My story is like many others. I had spent a life of luxury on the "skinny side" of things until I had my second child in 2 years. My body had become my enemy and my metabolism was cruel. No matter what I did I could not loose weight and keep it off. I was miserable and felt like a stranger in my own skin. After countless failed diets, pills and gimmicks I had given up. And then, one day I took my young daughters to the movies. Not a place you would think you would realize you have to change your life, but it was for me. When I went to sit next to my daughter I couldn't fit into the seat, at all. I was horrified and at that moment it hit me while standing to watch the movie. I watched the rest of that movie sobbing, and knowing I had to find a way out of my fat self.

I researched weight loss surgery and was convinced that I need gastric by pass. But then I went to Hurley Bariatric Center in Flint, where Dr. Farhan was insistent that I was too young, 29 at the time for such a drastic surgery. He told me about the Lab Band system and how I could control my weight loss. I was sold and began the pre op process.

Now, I am more than half my size. I went from a size 30 a 4X to a 4/6 a SMALL! I no longer feel like a stranger with in myself, I am who I was and wanted to be! I am now even a model again, something I hadn't done since I was a teenager.

I recently called Allergen to thank them for changing my life, and I was shocked when I gave them my stats at his response. The man on the other line thanked me, but ensured me that it wasn't just the band, that my hard work had paid off.

And that is what makes the difference with the band, your commitment to changing you life. The band can work with you to become who you already knew you were, but it doesn't happen overnight!

Edited September 5, 200817 yr by Boo Boo Kitty

Boobookitty

I have enjoyed both your story and your posts in this forum. I'm not sure I could explain why I identify with you so easily, perhaps it is because there are difficulties in my life besides that of just the band, as I know is also the case for you. It is a pleasure to follow your life, and thank you for sharing.

Brad

Thank you Brad. I try to be 100% complete honest about everything here so that people can know me and connect. I feel like even though I have never met face to face most of my friends here, they know me better than anyone in my life. A lot of us are the same people with a different name. :tongue2:

Thank you for caring!

Is your surgery date right? You lost that much in a month? Did you have any problems with skin? That is just awesome. You look great!

your's was the VERY first story i ran into coming to site. i loved following you and a few others & their journey - it certainly pushed me to do the same, and for that i say thanks,!!! cause i "heart" my band!!

You look wonderful and are inspiration to me as well as many others on this forum. Thanks for putting yourself out there. I can relate to your story as well - my youngest daughter's comment one night is what pushed me through my denial and made me take accountability for my life and actions. Which led to my band. You rock girl!

Is your surgery date right? You lost that much in a month? Did you have any problems with skin? That is just awesome. You look great!

lol...no it isn't right! IT SHOULD SAY 2006

I had a tummy tuck for the skin in May.

You're amazing Brandy. You're such an inspiration to me and I hope to accomplish as much as you did with your band. :lovechoc: You are a true success story and I love you dearly. -hug-

Thank you Brandy, for your story. I love your posts and look up to you as an excellent example to follow. Between you and some of the others on here (if I named 'em I'd forget someone!) I have a realistic view on how this process should work. I hope to also be my own success story someday! Great job!

Boo Boo, when I first joined Lapbandtalk a few weeks after being banded I came across one of your posts with your signature at the bottom with a before and current picture. You really helped to motivate me and helped me to realize that large amounts of weight could be lost with the band not just RNY. Thanks !

BooBooKitty,

Like I have posted to you before, you have been such a THINspiration to me. I have followed your amazing progress since I started this journey. I have also shared your sucess with my family so they would see that it could be done, and I WAS GOING TO DO IT ALSO. Again, I can not express enough my thanks to you for putting yourself out there for us all to follow. You are fantastic............

Lois

BooBooKitty - I'm officially a fan!

I read your story in the forums, and just wanted to add my kudos to those of your other visitors. Thanks so much for posting your story, and from one tall gal (5'11") to another, you look mahvelous!:thumbup:

Thank you all! :thumbup:

Again, it is an honor!

Wow! You're such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story.

Thank you Jill! It has been fun! :angry_smile:

BooBoo. I have to say, "OMG" I have read many of your posts here and have been inspired by just your words. But, today I see this and your before pic. Let me just say OMG... I had no idea that this little piece of plastic could make that big of a differance. What is your secert? How can I be that successful? I am only 3 months post-op, but am down over 40 lbs. I know I have a great start, I just don't want to loose focus. Any word of wisdom that you wish to share would be wonderful. Congrats on your success!!!