Well some of you "old timers" might remember me from nine months ago when I was a brand new bandster. I decided to keep my decision to have lap band surgery a secret...FROM EVERYONE! I have lost 108 lbs.

Along my journey so far I have told a few people. It took months for me to tell my best friend. At 5 month post-op I told another friend and then a few co-workers. I have not told my family. Not only did I not tell them that I had surgery, but I did not tell them that I lost weight. I thought that I would surprise them....and I certainly did! I live in Kansas and my family lives in Florida. I just got back last night

(Fade to black....cue flashback.....)

All by myself I got off the plane and primped in the bathroom. My baby brother picked me up. He is 25 years old. Ten years younger than I am. I couldn't believe how nervous I was!!!!

He was on his way and I stood outside the airport waiting for him. There was this couple that looked very kind and I asked if they would mind taking a picture of my brother because I have lost alot of weight and he won't recognize me. He doesn't even suspect it. So he called and said he was pulling up. I asked if he saw the lady in the black and white shirt with the red purse. He did and I told him to pull up in front of her and I would come out. He got out and started to come into the airport to help me with my bags. He turned to that lady with the red purse looked her straight in the face and gave a polite smile and nodded and kept on walking. That lady just smiled stared and turned to watch him walk away. He saw her turn towards him out of the corner of his eye and knew he was being watched and so he turned back. The lady with the red purse started laughing and his jaw dropped and slowly his mouth turned into a big O. That lady was me, his sister that he hadn't seen in a year!!!

I just laughed and he said "I haven't seen you look like that since you were in high school!" That would have put him in 2nd grade!

So my baby sister was surprised and said very calmly, "Oh my goodness!" and gave me a hug. I was sitting on her bed holding her new, 3 week old daughter when my parents came in. I hadn't thought about how to do this. So they walked into the bedroom and dad smiled at me like I was some friend of my sisters that he didn't know and my mom walked in and I started to laugh and that gave it away. Mom kept saying "Oh my gosh! Wow! You look great!" She said it about 5 times. Dad recognized me too when I started to laugh and he gave me a big smile.

We were sitting in my sister's bedroom and dad just kept staring at me. I pretended like I didn't notice, but he was staring and it was great. My other two sisters just said "Wow! You look great." Again they were very calm.

It was AWESOME and then I could post new pics of myself on facebook because I had even been avoiding that to keep from spoiling the surprise. I just can't tell you how exciting it was!

I gained 3.5 pounds on my vacation. Guess what? It was a vacation. Nothing to beat myself up about. I couldn't wait to get back to the gym now and I am ready to start losing again!

I have really opened up when I was on vacation. I even at a pretzel! My sisters couldn't apprieciate that like all of you can. A week ago I never could have gotten a pretzel down. I still have GREAT hunger control with the band and so I am going to hold out and see how I do with this and get a fill if I don't do well the next few weeks, but I am not really worried. I know I have my band and my band loves me.

I am HOPING that my family, especially my dad will want to get banded. My older and one younger sister could loose 75-125 lbs (Dad too), but I don't know if it is something they will consider. I would be so happy for them if they did!.

I can't attach my new picture I had taken because it is too big, but I will try to upload it to my album.

That is the best story ever. Wish I could have seen your brother.

What an inspirational story! Thanks for sharing :-)

O my goodness, :cursing: I know all that was exciting. I was thinking about you and keep checking your journal to see if you blog yesterday about it . U r a whole new different person and your family didn't even reconize you. That is awesome.

I weighed myself this morning and I gain a pound. So that makes it back to 4 lbs gain. I'm okay with it. I have been working out really good. The weight gain is because two of my three kids is in St. louis, mo with their dad. (they been there for a month and 2 weeks) So therefore I havn't been cooking. And also I had a few drinks. But my energy level and spirit is back up with working out.

Now since your family know u have lost weight. They are going to be bugging you and asking you how much more have you lost. People seem to ask me that every other day.

I'm glad u enjoyed yourself.

P.S. Don't worry about the 3 lb gain. U so deserve to treat yourself!!!:eek::cursing::thumbup:

Thanks. I just lost 2.5 lbs today. I knew I was retaining with all the crappy food I was eating. I'm sure every time mom and dad call they will ask about my weight. They did anyway. Keep working out. I bet even it the scales don't show it, your clothes will start getting loose!

I was just thinking of you last night and wondering when you'd be back from your trip. I've been so excited for you (one of my sisters did a liquid protein diet many moons ago and met us for a vacation....my jaw was on the floor; and yes, she gained it back).

What a great reveal!!!!! Something you'll always remember! GO JULIE.ANN!!!!

Hi Julie, I have been following your blog for some time now, and I just wanted to tell you congrats! I'm so happy for you! I have been waiting for your big reveal with your family. I got teary eyed while reading it! I know it felt good! I was banded by Dr. K 7/23/09 and you and your blog have been a great inspiration. Thank you! Kim

Thank you. I can't tell you how much all of your comments mean to me! Each one is so special to me. Thank you!!!!!