HI Campers! (Hi Crystal!)

Well, today is my one year bandivarsary. Not a single expectation I had before my banding has materialzied at least when it comes to weight or size, but perhaps the evaporation of my asthma symptoms (yay me!) makes up in some small measure for not losing weight. (that whole not-dead thing goes a long way I think)

I have lost a net of 30 pounds since being banded. I've lost 15 pounds since April 2005, which is hardly impressive.

This last year has been quite a ride for me. Right now I'm not even bothering to try to lose weight, I'm just concentrating on maintaining. And I'm doing a very good job of that. Someone on another board told me that they were disapointed that I've given up, that I wasn't even trying, so of course I would fail. But that's just it, I haven't given up and I haven't failed.

I don't think the band failed me either. Or maybe I do. I dunno. I know that I was very angry that I wasn't able to lose weight. I was well on my way for a while to developing my first eating disorder -- this summer and fall I was completely obsessed with counting everysingle calorie trying to lose weight. (tooth paste does not have any significiant calories, BTW) I spent a month at 700 +/- 100 (okay, mostly - ) because I couldn't lose weight at 1000 or 1200 or higher. I lost 1.5 pounds that month I was too tight.

I thought I had developed a leak, but it was just a case of an interventional radiologist who didn't have enough experinece letting out more fill than he was putting in...

It's hard watching everyone pass me by. It's hard to watch folks who started out with similar stats to me loose 10 sizes to my one size lost. It's hard to watch them lose so much more in pounds that I feel like I ever will. But at least I've recorded every one of my NSVs that I've ever noticed, which does help. After all, when I'm invited to go on Oprah when i finally do get things figured out, I'll be able to share more than pounds lost, I'll be able to share the life I've gained.

So, since I badger everyone at their bandivarsaries for their favorite NSVs, here are my favorite ones right now.

My top ten NSVs in no particular order.

1. I didn't die from resperatory failure. Probably my biggest NSV, that whole not-death thing. Probably my favorite one too.
   
2. I have wiggle room when I fly, and I don't need an extender anymore either. (is that one or two?)
   
3. I've run for the bus without even thinking about it
   
4. I've been able to chase my Spudboy down the stairs and out into the street before having to stop becaue I was laughing so hard
   
5. I've started bellydancing again, and I'm a professional bellydancer too now.
   
6. I no longer have a "breathy" quality to my voice, but I'm told it's strong and clear now. (no more asthma!)
   
7. I am no longer The Great Crystal Dam in the bathtub
   
8. I can cross my legs. HOLY SH*T! I can cross my legs!
   
9. donuts no longer have any appeal
   
10. I have realized that I will never go hungry again. (it's a wolves thing)

So then you have done a great job. I'm proud of you. Hang in there.

Love,

Me

We get out of the journey what we put in and according to that NSV list, you have accomplished so much!

I admire your strength to stay ... to share ... to help others when you have had such a hard time in Bandland.

Happy Anniversary....

Happy Bandiversary and one thing is definitely for sure... you are not a failure by any shake of the word! You have a wonderful outlook and when I grow up... I want to be just like you!

Happy Bandiversary Vines. May you receive back threefold all the love and encouragement you give to others.

Congratulations bandfriend, though your journey may be slow in the pounds department, 30 lbs is 30 lbs. I'm proud of ya and you may be a bit disappointed, but don't be, your attitude and fortitude is an inspiration for all of us.

Vines, your wisdom and encouragement have meant so much to me. And still do. My little four pounds (yay 4 lbs now instead of 2!) since October has gotten me down so many times, but I kept picking myself up and kept going back to the doctor. I knew someone else understood and I felt empowered by that. (By the way, I get the results from my latest blood test today. The test I took because of your encouragement. Now that is touching a life! Keep your fingers crossed for me.) All I can say is thank you. Congratulations on the success you have had and sending you wishes for many more good things to come this year.

Crystal

You are, and will always be, such an inspiration to each and every one of us....

You are a success story in so many ways

Thank you !:clap2:

LEAH

Happy Bandiversary Vines! What an incredible list of NSV's. You truly are an inspiration to us all!

Robyn

Fantastic! :clap2:

Happy Bandiversary!

Your NSV's are great!

Happy Bandiversary, sweet Crystal! May year 2 be the year you find all the success you deserve. :hug:

Happy Bandiversary darlin! That's an amazing list of NSV's - and certainly not the list of someone who has given up. Congrats!

All hail the queen! :hail: :hail: :hail:

Congratulations and Happy Bandiversary

I don't really reply very often to anything but I really feel that you should know that I have gotten more inspiration from you than from any other. I want you to know that I am cheering you on and that I feel in my heart that you will succeed with your weight loss.

Crystal,

Go back and re-read, first, your list of NSV's (absolutely fantastic), and second, all the posts from people who love and support you - not forgetting all the posts from people whose lives have been touched so positively by you.

I too am always happy to see your posts, they're always on point and full of encouragement and enthusiasm.

Here's to Year Two! Cheers!