Its 3 years and I made it to goal!

The last time I weighed 156 was when I was 26 years old. Shortly after that I broke my foot (last bone on the side of my foot, before pinky toe) and gained 20 pounds. Struggled with that for about 2 years then my sister died and I gained more. I averaged about 190 for 7 years except the time I broke my arm and went up to 210 I was 30 years old at the time. Flash forward to 37 when I gave birth to my gorgeous girl Roxanne at 245, she was only 8 lbs and 3 oz… Sure I lost some baby fat but never got below 220. Then at 42 I had my boy Hunter at a grand weight of 270, his birth weight was less than Roxanne’s…. So after trying, dieting, exercising…I was stuck a 244 for years. 244 might not be much for some but I was devastated and miserable.

It didn’t take me long to decide on the band, I did about 2 months of research, knew the insurance battle would be hard and long, so I pulled out money on some low interest credit, which I did pay off within a year. Pick Dr. Sanchez based on his experience and flew to Monterrey Mexico.

On 8/14/03 I was banded and it changed my life. I’ve had some issues and was re-banded on 3/31/05. My weight just didn’t melt away; there was some mental and physical work. It’s just a tool and I had to make some changes to how I looked at food and myself. When I would weigh myself, I didn’t seem to be losing many pounds, but my clothes seem a lot looser. I would lose fat and gain muscle tone for the longest time, the last 20 pounds have been the hardest and longest to loooose. It’s been a trying 3 years but well worth it.

The main things I noticed…

I feel full! I never felt full before having my band unless it was Thanksgiving. Yes I get hungry and have cravings, but try to choose Protein first and something Michelle (LaMadam) taught me “stay away from the carbs”. If I have potatoes in the morning, I’ll want them all day.

I haven’t had a mid-night snack in years, basically because I wouldn’t be able to sleep comfortably if I did.

I drink more water; I still don’t care for Water but know how important it is. And I try to have some warm tea or a cup Soup before meals.

Energy! I can water ski! Throw a frisbee! Even do cartwheels!

On the emotional side, people have treated me different, not sure how to deal with it. For instance, I never felt welcome around my sister and brother in law; it was like I was below them and looked down at. They didn’t talk to me much. Now it’s like I’m accepted and they’re proud to be around me. People who have never had to deal with weight don’t know the damage they can cause.

I try my best to always smile and be friendly to those who seem to be struggling weather it be weight, disability or mental issues. I deal with “skinny” people if I have to but they seem to treat me different now. Why couldn’t I get the respect when I was fat?

I haven’t been on any boards much lately, due to my family keeps me real busy, my job has had more demands and my free time has become very precious as I just turned 47 and feel alive again.

Thanks for all the support I have received through out the years; I have made some wonderful friends here.

This pic is for Christina…. Ms. August checking in.

Wow..Vera..you look Amazing..Truly an inspiration for us Bandster Babies..Thanks for posting the pics. Your kids are soooo cute..Keep up the Great work..!

~Kristen

Way to go Vera! Glad to read your story, and note the healthier life you have now.

I my thighs EVER look that good, I'm gonna try out for Ms Universe!!!

Thanks for the compliments! I resized that last pic, but I still hate my thighs.

I'll trade thighs with you! Seriously, I logged off last night and looked at my thighs in the bathroom mirror, and said "OMGosh, how did she do that?!" since my thighs are a complete mess. I see little hope for them being in shape when this weight losss is over for me. I'm not willing to do a full body lift...which is what I need. Yer butt and thighs look GREAT to me! Smooth and even, not lumpy and gross. Plus, you don't have my spider and vericose veins. Oh, and my pasty white skin. Sigh. Please love your thighs for me! LOL

ATTENTION LBT MEMBERS: We have found our LBT super model.

Girl, you look AWESOME! And whats funny is that you dont even have tale-tell signs of being overweight. No saggy-loose stuff or stretchy lines anywhere. You look totally normal. BIG BIG congrat's :clap2:

And I absolutely LOVED the kiddie pics. I bet its not long before you and Rox' are wearing the same clothes!

And the last pic... the one where son's displaying his kool-aid moustache - OMG - made me smile! Such cutie-pies!

Vera, you are absolutely beautiful, please know that. Congratulations on 3 years and getting to your goal!! You have so much to be proud of, and it looks like you're really enjoying your life and family. Well done!!!

Congratulations Vera, I'm so proud and happy for you!!!

Hi Vera,

Wow, you look really great and congratulations on getting to goal. When I first met you , you looked great too, but now you look even better!!!

Babs in TX

334/180/? Still in the same clothes though.... !

Vera, you look AWESOME! What an accomplishment!! It's wonderful that you came back to share your bandiversary with us. We can always use more winners!!!!!!

Shawn

You look absolutely stunnnig!! By looking at you in your pics you never would of guessed that you ever were heavy. BTW you look about 130lbs--what an inspiration you are to us!!!:clap2: I hope I can be where you are eventually, thanks for sharing the pics.

~Liz~

03/10/06

241/175/160

5'7''

I just saw this. My goodness woman you are looking mighty fine. It is strange that I've known you during most of this wonderful trip we are on.

I don't see where you need PS though.

The kids look wonderful and are growing so much. Once school starts again, lets do a lunch or I will make Rusty starting dropping me off in Morgan Hill before his meetings in Gilroy. I MISS YOU!!

Thank you so much for the support during my slip, repair and PS. You are one person who really knew what I was going through emotionally, physically, and most lovingly.

HUGS to the whole family

Carol

12/29/03

269/157/149

Vera- You story of success brings hope to me and everyone on this board! You look fantastic! No PS? I really want details of how you have kept your skin so nice.

I'm very excited for you and proud of you. Thank you so much for sharing!

Vera, congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment... the weight loss and the adorable kids

Sincere congrats on achieving your goals, Vera. You look fantastic and I'd fight anyone here over the chance to have thighs as nice as yours! Do you have any before pics anywhere? I'd love to see the side by sides!

Your kids are beautiful!

God Vera! You look GREAT! Congratulations on getting to/BELOW goal! You've got a great looking family, your babies are so cute. I loved the koolaid smile too. I hope you feel at least half as good as you look!

You look so happy and spirit-filled, as if the whole world belonged to you!

Your pic should be on a billboard showing others what a beautiful, healthy, loving woman looks like. Magnifique!