Hi everyone!

I am currently looking into my 3rd WLS procedure.

I was banded in Dec, 2001. Had a few problems with band tubing, port and

had a hernia repaired over the years, which required more surgical procedures.

I had 2 successful band babies but was on bed rest with our daughter for

5 months so I gained most of my weight back.

Overall, I'd lost about 100 pounds with the band over about a 3 year time period

before pregnancies & babies. I started looking into revision about 3 years ago and had

seriously considered the sleeve but my doctor at the time had some strong

reservations about me converting to the sleeve. I can not have the RNY due to

anemia issues so I wasn't left with many options. I decided on revising to a banded

plication. I was my doctor's very first plication patient. I did quite well in the first

6 months with the plication but slowly realized that my restriction was gone.

In addition, I found out my band slipped (again) so I started looking into revising

yet again. I switched surgeons and my new doctor seems very confident that I

will be able to convert to a sleeve. I had an endoscopy a few weeks ago and my doctor

saw that the plication was not done in the best way to maximize weight loss and that

my band had slipped. I am awaiting final approval for the sleeve revision

surgery and am scheduled for June 24, 2013. I am confident that the sleeve will

work for me, if I work for it :-)

My concern is an unusual one...I am a teacher but my husband and I also have a business designing and selling vintage style, retro clothing for plus-size men and women. Part of our business involves going to shows and selling our products in person. Because I am plus size,

my customers understand why I have a passion for designing clothes for "us". If I am no longer plus-size, I am worried this will negatively effect our business and our clothing line...I prefer a curvy shape and I feel the most comfortable around a size 10-12 so I plan on continuing making and designing clothes since finding plus-size retro style clothing can be quite challenging. Anyway,

this is something that is really concerning me...not sure if I should be as worried about it as

I am but I guess it is something to consider.

Sorry for being long and rambling...Thanks for reading ~

Jenn

Seems like this is your passion, I don't think you will have a problem at all, you don't always have to be a visual representation of what you sell.

For me, as long as the clothing is nice, comfortable and suits my taste I wouldn't care what you look like. I think you will be fine.

You can always get a model or models to wear your fashions. Right???

Thanks for the support and great ideas!

I'm hoping that since I would like to become a size 10/12 it won't be an issue.

We will be going to a show in April so I will check things out and see how it goes.

Thanks~

Jenn