SillyAuntDi

Girlfriend!!! I am so with you on this! The first guy that I semi-seriously dated this summer kept telling me how hot I was. I just laughed. But it made me feel good. I hadn't been told that in so long! He did make me feel desirable and beautiful. And when he flaked out on me, I was tempted to shut down. But I realized that I wanted more of that feeling The guy I've been seeing for a few weeks now gives me that feeling. He smiles when he sees me. I smile when I see him...it's fun and exciting and terrifying all at the same time!

Work activity from May 2013 (can you guess which one is me...LOL) Me in October... Me thinks I see an imposter in the October picture No, this picture comparison really helped me see all the changes! Life is pretty good right now!

I still don't always see what everyone else sees. I have been able to finally realize how much of a transformation I have made. Someone sent me a picture from May 2013. I almost didn't know me in that picture. I was smiling, but I clearly remember that day and how miserable I was. The friend who sent me the "reminder" said "I want you to see just how far you have come." I realized then that I don't always give myself credit. I do the "I still have a ways to go" or "Stop it...I am NOT sexy." But darn it...I don't have a ways to go anymore...25 lbs isn't very far. And I am sexy I am a bad a*s, boxer chick who goes into beast mode punching a heavy bag. I rock my jeans and my new boots. Now, I just have to convince myself that the person in the mirror is really me...I'm getting there

You are amazing!!!! I am so fortunate to have you in my arsenal of banded buddies Continue onward and upward, friend. I'm right there with you.

I strive not to let numbers dictate my life, but I get giddy thinking about that fact I am under 200lbs. Awesome job, friend Enjoy every moment of it!

I crossed my legs for the first time a few months ago. I didn't even think, I just did it. And when I realized what I was doing, I uncrossed and crossed them for about 30 minutes straight! Then, I was sitting with my legs neatly crossed and my bestie looks at me and screams "OMG...you have your legs crossed!" We laughed until we cried! It is an awesome feeling...that only you guys here understand Congrats on your achievement...enjoy the feeling!

Name: SillyAuntDi (Diane) Town: Raleigh State: NC Country: USA I hope we get this done!!!! Would love to meet everyone in person (Proud member of the Sassy Haircut Brigade)

Arthritis sucks...it's why I dread the cold weather. I've had this new pain in my jaw for a month now. One doc told me to watch it, because it could be a new joint that my friend arthur as moved to. My feet hurt, the xrays are pitiful. I do see a rheumotologist. He loves that I've lost weight, doesn't force meds on me that interfere with my band, suggests alternatives to those drugs. We make a pretty good team. But, pain sucks. And there are days when I get tired of having to grin and bear it. I went into a deep funk when I got the latest xrays of my feet. But, you can't live that way, so I just push on. Anyway...thoughts of warm sunny beaches...

Hi Friends! I got the courage to cut my hair...walked in a place on Saturday and said "cut it off." It has been a very long time since I felt brave enough to have short hair. This makes me very happy...here is a picture Happy Tuesday!

I have just celebrated my one year bandiversary I LOVE it. I would do it all again if I needed to. No regrets! How can I complain? I walk better, breath better, eat better, smile more, laugh often, experience life more fully....all because of my band and my new normal. My weight loss has stalled a bit over the summer (back injury has kept me out of the gym), but I have decided this was my practice period to learn how to maintain my weight when I hit my goal And I have been successful at maintaining this summer. Good luck to all!

Awesome! Congrats on the milestone...and the new hair do Both look great on you!

Hi there! I had been taking Biotin for a few years prior to my surgery. I still had hair loss. It's growing back like a champ right now. So, my experience is that taking it prior to the surgery didn't really make a difference. Good luck!

Love it! You are awesome! I chuckle when my friends that I have known FOREVER, don't recognize me from behind. Once I turn around, the recognition on their faces is funny to me. I also enjoy not having to turn sideways when I meet someone on the stairs at work, and fitting in roller coaster seats with room to spare. The theater is another great place! I don't feel squished anymore. I can't wait to fly again. I am loving this banded life!

Congrats! I totally understand where you are coming from. I was excited and nervous all at the same time. I told my sister-friend, while in the pre-op area, that I wanted to go home. I wanted to run. And then they wheeled me back to the OR. I even said at one point in the OR, I can still get up and leave. Then I fell asleep. I woke up a different person and I haven't looked back with a single regret. Not much about this has been easy, but it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. I have been banded a year now...and my life is totally different. But, my friends are still my friends. My family is still my family. I may have changed on the outside, and some on the inside, but I am still me. I am just happier and healthier now. That said, my friends had to make some adjustments...I was always the "Fat Friend" and now I am not So, I get attention now when I used to go unnoticed. BUT...they are enjoying my dating adventures and the stories that come with them...LOL. You are going to do great....

