Manatee

Ya know, I don't buy the whole "I get wls for health reasons only" statement I see a lot. I think that the vanity thing really plays into it too, and will fully admit in my case vanity drove my decision.
That said, I don't think most people consciously think of it that way. However, the end result tends to bring the physical element back to the forefront if it's been suppressed.

Why would I NOT expect people to treat me differently?
I look different and my personality is emerging from the prison of "the fat guy". It's not surprising that people (ladies) will not be viewing me in the same way.
Trust me, the visual/physical thing is definitely present in both genders!

Let's see, May 21 for me. But it's not 5 years with the band. Both of mine only lasted about 2 years total. So ~290 to ~170 with slips and vomiting blood, then revised, then out, then up to 250, then a gastric sleeve and down to ~200 and holding. I still want to lose about 20, but frankly haven't put the effort into it.
Below is the biggest thing I got from the band: I met PigsRFlying in the chat room, that's our wedding photo . . .
<edit> Well heck, it won't allow an attachment. Bleah. See http://killthefatman.livejournal.com/60517.html