I go for my 5 month weigh in this Friday, and I can't wait! The decision to be "banded" was the best decision I've ever made! At my last weigh in, almost a month ago, I hit my 4 month Bandiversary, and was down 48 pounds! I started out at 271 and had lost down to 223. I'm pretty good at knowing about how much I'm going to lose every month...yep, I only weigh ONCE a month. For me, I know I'm doing everything I'm supposed to be doing, so I don't see the point in weighing anymore than that.

So, I'm thinking I'll probably lose about 10lbs and that will put me at almost 60 down!

I've always said that the weight loss is "secondary" for me; it's the sanity and the peace of mind that's the real payoff in my life...however, I will say this:

I, Wendy Tippens, who hasn't ventured out of the "plus size" section for at least 4 years, now gets to shop in the MISSES section. I also get to "tuck in."

My clothes do not have elastic anymore, but ZIPPERS! Do you hear me? ZIPPERS! Can I see my toes yet? NO! Do I care? HELL, NO! I'll get there, but what's the rush? For right now, let me revel in the beauty of actually getting to "shop!" I don't mean choosing between what looks like a shower curtain made into a dress, or a caftan like my memaw used to wear; No! I get to shop. I get to stand at a rack of clothing between the sizes of 14-16 (sometimes even a 12!) and happily flip those hangers for hours if I want.

And I might do just that. I might just take a day off and look at garment after garment after garment. I think I'll try each and every one of them on. Do I have any intention of buying? Nope! I just want to spend the day in the "normal" section and try on every single damn article of clothing I can find. Why?...BECAUSE I CAN...because...I...can.

Wendy,

I KNOW! Still blows my mind. I look in my closet and I don't know which pair of cute jeans to wear! I'm used to having ONE pair of jeans I like because they are comfortable.

American Eagle......Tommy Hilfiger....Maurices....Old Navy.....WOW! Are those really in MY closet?????

I love to just go and try on clothes. Of course they are second hand because who can afford to keep buying new clothes?

i think it is funny after almost 100 lbs people say "So have you had to buy a new wardrobe yet?" I want to say...Ah,.....YA THINK!

HE HE it is so much fun now. I am starting to have to be careful because I am starting to spend too much on clothes!

Have fun!!!

That's so cool! Take that day and revel in it! Congratulations!

That is so totally exciting. Congratulations! What an inspiration you are to all of us!