I didnt know it but i gave my wife and kids the best xmas present ever last July 23rd. The band! This year we didnt have a lot of money to buy a large amount of toys for our 5 kids. I was a little upsetting until my kids told us it was the best xmas they had ever had. Because of my band and my weight lose I was able to do more things and play with my kids. As a family we made ginerbread houses, decorated the house and tree and played a lot of board games. I had the energy to play computer games like the Wii and playstation as a family. We played chess, checkers, baked cookies and many other family activities including a family movie every night. I never would of thought that is was not the toys and gifts my kids wanted for xmas but more time with me and my wife and the band made that possible for me. We just cant wait until the spring and summer to come so we can do so many other things together outside, For the first time in years i will be able to get right in there and play with my family instead of being the dad watching everyone play and taking pictures of the fun without being in any of the pictures. I thought I was getting my band for me and found out it was for my entire family. COOL! Oh and i also found out I can burn up to 50 extra cals. playing cards with my kids for 30 straight minutes. So if I times that by 5 kids i can really start losing more weight...LOL! Well I got to go now my daughter is about to dress me up and put make up on me, dont think that will burn many cals....LOL!:Yawn:

What a great post! And what a smart, wonderful family you have! (maybe they get it from their daddy?) Thanks so much for sharing this!

Congratulations! Sometimes we forget that the best gift we can give is ourselves! This was the first Christmas that I can remember that I wasn't focus on food! It was such a great experience. I enjoyed the people not the food. Love this band. Who knew a small piece of silicone could change lives.

:thumbup:I agree! I loved reading this post. I only hope I have a similar experience to record next year.

What a beautiful post!! You are truly blessed to have such a loving supportive family. My daughter just turned 4 the week after my band surgery (Dec. 16th) and I look forward to having increased energy in the new year so that I can be the fun, active mom she deserves.

Happy New Year!!!

Edited January 1, 200917 yr by akindofmagic
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What a heartwarming sharing... You speak so clearly as to how the band can help change so much more than weight in our lives.

To truly be present with our loved ones and to no longer feel left out.... to see the joy in their eyes. What greater gift could we possibly offer and receive?

And to look forward to enjoying activities we would have previously felt too self conscious to be involved in...

I look forward to being a part of this "movement". Future banding date: 1/8/09, Dr. Kuri, Mexico.

Carol

Wow! What an awesome Christmas for all of you. How wonderful that the band has brought you all closer. Sometimes I get depressed for all I may not have, but what a great reminder to be thankful for what I do have and how much healthier I am after losing all this weight. Awesome story! Happy New Year to you and yours!!!!

Sam

What a great post! It is so nice to be able to participate in family activities. Keep it up and your kids will have to try to keep up with you!

Thank you for this post, I am so happy for your kids...an involved, caring Dad is the best present they could have!! You are an inspiration!!

Your post brought tears to my eyes!! Thank you for sharing!!

Well I got to go now my daughter is about to dress me up and put make up on me, dont think that will burn many cals....LOL!:confused:

My heart is just melting. What a dad! Keep up the amazing work, and thanks for teh beautiful post.

Great Post! It sounds like you have a great family!

I loved your post. It just sounded so warm and fun. I will be banded on 1/14 and I hope for the exact same outcome. I want to run and play with my 6 year old this spring and summer! This post gives me hope.

that really was a beautiful post - thanks for sharing.

Truly Awesome!!!

I look soooo forward to getting my band this spring. I am sooo tired of not living because I am too busy hiding behind my wt. and feeling ashamed.

I really needed to hear your story.

God Bless

Thank you for sharing this incredibly heartwarming post. I got shivers as I read your post. As some of the other posted commented, sometimes we do forget that the best gift we can give to our loved ones is the gift of self. You are truly bless with a wonderful family. Best wishes to you for many more happy healthy family celebrations.