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When you mentioned camera and bed & breakfast, my imagination was going in a whole different direction. Sorry things got so complicated for you. But, wow, what an awesome way to react--pounding the pavement instead of throwing ice cream down your throat. NSV extraordinairre!

Well, I am going to chime in on these great questions! What is your "Bandiversary" goal? I don't think I had one, but if I had to say, it would be to be to be only 10 lbs to goal. What have you learned this past year? That I am strong, that it is possible, that the weight did not define me, but it did change me, that I can be proud with being ego drivenand... that the support of those you love is the most important part of this entire equation. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Wow... there have been so many buying jeans at GAP being hit on at restaurants being told that I have the vitals of an athlete running my 5 k race being asked to leave a support group, because it was for those with weight concerns (I had to explain) a colleague not recongnizing me... the best... my daughter telling me how fun it is to go sliding together What is your biggest challenge? not being over confident not spending too much money on new clothes (my latest addiction) What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? think of your band like a tool that will support you follow the rules add exercise when you think you can and know that you are human and we all make poor choices at times What is your greatest fear? gaining weight changing me too much people treating me differently What goals do you have for the future? get to the weight I am happy with run a 5 k in under 35 minutes keep running How has your life changed? wow... is there enough room to list them all??? easily buying clothes I like getting a taxi has never been easier I feel more comfortable in my body physically I can do what I want now without having to worry Has living with the band met up to your expectations? exceeded If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? It's okay... you will make this journey, you are ready to be in this place, it is where you are supposed to be... and you will be supported and you will be proud Dawn Banded April 4th, 2006 Montreal 358/191/179 exercise this month= 22

Yeah, gonna cram all that in here hehe Do they make a Protein PILL? I think I have finally broken the plateau and figured out that my body loses decently with <30 carbs and 100+ Proteins. I'm having a heck'uva time getting in 100+ protein though, even with shakes and wonder if anyone has ever seen a protein pill? NSV... I am no longer MORBIDLY OBESE! :clap2: I want to call every single Dr. I've had in the last 15 years and force them to erase those words off of the front of my chart! (ugh, why do they put that on the front). Offer... I have an excel document that you enter height, beginning weight, etc into and then your daily, weekly, whatever weights and it figures out BMI, total weight lost, and weight loss per month. PM me with an e-mail address and I'll send it to you. I did not make it BTW, I got it from some other boards but the creator receives credit still inside the worksheet.

Wahoo!! What a NSV that is! :clap2: Oh, to leave my 32's behind (and my Size 32W behind) & fit into my 28's again! At last check, I'm down twenty-eight pounds since my surgery, and I've yet to have a single non-scale victory... Way to go!!!!

What is your "Bandiversary" goal? Honestly, I don't really have one. My original goal was to be 100 pounds down, but I know now I am not going to reach that, but am not at all discouraged by this either. What have you learned this past year? I have learned that I am worthy of good health, love and respect, no matter what I look like on the outside. I have also learned that food is not the most important thing in my life anymore. Food is merely fuel so I have the energy to spend time with and do things with my family. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? I have a couple. One is that my PCOS has improved with every pound lost. I am also no longer borderline diabetic, which was a huge NSV for me. In terms of really fun NSV's, about two months ago I cleaned out my closet. It was wonderful getting rid of all my old "fat" clothes and saying I am never going to wear these again because I will never be this size again. Then, I went to the mall and went shopping for new clothes at normal sized stores, not Lane Bryant. What is your biggest challenge? The main reason I got fat was because I just plain love the taste of food, especially salty, crunchy junk food. Unfortunately, that type of food goes down easy. So, my challenge has been staying away from those bad foods. I occassionally treat myself, but it is nice that my band doesn't let me get out of control when I do. Never again will I sit down and eat an entire bag of chips in one sitting and then sit there and cry afterwards because I am so humiliated with myself. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Be patient and remember that everyone loses at different rates. I was a bit frustrated by the fact that compared to most April 2006 bandsters, I am losing slowly. But then my doctor pointed out that I am averaging out at more that 1 pound a week, and the band is designed for me to lose 1-2 pounds a week. And, I have done that without feeling deprived. So be patient, accept how your body loses weight and the rate at which it does and do not compare yourself to others because everyone is different. What is your greatest fear? Losing my band, not succeeding. I What goals do you have for the future? By summer, 2008 I want to put on a bathing suit, go to the beach and not be embarrassed. I also want to go back to Tennessee on a vacation with my family. We went 4 years ago and there was supposed to be a very beautiful, natural waterfall. However, it was a 2 mile hike up a very extremely steep mountainside. I did not make it very far before I had to turn back because I was just too fat and too out of shape to make it. But I insisted my family go on ahead of me and enjoy it. I sat down in the car and cried. I am determined to go back there now and climb to the top of that mountainside with my family so I can see for myself how beautiful that waterfall is. How has your life changed? I am more confident, happier, have more energy, am able to do more, am healthier and just feel 100% better! Has living with the band met up to your expectations? I am not going to lie, I expected the weight to come off a lot faster and I expected everything to be a breeze. But, it does take personal commitment and you really have to want it. As they say, the band is a tool, not a miracle. But, once I realized I have to want it and work it, it most definitely did meet my expectations and I love my band. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? Don't be nervous, this is the best decision you will ever make for yourself. You may feel fat and frumpy now, but this time next year, you will be feeling hot and sexy!

