We humans are somewhat predictable.  If we aren’t at the exact number on the scale that we choose we are unhappy, disappointed, and sometimes angry with ourselves.  This journey is so much more than just a number on the scale, although I like my number now - a lot.  I have worked hard for it for years and celebrate ME every day by living my Best Life possible each day.  Enough said there.

What if once a month, once a year, once every few years you were to take some time and reflect on where you started this journey and where you are today.  The universe randomly presented me with this opportunity when I was on the island of Kauai Thanksgiving week.

I had just power walked to the lookout point on the top of Waimea Canyon.  Hubby caught up with me and then he smiled, and then he laughed.  I of course wanted to know what was going on.  He brought to my attention that each time we had been up to the lookout point he wore the same ragged T-shirt and we had pictures to prove it.  We immediately had someone take a pic of us- so here’s 2015.  I am maintaining my 270 pound weight loss and I actually wore board shorts all day and felt great in them.

When we got home he began the search for the earlier pics and here is September 2006… I am 232 pounds down and have not had reconstructive surgery yet; and there is hubby in that ratty T shirt… I walked slowly up to the lookout point and was out of breath when I got there.

Then he found the 2005 pic and low and behold I am wearing the same top I wore in 2006 and he has the same ratty T shirt on.  I was probably around 150 pounds down by then.  I walked quickly up to the lookout and was out of breath when I got there.

For those of you who would like real comparison - here is the first picture at the Waimea Canyon lookout from 2001, before weight loss surgery.  I did make it to the lookout, and that was ALL I did for the entire day.

It is hard for me to remember that woman who could barely walk and had to stop to catch her breath and let the pain subside in her knees and back.  It is important for me to remember that woman for many reasons:

• I don’t want to be her ever again
• I want to celebrate my victories
• I want to continue to refine and define my body so I am strong and remain strong as the years continue to fly by
• I don’t want to forget the pain of being her and the work I put into becoming me
• I want to use my weight loss surgery tool and all of the knowledge I have gained for the rest of my life, and to share it with others whenever I can.

These pictures remind me to celebrate my life every day and to be grateful for all I have, all I have been able to become and my Lap Band tool which helped me every day and continues to do so.

My Lap Band saved my life.  I wonder what year would have been my last one had I not shed this weight?

Remember - It just keeps getting better!