Today I have been banded for one year. I sure can’t believe it has been a whole year. I can still remember searching for a doctor, waiting for the date to get here and being scared and excited all at once.

I have had great weight losses, and long plateaus, but I don’t regret for one moment getting my band. I feel like the band has not only saved my life, but it has given me a whole new life.

I can do so many things now that I couldn’t do before:

I can take long walks, climb stairs without feeling like I am going to pass out. I can get up off the floor without help, I can bend over, do exercises, work in the yard, run, look people in the face instead of at the ground. I can dance all night long, I can see my feet, I can look at myself in the mirror and not want to cry, I can wear dresses/suits and heels, I can shop in the Misses department (although I find myself in the plus section all the time), I can wear different styles of clothing and I might add all kinds of colors, and I can wear my hair in many different styles.

I am learning how to accept compliments. I don’t look around the room to see if I am the biggest person there anymore. I am not afraid to sit in any chair, and I don’t feel like everyone is watching what I am eating.

I have a different attitude, I am a much happier person, I am loving life in general. For the first time my weight is less than my driver’s license says! I even fit into some of DH clothes!

I have met many new friends here on this board and in person. I have a brand new family of friends here. I laugh as well as cry with y’all. This board has been my inspiration and I couldn’t have done it without each and everyone of you. So, at this time I want to say “Thank you” for being there.

I still have a ways to go, but I know I will get there. This is the first time in my life I know I can loose all this weight and keep it off.

WoW Betty - Congratulations!!

Not only a fantastic scale victory, but sooooooooooo many NSV's as well! You've done a remarkable job - we're all very proud of you.

Thanks for sharing your story

Betty! I don't know how I missed this, but better late than never. CONGRATULATIONS!! That first year goes fast, but the subsequent years go even faster. You're doing wonderfully and I'm so glad you're here to share it with us!! :D

I have been going through my stuff, looking for a before picture that y'all haven't seen before. I found a couple of them, I guess I was hiding them because I had to dig pretty deep! I actually thought I looked good then! lol

Anyway, here is the first one, if someone wants to put them side by side please do.

Here's another goodie!

This is the new me (thank goodness) and it was taken Sunday October 23, 2005.

GREAT pictures! What a difference a year makes! Congratulations! Cindy

Congratulations! You've done fantastic!

You look awesome Betty!!!! Have you had to buy all new leathers yet?

I just bought new Big ones before I had surgery. Oh well, nothing like getting new clothes for losing weight. Congratulations again....keep it up!

Jolynn

HAPPY BANDIVERSARY!

:banana :banana :banana

My God Betty... my mouth actually dropped open when I saw your latest pic.

You are beautiful. Lets give 3 cheers for you and your band - you deserve it!

BTW, if you dont mind me asking, what is you current weight? (you can pm me if you want)

Thanks y'all! That really means a lot to me!

No, I didn't buy new leathers yet, but when I put my coat on this weekend, I could wrap it clear around! I think I will wait a little longer to get a new coat, at least till I lose a little more weight. I want it to fit me for a while longer!

How exciting and encouraging for us newbees!

Way to go! Congrats!

Hi and Congratulations on your bandiversary!!!!

Handshake for a job well done!!!

Babs in TX

334/180

-154