Just a bit of advice

[Idahobeauty]

I just thought this should go out there so that new bandsters and pre bandsters could see it. The best thing you could do before you are banded is take pictures and measurements. I took pictures but did not take measurements and I am sorry for that now. I have only lost 16 lbs but the inches are melting away and I have no way of telling how many other than the way my clothes are fitting.

[Loving-It]

I agree, I didn't do it either and wish that I had.

[Kat817]

I agree---a friend on another board, suggested it to me prior to banding, and now even when I am not losing pounds, I can see the inches dropping....it keeps me motivated! Curves also has begun keeping mine, but I had lst over 30 inches before even going to Curves, so I was very glad I had them and the pictures. I am 1/2 pound away from my 75 pound loss pics!!!
Great suggestion for the newbies!!!
Kat

[JDru]

Great idea Susan! I took my measurements a day before my surgery and I just took them again this weekend one month after. I had lost 16 inches! 2 inches off my bust, 1 1/2 off my waist and 1 1/2 off my hips to name a few. It's nice to have another way to measure your success than just the number on the scale.

[Stitchy]

I wish I had, too. Got pictures. No measurements. The other thing is that I also got rid of was all of my *big* pants. That would have been fun to have kept one pair. But it was fun giving them away, too. :heh: :heh:

[Jachut]

I didnt do either, and i wish I had now too. I thought I didnt ever want to feel that awful feeling of seeing what you really look like in a photo until I was pleased with what I saw but dang I'd love to compare now.

[Neal R.]

I agree with everyone. i hated my picture being made when I was at my largest. I have a couple, but thats it. As far as measurments, I have none. Sure wish I did. The only things I can use is my pants waist. I have gone from a 54 to a 38 inch waist in pant size, but that is not a very accurate measurment since all clothes are not cut the same.

[Goannabanda]

I agree, I track mine using an Excel template downloaded from Microsoft Templates (http://office.microsoft.com/en-au/templates/TC011060041033.aspx?CategoryID=CT101443491033). There are variations on the site for men and imperial measurements.
I added some columns to the right of the main chart to track other measurements not included, like neck, wrist, forearm etc.

[Momotrips]

I intended to take measurements, but forgot. Now I wish I had them. I am down 14 pounds and 1 jean size. I have photos, but the measurements would give me a boost.