At the Bandster bash there was a number of folks who had the chance to "step

up to the mic" and tell what the band has done for them or what it

means to them. but there was one who id like to mention that really

stood out above all others.

i dont remember her name but she has so much courage and

determination that you could really see in her eyes.

I cant even tell you how much wieght she has lost. by her before

photo im going to say around 50 - 60 pounds.

She couldnt even finish what she wanted to say and had to have

someone else finish for her because she started to cry.

BUT there she was, with the same band we all have to loose weight.

MOST of us are above the 30 year old mark,

and there she was at only 12 years old.

out of everyone there i had the most respect for her, her courage

and her determination.

I'll always have memories of the fun at the bash, the doctors and

the people. Alot of those memories will fade with time, but i pray I

never forget her.

She will always have my respect.

12 years old? WOW, that is so awesome! I don't know her, but she has my respect also!!!

Yes, that was great! I was sitting at an adjacent table to that young lady. What courage! You could just see how much being banded has meant to her and how much it will mean to her in the future.

The other thing at the bash that was meaningful for me was the panel discussion. I'm pre-band and the thought of erosion was very heavy on my mind. It was great that they started with the topic of erosion. I still hate the thought of it but it's not going to stop me from moving forward.

I attended the bash to get additional information but had mostly decided I was going to be banded in India. After seeing the great Dr.s on the panel I knew the approximately $2K I would save going to India wasn't worth it. I gave a deposit to be banded by Dr. Ortiz that day and scheduled me date yesterday for late April. Can't wait.

I was only two tables away from her, remember the only guy in a cowboy hat ? that was me.

i talked to a few "pre-banders", were you one of them ?