Hi All,

Just a quick mile marker to let you know that my first 6 months since becoming a bandster are up. Apparently, a slow learner, it took me quite a while to quit rebelling against my band, and just get with the program. Today, I am down 41 pounds, which is half way to my goal of a 30 BMI. During this time, I have learned to listen to my body, to be aware of the food that I put in my mouth and when, and to replace "stuffing my problems" during times of stress with talking to my family or going for a walk with my dog. My Dr. (Alldredge) in SLC, and his trusty staff, headed by fellow Bandster and Fill-expert, Vivian, have created the most amazing team, and without their support, this would have definitely been a less favorable, and far more uncertain experience.

While acknowledging the only modest success I have delivered to date, as compared to my bandster buddies on the board, this has been serious progress for me, nonetheless.

Since losing just this first part of my weight, I have observed my blood pressure decline from an average of 145/95 to 119/79. I no longer huff and puff going up stairs, and more than once, have I had the mixed blessing of having to run over a mile in an airport, and have done so, without gasping at the end. This would have never been possible over the last 10 years.

Thanks to my fellow bandsters for sharing their thoughts and baring their souls on this board. I have learned so much from you, and have felt that I am among fellow seekers.

Still too shy to post an identifiable picture, nonetheless, here is a body shot of the changes wrought over my first six months, and here's to all of our mutual success over the many years to come!

Best, Brad

The pictures definitely show a noticeable difference...

Way to go and keep up the good work!!

Congrats and keep up the awesome work!

Face or no Face you are doing amazing...Keep up the great work. You will be there before you know it!

Congratulations! You are looking good, buddy! Cindy

Awww, I wanna see your face!!! You do look great though. Well done! I so relate to your "rebelling against your band"...my hubby says, "you're fighting your band. You're pushing it." and he's right. I'm getting better though. It's hard! Thanks for the update...good job!!!

Hi everyone! I am a new bandster as of 11-11-05, so far so good. Wish me luck, even though I just know I am going to do well! My numbers my not be that impressive, but I am 4"11", and have a small body frame. I will be so happy and excited to loose at least 50lbs!

208/196 evaluation/190 pre-op/***??????***?/125 goal

Dr. Spivak-Houston-Nov.11, 2005

Good job Brad !!!

Go Brad, Go!!

That belly is seriously shrinking and soon it will be but a distant memory...

Congrats on your success!!

Great job Brad, keep it up.

Hi everyone! I am a new bandster as of 11-11-05, so far so good. Wish me luck, even though I just know I am going to do well! My numbers my not be that impressive, but I am 4"11", and have a small body frame. I will be so happy and excited to loose at least 50lbs!

208/196 evaluation/190 pre-op/***??????***?/125 goal

Dr. Spivak-Houston-Nov.11, 2005

welcome to LBT happy! You should post a new thread in the Introductions Forum...it's listed under the Main Forums on the front page, that way lots of folks can say hi and welcome you!! So glad you are here!!

WTG Brad!!!

You can definately see your weightloss - even your legs are noticably smaller

Keep up the great work!

****Im editing because I noticed that I said "Logs" instead of "Legs" ~

WOW you have dont a great job!!! you can see the diffrence so much its awesome!!!! Keep up the good work!!! woohoo

Hi, hows this for a mini-victory? I have been "at sea" since the 17th and have not lost any weight (but I haven't gained any weight, either)!! That's the point!

Also, thanks to all of you for your warm wishes following my 6 month bandiversary. Looking forward, hopefully, to reporting continued loss (success) 6 months hence.

Happy Thanksgiving from St. Kitts!

You look great, fantastic job! Keep it up

Looking forward to hearing about the next 6 months

Congratulations on a job well doen so far!!!! Your looking great and I can see a deffinate noticable difference!!! keep up the great work and you will be a goal in no time!!!!