Tricia K.'s Journey

[Tricia K.]

I've succumbed to peer pressure and have decided to put up my own journey thread.

I've been heavy since about the age of 11 or 12. I have no idea how much I weighed or what size I wore in High School because I never checked. All I knew is that I was much bigger than the rest of the girls.

In any event, I've almost always been perfectly ok with my weight and wasn't a self-conscious person. But, I knew that I didn't want to be heavy for my entire life. I knew that when I decided to have a child that I didn't want to be heavy. BTW, my heaviest ever was 285 pounds in 1998. I freaked when I saw that number and was able to lose about 10 pounds.

Fast forward to 2001. I was diagnosed with PCOS and finally knew why it was that I was heavier than everyone else. Guess what? PCOS causes obesity! Go figure. Well, after finding this out, I went on Atkin's and dropped about 35 lbs. in 3 months. Another 3 months went by and I didn't lose a single pound. All the while I was in the Induction Phase. So, I stopped doing Atkin's and gained the 35 lbs. back, leaving me at roughly 275 again. At this point, I was desparate for something and finally researched the lap band. At the time, I was living in New Jersey and had no family there. My insurance at the time probably would have covered the surgery, but I didn't want to be a burden on my friends, as they all had careers/family/etc. and I would need someone to help me for up to a week. I couldn't ask them to put their life on hold for me.

Ok, so fast forward again to the Summer of 2005. My husband and I started talking about the possibility of my having the surgery. He was 100% supportive and said "If having the surgery will add 10-15 years to the time I get to spend with you, I'm all for it!" So, we obtained a loan and I had surgery on September 16, 2005. Yes, that's right, my 1 year bandiversary is next Saturday!! Woo hoo!

EDIT: All photos have been moved to the Picture Gallery Forum. Here's the link - - http://band2gether.net/gallery/index.php?n=30

Oddly enough, I don't see much difference in the March vs. September photos. But, I am wearing jeans that are 2 sizes smaller - Junior's 17 vs. 13. Oh well.

[CindyC]

Tricia, I can most definitely see a difference from March to September. You look great. Check out your face in March and then September and you can cleary see your collar bones alot more than in March. You never see what other people see. Anyways, girl you look awesome. Keep it up. I only hope one day i can post my pics like that.

WooHoo for Tricia !! Before long you will be able to tuck in that shirt...no doubt!!!

:magneta:

[~Melissa~]

Tricia, You look amazing!!!! You were beautiful before and even more beautiful now!

[Diane]

Tricia!! You look soooo good. I love the new pictures. Your behind is so small & there is definately a difference between March & September!!!

You are beautiful!! I can't wait to weigh 182. :happy:

[lins12]

I can see a difference for sure. You look BEAUTIFUL!

[Tricia K.]

Thanks, everyone! *hugs*

Have I mentioned lately that I love this site?

[HeatherGurl]

Wow Girl!!! I luv the latest pics! You always look so darn cute!

[Tricia K.]

All photos have been moved to the Picture Gallery Forum. Here's the link - - http://band2gether.net/gallery/index.php?n=30

[Maryb]

OMG Tricia if you get any more beautiful I am going to have to wear sunglasses to look at your pics! You are one hot mama!

[Telly]

Save me Wonderwoman! Save me! *bats her eyes*

[mrs_christy]

hahaha! Telly you kill me.

Tricia you are one gorgeous lady for sure. Congrats on your weight loss, can you believe its only been a year!!!! waaaahooooo!

[Telly]

Hahaha, I love me some Tricia K

[Tricia K.]

Aww shucks! Thank you! I know...it seems like just yesterday that I had the surgery. I still have to do a double take in the mirror. I can't wait for you to be on the losing side, Christy!! Woo hooW

I love me some Telly too. :blue:

[Vickie1177]

What do you mean you dont see a difference?
You look awesome Tricia........

[Tricia K.]

Thank you, Vickie. :)

[lookingout]

Yes, Tricia I definitely see a difference. I am so impressed! What a great decision.....you definitely look more toned...and from a 17 to 13 JUNIORS is huge....I'm hoping I can make it there....keep doing what you're doing! You look great!!!

[Tricia K.]

Here are some shots from our recent trip to the NYC/NJ/PA area. And yes, my husband insists on making that dorky face in most of the pictures.

