I had my op.

I knew it was going to change my body, and as a result, my life, but I could have never imagined just how good it is to be "normal"

I got to goal in June 2006, had a TT in August that same year, and I have never looked back. These last 3 years have just flown by.

I will have DH or DS take photos of me later on today.

omg u weigh 49 kgs? thats a massive diffference congrats on 3 yrs

wow, i am 4 days post op and that is sure inspiring whilst I'm still sore and feeling sorry for myself - not

I am so happy for you and wish u continued good health and prosperity in ur life.

regards M

Thanks Aussiechik & Striver.

thanks for some great inspiration....this is a new life of our choosing

Congrats

amanda

Chickie:

Congratulations. Thank you for sharing so much on this site. You've inspired alot of us.

I hope to be able to post like you three years post op.

Thanks again.

Sue

Chickie, that is awesome. I'm aiming for 50 kilos myself, but was told I probably wouldn't get there. To see you've done it means it can be possible. Thank you.

Michelle

Chickie, you rock! :tt2: Can't wait to see the latest hot photos of you!

Thanks Aussiechik & Striver.

Dear Chickie,

I am so proud of what u have done and hope to do as well.

I have some question for you regarding your achievement.

1. Did u diet after Lapband to achieve goal weight that quickly.

2. How many fills did u have before goal weight reached?

3. After reaching goal weight - how did u maintain goal weight . e.g with fills or without fills.

thank you so much,

regards M

1. Did u diet after Lapband to achieve goal weight that quickly.

No, but I did (and still do) eat organic, whole foods where possible. And I became Vegetarian at about 6 months post op.

2. How many fills did u have before goal weight reached?

I don't recall the exact number, but my highest fill was abut 3.5cc in a 4 cc band. That didn't last too long though. I didn't like that much restriction. I like to be able to eat real food.

3. After reaching goal weight - how did u maintain goal weight . e.g with fills or without fills.

I ended up having a total unfill to stop me from losing weight. I have maintained without any fill for over a year now.

Thanks Peabody, Sunwyse, Sue and She Smiles!

As promised before and after;

(The after is after DH and I got home from dinner tonight)

OMG you look AWESOME!!!! :tt2: It is so nice to hear that you not only were able to lose the weight, but you have also been able to keep it off!

Thank you for sharing!

Dear Chickie,

I am sending u cyber hugs and smiles of admiration and pleasure.

I am so proud of you and hope to be where u are very soon.

You have done well and I respect the fact that u really got your head around the banding and realised that the band is a means to an end not an ends to a means.

I too really want to utilise the band to reach goal weight so I can get on with my life - I don't expect everyday to be a "good day" by any extant - but the fact that I am now banded - I am sure will make every day a better one......

I get sick of seeing people who don't take the lapband seriously. The operation is just the beginning an ongoing commitment is what is needed - that is for sure.

I met a woman recently who had the band put in 2 years ago. She had only lost 20 kilos in that time and she admitted that it was because of neglect of appointments for fills etc.

She had a "couldn't care" attitude - and I couldn't believe someone would go through surgery and 2 years down the track with only 30 kilos total to lose would be so blatantly forgetful of the whole point of the "Band" to achieve weight loss.

i have a wonderful friend who is having it done next week. and we are hoping to support and encourage each other in our new found lifestyle choice.

I think I always need to remember that I chose the lapband - it didn't choose me!!!

Congrats on a great job - May have u have a healthy life full of purpose.

regards

M

Chickie,

12 months ago i went to an information night at sios in ashfield that was after reading one of your messages on this site and seeing your amazing results in your pics, your photo's remind me of myself and you gave me the inspiration and hope that i needed to go through with the band i am being banded on April 8th.

Just seeing your results and reading your advice gives everybody going through this journey encouragment and hope

Thankyou:drool:

Happy Bandiversary!!!!

Chickie, you have always been, and continue to be a HUGE inspiration to all of us. Thank you for sharing your story, your insight and your photos.

As promised before and after;

(The after is after DH and I got home from dinner tonight)

Woo woo! I love that dress, you look fab as usual!

Chickie you are such an inspiration - I first read your story in either the That's Life or Take 5 magazine.

I had been looking into the band for about 12 months befor reading about you, your story was what made me finally make the call to do something about my weight. I could almost swear that the photo of you before was my body....

Anyway, I wanted to say thankyou for sharing such a personal journey, and a successful one at that. Congratulations - you look fantastic.

All the best for your healthier life.

Amy