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

Awesome progress; congratulations and keep up the good work!

Congrats!! Keep up the good work!!