[HeatherGurl]

Tricia, you are just SO stunningly beautiful!!! That dark hair and those gorgeous eyes... You are looking amazing!!!
Too funny about the silly faces DH is making.

[A1ikou]

Tricia,
You is a babe girl! You are truely beautiful and have a gorgeous smile. I don't know how you can't see much difference between the March and September pics but then I've said the same thing about me. Guess we just dont see ourselves how others do.
Your NYC pics look great and you look happy and slim in them.
Keep up the good work, it's an amazing transformation of a beautiful woman into an even more beautiful woman.

["Just Jess"]

Tricia, you amaze!!!! I look at your pics regularly because they inspire me so! I want that to be ME in a year!!!!!!!! :)
I also have PCOS and gained close to 100 lbs. in one year as they were trying to diagnose me and figure out what the hell was wrong. It was partially that in my third year of college I quit playing volleyball, due to the stringent requirements on student teachers and the time I'd have to committ to being in a classroom and partially bc I was making piss poor eating choices (as most college kids do). BUT I see so much of myself in your story. I, too was always overweight. But so active and never self-conscious. I barely noticed I was bigger than the other girls, bc I just didn't care. I loved me! I dated regularlly and just in general felt good to be me. Until the recent years. Although... I stopped feeling comfortable in my clothes around 230. And that weight kept climbing and my comfort level got less and less...........................
Anyway, this is your thread - I just wanted to say THANK YOU for inspiring me as you do!!!!!!!!!! ;)

:hug:
Hugs,
Jess

[Tricia K.]

Thanks so much you guys!!

[JDru]

You look great Tricia!! You are amazing and an inspiration to us all.

[Neal R.]

Looks like you had so much fun. I bet the weight loss makes it even more fun because you feel better. Great job!

[reblynd]

you are soooo beautiful!! If I haven't told you before!! XOXO

[lil'bitty]

Tricia, Tell me all your secerts???? You look marvelous! Simply stunnng!

[Vickie1177]

Tricia
You are absolutle beautiful. Nothing that you havent heard lately.....
I am glad you had fun.

[Alicia521]

Tricia you are such an inspiration to me and you are absolutely radiant!

[Telly]

You look amazing Mrs. K and you are very close to goal. 10lb away! Whoo hooo!

P.S. I love the picture of you at dinner with family and friends.

[EmileeKaye]

You look amazing!! And it looks like ya'll had a great time! I also spot the great sweater Telly got you!

Gorgeous!! Love ya!

[Tricia K.]

Picture taken 1/16/07

[Neal R.]

Tricia - you look fantastic! Single digits to goal. Can't wait to be that close!

[Tricia K.]

Thanks, Neal!

[EmileeKaye]

Like I said on myspace, you look GREAT! And 169, WOW girl!!

["Just Jess"]

beautiful, tricia! ;)

[Alicia521]

Tricia - you are gorgeous!

[Tricia K.]

Thanks! *blush*

[Telly]

OOOOOOOOOOh

169!! Yay Gooooooooo Tricia!!!!

You look oh sooooo good! *say that in a spanish accent*

[Tricia K.]

Thank you, Telly! :love:

P.S. tool, shed? HA HA HA HA!! *say that in a Spanish accent* LOL

[Stitchy]

Tricia - you look absolutely wonderful. Look at that waist! :D

[chrispygal]

Tricia you look incredible!!!! You and I started at the same weight, so you are a huge inspiration to me and where I can be if I work hard. I can't wait to celebrate with you when you hit goal!

[Tricia K.]

New picture, blah blah blah...LOL :biggrin1:

Telly, I owe you one with my Valentine's Day gift as well as the Wonder Woman shirt.

YARGH!

http://www.triciakutz.com/gfy/chio 003.jpg

[MoOrLess]

you look fantastic Tricia! seriously - your face has changed a lot - you're even more beautiful than ever.......great job!

[Tricia K.]

Thank you so much, Mo! :hug:

[kelliebelly]

Wow Tricia, it has been a while since I checked your thread.
You are looking gorgeous and positively glowing.
AWESOME WORK!!!!

[MoOrLess]

you're welcome!

and I couldn't agree more - "normal people" who ARE they? lol

[Tricia K.]

