Born Lucky
I had lap band surgery in September '06. At the time I was 273 lbs., on three high blood pressure meds, had severe plantar fasciitis (heel spurs), and had trouble getting up and down stairs and sleeping at night because of aching joints. I was determined to do all I could to lose the weight right off the bat, and followed the band rules pretty closely. As I moved from mushies to solid foods, I gave up all processed foods, sugar, and most "white" carbs. I lost over 100 lbs. within a year, and another 20 or so later. I am off all bp meds, have no problem with heel spurs any longer, and have greatly improved joint mobility and good health.
About five months after surgery I started exercising, and it quickly became my passion. I worked with weights as well as a lot of cardio. A few months after joining the gym I started Spinning, and a year after that, I became a Spinning instructor, and also taught core, strength, and stretch classes. Then, a year and a half ago we moved to Florida. Since then I struggle with keeping up with my fitness habit, but I'm back to it, and gradually progressing again.
My weight has remained within a 20 lb. re-gain range since I reached goal. In the past I was the epitome of the yo-yo dieter, and this is the first time in my life that my weight has been this stable.
