6 month Bandiversary/ then and now pics!

So I sat down to catch up on Blogs and realized that when I was gone to California that I forgot about my 6 month Band mark. Silly me!! So I thought I would share with you all a recap on my progress. I am down 62.5 pounds in 6 months! I have about 19 pounds until I hit my goal weight. I am off high blood pressure meds, diabetic meds and daily Prilosec. I have done my first 8K marathon. I am wearing size 14 pants and some 12's are beginning to fit me. I wear large or medium tops now. I can see my toes and actually touch my toes now as well. I have my smile back....I am no longer hiding behind my fat..looking for reasons to avoid the camera, shopping, etc. So much has changed in the last 6 months, I cannot begin to count my blessings. I am proud of myself for making the decision to be banded, proud of the hard work put into it, and also grateful for all of my new Band Friends to share in this journey with.
Finally, here is the photo I took at the surgery center before I headed back and the next picture (although not full length) is me with my long time friend from high school in CA. a few weeks ago. I think you will get the picture.....