EmileeKaye

Almost two years after being banded, no complaints at all. It has been hard, but the best choice I've ever made.

Size 10-11 before surgery and nothing has changed with 80 pounds lost. I'd love having smaller feet! But as long as my waist keeps etting smaller I'll be happy with that!

I actually loved my ring size changing...I remember going ring shopping with my friend who was getting engaged before my surgery. For fun I'd look at the rings I liked and being sad I could only fit them on my pinky and not get the whole affect. Now almost two years later and going ring shopping with my dear boyfriend I'm the average 7 and all the rings in the store fit. It's something little, but really feels good.

Those moments are the best!!

Before Surgery 5'9 Tall 303 Weight Size 26 Jeans Size 26-28 Shirts 42DD Bra 10-11 Shoe Size 9-10ish Ring Size After Surgery 5'9 Tall 215 Weight Size 14-16 Jeans Size 14 Shirts (L or XL for baggy) 38DD Bra 10-11 Shoe Size 7 Ring Size

My name is Emilee, I turned 20 in early February. I was banded on June 4, 2004, one month after graduating High School. I grew up in Nebraska and have always been heavy. I was always the big girl who had a lot of friends and a great personality, but never a date to the school dances or a date period. I really got my comfort from eating and kind of lied to myself, thinking someone would love me for me and I was fine. But when the scale started saying Err, because it didn't read over 300 I knew it wasn't ok. I was young and wanted to feel that way. It was the best thing I ever did. It was harder for me, because I was/am a binge eater and ate to satisfy my feelings not my hunger. I really had to change my life. About a year post-band I met my wonderful boyfriend online too:Dhe was from Texas and it took about a month being together and he moved to Nebraska for me. Our year is coming up and he really has been the best thing to happen to me, he's very supportive and very athletic, so he helps me stay active. Unfortunately, the downfall with being in love has been being so comfortable and not as focused on the weight loss. I've gotten back into bad eating habits and eating really bad food. This challenge came at the perfect time. I want to get back on track and meet my goal. I had been maintaining at 215 and recently gained around 12 pounds. I am not gaining anymore! I've only had one fill and haven't decided if I will be getting anymore anytime soon, I'd really like to work on eating better foods and stopping when I'm full. Well, I'll stop rambling on and wish everyone good luck! Highest/Present 303/227(-76)

I got so excited once I found this challenge, went and checked my weight(I hadn't seen my move) and I had gained around 12 pounds. Made this challenge even more important, no more gaining for me. Only losing from now on. See everyone tomorrow!

Katherine is a favorite of mine for the girls, I know her and Paris will go far.

My Birthday song was "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne & Friends

I'm in the same boat as you. I end up eating off my boyfriends very unhealthy food or snacking on junk....don't always eat very much, but it seems like what I do eat is junk. I've got to change!

Because you're not banded? I don't see any reason why you shouldn't join. Its all about losing weight... But I'm just a newbie....

WOW!! You look WONDERFUL, my two years will be coming up in June, you've had great sucess! The pics make me want to start working on myself again!

At first I had trouble with salads also. I was full very very fast. But now I'm able to eat more of it and I don't get sick from it. And I like to add lots of cheese and meat to them.

I like Ace, last night his performance was fun. But there is something about the dude with the gray hair that is really making him my fave. Over all I think the girls did better than the guys did though, what are ya'll thoughts? I'm excited to see who is off tonight.

This sounds lke just what I needed. I've been at the same weight for months now and have kept putting off trying again. But this is just what I need to get started for the weight I want off for the summer! I'll be here March 1st, thanks!

Why was your fist band taken out origanally? Before recently coming here I hadn't thought may if anyone got theres taken out. I'm learning so much! Hope everything goes well with the reband!

No I'm not pregnant right now. I wold for sure be seeing my doctor if I was, just thinking about the future and thought I could get answers from people who have been in the same position. Mostly I was curious how some felt once the had a complete unfill.

Sorry if these questions have been asked already, I tried looking around a little. The reason I went with the band was because I was 18 and thought it would be best for my as I grew up. I liked knowing it wasn't permanent and was less invasive. My questions are about fills and pregnancy. For those who have gone through this, have you kept the band filled, not changed anything, were you able to gain enough weight and be healthy with the band still full? Did you unfill completely, if so, what does that feel like? Are you able to eat without any restriction? I have always figured I would unfill completely and just wanted to know what other people experiences were.

Congrats on the weight loss. I have also just joined, but have already found this place to be great with information and feeling a connection with so many other people.

I had surgery in Sioux City, IA, by Dr. Mike Wolpert. His office is in Dakota Dunes, SD, on the border of Iowa and South Dakota. He was WONDERFUL.

Doesn't look lke there are many Nebraskan's here. I had my surgery in Sioux City, IA. But grew up in Northeast Nebraska.

I have been maintaining my weight for a few months now, I believe I've been able to maintain my because my calorie intake is about the same level as what I'm burning in the day. If I were to cut my calories, I could lose some more weight or if I raised my workout intensity I could start losing again. Basically I'm eating enough at this point to maintain, not gain or lose.

I just recently joined here also, I was banded in June 2004. Wish I would have found this place earlier! Congrats on the weight loss!

I'll be a full time student in college, again in the fall. I took this semester off, due to moving in the middle of semester. So right now, I'm just a pretend housewife. :mad:

I had no specific diet to follow before surgery. After was similar to most, 2 weeks liquid, gradually puree food, then solids...