Thank you, Kellie! :)

LOL @ Mo...indeed, who are they?

[MoOrLess]

I don't think 'they' come here ROFL

[Tricia K.]

I don't think 'they' come here ROFL:heh: Me either!

["Just Jess"]

tricia - great new pic!!! YARGH! is right!! great shirt! :) you look fantastic! ((but hey, you know that!)) haha

[Alicia521]

You look beautiful and SO SKINNY!

[503-250]

DAAAAAAAAAMN!

OK...even with the current attack on the Stalker Museum and Hall of Fame, I am now breaking ground on the TriciaK section of the elite members wing. Telly, Emileekaye, Heathergurl, Chevygirl and the others are going to need to make some room.

You look absolutely stunning.

[HeatherGurl]

Oh my goodness Woman!!! You look absolutely hot!!! You look even skinnier than in your pics from the "What dress should I wear to the wedding" Thread!!!
DA-YUM!!! Cute outfit, cute girl, cute, cute cute!!!

[kebsa]

Tricia
You look absolutely fantastic- you must be so proud!
503
I can see the museum extending down the hall the other way too now!, how do your neighbours feel about being "annexed"- you ound like you are going to run out of room soon!

[Tricia K.]

tricia - great new pic!!! YARGH! is right!! great shirt! :) you look fantastic! ((but hey, you know that!)) haha LOL...I totally dig that shirt. Thanks, Jess!


You look beautiful and SO SKINNY!Thank you so much, Alicia! I love hearing that word now...skinny!


DAAAAAAAAAMN!

OK...even with the current attack on the Stalker Museum and Hall of Fame, I am now breaking ground on the TriciaK section of the elite members wing. Telly, Emileekaye, Heathergurl, Chevygirl and the others are going to need to make some room.

You look absolutely stunning.Awww, I feel so privileged! Hee hee, thanks dude!


Oh my goodness Woman!!! You look absolutely hot!!! You look even skinnier than in your pics from the "What dress should I wear to the wedding" Thread!!!
DA-YUM!!! Cute outfit, cute girl, cute, cute cute!!!Heather, thank you so much! Smaller than the dresses thread, huh? Hmm...I never thought about that but I guess there is a bit of difference. :D


Tricia
You look absolutely fantastic- you must be so proud!Thank you, kebsa! You're doing a fantastic job in the exercise thread. :)

Thanks again, everyone!! :hug: :love:

[reblynd]

Love ya!! You are amazing!

[Tricia K.]

Love ya!! You are amazing!Thanks, girly! *mwah* Love ya too! :love:

[EmileeKaye]

I LOVE this pic of you girlie! Such a cute outfit and you look amazing!!

[Txblue_eyedqt]

wonderful job girl, You look just amazing.

[stac1982]

You definitely look amazing. I can only hope and pray for those results when I get banded! Keep working hard and being a wonderful inspiration to us all!

[Neal R.]

Tricia - you are looking so great! :)

[NotSoFunny]

girl you rock. you know i luv ya! Can't wait to see you!!!!! :D

[Tricia K.]

Thanks so much again, everyone!! :hug:

[aaamom]

Beautiful........simply Beautiful

[PhotoNut]

Tricia, when I see your pictures I always am struck first by how happy you look. Even your before pictures just radiate happiness. In your most current pictures, you not only look happy but you look like you're having FUN! Really love the pirate T. I think you should send the pic to Johnny Depp, he'd probably respond asap. Oh wait, you're married aren't ya? *thinks* .... *shrugs* .... send it anyway! *grins*

[Tricia K.]

Thank you, aaamom and P'nut! :hug:

[Tricia K.]

As promised, here's the cute t-shirt that my good friend Telly sent me for Valentine's Day. She also sent me a cute card and a cool heart-shaped pillar candle.

http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/keeper-001.jpg

[HeatherGurl]

Seriously woman! These last 10 pounds or so off of you have completely changed you!!!
WAYYY cute shirt!!!!
These pictures of you Tricia are really inspiring me this week. It just shows how those last little pounds make all of the difference!

[Tricia K.]

Thank you so much, Heather! :hug:

I didn't realize notice either until I started taking photos again. It gives me motivation too! At this point, I'm not really stressing on the number on the scales but how my clothes are fitting and my overall muscle tone.