Brandy, what an awfully insensitive thing for your mother to say. I'm sorry that you had to endure that after such a wonderfully cathartic day (and I'm thinking it was probably a great NSV for you, too). My mother would probably say something similar, but I do know that in her case, it would be because she doesn't throw a darned thing away and she's from the Depression Era. Even if it doesn't fit or is out of style, it stays because it cost money. Unfortunately I have gotten that packrat mentality and I've got to get control. I hope to be able to do what you did today and clear stuff out. Good for you for doing that.

Actually, I think you had two NSV's there. One for choosing the walk over the food and the other for not killing your husband.:phanvan

If he didn't return the f*%(#*ng camera, I'd do it for him! All the while I'd be firmly implanting my size 11's in his a$$. Hey, it'd be exercise, right? You betcha it's a NSV, goodonya!!!! And kick him once for me...

my DH (does not stand for dear at this time) and i were going to go on vacation ... wine country, nice bed and Breakfast ... DD at grandparent's house... he buys a really expensive camera ... (4 figures) ... ummmm how are we going to pay for this little vacation?? we're now not going .... the first thing i thought of was going out and taking a walk .. NOT eating anything destructive ... so is this an NSV? a very pissed losing jusme

I bought two new pair of pants today. NSV! Size 14... and there was plenty of room in them. I can shop in the "normal" size section now... I dont think I could even do that in high school... haha It's crazy how your brain still sees you "bigger" --- I looked at those pants in the dressing room and thought... "there is no way these things are going to even go on...." Sure enough... my brain was wrong. They slid right on. Now I guess I have to admit that I really cant see the changes.

A little NSV to add. Yesterday I was in a craft sale. In other years I just dreaded taking all the boxes in and out of the van after the sale was over, I usually tried to get my husband to come and do it for me. Yesterday, not only did I quickly load up my van, I helped two other older vendors with their stuff, and was never out of breath!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!

I'm almost choked up here reading your WONDERFUL NSV! I hope that someday I am also able to do that. You are one of the people here that I find most inspiring and I am so happy for you that you've gotten to this point. CONGRATS!!!

You're amazing Spydr. Way to go on an awesome NSV.

As i was bathing my shower tonight I was struck by an odd occuance. Everyone baths in a certin rythem, You start on side or at the top and works yur way around. I washed my cheast abd then starting to wash my belly. I reached down to pick up the skin that hangs over my bellow and stopped short. There was no skin! I was gone. No smaller but gone. It was at that moment I began to cry because I was reaching yet another goal I thought would never come. I can see my belly button and run my had straight down my body. It feels unreal! It feels strange. My gooddess it feels amazing. My plastic surgery has changed my life along with my LapBand. Let just me tell you out there in band land, the promised land is not too far away from any of us. We have taken the proper steps and are moving forward. Thank all of you who have believed in me as I too believe in all of you!

