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.

You look awesome. How nice to hear about and see pics of a complete success story!

Like lots of other posters, I'd trade thighs with you in a minute. Half a minute! lol

Congratulations!

Gorgeous!!!! What Thighs?????

You are my inspiration! You look really hot in that suit. Congratulations!

Susan

Hope your feeling well. Let us know how it went! Mine is scheduled 9/14 and Im sooooo excited!!

Congrats!!

You look FANTASTIC!

Nana~

Vera you look amazing!!!! You have done so good with your success... thanks for inspiring me to look good in a swim suit next summer....its gonna take some work to look as good as you!! Congrats!!

Vera~

Way to go, girl...you look amazing!! Congratulations, and thanks for reminding me why I'm doing this!

Emily

WOW! Vera, you look great! Congrats on everything!!!

Vera... you just look amazing... congratulations girl!

Thanks for all the congratulations, I feel proud to be an inspiration to so many!

Jewels, it was good speaking with you, by now you should be home and recovering. Congratulations to you, and welcome to the new journey.

Leatha, Kathy, Wheeler, Goanna, Susan, Donna…note that you can’t see my inner thighs, these are actually very good pics, I’m sorry I remarked about my thighs, I think we all have that self conscious body image about something….and do you believe in control top bathing suit bottoms….I am sucking up my gut as much as possible, that’s not a tan, I’m turning blue!

Kabeerah, Children are so worth it, when I was pregnant with Hunter I swore I was eating for 5. You’ll get

there.

Paula…Super model??? Roxanne’s in a size 3/5 teens and size 6 shoe. I had the big girl talk with her Sunday, It went smoother then I thought.

Pam that’s the “Kool-Aid” Birthday party pic “I got a Batman”

Carol, we had a nice chat yesterday, thanks for calling. I bet your legs and tummy look awsome! I know it may take a year for all the sweeling to go down and I can’t wait to see you. Let plan a get together soon. I miss you too.

Dianne, thanks for thinking my skin is nice??? Macadamia oil and lots of Aloe

Susan, the only before pic is on page 9 of the “before and after” thread.

Thanks again

Vera, I hope you don't mind.. I added your current pic to the collage that was on page 9 of the before and after pics thread. Couldn't resist. You look great!

Vera, you look fabulous but you always did to me...Beautiful lady you are. Great job girlfriend, be proud!!! I'm proud of you

Vera, I can't begin to say how much your friendship means to me. I am so proud that you are at goal. You were gorgeous at the First Bash but you are absolutely stunning now. Yes I am jealous!! LOL!!

Big ole hugs to you.

Vera,

You look just stunning!! What a great figure, girlfriend.....you should be very proud of your accomplish.

I want to look like Vera when I grow up. Way to go girl...that is great. Keep inspiring the old ones and the newbies. This is what the band is all about.

It is so important to learn that the band is a tool not the answer.

WAY TO GO GIRL!!!!