Feb 25, 2005 @ 11:40...

[banded&tattooed 3]

...begins the new me. Right now I currently weigh 425 pounds. I have tried and tried to lose the weight but I gain it back plus I pick up what others have lost! On my last dieting adventure I went from 400 to 337 but gained it all back plus 25 pounds.

Along with message boards like this I have family and friends that have had this procedure that can help me along. For both I am extremely greatful. It is going to be a challenge and I thank all of you for sharing your experiences!

Maybe I should explain my avatar before people think I am just crazy

I am part of a group that dances for the Dallas Mavericks. We're called the Mavs ManiAACs(http://www.nba.com/mavericks/entertainment/Mavs_ManiAACs.html)

and that is a picture of me with Method Man at the 2005 NBA All Star Weekend that we perfromed at last week(Feb 17-21)

[Mita 2]

Welcome Banded & Tattooed,

Best wishes on your New Journey. Let us know how you are doing when you are up to it.

Take Care

[banded&tattooed 3]

Thank you! I will.

[New Hope 37]

Congratulations!! Please come back and let us know how you're doing when you feel up to it. You will lose that weight now and it won't come back! Yeah! Best of luck to you for a smooth surgery and recovery time.

[DeLarla 22]

You've got a fun nature and a good attitude... you'll need all that humor once you have your Band! Good luck to you. I look forward to following your stories.

[Iluvharleys 15]

Welcome! Anyone that is involved with the Mavericks is all right in my book. I love the Mavericks! I love Dirk, and I miss Nash! Although, they are doing very well even without him.

Are you being banded here in the Metro Plex? Who is your doctor? Are you still going to be able to be one of the guys in the group when you lose all that weight? I am just full of questions!

Good Luck with your surgery, and post and let us know how you did when you feel up to it.

[MikeC 0]

Welcome and good luck!

[banded&tattooed 3]

I am being banded at the Arlington Medical Center by Dr. Carter. He said I will probably get down to 225 so that is my goal. And at 225 I will still be big enough to be a ManiAAC so that won't be a problem

[leatha_g 4]

Welcome and Good luck with your surgery!! I hear Dr. Carter is a great guy!

[julie 0]

welcome and best of luck too the new you julie

[La_madam 20]

Hi & Welcome

Which one are you on the picture. I went to the web site also

Pretty Cool

Best of luck to you with your new band. Tomorrow is your big day..Hope all goes smoothly for you

[I'llsucceed 1]

Congrats on your big day- Keep us posted - Your going to do great!

[daisydoodle 0]

Well....it's about that time....I just said a little prayer for you that everything goes PERFECT! Keep us posted....My surgery is Monday so you'll be a whole THREE days ahead of me...a pro!

I don't live too far from you...just a short hop on I-20 Eastbound.

Take care, I know that you'll do great!

[Iluvharleys 15]

Good Luck with your surgery today. Please post and let us know how it went when you can.

Daisy are you getting nervous? It is only natural to be, but it will be fine.

[Pippy 0]

Hoping everything went well for you and your now on the road to recovery, every day gets better and better. Loved the website!!

Helenxx.