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My turning point came over the '06 Christmas holiday.  I was in the Bahamas with my family enjoying an amazing vacation at Paradise Island.  I convinced my sister that we had to go jet skiing in the ocean.  I had only been jet skiing one other time that  was in a boring lake, so I immediately took up the chance to say I had been jet skiing in the ocean.  Off we went.  It was so exhilarating and exciting, with twists and turns and jumps.  That was, until the jet ski toppled over.  My sister got back on, no problem.  This wasn't so easy for me.  I couldn't get back up on the jet ski, was bobbing in the middle of the ocean.  I started to totally panic and thought, "Oh my God, what if a shark comes?  Okay, this water is much colder than I thought it'd be!"  Where was Leonardo DiCaprio when you needed him most to float up on a dilapidated door from the Titanic and tell me it would all be okay?  

Finally, after much struggle, I got back on the jet ski, but not soon enough for me to not have had a complete breaking point moment.  Outdoor adventures had become more of a life risk than I thought.  And I owed this all to my weight problem.  

On January 15th, 2008 I underwent a gastric banding procedure (LAP Band) that has changed my life.  

I am 27-years-old (26 at time of surgery) and I knew that I didn't want to spend the majority of my life overweight.  I have always struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember.  I've also always loved food.  After all, the first time I ever learned how to walk was when my sister held up a chocolate chip cookie.  I'm surprised I didn't run.  

It's been 6 1/2 months since my surgery and I have lost a total of 60 pounds!  That's nearing on 10 pounds a month.  It has been life changing.  My mindset has changed toward food.  The Lap Band has caused me to listen to my body much more than I ever did.  I work out 5-6 times per week and take vitamins.  All in all, I think I am in the best shape of my life.  

I am about halfway toward my goal weight.  I'd like to lose a total of 120 pounds.  Somehow, this seems doable now whereas once upon a time this seemed about as likely as a good Mel Gibson movie coming out.  

I like to think of myself as an adventurer and now I am on my way to being able to do outdoor adventures without the fear of being "too heavy" or "too out of shape."  I am so much happier now for a variety of reasons.  I eat a low carb, high protein diet.  I eat 3 times per day plus a snack.  I have given up bread and soda.  And for the first time in my life (thank you for trying Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers) I am FINALLY seeing the results!  

I am an advocate for the Lap Band Surgery.  I am also an advocate for younger people to take control of their weight problems NOW.  Don't wait until it's really a problem.  Do it now while you're young and have your whole life ahead of you!  

I am always a friend and open to answering any questions you might have on weight loss and/or the Lap Band lifestyle.  

View my Blog at http://www.LiveLifeToTheFullestBlog.com