Im a not so secret admirer...

When I was young I used to have people that I looked up to. Somewhere along my journey I became comfortable in my own skin and set in my ways and those people started being few and far between. Before now I couldn't think of the last person that really sent me into an AH HA! moment as Oprah would call it. Its a bit sad really and I think that without those people to look up to and admire I have become closed off to life and new ways of thinking and feeling and doing.

Since I've started this weight loss/lap band journey I have read the blogs of some extraordinary people. These people inspire me and make me want to be better than what I have settled for. 

One of the top people on this list and Im sure on many lists is Lap Band Gal she is amazing. I have been in my slump and have decided to start reading her journey from the start. It is funny how her blog starts - she was a newbie just like me - now she is this wealth of lap band know how. How can I not look up to this woman and all that she has accomplished even if her journey is different than mine? She had questions in the beginning and got answers from her comments - now she provides answers. Im impressed with her ACCOUNTABILITY - I envy her that she can do it. I hate being accountable even to myself - its so much easier to hide.

I have been in quite the whirlwind nightmare of lap band regret lately and I found her page on Facebook and the 1st thing I read when I looked at her page was the below note:

Are You Feeling Unsuccessful With Your Gastric Band? Read This! It's Not Too Late!

by Lap Band Gal on Sunday, 13 November 2011 at 21:44 ·

You had weight loss surgery with a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band several months ago, maybe even years ago and it’s been less than successful in your opinion. “It just didn’t work for me” you told yourself. And now you’re hesitant to even tell others about it because once again you tried and failed. But here’s a thought - maybe your success was merely delayed.

The beauty of the LAP-BAND® System is that you can pick up where you left off. And if you never got on, well – that ship can sail again.

The LAP-BAND® is a tool. It’s designed to help you in your weight loss journey. It is not a “silver bullet”. It is not a panacea. It is not going to “do it for you”. You have to work it, just as with any tool. A pen doesn’t work too well just sitting on the desk and a paint brush doesn’t work too well either just resting on the easel.

Patients that do well with the LAP-BAND® typically lose 1-2 pounds per week. Some do even better with reducing their caloric intake, eating properly, making better food choices and exercising regularly.

But you say to yourself, “If I could do that, I wouldn’t need the LAP-BAND®”.

When in the “green zone” the LAP-BAND® restricts the amount of food you can eat, so that you can get back on the boat (eating properly). It gives you a chance to change some eating habits. You’re less hungry (you’ve got less capacity to eat) and you’re combining that with changing what you eat every day and adding in an exercise routine. Now you’re on the road to success with the LAP-BAND®.

Just know that no weight loss surgery procedure or device is going to “make decisions for you”. The weight loss surgery procedure that you choose will have no idea specifically what you’re eating. To be successful, you’re going to need to change some things.

So, if you continue to eat things that you know aren’t “on the program” – there’s a good chance your weight loss journey will be a short one. If you don’t regularly exercise and monitor the calories going in versus the calories going out, then your weight loss journey will likely be a bumpy one.

Get back on track. Go back to see your weight loss surgeon and his/her staff.

Re-dedicate yourself to yourself and… to your family.

Use the tool. Lose the weight.   

*************

Now I don't what this was written for but this was exactly where I am at and it gave me hope. I'm taking the knowledge I've gained from having my band for 7 months and starting all over again. Theres not alot of things in this world that you get a do over for but Im glad this is one of them.

Thank You Lap Band Gal!!!