I thought I'd psych msyelf up by posting some pictures.

Here I was in 2000:

Then, I lost 30 lbs and looked like this in April of 2002:

Then I lost 100 lbs (diet and excercise) and looked like this by August 2002:

Here's what I looked liked before I lost the weight with my shirt off:

Here's what I look like now with my shirt off:

I still can't believe that I did all the work, lost the weight, then let it all come back. I really thought I could be one of the 3-5% of people who can actually keep weight off with just a "diet". But, it doesn't matter, cause here's what I *know* I can look like, because I *did* look like this 2 years ago!!:

So, there are some before and after pictures, as well as one last final never-gonna-happen-again before picture.

3 1/2 weeks can't come soon enough, dangit!!!

Jonathan

(Will be banded Jan 31st, 2005)

Unbelievable and you look so much younger than in 2000.

Jonathan

First let me say Your totally a cutie! Second let me say is it a shame that you gained back the weight. If I think back to all of the weight that I lost and gained back over the years it makes me kinda queesy. But you know that you have done it, (and in a big way) so after being banded, I am sure you will kick some serious butt.

Good luck to you and keep us posted after your surgery, hopefully mine will be shortly after yours.

Wow, Jonathan! That's great incentive. It won't be long now. You really do look younger when you are thinner. Turning back the clock! You should do great with the band. You've proven you can do it with your previous success.

I still can't believe that I did all the work, lost the weight, then let it all come back.

Hey, Jonathan, we've ALL been there, brother. It's that same frustration that drew most of us to the band. Just think, this time around you'll have the band to help you not only lose the weight but keep it off. Be careful about posting those buffed-up photos, though -- some of the ladies here tend to get a little wild!

yea. How old ARE you anyway, Johnathon?? wink, wink..

You are very Handsome either way, but I know "personally" so many health issue that can occur being over weight... Your almost there... Keep your head up!!! Good Luck!

Been there, done that too! This time it will stay off though! Good Luck!

You looked great when you lost the weight and you will get there again... We know you can with the band on your side!!!

Been there, done that too Jonathan, I lost 50 lbs 20 years ago and swore I'd never be heavy again, here I am and then some. It happens, hopefully, the band will take care of that returning problem.

Been there, done that. Twice! That is what sold me on the band. My doctor assured me I would not regain the weight I lose. Good luck!

Nancy

Jonathan, great pictures showing what was and what is to come! Congratulations on your upcoming banding!

Wowie! Great pics Jonathan...thnx for sharing with us, it takes guts to post the "bad" ones of us. Your a cutie to start with and when you lost it all..Hubba Bubba you was a hunk! Good Luck!

Jonathan,

You should have no problem when you get banded. At least you already have proven to yourself that you really know how to diet and exercise. What's that saying "Twice a charm". Go get em tiger!

Jonathan-

Don't beat yourself up for gaining the weight back...now is the time to be thinking only positive, looking forward thoughts.

You sure are a cutie. You don't happen to be single do you :-)

Megan

Jonathan, I once went from 208 to 136 on prescription wl drugs. The drugs made me feel like crap so I quit taking them. As soon as I stopped I ballooned right back up and just kept on going! Along with you and everyone else, I am praying this band is the 'real' answer!