How long have you been banded? 8 months April 5th What have you learned from this experience? Patience! For me it is slow and steady wins the race.. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Putting on a pair of jeans that have been hanging in my closet forever. Wearing them today!! What is your biggest challenge? I am a carb-o-holic and HUGE boredom eater.. gotta keep busy! What tips or advice would you pass on to newbies? Everyone is different and you have to find what works best for you! What is your greatest fear? That I hit a plateau and don't lose anymore! What goals do you have for the future? Keep losing weight and being healthier, start a family with my fiance (once I get married in May!), get my degree so I can teach How has your life changed? I have more self confidence, happier, feel like I am in control for the first time in a LONG time.. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? DEFINATELY.. best decision I ever made for myself If you could talk to yourself prior to being banded, what would you say? You are worth it and what are you waiting for??!!

Had my yearly physical and all went well, The blood work was 100% normal- even Tg and Lipid panel!!!!!!:clap2: Today my FIRST NSV!!! A patients mom said- "you are going to disappear before long" I wanted to squeal and hug her neck. SHE IS THE FIRST PERSON TO NOTICE AND SAY SOMETHING!!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: My day is MADE!!

Had my yearly physical and all went well, The blood work was 100% normal- even Tg and Lipid panel!!!!!!:clap2: Today my FIRST NSV!!! A patients mom said- "you are going to disappear before long" I wanted to squeal and hug her neck. SHE IS THE FIRST PERSON TO NOTICE AND SAY SOMETHING!!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: My day is MADE!!

Thanks Angel Bear.... Congrats on the great NSVs! :clap2:

