Just wanted to say good luck to all you August 2008 bandsters.

I am 1 month shy of my 1 year mark - I was banded on 8/27/07. At about this time last year I was preparing for my pre-op diet & surgery and all the changes it would bring. I was also very nervous about my choice and the uncertainty ahead.

BUT

Look at me now!! I am beyond thrilled with my band. I've lost almost all of my weight (125lbs) and am pushing for another 10-20lbs. I feel like a completely different person than I was at this time last year.

Our Aug 07 group has been VERY successful and I wish the same for you guys. A few of the girls have even already had plastic surgery!!!

:thumbup:

I am having surgery in about a week. It is good to hear of a sucess story and encourgement just before surgery. I am getting nervous and excited all at the same time. Good Luck to all of us!!

Thanks for your words of encouragement. As my date gets closer, August 6th, I get a little more nervous everyday. Sometimes I question wether this is the right thing to do. I have failed so many other diets I just hope this can work. It always makes me feel better when I hear such great success stories. Thanks for yours!

WOW!!! Congratulations on your success Candle! That is just too amazing. Less than 2 weeks out, I find my mind is occasionally trying to talk me out of the surgery. I have to focus and remind myself that I need this to make a change in my life. Reading your success story really motivates me to go on.

Is there anything you would change?

Thank you so much for your encouragement and congrats on your success!

Is there anything you would change?

Yes, I would have done this years ago! :biggrin2:

I regret missing out on so much LIVING.

Since my weight loss I've been to Disney World, Six Flags, and a Water park. We're also planning a trip to Jamaica. These are just a few of the things I would have never been able to do (or enjoy) just a year ago.

Cutting up the Lane Bryant charge card a few months ago was a big milestone too!!!

I can't stress enough how important exercise is. I starting by just walking a few blocks per day and now I run 2-3 miles per day. Exercise, meal planning, and food logging were 3 keys to my success.

You guys are going to do great!

Since you exercise, I was wondering if that helps with the excess skin. Has it been a problem for you?

Loose skin seems to depend on a lot of different things.

Exercise has helped to "tone" certain areas (legs & arms mostly) but once that skin is stretched out, there isn't much you can do.

I'm an apple shape, carrying much of my weight in my mid-section. I've been over weight my entire life and I have lots of stretch marks. There's no amount of exercise that could help my stomach.

I'm hoping to have a breast reduction and tummy tuck in early '09. My insurance may cover part of the TT so I have to jump thru all their hoops and waiting period. My inner thighs and arms aren't looking too great but a TT is my major priority right now.

Thanks for the encouragement Candle!!

I am going to be banded a year to the day after you. I hope I am just as successful