Hi everyone. If anyone needs any encouragement...read on! Today, I am wearing size 18 pants - not women's size 18, just regular 18s. And, they fit PERFECTLY! This comes 7 months after my surgery, almost 78 pounds gone and I feel fantastic. Yesterday, my best friend went shopping with me to Kohl's and I actually was able to buy XL from the ladies department and didn't even look in the women's sizes. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! When I had my surgery, 26/28s were tight.

I will admit that I have had a pretty easy adjustment to band life. I finally hit the sweet spot with my 3rd fill and am doing well. I eat whatever I feel like eating, but I make much better choices - no more soda, no sweets, stuff like that. I'm exercising nearly every day and feel better than I ever have. I told my husband I can't even remember the last time I was in "Onderland" and am only a couple of pounds away now.

I hope that everyone has the same success with their band that I have had so far and loves it as much as I do!

Stephanie:clap2:

Thanks so much Stef for sharing your encouraging new's. I am going to be banded on the 22nd, and sometimes wonder with a bmi of 42 if I will ever be successful. I have hope now. I gained 5lbs over the Holidays, and was feeling discouraged. I already lost 2lb in the last 4 days since I sent the junk out of the house. I am so ready for this Surgery, and lifestyle change, so it was good to read your positive post. I have made many lifestyle changes already, working out and making better food choices, but the Holidays hit me hard. Keep up the good work, and I'm sure you will be at goal before you know it!! God Bless, Jeanne

Stephanie:

Congratulations. I'm looking forward to being in your size.

Sue

Congratulations. I am in the same boat as you. I was wearing 26 on surgery day and today I am in loose 18's. I have started getting XL in misses dept. It is so exciting.

That is fabulous. I too remember what it was like to hit 18 from a 24. It feels great! Keep up the good work.

ladies, congratualtions on your ongoing success. I dont remember the last time I was an 18, hope to join you soon

SC

Congratulations! I am very happy for you. And I hope to be in your shoes very soon!

Way to go Stef!! I love hearing successes. I'm just a month our and some days I wonder if this was really a good choice. Most times I'm optimistic but there are days.

I can't wait to shop in the misses department again! I want out of Lane Bryant and CJ Banks. I want the cute stuff the skinny girls wear!!!

Keep up the great work.

Another Steph

I am so very happy for you. I know the feeling. I went from a size 22/24 to a 12/14. 115 pounds since August 30, 2006. It is a wonderful feeling, and to me it made me feel "normal" Such a thrill to not have that Lane Giant shadow-lol. Be well and continued success.

Fran

steph - thanks for the taking the time to post - it is rewarding to hear of your success.

GREAT JOB!! That is fantastic progress I was just banded on 12/20 and started in 22/24's so I hope to join you in "normal" sizes next summer!

This is fantastic.....

Congrats to you! Keep up the great work!!