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:

Congratulations Alexandra - truly amazing and inspiring. I was looking at the collage, scrolling back and forth trying to see YOU in some of the earier pictures. My husband caught me scrolling up and down, right and left, and asked me what I was doing, so I showed him the pictures. THEN HE STARTED SCROLLING UP AND DOWN, RIGHT AND LEFT. LOL We were both completely moved and awestruck by the power of the band and the sheer will to succeed!

Happy Bandiversary! And many more.

AWESOME.

What an incredible achievement, Alexandra.

And the photos tell a remarkable story of your journey. You are inspiring to many, many Bandsters.

Man, when I think of how much weight I would have gained in 3 yrs if unbanded, then it makes me even more grateful.

Congrats again.

And those beautiful kids! That little boy of yours looks like a model for a Hummel figurine.

Hee hee! That little boy of mine is named Catie! :cool: Guess we have to let her hair grow a bit longer and break out the pink clothes. :biggrin1:

It's so good to see someone who has had their band and not had it removed because of problems! I hope to have mine in for the rest of my 50+years of life to live!!

Hi Alex,

Congratulations on 3 years out and your success so far!! I'm glad that you are still around to help all the newbies that are exploding onto the scene!! I lurk here 3 to 4 times a week, but dont post much anymore. You look really really great!!

Babs in TX

334/180 ish

-150 ish

Congratulations And Thank You For Sharing. You Are An Inspiration For Me. You Look Beautiful And Have A Happy Glow In Your Face.

Happy Band Anniversary!!!

Ciao... For Now.

Hi,

You've been an inspiration to me since the day I joined the board. Thanks so much for sharing your story and for your balanced, thoughful advice and for moderating our board. Congratulations to you on your bandiversary! You look wonderful!!!

Alex,

You are always so caring, and kind to the members here. I can only describe you are classy and now seeing your pictures also beautiful inside and out. I am proud to know you and have you as a fellow bandster. Congrats on the weightloss but most important on gaining your life. You and the kids all look so much happier in the second set of pictures. ~Mandy

Congrats Alexandra. You are an inspiration to me.

Congratulations!!!! You must be so proud of yourself. Your children are beautiful, you must have lots of fun with them.

Oh!! Alex what a great acomplishment you have made in your life!! I'm so proud for you!! Thanks for the inspiration!!! Hope you had a great day!! Congratulations!

Well done on the 3yr Alex.

You look so much more alive in your pics (enough of a change that even this blind man saw it!).

You look beautiful Alexandra! Congratulations!!

Alex~

As mousecrazy said, you SHINE! You look absolutely beautiful and so full of life. Congratulations on your amazing success and thank you for the advice you share with us here...it's always thoughtful and helpful. You truly are an inspiration to so many of us.

Emily