<!-- logo --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / end content table --><!-- post #422433 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422433 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422433 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 16 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 07:56 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Kat817 <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422433", true); </SCRIPT> Come on Spring..... </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Apr 2006 Age: 46 Posts: 1,650 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422433><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->What is your "Bandiversary" goal? To consistently weigh in below 200 What have you learned this past year? That I CAN do this!!! That my life does not have to center around food. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? I take no more prescription meds for high blood pressure, or diabetes. My back doesn't hurt. I FEEL healthy! What is your biggest challenge? To eat enough veggies, and some fruit. I havre a tendency to eat meat...and other high Protein foods, forgetting my body has other needs too! What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? To enjoy the year---yes we all want to be at goal NOW!!!! But getting to know yourself and your body along the way, is wonderful. Seeing how far you can push your new abilities---is eye opening! What is your greatest fear? Losing my band! I try really hard to make the way I do things into a habit, so if something should happen, I would KNOW what to do, to keep from going back where I was. What goals do you have for the future? Taking my grandbabies to amusement parks, and Water parks, and not embarrassing either of us! To be the best support I can for others following me on this weight loss experience. How has your life changed? I breath easier, I feel healthy, I don't feel people staring at me, I buy clothes in Misses sizes. I wear jeans again, I can wear flip flops without my feet hurting. There are so many of these little things---there are also big ones. I upped my life insurance, and did not require a Dr. exam to do it! It has been full of changes---wonderful, dream filled changes! Has living with the band met up to your expectations? Yes, I didn't go in with a lot of expectations...this was not as involved (the board) then. I expected not to be able to eat some things, that I have been able to eat. I read about all the PB's---only to find out they are not a daily occurance! I expected the surgery to be more painful---all in all it has been much better!!! If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! I had failed at so many diets, I really doubted myself going into this too. I would explain the why's and the hows that I have learned along the way. Knowing why you are on a liquid diet, makes it so much easier to stay on! Knowing why you are sliming, makes it less scary. I researched, but I learned so much by experience!! I would share my own experience!! Banding is without a doubt one of the best things i ever did just for me---i would do it again in a heartbeat, and recommend it to anyone and everyone who asks me!!! Kat <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ Banded 4/24/2006 Celebrating being an "overweight loser"!!! 5'9" 55 3/4" lost 29 miles Challenge..12 down 7 to go <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422433 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Kat817</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Kat817</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Kat817</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Kat817 to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422433 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422433 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422433 --><!-- post #422445 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422445 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422445 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 17 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 08:02 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422445", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 414 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422445><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Go, Kat!!! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422445 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Boo to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422445 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422445 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422445 --><!-- post #422460 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422460 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422460 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 18 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 08:14 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap>sophie123 <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422460", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 3 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422460><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->All of you are helping me decide on what could be one of the best decisions of my life! Thank you! <!-- / message --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422460 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add sophie123 to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422460 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422460 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422460 --><!-- post #422463 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422463 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422463 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 19 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 08:19 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap>sophie123 <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422463", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 3 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422463><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->What did Kat mean by "Knowing why you are sliming, makes it less scary."? <!-- / message --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422463 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add sophie123 to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422463 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422463 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422463 --><!-- post #422522 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422522 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422522 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 20 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 09:51 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>kity <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422522", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Jan 2007 Age: 39 Posts: 45 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422522><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- icon and title -->great thread <HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->The posts are so honest and heart felt...you made me cry too. Keep em coming. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ Pamela Surgery Date April 3, 2007!!!!! Dr. Bobby Basker-Rau Palm Springs, CA "I wish I'd know from the beginning that I was born a strong woman...born to take on the world; I wouldn't have run from it for so long, but run to it with open arms." :kiss2: Sarah Ban Breathnach <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422522 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>kity</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to kity</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to kity</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by kity</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add kity to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422522 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422522 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422522 --><!-- post #422547 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422547 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422547 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 21 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 11:09 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422547", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 414 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422547><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Sophie123 and Kity, you ARE making one of the most important decisions of your lives! Our stomachs may be banded, but we are also banded together by our desire to overcome weaknesses and fully engage in life. We can relate to each other because of our struggles and desires. Please check in with us. We want to help our April '07 newbies because we have found great success in our association on this board. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422547 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Boo to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422547 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422547 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422547 --><!-- post #422604 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422604 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422604 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 22 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Today, 05:35 AM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>TerriDoodle <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422604", true); </SCRIPT> April 07 Bandwagon </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Jan 2007 Age: 48 Posts: 113 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422604><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->This thread is so very inspiring to all of us that are anxiously awaiting our banding. You probably remember your anxiety, too....second-guessing, worrying, wondering, mourning, etc. Every time I have any doubts I just hang out on LBT for awhile, maybe go look at the before/after thread or the 'would you do it again?' poll, and I'm right back at the place where I know without a doubt that I am doing the right thing. Thanks to all of you for taking the April 07 Bandwagon under your wings. It helps more than you know. :love: <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ XOXO, Terry Scheduled for surgery 4/4/07 Dr. Spivak - Houston, TX 215/212/150 5'6" BMI 35 <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422604 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>TerriDoodle</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to TerriDoodle</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by TerriDoodle</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add TerriDoodle to Your Buddy List</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Visit TerriDoodle's Lap-Band Journal</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422604 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422604 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422604 --><!-- post #422964 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422964 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422964 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 23 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Today, 01:34 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap>Sara Mos <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422964", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2007 Age: 40 Posts: 91 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422964><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->How has your life changed? Oh my gosh, what a question! I fit into life again. I don't worry about finding the "right" seat on the bus or whether a folding chair will break under my weight. I can shop anywhere. I care about my appearance. People treat me with more respect, even just walking down the street -- it shouldn't be that way but it is. I got a new job making triple salary. Triple! Men hit on me. I'm excited about tomorrow. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? It's far exceeded my expectations. I expected to be about 250 or 275 now. Instead, I'm in the 190s. All I expected from the band was to get back to Twoterville. Actual day-to-day life, the band exceeds my expectations as well. I thought I'd have way more limitations on the types of food I'd be able to eat. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? I'd say be kind to yourself. You're a pretty cool person and even though you don't like yourself a lot right now, you've got the potential to love yourself. I'd also say, self, since you've got this ability to talk to yourself a year ago, try to see if you can talk to yourself 5 years ago and get a band then. Don't waste time trying to find another option. You're going to exhaust them all and still wind up 350+ and banded. Save yourself the emotional and physical trauma. Om my gosh, this has made me cry. Thank you so much for saying these words. I hate myself at the moment, and the thought that I could emotionally feel like this/you in a years time opens up a new lease of life I truely desperately need.<!-- / message --><!-- sig --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ x Sara x Surgery Date: 2nd April 2007 :Bunny Weight before surgery: 245lbs Height: 5ft 4" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422964 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Sara Mos</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Sara Mos</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Sara Mos</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Sara Mos to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422964 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422964 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422964 --><!-- post #422998 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422998 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422998 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 24 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Today, 02:21 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>JulieNYC <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422998", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 643 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422998><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by Sara Mos Om my gosh, this has made me cry. Thank you so much for saying these words. I hate myself at the moment, and the thought that I could emotionally feel like this/you in a years time opens up a new lease of life I truely desperately need.<!-- / message --><!-- sig --> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> Sara, you're very welcome. And you WILL feel this way about yourself in a year. Probably even less than a year. After about 3 months, when I got good restriction and stopped being so driven by food, I started truly feeling better about myself. True, the weight loss wasn't so noticeable to the outside world at 3 months, but things were starting to change within me about how I felt about myself. Believe me, the time FLIES. You'll be feeling so much better about yourself much sooner than you think. April 2nd is really soon. Just hang in there. You're going to make it and you're SO SO SO doing the right thing! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ ________________ Julie-NYC banded 4/10/06, NYU, Dr. Fielding April Bandits' March Challenge: Seventeen 40 minute sessions completed. <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422998 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>JulieNYC</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to JulieNYC</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to JulieNYC</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by JulieNYC</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add JulieNYC to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422998 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422998 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422998 --><!-- post #423037 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #423037 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post423037 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 25 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Today, 03:04 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Kat817 <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_423037", true); </SCRIPT> Come on Spring..... </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Apr 2006 Age: 46 Posts: 1,650 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_423037><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Hi-- Sophie what I meant by that remark---knowing why you are sliming makes it less scary---is this--- When I was banded I had researched thoroughly the process, and my Dr. all of that. I had a fairly good idea of what a PB was---but when I failed to chew well enough following my first fill, I began sliming---and if not for the helpful souls here on LBT, I would have been even more scared!!! Lucky for me one of the older (band wise, not age) members was up late that weekend, and told me what was going on, that it was ok! FYI---slime is VERY thick, VERY sticky mucus. Your body produces huge amounts of it, if your body senses something is stuck or you overeat. It is trying to "slick" the obstruction up to help it pass. Unfortunately, when your pouch is full, there is nowhere for all the slime to go...so spitting it is the best option, if you try to swallow all of it, it will 9 times out of 10 throw you inot a full blown PB and you will lose it all. When you do swallow it, and then PB it, it often comes up in long strands referred to as ropes...it is heavy, it all sticks together, and comes up....sounds nasty, it is...BUT...the slime is tasteless, and odorless....just an annoyance! It does not choke you to PB (vomit in a way) it up....it is just bizarre looking---I know that sounds gross....but trying to be 100% honest here!!! My point was just that the more educated you can get on this site as to what might happen to your body, the better prepared you are, and you aren't sitting at home at 11 PM worrying that something is wrong, because you are "foaming at the mouth"!!!! You guys are right when you say we can probably remember a year ago--how nervous and excited we were!!! I Can! I remember sitting in this exact chair, at this computer looking at the before and after thread....not believing for a second that I could have my own pics there! I remember telling DH that the average/suggested weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. I told him, can you imagine me being 50 or more pounds less in a year? As it is- it is closer to 100! For every pound and every inch lost I have gai

