I guess I'm a success story!

[Mimilou2004 13]

Because Lello's are so beautiful I got one done at age sixty then got many done in a large abdominal mural hip to hip to cover the Tummy Tuck scars. I think they are beautiful....thank you Lello!

[lellow 1,713]

Did you Mimi? I want to see!!

[Jachut 487]

Having never been a tattoo kinda person, I've looked at Lellow's many times too. I"m about to have a Tummy Tuck and I'll see how the scar goes, and where it has to be put but if it's high enough to show in a bikini, I think I'll be indulging in a little artwork myself!

[Mimilou2004 13]

I will try this evening..some ppl will see more of me than they woul like, LOL!

Jachut it is very freeing to be naked only wearing art instead of lingerie!

[TracyC 32]

Thanks for the inspiration.

[ready for my journey to be 14]

love your story thank you for shareing your sucess !!!

[byrd 28]

Thanks, I'm glad i read your post... because i was feeling like it was not possible to lose that much with the band

[kll724 3,055]

Hello Byrd,

It is possible to loose that much and more! There are many people on this sit ethat have ost 100-150m lbs, ( i lost 100), But Cazzy is has lost over 200 lbs, check her out. Good luck to all, And everone is a success story, if they loose weight! Karen

(I am not trying to deflate the post starter, excuse me if it sounds like it!).

[lellow 1,713]

I came looking for this thread because it's been a while since I posted it. I had a good run with my old band, it helped me keep the weight off for many years quite easily.

But in Jan 2012, it sprung a leak, and in the course of the next 10 months, despite my good habits, I regularly lost the fight with my returned hunger and, as a result, gained almost 35lbs.

My doctor tried to fix the leak unsuccessfully for 15 months, before finally giving me a full band replacement in April this year. In that last 5 months that my band was leaking, I decided to get really strict on myself so as to NOT gain anymore, and with calorie counting for the first time, and cardio exercises, I lost 15 of the 35lbs I had gained.

Since getting my new band, I've lost another 12lbs without really even trying and have decided I don't want to lose anymore. I'm 7lbs from what was my previous 'stable' weight but this time because I'm trying to build muscle, not lose fat, I'm happy to be at a slightly higher BMI because my Body Fat Percentage is lower than it's ever been (under 20%).

So to me, it kinda feels like I fought the battle twice, with two different bands by my side. I know now how much the band helps me help myself get healthy and stay healthy, and for its presence in my life, I am very grateful indeed.

[Lady VS 1,147]

What an awesome testimony. Thanks

[ADJL 685]

I really love your story. And can I just tell you that your before/after photos are amazing. You look like the teenage daughter of your "before" self.!

And I also have to tell you that I've already started looking at designs for my future Tummy Tuck scars. I've seen some really beautiful cherry blossom branches artwork that I'm leaning toward...

[lellow 1,713]

Anna how exciting! I always said I'd get a tattoo over my scars and it was honestly a life changer for me. I went from being self conscious to happily rocking a bikini! I can't wait to see yours!

[B-52 7,113]

In the end, the proof is in the pudding though. I have been big all my life and I now have a BMI of 21 and have maintained for 18 months. I don't care why it worked, I'm just grateful it did!

And "In The End"..it's all about how YOU feel and how YOU perceive yourself...only YOU know where you were before in contrast to where you are now.........That is most important of all....

Although I could not put it in the same words as you, I do relate and share many of the same experiences as you describe...it truly is a New Lifestyle.....

[kll724 3,055]

And "In The End"..it's all about how YOU feel and how YOU perceive yourself...only YOU know where you were before in contrast to where you are now.........That is most important of all....

Although I could not put it in the same words as you, I do relate and share many of the same experiences as you describe...it truly is a New Lifestyle.....

So true! Wow! B-52 look at you around the pool! Bet those young ladies are scoping you out!!!!

[lellow 1,713]

And "In The End"..it's all about how YOU feel and how YOU perceive yourself...only YOU know where you were before in contrast to where you are now.........That is most important of all....

Although I could not put it in the same words as you, I do relate and share many of the same experiences as you describe...it truly is a New Lifestyle.....

B-52, you are definitely someone on the forum who seems to live with the band in the same way I do! I know other Australian banders like Jachut and elcee who do as well, but you're probably the most vocal about how, if you're at the right restriction, living with the band can be easy, and effortless!