Angie1985

Hi everyone! I just had the idea that we could post here about clothes we had grown too small for that we would be willing to send to people who are at a different stage in their journey. I have a bandster blog and have been sending and receiving clothes through that, but there are some things that no one from that community wants/needs, and I'm sure you all have stuff too. I just recently sent a whole bunch out, but I wanna do another closet sweep cause I am pretty sure I have more to get rid of! I'm currently wearing a size 14 on the bottom and L to XL on top... I have some bras that are too big too... would that be weird to send to someone? haha. Lemme know your thoughts ladies! xox

It's so interesting we're all so different. Although I'm not fitting into everything I try at regular size stores, since hitting 220 (which was 50lbs down) I've been able to shop a ton in regular sized stores. XL teeshirts and size 14 jeans/pants from anywhere from Jcrew (though their jeans fit, but not comfortably yet) to American Eagle, the Gap, etc. Old Navy is so inconsistent - 12s in some styles, in others I couldn't even do up the 14. The only exception to this rule right now is more structured dresses - with my boobs I'm still an 18 or so. Oh for context's sake, I'm 5'8. xox

I went shopping yesterday (see my blog for an extremely long entry about it) but ended up buying two pairs of jeans at American Eagle in size 14. That fit SO well - and comfortably. It's crazy to think that when I went out to dinner last night, in my size 14 jeans, my XL jcrew tee, even my now 38dd bra - I was wearing all "normal" sized clothes. No longer will I be relegated to buying my american eagle and vic's secret online. a HUGE nsv!

Hey! Congrats on getting close to your surgery date! So excited for ya! Like Doodleallday said, anything is worth the success LB has given us. It is, without a doubt, the most amazing and significant thing I've done in my life and I'm SO happy with how I'm doing. In terms of beer and soda, I'm a bad ass and can handle and have tried both. Soda I'll get a kids sized one at the movies and sip it slow, it makes me burp a ton but I've been just fine. Beer I definitely drink slower than I did before, but it goes down fine too. If you have any questions, check out my blog or message me, and good luck!

I've got a blog - it's listed in my signature. From there you'll find links to all my followers blogs, they're wicked! xx

That sounds like fun, my only reservation is that I've found the support and encouragement at every step of the way has really kept me going, and you'll probably want to start hearing it from people at sooner than six months, if that makes sense. xx

Thanks Jane! I can't wait to be where you are weight and size wise, you're doing so so well! I do have skirt/fluke confirmation - I just got the new catalogue and the model is not wearing it high like me but lower on her hips. But whateves. It's a 12. On my body. I'll take it.

I'm still working on figuring this all out, but as I lose weight I'm finding my confidence is growing, and that's getting me more male attention. My thoughts with eating in front of guys is, alas, no one is really going to be suprirsed to seeing a bigger girl eating smaller portions. If he asks, I plan on making a joke bout getting hotter for him or something silly like that. I've hung out and eaten out with a lot of ppl who don't know about my band and haven't really blinked at my sometimes strange eating habits. Don't worry and enjoy it. Once it gets more serious, I think that's the time to share, but only when it feels right. No matter what you're working hard to improve yourself, and that deserves mad validation.

Hi everyone, Haven't been on here in a while and thought I'd check in to say hi. I've been having a wonderful summer, and although my weight is pretty stalled right now (finally getting my fill tomorrow) I have experienced a lot of wicked Non-Scale-Victories in the past few weeks and thought I'd share! The first round happened at my cousins wedding which was on June 21st. It was a huge wedding - over 400 guests and I was a bridesmaid. I saw a lot of extended family and friends who hadn't seen me at this low a weight in at least 5 or so years... it was a great feeling and I got tons of really sweet supportive feedback, as well as some of the annoying - "good work, but don't stop now," or "I'm so glad you're finally doing it!" UGH. But the sweetest feedback I got that night was from my friend Danger Dave (this is VT -all the boys have funny nicknames.) Towards the end of the night, we were sitting outside, taking a dance break, and he said something about "you look great Ange." I said thanks - mentioned the professional hair and makeup. He said no, it was more than that... I can tell you lost weight. This was definitely a bold move on his part - asking a girl about that, even mentioning that elephant in the room. It was super sweet though, because he just acknowledged how hard that must have been, and how impressed and proud he was. Definite warm fuzzies. It's kind of awkward to mention, haha, but Dave's not the only boy who's noticed a difference in me. A lot of them seem to be noticing me, period. It's funny - I'm still hanging out at around 230lbs, I've still got a long way to go weight wise, so what I think what these boys are responding to is the change in confidence I'm going through. I feel prettier, sure, but more so, I feel empowered, accomplished. It's wicked. My third, and my most favourite kind, was my shopping NSV. I was in California last week and got to pop in to one of my favourite stores, J Crew. I love this store. Once I can fit into all their clothes, I'll probably be completely broke with a completely beautiful preppy wardrobe. I saw this cute high-waisted skirt, and thought I'm not 100% a 14 these days, but eh, might as well try. I looked, but alas, they didn't have a 14 in the colour I wanted. I asked a sales associate for help, and she told me they didn't have any. I decided to just grab the 12 to take in with me while I was trying on some tees. And guess what... The 12 fit great. GREAT. And although it is a pretty flattering and forgiving cut, I still can't believe it's only a 12. And as I was coming out to show my friends, the sales associate said "I knew it would fit... You don't look much like a 14 anyways!" I couldn't believe it. So of course I bought it even though I totally can't afford it. I pretty much wanna sleep with it on I love it so much! Here's a pic of me wearing it for my nephew's first bday party - Well that turned into a long long entry. Hope everyone's doing well and enjoying the sunshine! xox