LAPBANDIT Great idea, BOO! What is your "Bandiversary" goal? To get into Onderland! 21 pounds to go til Onderland...wish me luck! What have you learned this past year? food should remain a source of fuel, not a source of entertainment. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Shopping for clothes in the regular section...I have NEVER done this, honestly. Even as a kid I had to wear "Pretty Plus" size from Sears! What is your biggest challenge? Social eating-DEFINATELY! I still haven't mastered this yet. I still get carried away when I'm at parties/social functions. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Eat, just eat good, healthy foods. What is your greatest fear? Never affording the plastic surgery I need to get rid of this excess skin. What goals do you have for the future? To hit my goal weight, of course! How has your life changed? In every possible way. Mainly, I've learned to take care of myself and set priorities to make my health a no-compromise concept! Has living with the band met up to your expectations? Yes and no. I'm proud of my success but this idea of "restriction" still hasn't set in and I have never experienced it for any extended period of time. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? I'd say "You're doing the right thing...stick with the band and not the bypass." And, I'd throw in..."You need to excerise even more because it'll pay off!" HAPPY BANDIVERSARY CLASS OF '06!! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ Starting Weight February 2006: 392 Current Weight: 220 Total Lost Since February 2006: -172 Banded April 2006 <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>LapBandit</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to LapBandit</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to LapBandit</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 419212 popup menu --><!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419212 --><!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419212 --><!-- post #419243 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #419243 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post419243 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 3 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-18-2007, 07:05 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_419243", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_419243><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Lapbandit, WOW!!! You have accomplished so much this year! I am also learning to take care of myself. Great advice given! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 419243 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Boo to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 419243 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419243 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419243 --><!-- post #419443 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #419443 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post419443 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 4 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-18-2007, 10:56 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>waterlily1072 <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_419443", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Apr 2006 Age: 34 Posts: 579 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_419443><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->What is your "Bandiversary" goal? Originally it was to lose 100lbs in my first year, but that isn't gonna happen. Now my goal is to get as close to that as I can! What have you learned this past year? I have learned that without the support of fellow bandsters this is a difficult road. Lifting up and encouraging others is what makes us all stronger together. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Most rewarding is that my back and knees are in so much less pain, in fact most days I don't even notice them anymore. When I started I couldn't push a vacuum without crumbling to the floor in tears from pain. What is your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge has been to try to learn to deal with life's ups and downs without turning to food. I never could have known how hard that would be. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? 1 - Stick together and take care of each other. 2 - Get fills when you need them and when in doubt ask your fill professional their opinion on whether or not you need one! 3 - Participate in a support group with other banded people like this one! What is your greatest fear? That I won't know who I am without my padding What goals do you have for the future? To live, to run, to laugh How has your life changed? I am healthier, I can now see me reaching my goal. I always could picture myself thin but not how I got there, now I can see the way to get there. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? Yes and no. I really thought that because I started at a higher BMI that I would lose faster in the beginning. On the other hand, I am totally moving steadily towards my goal weight now that I have good restriction and the band is now helping me, finally. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? Don't feel like other peoples numbers affect you personally. You are an individual and your adjustments are individual to you! You are not like anyboy else, no one is. Some people lose 10lbs in there first year and others lose 150lbs, the good news is that it's ok to be an individual, we all are losing (barring any medical conditions that prevent it) and that is what matters. We can all reach our goal if we are willing to put forth the effort to work with our band and not around it. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ ~ Molly ~ Banded 4/11/2006 - VG 10cc 6/5/2006 - 4.5cc's 6/19/2006 - 6.5cc's 7/17/2006 - 7.5cc's 8/28/2006 - 8.5cc's 2/13/2007 - 9.5cc's <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 419443 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>waterlily1072</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to waterlily1072</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by waterlily1072</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add waterlily1072 to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 419443 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419443 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419443 --><!-- post #420165 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #420165 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post420165 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 5 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-19-2007, 04:14 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_420165", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_420165><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->I agree! It is not a race to lose. And each of us is an individual with unique weight-loss issues. After surgery I wrote in my journal to appreciate whatever loss I had at one year because I will have not gained! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 420165 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Boo to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 420165 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420165 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420165 --><!-- post #420437 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #420437 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post420437 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 6 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-19-2007, 09:24 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap>Irish Girl <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_420437", true); </SCRIPT> RedHeads Rock!! </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 174 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_420437><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->What is your "Bandiversary" goal? I would love to be at my goal weight of 135. It is looming so close. What have you learned this past year? That I can succeed at weight loss...all I needed was some help. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? There are so many. I have found the self confidence that I thought I lost, no more cholesterol medication, the restless leg syndrome is gone, bye bye sleep apnea, hugs from my son because he can get his arms around me, shopping in normal sized stores, enjoying shopping because I can find things that fit, mowing the yard without getting winded in the first five minutes.....the list goes on and on and on. What is your biggest challenge? Trying to keep eating the "bandster" way. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Make good food choices, but don't deprive yourself of a small treat once in while (this is for your sanity). Drink lots of Water (dehydration is a bad thing.....kidney stones are not your friend). Don't be afraid to ask questions. The best people to get banded information from is from another bandster. What is your greatest fear? Slipping up, eating too much, and falling into the same bad habits that got me to where I was in the first place. What goals do you have for the future? My biggest short term goal is to participate in the Danskin triathlon in Seattle in August of this year. How has your life changed? I am definately more active and outgoing. