My whole reason for getting banded was to see a huge chunk of my excess weight come off ... and stay off. This is my third holiday season since being banded, and the first since I've not been actively attempting to actually lose weight.

And a miracle happened. I didn't gain weight!! The holidays were every bit as enjoyable as ever; I indulged and partook and engaged in whatever came my way, but in the moderate way the band has taught me. The very idea that the holidays are no longer a time of constant self-denial is just incredible.

My idea of long-term success is to get through the end of each year without adding poundage, and now it looks as though that may really be possible.

I LOVE MY BAND.

P.S.: I just might set an actual goal for myself for 2006, just for fun. I think it'd be neat to see the south side of 200 sometime before my 45th birthday in November. Think I can do it? YES!!

Congratulations Alex, thats wonderful.

Did you exercise thru the holidays ?

Great Job Alex!! I have set a similar goal for myself. I did however gain some oevr the holidays. Well Done!

I didn't exercise as much as usual, in part because my younger daughter and I were both intermittently sick with nasty colds. But I did manage to visit the gym three times in the two weeks that include Christmas and New Years.

Great job Alex

Alex what a wonderful accomplishment. I'm very proud of you and very happy for you . And YES I think you can do it!!! You will see the South side of 200 by November

YOU GO GIRL!!!

<p>Ahh, so well done! I enjoyed the holidays, too and didn't do the whole "constant self-denial" thing either and all was well. Anything I gained was back off in a day with my normal "Up 2 down 1, then another 1 down" circus act. Exercise is on my list. Good job hitting the gym. Yay! I love my band, too. I can't wait until I'm 3 Christmases out and still banded...I have a case of erosion paranoia that won't go away without an endo. sigh.</p>

You are so inspiring!

Congratulations, that is a huge accomplishment, you must be on cloud nine!!! Thanks for sharing such and inspirational story with us, it's certainly nice to really know someone who is truly experiencing the change in lifestyle. You go girl, and hey, Happy New Year!!!!

Cindy

Congrats Alex!

I didn't exercise as much as usual, in part because my younger daughter and I were both intermittently sick with nasty colds. But I did manage to visit the gym three times in the two weeks that include Christmas and New Years.

Wholey smokes girl, you were sick and still managed to exercise 3 times a week. BRAVO !!!!

Way to go Alex!!! Keep up that awesome work!

Great Job!!!

How many people can say they didn't gain a pound over the holidays??? A LOT OF BANDSTERS!!!!

Aren't we lucky?

You are doing great!

:Bunny :Bunny :Bunny I'm with you, Alexandra! Me too! 3 Christmases and I've only lost and never denied myself at all. Awesome!! I only lost 14 lbs last year. but isn't that better than putting it back on? Absolutely!! I have set a goal for myself this year. Only 20lbs, if I can hit, I'm still headed in the right direction. If I pass it, HOORAY!

Alex you have done so great!!! Keep up the great out look.... you truely are a success!!!!

That is so awesome! I can only imagine, but hope to do the same with the help of the band.

WOOT WOOT !!

What a motivating experience for all of us! I am so proud for you!!