite the journey thus far.

I've had my ups and downs, far more ups than downs though-so that makes me happy.   Everyday, I wake up and I'm grateful for the lapband.  My knee hurts a little less, I have more energy, I've stopped snoring from the excess weight (so I get a better nights sleep and so does my fiancee!), I am no longer angry and depressed, and I am certain that things will keep getting better. My mindset has changed as much as my pant size has!

The biggest change is the way I view the gym.  I know that's sort of a weird thing to change, but in my situation it was the most important change I could make- in order to be successful.  I used to look at the gym as the lowest task on my priority list.  A way to torture myself.  Now, though I still torture myself, I welcome and embrace it and know it's good for me.  I feel as though it is making me a stronger and more determined person (not to mention changing the way I look and feel).  I've started my couch to 5k program, chosen a 5k to run in July, started lifting, and I'm doing ab exercises too!  These are things I never would have done before my lapband, I would have been too negative, too sure I would fail.  Somehow, I know that I can do it this time.  I know that I have the tool I need to lose the weight, but I also recognize that it takes effort on my part.

I knew that this journey would be in my control, but I will admit that a small part of me thought it would be easy.  I mean, who wouldn't?  Weight loss surgery - come on - the weight should fall off me, it says so in the name of the surgery!  Not so much.  I have to actively participate and make choices that are hard.  I have to fight the instincts that have developed over the years and re-wire my brain.  However, it gets easier with every choice I make.  And one day, it will be an unconscious decision.  The work and the choices are on me- I have finally accepted that.  With the acceptance of responsibility comes power over my past.

So in 6 months, I've dropped almost 70 pounds and countless inches, changed my thoughts on the gym, made better food choices, and more importantly feel better about myself than ever before.  I think that's some major progress :)  I'm excited for the next 6 months and the continued changes!