Today marks my one-year bandiversary! I am constantly amazed at the differences in my life that have happened over the past year. It's been a ride full of excitement, anxiety, self-discovery, and improved health. When I weighed in for my surgery, I was 354lbs. I was scared to death. I asked my sister-friend to take me home more than once. I questioned what I was doing right up until I fell asleep in the OR. I woke up totally satisfied with my choice. I haven't looked back with regret a single time (Yes, I questioned my sanity a few times in those early days, but no regrets.) One year ago, I was on blood pressure meds, high doses of arthritis meds for my feet and knees, I struggled with chronic pain, and I was generally unhappy. I knew I needed to change, but I couldn't do it on my own. I was trapped in the hell that was my body. Today, I take NO blood pressure meds and my arthritis is under control without even tylenol. My chronic pain is no longer chronic nor constant. I am active and social and happy. My body is no longer my prison. I have always struggled with anxiety. I still do. This year has forced me to face certain demons and admit my fears. I love my therapist. She is the most supportive, non-judgemental person. I don't know if I would be as successful as I am if she wasn't a part of my support system. One year ago, I wouldn't dream of getting on a roller coaster. I've done this and so much more!!! One year ago, I would shut down at the thought of group exercise classes. Today I take boxing classes full of people...and my before and after pictures are displayed behind the check-in desk. One year ago, I was looking for inspiration. Yesterday I met a lady at the boxing gym that said my pictures and my story were her inspiration...talk about coming full circle. One year ago, I didn't want to talk about me. I didn't want to talk about anything personal. This year, I have been the featured speaker at my weightloss support group. I was told afterwards that I moved many people in attendance. Me...the one that was scared to death to make the change that I needed so badly. In one year I have dropped 165lbs. I have gone from a 5X shirt to a Large or Medium. I was a size 30 in jeans...today I am between a 12 and 14. I wear skirts again. I NEVER did that one year ago. I wasn't able to wear boots because my legs were too thick. I bought three pair last week because they zipped. One year ago, I was faced with living my life as a very solitary, hermit-like person. Today I am dating, meeting new people, doing new things, and living the life I have deserved for a very long time. Thank you to all of you on this forum. I love coming here. On my bad days, I find inspiration. On my good days, I try to give it. So, I'm attaching a few pictures for you My before picture (May 2013) My picture today (September 11, 2014) The jeans I was wearing one-year ago...I fit in ONE LEG now! Here's to the next year...and the one after that, and the one after that....

I totally get this. People who are just getting to know me now are amazed when they hear me talk about my weight loss, or they see pictures of me from "before." They mean well in what they say, but it makes me cringe. I no longer answer in specifics when I am randomly asked how much I have lost. I just say "a LOT." The number I am so proud of when I think about what I have accomplished sounds horrific when I tell it to someone who is curious...

I didn't know that before picture had been taken. I was doing what I always did on trips....sitting and waiting while my cohorts walked around. When I saw that picture earlier this year, it was a jaw dropper. It was the first time I realized just how much my physical appearance was changing. And, I also realized those days of sitting on the sidelines were over. I cried. It was that "ah ha" moment you always hear about.

awww...you guys...<sniff sniff>

My friends...today is my one-year bandiversary!!!! I have posted a long post out there but I want to come here and talk to my buddies...my life lines...you guys rock! I couldn't love you more if you were sitting next to me. You have been there supporting me this year and I am determined to be there to support others in the same way. Look at this picture from this morning! Those are the jeans I was wearing last summer!!! I fit in ONE LEG! So, thanks. I appreciate every single one of you Diane

I forgot about the Chick Fil A grilled nuggets! I get the kids 4-count meal and it makes me happy! After this conversation yesterday I had to go to Moes and get that burrito bowl...yummy stuff!

Aren't those little good morning texts after a nice evening the BEST! You rocked it!!!!

I like the Wendy's Chili, too. And I will go to Moe's and get a burrito bowl. Yummy.

Between changing jobs this summer and an injured back, I have had to limit my gym time. My weight loss has stalled a bit. But, heck...I'm such much better than I was a year ago! I am slowly getting back into the gym, walking, and riding my bike. I have to remember that I can't jump back in at the level I was before the injury...don't want to hurt it again So, don't be too hard on yourself. I know we all have goals, but life does happen. Trust your band to keep you in check

You guys make me smile, laugh, and feel more and more confident in my skin and my transformed body. I am astounded that tomorrow marks my one-year bandiversary...more on that tomorrow Happy Wednesday!

I am jumping on the Quest bandwagon...with Power Crunch being an option when I just need something different.