Hi there, I have just celebrated my six month "bandaversary." How am I doing? Well, I'm thrilled! The weight loss has been great. I am 52 and I wasn't sure how fast it would be possible for me to lose. I am very satisfied with the results. In November I was a size 18 in my Lee long jeans. This morning I'm wearing size 12 Lee longs. I guess I'll be getting some 10's next time they are on sale. I find this mind-boggling, as though it must be some one else! My collarbones are coming back and I find myself noticing more definition all the time. This morning I wore exercise togs that I've had for a long time and the shirt is like a dress on me. It was kind of tight before. I no longer resemble Mrs. Winnie-the-Poo. I carried a lot of weight on my belly and now when I stand on the scale I can see right down to the floor. Yes, there's still plenty to lose, but wow.

Yesterday I had an appointment with the lap band coordinator at the hospital where I had the procedure. She is also banded and we had a great time together. I haven't seen her since the month before my surgery, so it's been a while. According to their records I am over fifty pounds down from the morning of my surgery. I don't go by their scale, though. On mine I am still one pound away from Onederland and I will be fifty down when I lose three more pounds. I was hoping to be there for this post, but that's okay. I know it will happen. That's one thing I am learning, patience with the process. How I can feel impatient when I've had this kind of success is beyond me, but I guess that's human nature and part of the "more, more, more" mentality that got me fat in the first place.

I had labs last week and we reviewed all the numbers. Every category has improved, in some cases greatly improved. I am healthy, healthy, healthy! I still have a lot to lose (30, 40 or 50?) but I feel so much better now than I did six months ago. I know that there is even more vitality to come as I continue to focus on fitness. I am sleeping better, waking up rested and I am able to walk long distances that I would not have attempted a year ago. I feel strong and able.

This site has been a god-send for me. I have not told very many people about the surgery and in any case those are not people who know what WLS is all about. They love me and want to be supportive, but let's face it -- only another banded person can understand the ins and outs of the thing. I have benefited so much from veteran banders, some still here and others no longer here. I felt very prepared for my surgery and for the months afterward getting used to my new lifestyle and learning how to listen to the band (nod to B-52 there!). If I start naming people I will probably forget some one and I don't want to do that, but I hope you know who you are. I really appreciate your willingness to share information and give support along the way.

What's next for me? Well, more of the same, really. Keep increasing the exercise. Keep reminding myself that I'm not on a diet. Keep noticing everything. Notice if I'm hungry and eat when I'm hungry. Don't eat if I'm not hungry. Stop when I'm satisfied. Next week I'm going to get another small fill. I've learned what my body is telling me when it is nibbly too often or I seek larger portions than I should be able to eat. I pay attention to the amount and the frequency and I always eat high-quality "real" food. Am I perfect? No way. But I'm doing very well and no longer beating myself up. At all. For the first time in decades I feel like I can hold my head up high when I'm out in the world. I don't feel judged -- I feel like I fit in and that I'm being seen more for who I am than my size. I look better and feel better and there's a feedback loop there with the world. It's pretty exciting to crawl out of my shell and feel welcome. This band has been the most wonderful gift I could give myself and I'm grateful for it every day.

November, 2013:

May, 2014 (six months later):

November, 2013:

May, 2014 (six months later):

You look awesome and you are doing awesome. Keep up the good work! I can't wait for my 6 month bandaversary.

Great job and Kuddos!....or should I say "Yippie"

Wow! What a huge difference! You're doing awesome!!!

Great job! You are fantastic and I'm so glad we've "met" on this site

You know I've been one of your biggest cheerleaders! You are an inspiration!

No more Winnie the Pooh belly for YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so proud of you, Bandista! You are a voice of reason and an inspiration. Keep on keepin on!

@@Bandista You look amazing! Congrats on your 6 months and all you've learned from this journey.

So glad we met thru this great site! Love reading your thoughtful and insightful posts.

Wishing you all the best and much continued success!

You're doing great. What a great transformation

No more Ms. Winnie the Pooh!!! Maybe Tigger ??? (Thin and bouncy !!!) Congrats , you look great !!

Wow, wow, wow!

Oh thank you, every one -- yes, I'll take Tigger for all that energy! Bounce, bounce.

what an inspiration! i need to get some photos of myself just for the encouragement. great job!

Hi there, I have just celebrated my six month "bandaversary." How am I doing? Well, I'm thrilled! The weight loss has been great. I am 52 and I wasn't sure how fast it would be possible for me to lose. I am very satisfied with the results. In November I was a size 18 in my Lee long jeans. This morning I'm wearing size 12 Lee longs. I guess I'll be getting some 10's next time they are on sale. I find this mind-boggling, as though it must be some one else! My collarbones are coming back and I find myself noticing more definition all the time. This morning I wore exercise togs that I've had for a long time and the shirt is like a dress on me. It was kind of tight before. I no longer resemble Mrs. Winnie-the-Poo. I carried a lot of weight on my belly and now when I stand on the scale I can see right down to the floor. Yes, there's still plenty to lose, but wow.

Yesterday I had an appointment with the lap band coordinator at the hospital where I had the procedure. She is also banded and we had a great time together. I haven't seen her since the month before my surgery, so it's been a while. According to their records I am over fifty pounds down from the morning of my surgery. I don't go by their scale, though. On mine I am still one pound away from Onederland and I will be fifty down when I lose three more pounds. I was hoping to be there for this post, but that's okay. I know it will happen. That's one thing I am learning, patience with the process. How I can feel impatient when I've had this kind of success is beyond me, but I guess that's human nature and part of the "more, more, more" mentality that got me fat in the first place.

I had labs last week and we reviewed all the numbers. Every category has improved, in some cases greatly improved. I am healthy, healthy, healthy! I still have a lot to lose (30, 40 or 50?) but I feel so much better now than I did six months ago. I know that there is even more vitality to come as I continue to focus on fitness. I am sleeping better, waking up rested and I am able to walk long distances that I would not have attempted a year ago. I feel strong and able.

This site has been a god-send for me. I have not told very many people about the surgery and in any case those are not people who know what WLS is all about. They love me and want to be supportive, but let's face it -- only another banded person can understand the ins and outs of the thing. I have benefited so much from veteran banders, some still here and others no longer here. I felt very prepared for my surgery and for the months afterward getting used to my new lifestyle and learning how to listen to the band (nod to B-52 there!). If I start naming people I will probably forget some one and I don't want to do that, but I hope you know who you are. I really appreciate your willingness to share information and give support along the way.

What's next for me? Well, more of the same, really. Keep increasing the exercise. Keep reminding myself that I'm not on a diet. Keep noticing everything. Notice if I'm hungry and eat when I'm hungry. Don't eat if I'm not hungry. Stop when I'm satisfied. Next week I'm going to get another small fill. I've learned what my body is telling me when it is nibbly too often or I seek larger portions than I should be able to eat. I pay attention to the amount and the frequency and I always eat high-quality "real" food. Am I perfect? No way. But I'm doing very well and no longer beating myself up. At all. For the first time in decades I feel like I can hold my head up high when I'm out in the world. I don't feel judged -- I feel like I fit in and that I'm being seen more for who I am than my size. I look better and feel better and there's a feedback loop there with the world. It's pretty exciting to crawl out of my shell and feel welcome. This band has been the most wonderful gift I could give myself and I'm grateful for it every day.

November, 2013:

May, 2014 (six months later):

November, 2013:

May, 2014 (six months later):

Congratulations my friend , you look great!!! so happy for you. ))

Congratulations you are doing great. I was banded in Nov also, so keep up the good work.