Two years ago today I was 303 pounds, crying, scared, and hugging my parents as I was wheeled into surgery. My life has changed so much from that day, I'm not that same girl. That girl had never had a date, thought she would be alone for the rest of her life. She was afraid to sit down on lawn furniture because of an embarrassing moment when a chair broke when she sat down on it. She had gone into Lane Bryant only a couple years before as a size 16 and was now leaving with the 26-28's. She was so scared of getting bigger and bigger and that it would never stop. And she cried herself to sleep many a night.

I still see glimpses of that girl, like last weekend at the family cook out, she thought twice before sitting down on that little plastic chair. But I'm not that girl anymore. I'm wearing swimsuits without a tshirt over it out in PUBLIC, I've had an incredible boyfriend for over a year, who has given me so much love, love that I hadn't been giving to myself for years. I can walk into a room and not be the biggest one there. Now, I'm telling Lane Bryant I won't be seeing them anymore, I'm in a 14 and plan on only shopping again once I'm a 12. I feel free, as if I have nothing holding me back and anything is possible.

I don't wake up and think about food, I don't eat Breakfast and only think about what I'm going to have for lunch and dinner. I enjoy walking/jogging and actually feel as if my heart is strong and healthy.

This morning I weighed in at 209, that's 94 pounds gone. Sure I had a goal of losing 100 for my one year anniversary, but things don't always happen the way you plan. I was hoping to be down 100 for today, but I know these 6 pounds will be coming off soon. And I WILL get to my goal. Like I said, I can do anything, I believe in myself now.

I really want to thank everyone on LBT, I only found this site a few months ago, I wish it could be given out to every single person even thinking about the band. The knowledge on here and the people are so wonderful. And a special thanks to the Gone for Good Club on here, you all are some of the most caring and supportive woman I have ever known, thank you.

You are inspiring. However, I am really having a problem wth the money involved. I called an office the other day and they said $17,000. I just became insured and realized my insurance does not cover this. The woman said for it to cover me at all, I would have to be another 10 pounds. But then, I looked up my insurance and I don't think they cover obesity surgery. I am really having a hard time with the cost of this. Is it worth it. That is a lot of money!!!!! I know feeling better is worth a lot. Lord knows I have spend a fortune on my health..............but....... I don't want to be a downer, but I am having such a hard time with it. Can someone tell me of more reasonable rates??? It is a 45 - 60 minute surgery. I am desperate. I would love to look back this time next year as 145 and size 10-12. They can not guarantee it. :girl_hug:

Congrats on a job well done! You sound like a very happy person now!:clap2: :clap2:

Ek, Congrats!! Love Your Post!

CONGRATS! CONGRATS! CONGRATS! :clap2:

In fact, I think you're being too humble.

Think of it - you lost more than a Hilton Sister weighs, LOL :heh:

You have every right to be proud, satisfied and downright full of yourself - you're doing great. Continued success to you!

Happy Band (And Life) Journeys To All...

From a friends standpoint...

Em,

As I said soo many times before to you on this board and in yahoo IM's, that I think you are the purest spirit I have ever encountered on the net or pretty much anywhere. I have to touch on that because you need to know how wonderful and spiritual you are and how your character helps influence me and my actions, daily.

You have been banded for 2 years! You have taught me alot in the month and a half I have been on this board.

I am happy you found love and are in love. Kyle seems like a wonderful man. I can't wait for a phone call or an IM asking me when I will be down for the wedding No pressure...

I'm am sad for that old girl too as I don't know her at all, but I am very happy to know who you are now and who you are now was shaped by the old you, a kind, caring, compassionate, endearing and wonderful spirit. You are a good person.

Your mother is wonderful for doing what she did for you. She deserves the best mother treatment forever for that *hint hint* but I am sure she didn't do it for show, she did it b/c she loves you so much and her baby girl needed help.

Thank you for being a true friend and I know with confidence I can call you that. Thank you for posting this message.

HAPPY BANDIVERSARY!!!

You truly are an inspiration to us newbies! Not just the weight loss, but you have stuck with it!

Congrat's

What a beautiful message! It's wonderful to hear about your success...Shawn

Aww...thank you Telly! You got the tears welling up again with that message. You are truly an inspiration to me too and my true friend! :-)

Thanks everyone again....I just love my band and the LBT!

I really need to start keeping up with these threads!

Emilee~ your post coud have been written by me. I felt those same things when I was over 300, and I am now feeling the joys you are.

You have done so great and you truly are a WONDERFUL person.

GFG rocks, doesn't it? Keep it up, you are going to be at goal in NO time!!!

Being overweight is such a prison for most of us. I *now* totally understand the cocoon/butterfly analogy that many people refer to after being oveweight for so long and losing a large amount of it.

You are a genuine inspiration to the people on this board.

God bless.

Happy Bandiversary! Your story really inspired me today, and I thank you for that! You have a great idea to use this as a letter to your mother. You should do that while you can; there is nothing moms like more than that! I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!