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? I didn't really have major expectations to begin with. I read so much about only losing a portion of the weight will be lost. But I truly believe the weight you lose will depend on you. I am so happy I did this and I would do it again in a second. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? To not be so afraid about doing something for myself. Be a hero to yourself as this will be a life changing experience. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ Irish Girl Banded April 28, 2006 (BMI of 39 - morbidly obese) 1st fill 6/8/06 - 2.25cc 2nd fill 07/11/06 - 3.25cc 3rd fill 8/15/06 - 3.50cc (BMI of 30 - overweight) 4th fill 9/26/06 - 4.25cc No fill - 11/9/06 (BMI of 28) No fill - 12/7/06 (BMI of 25.9 - Almost Normal) No fill - 1/8/07 (BMI of 25.8 - Almost Normal) 5th fill - 3/6/07 - 4.45cc (BMI of 25.5 - Still Almost Normal) <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 420437 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Irish Girl</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Irish Girl</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Irish Girl</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Irish Girl to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 420437 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420437 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420437 --><!-- post #420489 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #420489 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post420489 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 7 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-19-2007, 11:14 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_420489", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_420489><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Wow! Irish Girl, you are amazing and an inspiration. I have been stuck at the same weight for over two months. It is time for me to get tough. I can't imagine getting to 135, but I need to start seeing it! That is where I want to be. Good luck on the Triathalon. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 420489 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 420489 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420489 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420489 --><!-- post #420490 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #420490 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post420490 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 8 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-19-2007, 11:16 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_420490", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_420490>Irish Girl, what size is your band? Mine is unfilled at the present time, but was filled to 1.4 cc. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 420490 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 420490 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420490 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420490 --><!-- post #421123 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #421123 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post421123 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 9 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-20-2007, 02:54 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>JulieNYC <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_421123", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 643 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_421123><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->This is a cool idea for a thread. Thank you, Boo! What is your "Bandiversary" goal? To be recovered from my tummy tuck and breast lift (March 28th) enough to schedule my flight home (to actually be home is a stretch). What have you learned this past year? I've learned that it's better to head off a binge than to fight it. It's like turning a boat. You might not be able to turn on a dime, but if you plan, you can still get the boat turned. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Flying without a seatbelt extender. Walking anywhere in the City just because and not worrying about breaking out in a sweat even in the cold. What is your biggest challenge? Learning how to not act like an adolescent in my new body. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Measure your food, at least some of the time. It keeps you accountable. Also, if you're not losing as quickly as you'd like, consider counting calories at least for a few days. It'll let you see where you can make adjustments to meet your goals. What is your greatest fear? Regaining the weight. I know it's not likely, but I still fear it. What goals do you have for the future? To figure out what goal weight is and reach it. To run a 10K. To run an average mile in under 10 minutes. How has your life changed? Oh my gosh, what a question! I fit into life again. I don't worry about finding the "right" seat on the bus or whether a folding chair will break under my weight. I can shop anywhere. I care about my appearance. People treat me with more respect, even just walking down the street -- it shouldn't be that way but it is. I got a new job making triple salary. Triple! Men hit on me. I'm excited about tomorrow. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? It's far exceeded my expectations. I expected to be about 250 or 275 now. Instead, I'm in the 190s. All I expected from the band was to get back to Twoterville. Actual day-to-day life, the band exceeds my expectations as well. I thought I'd have way more limitations on the types of food I'd be able to eat. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? I'd say be kind to yourself. You're a pretty cool person and even though you don't like yourself a lot right now, you've got the potential to love yourself. I'd also say, self, since you've got this ability to talk to yourself a year ago, try to see if you can talk to yourself 5 years ago and get a band then. Don't waste time trying to find another option. You're going to exhaust them all and still wind up 350+ and banded. Save yourself the emotional and physical trauma. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ ________________ Julie-NYC banded 4/10/06, NYU, Dr. Fielding April Bandits' March Challenge: Seventeen 40 minute sessions completed. <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 421123 popup menu --> <!-- / post 421123 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421123 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421123 --><!-- post #421381 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #421381 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post421381 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 10 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-20-2007, 07:20 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>TracyinKS <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_421381", true); </SCRIPT> Ready! Set! BAND ME! </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 37 Posts: 888 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_421381><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->From an April 07 bandster............ THANK YOU FOR THIS THREAD!!!!!!! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ 267/267/160ish Surgery Scheduled 4/26/2007 APROVED BCBS on 1/30/07 Dr. Malley, Mission, Kansas I Look forward to finally having a HEALTHY relationship with food, instead of the obsessive stalker I seem to be right now. http://www.myspace.com/lowcarbbandster <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 421381 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 421381 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421381 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421381 --><!-- post #421396 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #421396 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post421396 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 11 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-20-2007, 07:28 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_421396", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_421396><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Julie, that is beautiful! I loved reading your thoughts! Thanks, Tracy! I hope this thread will help the April '06 bandsters to reflect on our journey, and to clarify new goals. All of you newbies and upcoming bandsters, see what you have to look forward to!! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 421396 popup menu --> <!-- / post 421396 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421396 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421396 --><!-- post #422300 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422300 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422300 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 12 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 05:45 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap>amourette <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422300", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Mar 2006 Age: 36 Posts: 266 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422300><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- icon and title -->will also answer <HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->Buthope our new chicklings in the Apri

