I really feel as though when you accomplish your battle with weight, you can accomplish anything.  The same thing can be said for folks who battle their problems with drugs, smoking or alcohol, but I think about food especially because my weight is always something that I have struggled with.  My entire life.  My mom said I snuck a McDonalds Happy Meal into my crib.  

I am working toward my goal of being down 80 pounds by my 1-year “Bandiversary” on January 15th.  And my goal of being down 100 pounds by July.  And my long term goal is to be down 120 pounds.  So, if you look at it this way…I am only about 40 pounds away from my long term goal!  

I went running on the treadmill tonight and saw my reflection in the gym window.  I felt really proud of myself.  Not only watching myself jogging, and knowing that I forced myself to the gym tonight (I really, really didn’t want to go), but also just seeing how much better I look.  More fit.  In shape.  Slender.  And most importantly … Happier!  

I really have this feeling that I can accomplish anything in my life.  I’ve made some very brave decisions this year in a variety of areas of my life, and I am proud.  I am still “in my  head” about my goals and my future, but I am proud of how far I have come the past 11 months.  

Oh, this is cool – my friend Leslie is going to interview me for an article in a magazine!  It’ll be about my weight loss journey, and I am stoked!  And I will be in Paris for my 1-year “Bandiversary” – just by coincidence, but I think it’s very cool!

Food still makes me happy, without question.  But I have a totally newfound respect for it.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE cooking, and I enjoy food and produce.  I think more deeply about foods.  And tastes.  And ways to enjoy it.  I don’t eat fast food or drink soda anymore.  I don’t stuff my mouth without really thinking about what is going inside.  Even nights where I don’t cook and I heat up a Trader Joe’s frozen meal, for some reason, I just appreciate it more.  I don’t know what’s changed exactly.  Because, as I said, my Lap Band didn’t cause me to have an aversion to food.  In fact, I might even enjoy food more so.  But now, just in a totally different way.  I am constantly paying attention to my relationship with it.  And I am not perfect.  I snack and I eat the wrong foods sometimes at the wrong time.  But it just doesn’t seem to occur as often.  

I am having a big Christmas party at my apartment next Monday night!  My sister, brother-in-law and 3-month old baby nephew, Gabriel, will be over.  I’m inviting over my close friends in the area for a night of food and fun and merriment.  I am already planning on what I am going to cook.  I just enjoy food so much more now, and the idea of sharing it with those I love.  I’m sure I’ll write about what I decide to cook later on in the week.

Anyway,  I guess I just wanted to write to anyone who is listening.  If you struggle with weight issues.  I understand.  But it is possible to tackle the issue and see success.  Battles with weight almost become so commonplace.  I know I will always struggle and will always, forever, have to watch my weight.  But at least I can get all that I have gained off and create a new perspective of myself and life in general.

And you can, too!  Be strong and go forth.