Good luck to all the AUGUST bandsters!

[Candle 11]

Just wanted to say good luck to all you August 2008 bandsters.

I am 1 month shy of my 1 year mark - I was banded on 8/27/07. At about this time last year I was preparing for my pre-op diet & surgery and all the changes it would bring. I was also very nervous about my choice and the uncertainty ahead.

BUT

Look at me now!! I am beyond thrilled with my band. I've lost almost all of my weight (125lbs) and am pushing for another 10-20lbs. I feel like a completely different person than I was at this time last year.

Our Aug 07 group has been VERY successful and I wish the same for you guys. A few of the girls have even already had plastic surgery!!!

:thumbup:

[Claudine1975 0]

I am having surgery in about a week. It is good to hear of a sucess story and encourgement just before surgery. I am getting nervous and excited all at the same time. Good Luck to all of us!!

[ShelbyD 0]

Thanks for your words of encouragement. As my date gets closer, August 6th, I get a little more nervous everyday. Sometimes I question wether this is the right thing to do. I have failed so many other diets I just hope this can work. It always makes me feel better when I hear such great success stories. Thanks for yours!

[accountess 0]

WOW!!! Congratulations on your success Candle! That is just too amazing. Less than 2 weeks out, I find my mind is occasionally trying to talk me out of the surgery. I have to focus and remind myself that I need this to make a change in my life. Reading your success story really motivates me to go on.

Is there anything you would change?

[Momto5 0]

Thank you so much for your encouragement and congrats on your success!

[Candle 11]

Is there anything you would change?

Yes, I would have done this years ago! :biggrin2:

I regret missing out on so much LIVING.

Since my weight loss I've been to Disney World, Six Flags, and a Water park. We're also planning a trip to Jamaica. These are just a few of the things I would have never been able to do (or enjoy) just a year ago.

Cutting up the Lane Bryant charge card a few months ago was a big milestone too!!!

I can't stress enough how important exercise is. I starting by just walking a few blocks per day and now I run 2-3 miles per day. Exercise, meal planning, and food logging were 3 keys to my success.

You guys are going to do great!

[accountess 0]

Since you exercise, I was wondering if that helps with the excess skin. Has it been a problem for you?

[Candle 11]

Loose skin seems to depend on a lot of different things.

Exercise has helped to "tone" certain areas (legs & arms mostly) but once that skin is stretched out, there isn't much you can do.

I'm an apple shape, carrying much of my weight in my mid-section. I've been over weight my entire life and I have lots of stretch marks. There's no amount of exercise that could help my stomach.

I'm hoping to have a breast reduction and Tummy Tuck in early '09. My insurance may cover part of the TT so I have to jump thru all their hoops and waiting period. My inner thighs and arms aren't looking too great but a TT is my major priority right now.

[Roheryn 0]

Thanks for the encouragement Candle!!

I am going to be banded a year to the day after you. I hope I am just as successful