Just comparing my vacation photos - we returned to the same area in France for our holidays this year, and when I got the photo's developed, it was interesting to see the difference - I am down 80lbs since that photo was taken in 2001, but "only" down 65 since banding... I am so thrilled at how wonderful I feel being 80lbs lighter - so energetic, sleeping better etc - I can't thank all my fantastic banded friends here, the support keeps me going.

August 2004 & August 2001 -80lbs

My little flip flop queen...you look AWESOME! I'm following your posting style...I need to get back here more often!

You truly do look like a different person. You're absolutely gorgeous!

Thank you all SOOOOOOOOOO much - you are all so kind! :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny

I never thought I would have actual side-by-side photos to show - it's like a dream come true - even tho I'm still a work-in-progress, like Alex said in another post, I feel so HOPEFUL - I know this band is going to work, and I am going to be healthy and fit, and hopefully more confident. I feel lighthearted for the first time in years, sure of my journey, and where I'm going.

Thanks for all your positive comments - they really do fuel my motivation xx

When I saw your photos I could only repeat one thing to myself, over and over:

"You're happily married, Ryan. You're happily married, Ryan"

Congrats, you are a fox and you should be proud of your accomplishment.

Sexy hottie! You were a darling little kitten before. But the look in your eyes now shows how amazing you must feel. If you don't have a HOTTIE t-shirt, go get one!

Bright You sexy beast! Am I still your favorite?...I said you were beautiful 1st!

Yep, I agree... you look like a different person. Your eyes are so BIG now... you look absolutely fabulous!!!

Thanks for sharing your progress.

ok I'm blushing here now.........don't know what to say! I forwarded these same photos to my family (first time I have ever sent them any progress pictures) - my dad sent me back the unforgettable message "good man" - my father in law replied with " you are doing well, but you look much happier in the before picture" (!!!!) - and worst of all, a close friend, (one of the few who knew me before I put on all the weight) rang my husband saying "she's doing well" and didn't even reply to me!!!! My sister in law said "I'm not going to worry until you get close to MY weight....." THANK GOD for my lapband talk family - you guys have me walking on air!

Jennye - it'd be great to see you here more!

Sue - you're a legend

Ryan - you made my day!

Bush baby - definitely!

Lisa - that means a lot comin from such a sexy momma!

Bright, I think they're just JEALOUS! I think you should seriously consider modeling. You would improve that field drastically!

OH, Bright!! The people you know come up with the most amazing things to say... lol Thanks for sharing that laugh, and for being able to laugh about it yourself.

I am a little jealous that Rica's your favorite, now, but I'm gonna change all that soon... :devious ...

Let your imaginations run wild!!! :bandit

I only told one attorney at my work about my surgery, so it's been a secret from my office. I've lost 47 pounds in 3 months, yet not one single co-worker (other than Jon who gives me constant praise) has noticed. We've been eating lunch together every day going on three years. I went from Super-Sizing fast food dunked in gallons of ranch with Guzzler's of Pepsi every single day to snacking on 1/2 can of tuna. I used to have a jug of candy bars on my desk that we all ate from, now there's just water on my desk. Still, no comments, no questions. Plus, two people from our San Diego office flew in last week. I figured they might say something since they don't see me every day. Nothing. Zippo. Then I went to California a couple weeks ago and had dinner with my brother, sister & 4 friends. The only comment was from my little brother, who said, "wow, you're tan."

Maybe it doesn't show cause I'm so tall. But Bright's comments just make me wonder. Go figure.

I would think it would be very noticable. Post a before and after picture and let us see. Sometimes people notice there is a difference but can't put their finger on what it is. But that is a lot of weight for them not to notice. Maybe they are just jelous and not commenting on it????? How is the Harley lessons coming along?

Betty

I'm going to try to take an exact spot shot like Bright did and see if I can tell the difference. Maybe it's all came off my butt? Maybe I should walk into the room backwards?

My last Harley went really well. I got balls enough to go all the way around the block a few times (just in my sub-division.) I pulled over to let all cars pass since I'm not ready to face other vehicles yet. But I had been stopping in front of our house to let Chris pull it into the garage and turn off all the controls cause I was too afraid to let go of the clutch, brakes or handlebars. But Sunday, I made the right turn into my driveway, drove up the little hill, stopped on a dime in the garage, turned off the engine, kicked down the kickstand and dismounted. Chris watched me with one of those "holy %#@$%@" looks on his face, then one of those, "I'm impressed" nods. I had half the neighborhood cheering me on, watching me drive up and down. I was yelling out the side of my mouth, "please don't LOOK at me" the first few times, but now I honk and hoot at them - yup, I'm all that!

It won't be long before you are off down the road by yourself. Just be careful! We don't want to hear anything bad like a spill, so keep your eyes wide open. It sounds to me like you are doing great.

Betty

isn't it amazing that we (including me) hope they never notice the weight when it's creeping up. But we are insinced at them not noticing when we are coiming down. My hubbie tells me daily that I am the increddible shrinking woman and that keeps me going. Remember most people are self occupied and also don't want to seem rude by mentioning the fact that we were overweight in the first place.