Let's come together and share our successes, thoughts and dreams! Banding is a journey and we each have a story to tell that can inspire others. Bandsters, pause and reflect where you have come from. Newbies, look ahead and have hope! How long have you been banded? What have you learned from this experience? Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? What is your biggest challenge? What tips or advice would you pass on to newbies? What is your greatest fear? What goals do you have for the future? How has your life changed? Has living with the band met up to your expectations? If you could talk to yourself prior to being banded, what would you say? Thank you, my friends for all of your posts and for your successes. I feel a kinship with you. Each one of you is an inspiration to me! Good luck!

stephanie - congrats on your 40th and you wedding anniversary Mary - sounds like you're having some fun, wish I was on vacation Sherri - I'm sure things will get better, I haven't lose much in the last couple months either I guess I could share some nsv's, so far I've gone from an XXL to a Medium. I've been taking care of myself alot more than I used to. It's alot easier to talk to people, and people (women) have generally been more interested in me. My grades have drastically improved (2.35 gpa before band to 3.75 this/last semester) and life in general is just peachy. My younger brother just turned 21 so we went out bar hopping, same with on st. pattys day. He is going to be my gym buddy this summer so I have someone to drag me on those days I don't want to go. I am REALLY looking forward to the 199 mark, and I will enjoy giving lectures on LB to people thinking about going through with the procedure over the summer. The only real problem I still have is that I still think I weigh like 300 pounds, but I'll get over it eventually (hopefully) Anyways I'll check back in later to see how everyone is doing. -chris

