Whillow has a great line in her signature here that reads "My "Oh yeah" moment when I *saw* the changes 2/12/2010". When was yours? Those close to me say they can see a difference now that I'm down almost 50 pounds, but I still don't see it. Wondering how it is for others who are further along post-banding.

Its kind of surreal, I saw them but I didnt. the same way as I knew I was fat but I didnt "see" it when I looked in the mirror. That awful moment when you suddenly see a picture of yourself without your blinders on!

I'd have to say though that the most gratifying and exciting part of the journey was the last 30lb, that's when the changes became really obvious to me. Every couple of pounds made a difference in my appearance and dress size.

Its why I'm just baffled when people set goals for themselves 20 lb above a healthy BMI, saying they look "better" at a higher weight. Logically I appreciate that's true for different body types but I cant help thinking that people are scared to see the real change so they stop before it happens. that last 30lb is the difference between remaining a fat (but not SO fat person) and really leaving the old you behind and I'm sure for some people, its fear of that that makes them set those higher goals.

Enough pop psychology, I'm making enormous assumptions about people based on what I believe which is not really right. But yeah, that last 30lb was what was most exiting for me, and it took that first 70lb to be gone before I could see the new me emerge.

Before that, I saw my body get smaller but it was still the same shape if you know what I mean. It was still a "fat" body just a smaller fat body. The last 30, all the flab dropped away, the bone structure and muscles emerged, I started to look entirely different.

For me choosing to not set my goal weight to the perfect BMI almost seems impossible and I think I'm in denial that I could be that thin!!!!!!! So I did set a goal that was 30 pds higher! However, with that said after reading your response ... I change my mind! I've always felt there were muscles under my flab!