[JDru]

Tricia you look great!! And your new shirt is very cute. :)

[NotSoFunny]

my god woman it is amazing how good you look!!! You really have made a big difference with the last few pounds!

[Telly]

Looking awesome! Smooth hips and great smile! So were having a banded dinner on Friday? ARe men invited? I invited Leo, FYI

[Tricia K.]

Aww, thanks Telly! :love: *mwah* I've missed you!

Yes, we are having a banded dinner on Friday...TGIF!! And men are absolutely invited. Unfortunately, Rob cannot make it due to his work schedule, but Lenny will definitely be there! I can't wait to meet all of you!!

[catkreeger]

Tricia you inspire new banders like me to look ahead to where we can also be. Thanks you look great!

[PhotoNut]

Yes, we are having a banded dinner on Friday...TGIF!! And men are absolutely invited. Unfortunately, Rob cannot make it due to his work schedule, but Lenny will definitely be there! I can't wait to meet all of you!!
Color me 17 shades of envious! :neener:

Take pictures! Lots of pictures!

[Tricia K.]

Thanks, cat!

LOL @ Susan. I'm gonna color you 18 shades of jealous instead! :neener: BTW, I'll take pictures.

[NotSoFunny]

TGIF!!! I will be able to eat a chicken wing! LOL well a little more than that. I beleive we spoke about the green bean fries, tricia?? hehehe

OMG I can't wait!!

[lins12]

You look FREAKING HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!

WHOA!!! GIRL!!!! SOOOOO Pretty!

[Txblue_eyedqt]

:hail:
Your have done an Awesome Job Girl!!!!
I cant get over how wonderful you look, beautiful!!
You are such an inspiration to many.

oh yea...cuuutttee shirt..Love it!

[NotSoFunny]

2 more days!!! :D

[EmileeKaye]

****sooooo Jealous****

[Tricia K.]

Thanks, Lins & Cynthia! :)

Aww Emilee...maybe some day we can ALL get together. :) That would be fun, huh?

[Tricia K.]

Woo hoo Amy!

[CaribnQn]

Tricia, you sure have had a journey, and by looking at you - it was worth every step. You look fantastic.

[Goannabanda]

Tricia - Just popped into your thread to tell you how gawwwgeous and inspirational you are.:nod: I have almost the same starting weight as you as well as dark eyes and hair, but don't think I'll be halfway cute as you when I get to goal.:Cry:

[CindyC]

Tricia....You look sooooooooooooooooo awesome!!! You have come a long way. You look so happy in your pics. Way to go girl!!! :clapsmiley:

[Tricia K.]

Thanks, caribQN, Goanna, and Cindy!

BTW, Goanna, my eyes are blue. :)

[reblynd]

when I grow up I want to be just like Tricia!! LOVE YA!!! Have a great trip...take lots of pictures!!!

[Tricia K.]

Ha ha...you're so cute. I love you too. I'll be taking pictures. :)

[Goannabanda]

Thanks, caribQN, Goanna, and Cindy!

BTW, Goanna, my eyes are blue. :)
see, I knew that's why you are cuter! Blue eyed girls have al the fun! LOL!

[Tricia K.]

Tonight, I FINALLY got to meet Telly, Telly's husband Leo and Funny! We totally spaced taking pictures of the husbands, but since we're heading to Telly's tomorrow, we'll take them then.

Anyway, I am so happy that I finally got to meet my good friends. Here are a few pictures. I'll update everyone with new pics once they're taken.

http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/florida-001.jpg http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/florida-002.jpg

http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/florida-004.jpg http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/florida-005.jpg

[aaamom]

great pics !!! Everyone looks amazing! You guys seem to be having a great time
Thanks for sharing

[DebbieChoos]

Great photos!! You girls look like you are having a ball! Enjoy the weekend!!

Debbie

[PhotoNut]

Color me 17 shades of envious! :neener:



LOL @ Susan. I'm gonna color you 18 shades of jealous instead! :neener:


Tricia, you win!!
1430

Three of my favorite ladies, looking fine, fine, fine!!
I'm so glad you three fine-ally got together!

[JDru]

You all look fabulous!!! I'm so jealous...have so much fun this weekend! :)

[Tricia K.]

LOL @ Susan!! Green is a good color for you.

Thanks, guys!