AWESOME NSV Angel Bear!

What is your "Bandiversary" goal? To consistently weigh in below 200 What have you learned this past year? That I CAN do this!!! That my life does not have to center around food. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? I take no more prescription meds for high blood pressure, or diabetes. My back doesn't hurt. I FEEL healthy! What is your biggest challenge? To eat enough veggies, and some fruit. I havre a tendency to eat meat...and other high Protein foods, forgetting my body has other needs too! What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? To enjoy the year---yes we all want to be at goal NOW!!!! But getting to know yourself and your body along the way, is wonderful. Seeing how far you can push your new abilities---is eye opening! What is your greatest fear? Losing my band! I try really hard to make the way I do things into a habit, so if something should happen, I would KNOW what to do, to keep from going back where I was. What goals do you have for the future? Taking my grandbabies to amusement parks, and Water parks, and not embarrassing either of us! To be the best support I can for others following me on this weight loss experience. How has your life changed? I breath easier, I feel healthy, I don't feel people staring at me, I buy clothes in Misses sizes. I wear jeans again, I can wear flip flops without my feet hurting. There are so many of these little things---there are also big ones. I upped my life insurance, and did not require a Dr. exam to do it! It has been full of changes---wonderful, dream filled changes! Has living with the band met up to your expectations? Yes, I didn't go in with a lot of expectations...this was not as involved (the board) then. I expected not to be able to eat some things, that I have been able to eat. I read about all the PB's---only to find out they are not a daily occurance! I expected the surgery to be more painful---all in all it has been much better!!! If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! I had failed at so many diets, I really doubted myself going into this too. I would explain the why's and the hows that I have learned along the way. Knowing why you are on a liquid diet, makes it so much easier to stay on! Knowing why you are sliming, makes it less scary. I researched, but I learned so much by experience!! I would share my own experience!! Banding is without a doubt one of the best things i ever did just for me---i would do it again in a heartbeat, and recommend it to anyone and everyone who asks me!!! Kat

I had to share my NSV...I ran several laps of the indoor track without getting out of breath. I'm close to my goal and I'm losing inches now - hit a plateau but that's ok cause I feel fantastic. I love how my skin feels and hubby took me clothes shopping. And the compliments make me grin from ear to ear. Hope everyone is having a great week!