Wow, I JUST this second realized that today is my three-year bandiversary. I don't have anything profound to say except that the band has saved my life and possibly my sanity.

I've lost 130 lbs from my highest weight, and though I'm right now back up a few I have no doubt that my weight is now under control in a way that has never in my life been possible before. I'm still out of control sometimes, as evidenced by the giant bowl of ice cream I just finished, but my weight is not because the band keeps these episodes from being my primary form of eating.

Earlier this week I had what I hope will be my last fill ever; I had been completely empty for several months after a bad period of reflux and now I have .8 ccs in my 4cc band. Except for two unfills to deal with reflux, I've had no complications at all from surgery or banding. My capacity and hunger are greatly diminished from where they were pre-band, and that is all I have ever wanted my band to do. I am one very, very happy camper.

I'm going to look for a recent picture but I don't think I've changed much since I last posted last summer. Just wanted to acknowledge the day! :biggrin1:

Congrats!!

Im just starting year 3 I hope to be at goal by my 3rd year. I have 50 pounds to go...Maybe year 4 hehe...

Again Congrats!

Sounds like you are doing FANTASTIC!!!

Hugs

Nana~

Congratulations Alex..... GOOD JOB !!!

I pasted together a few pix of where I came from and now where I am. The shot of me in the upper left corner here is at age 11, which will give you some idea of my lifelong battle. The rest of the top row were taken between 2000 and 2003. All the shots in the bottom row were taken in the last couple of months.

Wow, 3 years! What a tremendous change you've gone through, for the better! Thanks for sticking around for us "newer" folks and sharing your wisdom. You've done terrific and look terrific as well...

Shawn

Alexandra!! Wow, what you have accomplished is absolutely amazing. Congratulations on your bandiversary and thank you for sharing your pictures. For those of us just starting out, they are a real inspiration, as you always are.

Great photos Alex!!! You look so much happier and healthier!! You've come a long way baby!!!! Congrats on a job well done!!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then that collage is worth millions. So happy for ya Alex. Happy Bandiversary girl! *hugs*

WOW you look absolutely fantastic! Did you ever think that 3 yrs would go by so fast! You must be very happy today especially when you were putting those pictures together.

WOW ! WELL DONE HUNNY U LOOK ABSOLUTLEY FAB WELL DONE U MUST BE SO PROUD OF YOURSELF !! WELL DONE U DID THIS U BE PROUD YOUR GR8 XXXXXX

Congrats, 130 pounds is great! The results are amazing!

Thanks so much y'all!! The last three years doesn't really feel like it's gone by quickly, exactly, since so much else has happened during that time (two young children, ya know). But I can remember pre-band days VERY well, especially when I look at those pictures. It's absolutely amazing to me that this little band of silicone could give me what nothing else I've ever tried could deliver--a chance at a normal life.

I want to cry when I look at the 11-year-old me. And now I have some inkling how my parents must have felt.

Alex,

You look great. You always are so encouraging and honest. Good for you. Keep encouraging others..... it is a gift.

Alexandra - WOW! Congratulations and you are looking great. Keep motivating the rest of us.

Alex~

All I can say is WOW ! Look how wonderful, happy and ALIVE you look !!!!

The smile on your face says it all. You are a beautiful woman. Rejoice in the newfound YOU.

Congrats

You look FANTASTIC!