[Irish Girl]

All that hotness in one room must have made the men woozy. You all look great.!!

[Telly]

I had a great time last night.

Tricia, you are even more beautiful in person. You are the best! I missed you as soon as you guys left CityWalk. :(

Oh man, it was too cute you guys. When I fine-ally arrived to TGIFriday's, she saw me pull into the parking lot and came outside...she skipped over to me in the cutest crazy way, hair and all just-a-flying around. Now how cute is she? I got the biggest hug ever. Of course I started ballin. I was just so overwhelmed, meeting her for the first time in almost a year. After all we've been through together, soo glad it finally happened. Can't wait to see her again.

Funny, it was soo nice to see you again. It's been months...what? September, 2006? You were soo beautiful with your cute dress on. Can we say, "DIVA"?

LOL Tricia, remember at Latin Quarters, that guy that was learning as well as teaching his wife how to Salsa? *scuffle to the center of the stage....pause....shuffle his hips...*think elvis shake* and then back to his wife walking backwards*

Very fun. Fun times.

[chrispygal]

Awww...you guys are SO cute!!! Tricia you are looking AMAZING!!

["Just Jess"]

awwwwwwwwwww -- you guys look SO CUTE!!!!! i'm so jelous you all got to meet!!!!!!!!!! :) ((but i don't want to be green like susan!!!)) hahaha
glad you had such a great time!

[EmileeKaye]

Ya'll are SOOOO Hot!! Sounds like you guys had a blast, I'm so happy for you all!!



((BIG HUGS))

[Tricia K.]

Anyway, I am so happy that I finally got to meet my good friends. Here are a few pictures. I'll update everyone with new pics once they're taken.

Update: Unfortunately, Telly and I were unable to meet up again on Saturday. You have no idea how sad that made me. :sadcry2:

BUT, the good thing is that I finally got to meet Telly. It was such a long time coming and she is everything I thought she would be...sweet, caring, beautiful and an AWESOME friend. I love that girl soooo much. And, yeah, I did skip out to her car...believe me, I wanted to run like nobody's business but I thought I'd behave myself. I didn't behave myself for long...'cause once we were all seated, I decided to scream "Bowel Movement" .. Ha ha! (we were all outside, mind you)

Funny - thank you again for driving out from Tampa. It was so good to finally meet you. You look great!

LOL @ the guy teaching his wife to dance!! I think I had just as much fun imitating him as he did teaching her! Ha ha! That was soooo funny.

Thanks for the comments, everyone! :hug:

Oh yeah, the wedding was beautiful. I'll post pictures at a later time. I'm exhausted so I'm heading to bed.

["Just Jess"]

did you out shine the bride? (we all know you outshined the bride!!!!!!!!!!!)
hehehe :laugh: can't wait to see pics!!!

[Tricia K.]

Jess, I completely forgot to bring a safety pin to keep the neckline of my favorite dress in check, so I ended up wearing the other black dress instead. :( I was really disappointed too.

[mrs_christy]

Awww you guys must have had a blast. We all feel jealous now ugh. I'm so glad you finally got to meet! Tricia, ltns you look amazing as always. Love ya girl!!!

[JDru]

Can't wait to see the wedding pics!

[DebbieChoos]

Jess, I completely forgot to bring a safety pin to keep the neckline of my favorite dress in check, so I ended up wearing the other black dress instead. :( I was really disappointed too.

Oh Trish you would have stole the show if you had worn "the" little black dress...But I'm sure you made them drool in the other dress. You are quite the little "hottie"!

Debbie

["Just Jess"]

Jess, I completely forgot to bring a safety pin to keep the neckline of my favorite dress in check, so I ended up wearing the other black dress instead. :( I was really disappointed too.


:Cry: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! ((well, the other black dress was my 2nd choice, so I guess it's not all that bad!!!))

:photo4:pics, please???

[Tricia K.]

Thanks, Debbie & Jess! I was really upset that I could't wear it but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. We're on the road going back home to Louisiana so I'll have to post the pics tomorrow. Dorky me forgot to bring my camera to the reception...I left it in the car at Animal Kingdom & wasn't about to walk all the way back to the car in heels! I was so pissed..LOL! Oh well...I'm sure I'll get copies from other people.

[Tricia K.]

