365 Days, 63lbs: Compare and Contrast!

Today is my one year 'bandiversary'! In some ways it doesn't feel right that it's an entire year ago that I had the gastric band fitted, but in other ways it feels much longer ago.

So, what has changed in the past 365 days since I had the band fitted? Well, I've lost 63lbs - that's quite a big change! And the amount I can eat has been drastically reduced - that's a big change too. It took me quite a long time to get what might be considered to be 'proper' restriction; I have 9ccs in my 10cc band, so that gives you some idea of how much it took to get me there. In many ways though, I'm glad it took that long as it meant that the amount of food I was able to consume in one sitting was reduced gradually so it didn't come as a massive shock whereby I went from eating a huge platter of deep-fried goodness one day to a tiny egg cup full of yoghurt the next. There was a gradual downward slope, and that suited me really well.

Those are two things that have decreased. But what has increased are my energy levels so I can cope with having a 22 month old toddler, a part-time job and a full-time life, and my confidence. I feel soooooooo much happier in myself and that reflects in the way I interact with other people. I don't feel the need to hide away or apologise for my presence any more. Compared to the old me, I feel like a million dollars! And I have the band to thank for that. Yes, I have to work at it too, but so far I've not had to work at it too much; I think to lose the rest of the weight it'll require a little more (a lot more?!) input from me, but so far the band really does get to take most of the credit.

And, in time honoured fashion, here are the comparison photos:

One year and 63lbs ago: 18st 10lbs (262lbs)

Today: 14st 3lbs (199lbs). Apologies for the REALLY poor photo quality - I forgot to turn the flash onNot sure this photo does my side view any justice really!

A big thank you to everyone who has commented on my blog in the past year and to everyone who reads my witterings, whether you comment or not. Here's to year two and more pounds gone.