Goals

[678iamgreat]

Hello to everyone. Wanted to give an update on my progress. When I was first banded I enjoyed reading everyone's success stories - they were so inspiring and motivating. I am fast approaching my 2 year bandiversary (Oct 23, 2007) and am happy to say that I have lost 155 lbs. Back in December, I hit a plateau (at about 90lbs lost). I started running and that kicked my weight loss into overdrive. I started off slow (1 minute at a time) and worked my way up (at least 3 miles daily). Awhile back I committed to a goal to run 5 miles. Well, last Saturday I ran my 5 mile race in 67 minutes! I am soo proud of myself. Two years ago I was an unhappy, angry, depressed 330 lb woman who was fighting (yes fighting) with her insurance company to cover WLS. I am now a fit, healthy athlete (that sounds sooo funny) who runs and plays soccer on woman's league for fun. I look in the mirror and do not know the person looking back. All I know is that I like what I see.

Best wishes to everyone in their weight loss journeys!

Shelly

[678iamgreat]

Photos....8398

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[Patrick]

Shelly, your success is an inspiration to all of us. And WOW, what great accomplishments you are achieving. I will check back later to see your pics after they have been cleared.

[noireruby]

Congratulations! Inspiring and motivating! Thanks.

[PhotoNut]

Girl, you just inspired me to no end! I love stories like this! What a champion you are! Two flipped ports and you just kept going! You hit a plateau and you found a way to beat it. You set a goal and look at you now! I can't help but think of the awesome example you are setting for your girls. Way to be a success!! w00t!

I want so badly to run. Did you feel like a heavy clumbsy ox when you started? I do! I'm not gonna give up though. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your 5 mile run!!!

[Tammie]

Your story really inspired me! And right now I need the inspiration; I was banded today and am a bit sore. Stories like yours help me keep my focus and I know I did the right thing.
Congrats on your run also.

[kjj]

You have an amazing story and you look so good! My sister is
a runner and looks like one and I have always envied her, but you definitely give me hope. Once again, you look amazing. No one would ever guess that you had a weight problem.

[503-250]

678....Is it great to be on the stalker wall?

Absolutely love how great you look, be sure to post some before and after pictures!

[PattiDi07]

One word....... WOW!!!!!

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us! I am inspired!!!! I am starting at a similar weight (will be banded on 10/08), and have a similar long-term goal, so this really hit home for me. Thank you again, and CONGRATS!!!!! :D

[believeinme]

Someone said this already..awesome, amazing, inspiring!!! But it's worth repeating! Thank you for that post. It's always good to hear from those who were banded for a longer period of time.

[bumble-bee]

Absolutely fantastic! I'm so proud of your success and look forward to seing where I'll be at two years out.

[gregken77]

I just went and looked at some of your before pictures and ----your not even the same person you use to be. You look like a brand new you! great job.

[678iamgreat]

Thank you, thank you, thank you....a million times over! The support and encouragement of others means sooo much. I hope I can inspire others.

P'Nut - I did feel like a bull in a china shop when I first started running. Like anything else the more you do it the easier it becomes. Eventually you get into what I call "the zone". Dont give up - Start out small and work your way up. For me it really did wonders!!

bumble-bee - I wonder too where I'll be two more years out but my philosophy is one day (sometimes one minute) at time.

gregken77 - You are right I am a different person - outside and inside. The biggest change has been inside. I am happy for the first time in a long time. In turn I have become a better wife, mother, and friend.

503-250 - It is great to be on the stalker wall. Before pics are in my profile.


Never ever give up the fight!

[503-250]

503-250 - It is great to be on the stalker wall. Before pics are in my profile.

before and AFTER!

C'mon girl...you worked for it...FLAUNT IT!

[678iamgreat]

Ok....you talked me into it. I just hate looking at the before.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Wow Wow Wowwwww!! You look fantastic!!! Check out that smile lady! Great job on your success!!

[redgrldj]

Great results....Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[678iamgreat]

Thank you everyone for your kind words - they mean the world to me!!

Keep fighting!!

[Kate]

I am just starting my journey and you are such an inspiration to me. I have tears in my eyes, thinking about success and what it must mean to you and what it can mean to me.

Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

[Mloukas143]

Shelly you look absolutely amazing, and you are like everyone has said a true inspiration to all of us, you brought tears to my eyes and I will always remember you through every struggle and hard day i reach to remind myself to always keep pushing for my goals! thanks!

[Mloukas143]

make sure to put that picture (before and after) of Shelly in the B2G video KRISTINA!!

[Stitchy]

Ok....you talked me into it. I just hate looking at the before.

Don't hate it., Cherish it. Look how far you've come. Congratulations!

[678iamgreat]

Stitchy,

You are right...I should cherish it, but I look at those photos and can still feel her pain. I never want to be that girl again. My biggest fear is going back. I guess it always will be. In the end, that "before pic" is my driver to keep me on the right path - eating well, exercising, doing 1 thing everyday that takes me out of my comfort zone (my new goal!), setting good examples for my three daughters, being a better wife, and loving & taking care of myself.

Thanks again everyone for all the kind words.

Shelly

[GirlyGirl]

Wow Shelly you inspire me to maybe start at least walking. I do not do any exercise. I love to see what you have accomplished!

Thanks for sharing with us and contgrats on your new life!

[savannah smiles]

Thanks so much for sharing! You look fabulous!