Awww you guys must have had a blast. We all feel jealous now ugh. I'm so glad you finally got to meet! Tricia, ltns you look amazing as always. Love ya girl!!!

Hi stranger! I've missed you. We did have a great time and I'm so grateful to have finally met Telly and Funny. I hope you're online tomorrow 'cause I'd love to catch up...I read that you've been frustrated. Love ya too.

[NotSoFunny]

OMG Tricia that was so cool to meet you and lenny finally! That guy trying to teach his wife how to dance. ROFL That was just pathetic. Dancing with you guys just rocked though! And it was just amazing to have you there! You need to come out for a weekend and we'll get telly and leo over here, and we will all go fishing and have a block party. hehehe

[Tricia K.]

Ok, here are some pics from before and during the wedding.


During the ceremony
Donnie is reading his vows to Heather
http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/wedding 009.jpg

The KISS!!
http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/wedding 012.jpg

After the ceremony
Doesn't she look beautiful?
http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/wedding 014.jpg


Before the wedding
From left to right, Sandy (Lenny's sister), Tracy (Lenny's nephew Steven's girlfriend), me, Barbara (Lenny's mom) and Margaret (Lenny's aunt)
http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/wedding-003.jpg

Chuck (Sandy's boyfriend), Justin (Chuck's son), Steven, Shawn (Lenny's nephews, Sandy's sons) & Lenny
http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/wedding-002.jpg

Us, of course
http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/wedding-004.jpg

[MoOrLess]

hmmm I can't see any of them - and the ole go to the pic gallery and back again isn't working either - any suggestions?

[Tricia K.]

I dunno...they show up for me. Try hitting refresh and see what happens.

I'll post them in the gallery too though.

[DebbieChoos]

Tricia - Hitting refresh works!! Great pix - I miss the other dress but this one looks hot too!! You look great - were there people at the wedding surprised and shocked at how skinny you've become? Your Lenny looks like a handful...

Debbie

["Just" Paul]

What a splendid wedding setting!!!!

And Tricia, that is a beautiful dress. You are a classy and attractive woman! You wowed them all, I am sure!

[paula]

Tricia, where the heck have I been?? I had NO idea this was going on in your life. sorry. I really should periodically read up on journey threads.

ok, looking at these pics of you Telly and Amy make me gawk! OMG - you 3 look AWESOME. You have all of B2G drooling like dogs over wishing we couldve ALL been with you. :D

Amy - I can NOT believe how amazing you look. Girl, you already have some pretty dramatic before and after shots. Dust off that digicam and get it working... we wanna SEE more of you!

Telly, my goodness. You are model perfect. Looking at these pics makes me so proud of your success. What an inspiration you are!!

Tricia, you look BEAUTIFUL! That little black number you had on for the wedding... OMG! What a hottie.

We need a BIG B2G bash to happen!

[JDru]

Cute pics!! It looks like you had fun AND you look hot in your black dress! :)

[NotSoFunny]

tricia that wedding looks like it was so pretty! and what a beautiful day! That is awesome.

Paula, thank you. I only looked great cause of the company I was keeping. :)

[Kathy]

Tricia you should be on a dadgum shampoo commercial with that hair...coupled with the bee-yoot-a-ful rest of you...WOW! Thanks so much for posting pics...Telly and Amy, you two look fab. Ya blow me away! weeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[paula]

Paula, thank you. I only looked great cause of the company I was keeping

ah.. scuse me?
slap yourself and say that's from Paula.
You looked GREAT - cause YOU LOOK GREAT!

now, just build a bridge and get over it. You are losing some mega weight - and it shows!
Build up that esteem, Amy! You're a beautiful woman!

["Just Jess"]

tricia - you looked great!! and that setting for the wedding.. WOW! looked like a beautiful day by the lake... gorgeous! :) and i want to DITTO on debbie, looks like your lenny is quite the handful, he'd get along well with vinny! hahaha

[MoOrLess]

I have to agree - Funny you look fantastic! no excuses- you shine all by yourself!

[EmileeKaye]

Great pics Tricia!! I love the brides dress, looks like a beautiful wedding!

You look great in ur little black dress and Lenny is looking SO handsome all dressed up!!

You really do look amazing Tricia....youre glowing!

[DebbieChoos]

slap yourself and say that's from Paula.


