NurseLaureli

Good job! What progress!! That dress is so pretty! It is amazing at what looking at a pic will do for you if you are feeling down about the scales moving slowly. Keeps up the motivation! Again, you look great!

I am 11 months out from my surgery. Went to a friend's wedding this past Friday and wore a dress I would have never looked at this time last year. I have lost 75lbs in 11 months. First pic, my daughter's b-day party. Size 24--notice the grass skirt doesn't even fit all the way around me. (Pardon the stupid face....I didn't want my pic taken!!) Second pic, leaving for a friends wedding--size 12 dress! Here is a pic of my husband and I, the first pic of us together in awhile since I tend to hide from the camera at parties!

I just wanted to chime in and say from someone who is banded, I went through the same thing you all are. I researched this band for 2 years before I decided that it was time to stop wasting my life being obese. Then, once I decided that it was the right thing to do, it seemed like an eternity before it even happened. Even though my insurance covered the procedure, they would only cover it at the hospital I worked for at the time and they were in the process of changing lapband doctors so I had to wait another 4-5 months before I could even talk to the doctor to see if I was a candidate for the surgery. Everyday I would come to this website and look at the before & after pics and it would motivate me to keep going. It is a long road, and not one that can be rushed. I am guessing that is for good reason though to ensure that you don't rush into a surgery w/o considering both the pro's and the cons. Also, I would recommend taking the before and after pics. They really are motivating, especially when you plateau b/c it shows how far you have really come. I didn't realize how much I tried to avoid the camera when I was obese, not that I jump to have my pic taken now, but atleast I am included in my family's pics now. You'll be glad you did it.

I can eat almost everything. The only foods that I have had a problem with are french fries and tater tots (which I don't really need anyway...I can usually get by with eating 2 or 3 but more than that causes me pain). I don't really eat tortillas b/c they take too much effort. When we go to a Mexican food resturant, I'll order fajitas, and just eat the steak and chicken and veggies and my husband & daughter will eat the tortillas. eggs....I have only PB'd 2 times since I have had my band and one time was on a fried egg (the other time was a dry piece of chicken). Totally my fault though...chewed it twice, and swallowed it (I was so hungry and reverted to my old habits). It sure came right back up. But, as long as I pay attention and chew well, I can do eggs (fried and scrambled). I acutally usually eat 1 egg for breakfast almost everyday. As far as bread goes, I don't really eat that either. I was just too scared to try it after I got my band so I pretty much stay away from it. I LOVED bread before, but don't really care much about it now that I don't eat it. I can eat pizza w/o problems. Usually only one piece, and it takes forever! Red meat....I eat red meat w/o problems providing I am chewing well. If we go out for steak, I'll usually order a baked potato and salad, then my husband will give me some of the steak he orders. It is just enough to satisfy my craving, but not enough for me to get in trouble with. All in all, as long as you chew well and don't let yourself get to hungry so that you are rushing to eat, I think you will be surprised at what you can still eat. I would stay away from anything too dry though!

I haven't posted an update in awhile. This is a before face pic and some after face pics that I took yesterday. I have been on a plateau for about 3 months now. I am not gaining, but I am not losing either. I was getting somewhat depressed, but the comparison of the before and after does help me get motivated again. (the after pics are taken from my cell phone, thus the fuzzy quality). Me minus 70lbs...

I haven't been on much lately and just wanted to check in and say "hi!". Hope everyone is doing okay. I have kinda stalled on my weight loss...though I am officially down 73lbs since surgery and 90 from my highest weight ever. It is my own fault though...I haven't been to the gym in 2 months (my husband spent 2 months in the hospital and things got a little too crazy...life happens I guess!) and I haven't exactly made the right food choices (I am a starbucks-a-holic and have gradually gone from getting a tall to a venti sized non-fat caramel macchiato---just b/c it says non-fat, doesn't mean you can have a big one). I also started a new job and it has been hard coordinating my home life, starting a new job with a crazy schedule for orientation, and getting to the gym. I am definately going tomorrow though!! I am making it a priority! Manatee...I am so sorry to hear about your band. Like it has been said before, keep up posted. We'll definately be thinking good thoughts for you!

Hi Devera, I haven't blacked out but I will say that if I eat too quickly and start to get stuck, I will get an instant headache, usually on the right side of my head. It has only happened a couple of times, usually when I let myself get too hungry and eat too fast, but my hea really hurts. I thought it was a bit weird, but I always forget to ask about it when I see my doc. I have never blacked out though...that sounds pretty scary. I hope you find some answers!!

Every one looks so good! I am so inspired by everyone on this board. I look at this thread everyday to keep my spirits up and to know I can lose my last 40 lbs. Since I haven't taken body shots in awhile, I thought I would post my progress pics. The first pic was taken 2 years ago at my highest weight ever of 257lbs. I was 239lbs at surgery, which is the inset pic of just the head shot. I am at 167lbs currently, down 90lbs from my highest ever, and down 72lbs since surgery in May.

I had a new NSV yesterday. I went shopping for a pair of pants and actually bought size 12's!!! Starting at a tight 24, I was SO very happy.

Thought I would post some updated head shots...will post some better shots soon. The second one was taken with my cell phone, hence the yellowish hue. Sorry about that! I have lost 70lbs so far and met my Christmas goal. I wanted to be @ 175lbs by Christmas day and was 169lbs that morning! This is the lowest I have been at in 9 years!

I actually had a new nsv yesterday. My husband had surgery yesterday and while he was in surgery, I ran down to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat. I took my food to go and was sitting in the waiting room eating. About half-way through my meal I realized that I had the styrofoam container sitting in my lap while I was eating. Ummm...OMG!! I have a lap...an actual lap that I can sit stuff on now and use. It didn't hit me until that point. I have never been able to hold something on my lap b/c my belly has always been too big. I must have looked like a dork b/c I sat there staring at my styrofoam box in my lap like it was an alien. Someone walked by and asked me if I was okay...I just smile and said yes. Crazy!! I also went to Old Navy the other day and bought a new pair of pants...in the normal size section...size 14!!! Coming from a 22/24 size pants, I was thrilled. It has been 9 years since I could wear a 14. LOVE my band!

My 6-month bandiversary is in two days so I thought I would post my 6-month progress pics. I plan on getting a new pair of jeans (hopefully in a size 14!!) on my bandiversary and I'll take pics of me in regular clothes and post them then....I am just so excited to see the difference I couldn't wait to post these. I LOVE my band!

I tried editing my previous post but it wouldn't let me for some reason. I actually forgot a NSV: I got my wedding rings resized. I've got from a 9.5 to a size 7 in ring sizes. I was able to try on a ring right out of the case and it fit me...I have never had that happen. I've always had "sausage fingers".