you all look wicked and hot!

Congrats on your consult and getting started on your journey! Don't beat yourself up about where you are now, be excited that you're back on the right track. Three and a half months post op and about six months after I started this journey I can honestly say this is like... The best thing I've ever done for myself!

just did an updated before and during... admittedly the before pic is AWFUL but it does show a lot of progress in 40lbs!

Good attitudes from everyone. It sucks that society dictates that we are less worthy at our weight. As much as I am happy to be losing and changing, it bothers me in a small way that I know this is going to get easier, not because people got more accepting, but cause I am just conforming. And I totally know what you're talking about Ani... Like hot guys thinking that you should be willing to do anything with them because they're... being so generous to offer the opportunity? UGH. I hate boys sometimes!

I've been on a gym kick lately, I try to go six days a week. Of those, four days will problem be cardio fitness classes, with almost a full hour of cardio, and the other two I'll do about 20 mins of cardio then 40 mins of weights and abs.

I had to do one and it SUCKED. See my blog for ref, but I totally feel your pain. You've got to try your best, and if you're gonna cheat, don't cheat with carbs, cheat with protein. I had soft-boiled eggs sometimes. The reason is if you limit your carbs then you'll go into ketosis, and once you're in ketosis, which takes 3 or 4 days of lowww carbs you stop really feeling hunger, which makes the diet WAY easier.

Today I was able to buy my first non-stretch dress from Banana Republic!

Everyone looks amazing! Here's me the day before pre-op, and about a week ago. I'm down about 34lbs now... Lots more to go, but feeling great. It won't let my pic go on, for some reason, but I posted it to my blog... Check it out! http://angieinrepair.blogspot.com/2009/04/before-and-during.html

I just wanna say you're not alone... Even knowing that bandster hell is coming doesn't make it easy to deal with. It's frusterating and disheartening. I've lost almost 30lbs total, about 15 since being banded about six weeks ago. But for the past two weeks, all I've done is hover around the same weight. I'm going for my second fill today, and I can't imagine how much harder I'd be finding it if I wasn't already started on fills. Good luck and hang in there! xox

Hi everyone, Just thought I'd drop in and say a quick hello. I'm a Canadian girl who just got banded about 3 weeks ago here in Toronto. However I lived in Vermont from about 18 months two years ago, and am planning on moving back (to Stowe) this summer. I look forward to getting to know all of you and hopefully joining you in some support groups. Best, Angie

Everyone is doing so wicked - Jane I can relate -at the end of the day yesterday my jeans were literally falling off... My roommate was in hysterics, as I was trying to clean. My first big NSV was getting ready at my parents house to go out for st. patty's on Tuesday my mom suggested a pair of boots I bought online years ago but never did up over my calves... And they did! Yeah I had to sort of slouch them a bit to get the zipper all the way done, but I got them there! Over jeans no less! Felt great.

I went into surgery around 9:30 and was on my way home by 12:40. I'm young, came out of the anesthetic no problem, was able to drink water... They sent me on my way. I did crash as soon as I got home, but I was happy to be in my own bed.

I am not sure yet, as my first reward is a big one - a trip to Miami thanks to my wonderful parents. After that, I'm planning on celebrating every 10 pounds with a charm for my charm bracelet.

Congrats! You're doing great, and I have no doubt you'll reach that next goal!!

me too me too! it's in the sig!