I had an interesting coversation with a friend the other day. She was the first person other than my mom that I told about my decision to have LB and she is very supportive. I was reminiscing about days long ago when I was smaller and I said something about having no idea what I would look like at 180 because i have never weighed that as an adult. Her eyes got wide and she said that she didn't think I looked 180 now. Ha! I'm currently 280. I love my friend, but I'm quite sure I don't look 180. She said that she thinks her husband is lying to her about how much he weighs since it isn't as much as me. I told her that he probably wasn't as I weigh more than most men I know including my dad (who is NOT a small man.)

That got me to thinking about my body type. I have been so fortunate in my life to always look like I weigh much less than I do. My weight is very evenly distributed over my body and I've always (well, until very recently) had a shape. The last area to really gain is my midsection. As I've gained this year into weights I have never been before, I have developed fat areas that I've never had. I now have a large belly and the dreaded intertube.

I have lost about 10 pounds on my liquid diet and I can tell a difference in my midsection. Although this area is smaller, I think I can tell that it is never going to be the same. Although I feel sure it would have only gotten worse, I am a little sad that I didn't start this process earlier.

Oh well, what's done is done. I'm quite sure that once I get to 180, I won't be disappointed!!

You might just be surprised. I see some after pictures and I think maybe there is hope that I can look like what I know I looked like once upon a time.

But I do know what you mean about wishing I'd started sooner...although technically, I couldn't have. My BMI just got to the qualifying level mid-year 2009. But I do think of "the years lost" when I could have looked great and didn't...when I could have felt great and didn't...when I could have not been so self-conscious all the time...and was...

But you know what? We are making the change for the future. Enough of yesteryear, tomorrow is still to come!

Good luck with the liquids, you must be used to them by now on Day 10. I lost 'weight' in the boobs and really didn't notice it right away, but my bras are much better fitting and some are even sloppy now, after 50+ lbs gone. It's a wonderful feeling, congrats on taking control of your health with the band.

GRETTING ALL, HOW MUCH DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE BEFORE SURGRY.

Congrats...your almost there GF!!! -BG