This is why I love all you guys!! Trish - Kathy is correct, you should be that woman who is doing those shampoo commercials who's having "O's" in her shower while she's shampooing!! Your hair is beautiful!

Debbie

[NurseTeresa]

Tricia, My what alot I have missed by not being on here in awhile. You look absolutely fantastic. The pics with Telly, Amy and yourself were wonderful. You all look so happy and just georgous!!!!! I am glad that you fineally got to meet them.

[HeatherGurl]

Wowzers!!! All of the new pictures are amazing Tricia!
Telly, Tricia, and Amy... WOW!!! I have seen you guys from DAY 1 of this journey... and I can't believe how much you have all changed!!!!
All of you look absolutely AWESOME!!!!

[NotSoFunny]

ROFL Paula I so love you. LOL Thank you.

Heather, it is amazing. I have known them from day one too. I had seen Telly before, and she is more beautiful than ever. But to see tricia for the first time. It was spectacular. To just stare at her and see the new tricia, and remembering the photos from the past. They both have come an amazingly long way.

I think my fave part of the night was when the food got to the table and telly stood up, took off her belt, and set back down to eating. She meant business that night!! LOL

[Goannabanda]

awww, waht a lovely wedding - and a ball of an evening with Telly and Funny too!

Tricia - as always, you look completely gawwwgeous!!!

Telly and Funny aren't so bad either... :heh:

Seriously - you three b2g chickas give the rest of us a run for our money - hot mamas!!!

Lenny is a lucky fella (and a cutie too!).

[Pamla]

Wonderful pictures Tricia! You are truly the example for others to follow!

[Tricia K.]

Oh wow...I've missed quite a bit of activity on this thread. Thank you soooo much, everyone! :hug:

LOL @ Amy. That was hilarious when Telly took off her belt to eat.

Goanna, I am the lucky one, but thank you nonetheless. :hug:

[NotSoFunny]

She was gettin ready to get her "chow on" LOL

So when are you coming out ehre again??? huh? huh? huh? hehehe

we need to do a "pic update" meeting monthly I think. PARTY AT FUNNY'S!!

[housecatgirl]

Great pics...you guys have come along way and look HOT!!!

[Tricia K.]

I'm really not sure, Amy. Our vacations are rather spur of the moment. Monthly meetings and pics would be cool but I doubt it will happen! :)

Thanks, Laura. :)

[Telly]

Roflmao! Oh damn! You guys tellin my bidness!

Yeppers yall! I did do that. In fact, I am completely unfilled and eat lots and lots. Tricia laughed and imitated me as I savagely went for the fried green beens. It was quite animalistic. I didn't even know I had done it till Tricia laughed and showed me what I had done....

Lol...sheesh right? You'd think I'd be girly.

Thank you all for your sweet comments.

[NotSoFunny]

LOL well with a bod like that and all the working out you are doing, you need to eat. LOL but dayum...you looked great telly! And tricia....girl you are just gorgeous, and have done such an amazing job! I am so proud of both y'all.

["Just" Paul]

I'm gonna be taking my daughter for her first Disney trip in the beginning of August...

:)

[NotSoFunny]

omg paul's comin to town!!!

[DebbieChoos]

Is he bringing his hairy ass...

[NotSoFunny]

we need to get a tampa caravan together and go see him.

["Just" Paul]

I just realized, let's not hijack tricia's thread.

I'll start a new one on my trip to Florida when it gets closer!
(But Funny, that sounds like a great plan!)


BTW, Tricia, all 3 of you look great. Sounds like you all had a wonderful visit!

[NotSoFunny]

oh tricia...you should drive out again just to see paul!!! LOL

I talked to rob last night about it, and told him i wanted to make a car trip up to LA to see ya again. he said sure, but it will prolly be in the summer. hopefully i will be near goal at that point.

[Tricia K.]

Here are a few before pictures I thought I'd share with everyone. The group photos were taken in 2000 at my all-time heaviest - 285 pounds.

The others were taken in 2003 at a Showtime At The Apollo audition. I think I weighed around 275.

http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/big 003.jpg http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/big 005.jpg

http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/triciasinging.jpg
http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/backstage.jpg http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/theatre.jpg

And, a recent shot.
http://www.triciakutz.com/b2g/keeper 003.jpg

[Glo]

You are gorgeous. Please try out for American Idol. We could be voting for you right now!! Fantastic thread.

