May 2007 Banders

[Wenjea 1]

Lots of people know I had surgery but the other day someone asked me what I was doing to lose the weight and I told them Protein Shakes, healthy eating w/portion control, and lot's of walking. I left out the part about surgery but i didn't feel I knew them well enough to share and all the things I said were soooo true. I get such a mixed reaction from people who know that I just chalk it up to interesting. Those who are already researching for themselves usually come right out and ask and I always tell the truth when they ask right out, especially if they are overweight themselves. There are a lot of obese people who have been thinking about it but don't know anyone who has done it so you might just be the person that helps them make the decision to change their life like we did.

[lizrbit 0]

what i love is when well meaning people come up to you and offer you 'tips on how to lose wieght' unsolicited when ive lost around 40 lbs with this already. i know ive got a long way to go still but ouch!

i get a little jealous sometimes when i see how other people banded around the same time as me are doing. I know we are all different though and i am catching up slowly. joining the fitness club at the convention center did help greatly, and im at proper restriction if not too tight ..right now.

its getting there.

what bothers me is that i dont believe its permanent. Ive lost 100 lbs before. ive lost 80 lbs before a different way. ive lost 40 lbs before another way, etc.. and ive read personal testimony about people whove regained after gastric bypass surgery as well as lap band (not keeping up on their fills) and regaining.

I myself have gained weight while banded before i got an adaquate fill. I gain each month a little after my band relaxes and i have to really stay on top of it to keep it Kosher.

i cant relax into a thinking of "this is permanent' for me, but i do know that i wouldnt have lost THIS much this time without drugs or some intervention.

Im hopeful to lose the rest.

i wish i could relax.

[Melissa S 1]

Hello allll.. I went for my first gown fitting and I have some pics!! So my fellow May bandsters will be the FIRST to see!!

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[Melissa S 1]

Hmm... so THAT didnt work.. Lemme try again.. HAHA!!

[Melissa S 1]

[legster 2]

I just love that dress! Some color in a gown really perks it up. :-) And your beaming smile says it all. You are going to be a drop dead gorgeous bride!

Edit: Oh and they enlarge with a click, folks...don't miss that!

[Melissa S 1]

Thank you Legster!

[Melissa S 1]

Pics.... 2 weeks post op and today...

[Melissa S 1]

guess its kinda hard to tell... I'll have to get the fiance to take a better pic...

[Melissa S 1]

DD took the pics from today... and she got me the first time without a smile...

[legster 2]

What a difference! You are really slimming down all over.

I took a "before" picture the day of my all day psychological group meeting (can't remember what it was called) but I haven't yet taken an "after" one. Soon. Soon.

[cindyluhu 0]

Melissa,

How beautiful you look, and the dress is gorgeous too! Your fiance is going to beam as you're walking down the aisle. You are really slimming down.

Good luck with all your wedding plans. And imagine, remember trying to decide what size dress to order, and if it would fit. You certainly made the right decision, you may even have to have it taken in!!

Cindy

[METALBAND 0]

You look great!!! The dress is beautiful!!! Make sure we get to see wedding day pictures too!

[jsrico 1]

Melissa.....WOW!!! You look beautiful!!! The dress is gorgeous!!!! You are loosing the weight all over!!! I think you will need to have that dress taken in!!!! I am soooooo excited for you!!!

Sandra

255h/242s/195c/165g

[sjrgilman 0]

Hi MelissaO,

You look stunning in your dress, And your before and afters are a true inspiration. Good Luck on your upcoming wedding.

Sheila