I had my surgery on 2/11/09. As of this morning, I've lost 157 pounds. I started at 300 pounds and this morning I weighed in at 143. I am 5'7". My surgeons office told me I hold their current record for most weight loss with their lap band patients. My BMI that started at like 46 to 48 is now 22.4, which is in the normal range btw. I used to wear a size 26W/28W or 3x/4x. I just bought a pair of extra small scrubs pants and a small shirt. I also just bought a pair of size 6 jeans. NEVER IN MY LIFE WOULD I HAVE THOUGHT I COULD HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THIS! YOU CAN DO THIS TOO! IF I CAN.... ANYONE CAN! This tool has been a miracle for me. I love my life.... although it's been a crazy two years. You really learn who your true friends are. I am a different person..... inside and out.

Wow..... I'm overwhelmed by all the sweet comments. Don't feel like I deserve all that, but thank ya'll so much!

To answer a few questions..... I don't really count calories or Protein anymore. I did very consistently for the first year. It got so I could eat so little that I didn't really see the point in counting calories, because I knew that I would be way under my proposed calories. I have problems with solid protein, chicken and steak mostly and eggs. I have lost lots of hair. I used to have really thick long hair. I can now see my scalp. I'm sure this is probably a protein issue. I don't really know what to say as far as secrets. I just can't eat very much. I've got 6.25 or 6.5, can't remember which, in a 14 cc band. I went every 6 weeks or so for the first prob 6 - 8 months. Then I began to get restriction and spaced it out. I've never had to have any unfills, although I thought many times that I would have to. I always waited it out and usually the extreme tightness will resolve within a few days. I've noticed that I did lose most of my weight within these extreme tight episodes. I've noticed I would lose say 4 -5 pounds and then nothing for a while then more then nothing. With that being said, I am, to me very restricted. I usually literally have bites and I'm done. Not full but uncomfortable and if I don't stop I'll end up being sick. I've learned that It's much more pleasant of an experience to just stop while you're ahead. Some days are better than others and there really seems to be no rhyme or reason to this. I have noticed it is tighter when I'm stressed and when my stomach is irritated. I honestly don't exercise a lot. I at one point was running about 3 miles a day, but have slacked on that alot.

Plastic surgery..... I've had none. It's amazing what clothes can hide. I have the most issues with my apron and with my breasts. It's actually pretty extreme. When I show people they usually say "I would have no idea that you hid that under there". It's really amazing what I can tuck in those little jeans. lol I recently had a plastic surgeon consultation. I was hoping for insurance approval for coverage on my abdomen, but was denied. I was very disappointed. My skin hangs below my mons pubis. I know hard to tell from the pics, but trust me it does. Sooooooo since the abdomen alone is $5000 and the breasts are $7000. I think I'm gonna have to wait a while. Gotta save some money.

Thank you all again for all the kind comments. If there are any questions that I've overlooked, please ask again. I'll do my best to answer.

wow,same problems with my hair my doctor told me about this oil to put in my hair as well as to get more protein in my system, went on there site it looks good and that lil girl with all that hair is crazy. im going to try it cocoafreshorganics.org is the web site

I had my surgery on 2/11/09. As of this morning, I've lost 157 pounds. I started at 300 pounds and this morning I weighed in at 143. I am 5'7". My surgeons office told me I hold their current record for most weight loss with their lap band patients. My BMI that started at like 46 to 48 is now 22.4, which is in the normal range btw. I used to wear a size 26W/28W or 3x/4x. I just bought a pair of extra small scrubs pants and a small shirt. I also just bought a pair of size 6 jeans. NEVER IN MY LIFE WOULD I HAVE THOUGHT I COULD HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THIS! YOU CAN DO THIS TOO! IF I CAN.... ANYONE CAN! This tool has been a miracle for me. I love my life.... although it's been a crazy two years. You really learn who your true friends are. I am a different person..... inside and out.

You look amazing!! You sure give me something to look forward in my journey.I had some fear with the lap band and seeing your progress.You have uplifted my worries.If you have any tips for me with what you went through ,I would appreciate your views Thanks

Did you ever have some backslide moments or stall at a certain amount? I seem to be stuck, not losing...any ideas to get it going again?

You look amazing!! You sure give me something to look forward in my journey.I had some fear with the lap band and seeing your progress.You have uplifted my worries.If you have any tips for me with what you went through ,I would appreciate your views Thanks

Thanks for being such a inspiration to me, this gives me a lot of hope!

You look wonderful! Congrats! You're an inspiration. I was banded 3 days ago I hope I'm as successful as you

OMG YOU LOOK GREAT!!!! I PRAY THAT WHEN MY TWO YEARS ARE UP, I LOOK LIKE YOU WOW!!!! THIS IS MOTIVATION FOR ME.

Wow...you look a,a zing and sound so grounded and happy. Congratulations!

Also, you are very beautiful and look about 30 years younger now. I would guess you are in your early twenties.

Amazing I mean

:Banane10: :bananapartyhat: This is unimaginable! Congratulations!!!!!! :bananapowerslide:

That is soooo awesome, you look fabulous and are an inspiration for all. I can't wait to have ankles!

Thanks for sharing your story and pictures. You have inspired us all!

You look Fantastic! Congrats!!! Do you ever still feel

big?