Hi Everyone, I just wanted ot share with you some very exciting news.

I had sent my before and after pictures to Dr. Ortiz and his staff about a month ago just to show him my progress.

3 weeks ago I go an email from his office asking me if I would be interested in allowing Dr. Ortiz to use my pictures in an info-mercial he is in the process doing on the Lap Band. How awesome is that? He is very pleased with my success in the last year and thinks my pictures will be very motivating for others who are considering the surgery.

Iam SO FLATTERED AND HONORED!!!

I gave this great thought over the weeks and discussed it with my husband, family, friends and a few here on LBT and I am going to sign the release form they sent me and allow Dr. Ortiz to use my pictures

Iam just 15 lbs from goal..amazing, who would of thunk in a year I would be down 85 pounds and from a size 22 to a 12 in pants and from a 2x/3x to an xl/l in shirts. I LOVE MY BAND!!!

I just thought I would share my good news with all of you who have been so supportive to me for the last year.

Whoooo Hoooo Michelle! You deserve it girl! You have done an awsome job and I am very proud of you! :banana :banana

You have been a great inspiration to me! I am so happy you are being rewarded with your hard work.

Way to go, that is VERY exciting! Good for you , Michelle, well done! Oh, and where can we see this info-mercial?

As soon as I get the info I will let you know, they mentioned it would be aired in Southern California to start but could be aired nationally as well.

What an amazing NSV! you go gurl!

oh Michelle... How exciting!!! I am *truly* happy for you. As if there wouldve been any thought to consider you for this 'job'... youve got the looks to attact so many! And youve done so well! Now youre gonna be an even bigger inspiration for everyone, not just us at LBT!

:banana Congratulations!

Oh, Michelle, I am so proud of you!! You have been a model bandster and I can't think of a higher honor than for your Band Surgeon to recognize that! When you get your pictures, please post them here so we can all enjoy them. 84 pounds in less than a year is absolutely amazing! Of course, being drop dead gorgeous certainly doesn't hurt anything! I hope they do color shots so your vivid blue eyes show up. Congratulations and please keep us updated! P.S. Can I have an autographed pic?

Thank Guys for the kind words.... you a ll are so sweet!

Marie I think thye will be using the same pics I posted here on the before and after pics thread. However Iam going to see Dr. Ortiz first week of Arpil for my year check up. I will take both with me even though he has a copy of them and my digital camera and see if he will take a better after pic since I have lost more wieght from when my last after pic was taken on Feb 11th . You guys are great, thanks for the encouragement and support!

Congrats on your loss...............

Thats sooo cool ! Are you going to do a glamour shot kinda thing for your after pic?

Yeah, Michelle, do a glamour shot! I mean this is going to be around for years! Might as well make it the best you can.

Wow, Michelle, that is so cool!! I'm with Marie, make sure this is the most beautiful pic of you that's ever been taken.

Congratulations! How awesome!

WTG Michelle!

Wow, I can only hope to be hald as successful as you've been.

Congrats to you:)

Wow Michelle, if that doesn't give us all inspiration, what does? I'm so elated for you, that is such an honor, I'm tickled pink for you!

Wow Michelle - brilliant cool news! I'm so happy for you - you are so gorgeous, you'll be perfect as a "band model" - your before/after shots make me want to get ANOTHER band! Definitely get a glamour shot - you'll be a knock-out!

Whoo hooo!!! A thousand congrats!!!