[Tricia K.]

You are gorgeous. Please try out for American Idol. We could be voting for you right now!! Fantastic thread.Thank you, Glo. I'd love to try out for American Idol but I'm over their age limit. I appreciate the vote of confidence though. :)

[DebbieChoos]

Between Tricia, Em and Heather you guys are remarkable!!! Tricia that first picture doesn't look anything like you - are you sure that is you?

Awesome, unbelievable, hotties...need I go on

[Tricia K.]

Thanks, Debbie! I'm absolutely positive that is me in the first picture. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I went to the wedding stag and there was an empty chair next to me at the reception. I kept putting my arm around my nonexistent date and had the rest of the table laughing.

[HeatherGurl]

Awesome girl!!!! You never would know now, that you used to be that size!!! I am SO Proud of you... you have done absolutely amazing!!!

You are such a hottie!!!!!

[JDru]

Wow, what a wonderful transformation! I am seriously in awe when I see your before pics compared to now. You were beautiful before, but now you glow. :)

[NotSoFunny]

tricia those are amazing. you should make copies of these pictures and create an album of them all so that you can have one nice book to whip out and show people.

["Just Jess"]

i looked at that first picture for the longest time........ i just can't find you in it. are you BEHIND the bride??

[Tricia K.]

Thanks, JDru!!


tricia those are amazing. you should make copies of these pictures and create an album of them all so that you can have one nice book to whip out and show people.Thank you as well, Amy. I've thought about the album thing. :)

[Tricia K.]

i looked at that first picture for the longest time........ i just can't find you in it. are you BEHIND the bride??Ha ha...I'm on the right, ya dork!

["Just Jess"]

really?! i just don't see it!

[Tricia K.]

really?! i just don't see it!:neener: :neener:

[Telly]

You look amazing and your body has transformed incredibly in the past year. I'm so proud of you.

P.S. I'll keep saying it cuz it's true, RED looks soo great on you!

[chrispygal]

Wow. That's all I can say. You have done such an AMAZING job! You have always been a beautiful, beautiful girl, but are just absolutley stunning now.

[mizfish]

Tricia,
you look awesome!

[Tricia K.]

You look amazing and your body has transformed incredibly in the past year. I'm so proud of you.

P.S. I'll keep saying it cuz it's true, RED looks soo great on you!
*mwah* Thank you, my dear friend! I'm so proud of you as well. :love:

LOL @ looking good in red. Thanks! :madgrin:

[Tricia K.]

Thank you so much, chrispy and Cheryl!

[Tricia K.]

Here's a picture I took today...

[DebbieChoos]

Excuse me...are you a superhero? Cause that's a superhero outfit!

[Tricia K.]

Excuse me...are you a superhero? Cause that's a superhero outfit!LOL..I never noticed that it looked superhero-ish.

But, I've been a superhero in the past. Of course, Telly and a few others still consider me to be one now.

http://www.band2gether.net/showpost.php?p=10355&postcount=4

[EmileeKaye]

You look AMZING!! You got me excited to get my new swim suit! I think Im going to order it tonight, but I wont look half as good as you do girl!

I had never seen those befores and my jaw really did drop, you have kicked ass girl!

[NotSoFunny]

omg the suit looks awesome!!! you are just a hottie! lol woohoo!

[HeatherGurl]

Wow Tricia!!!! You look amazing in the bathing suit!!!
You seriously do look like Wonder Woman... That hair and those eyes.
I am just about speechless!!!!

Too cute... I need to check out some suits... especially with the way the sun is shining today.
My neighbors are in for a rude awakening... This summer... me and my John Deere riding mower and my bathing suit... will have a date every weekend. That is my fave way to tan.

[JDru]

Girl you are working that swimsuit!! HOT!

["Just Jess"]

LOOK AT THAT FIGURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:tongue4:

IIIIIIIIII... CHEEEEE... YA YA!

[housecatgirl]

Wow!! Too cute! I love that bathing suit! Also, your hair is beautiful!!

[A1ikou]

Tricia I love the new pictures. You have done an amazing job and you look confident and really sexy in all your new pics! You are a beautiful woman- always were and now it shines through even more.

[Tricia K.]

Thank you so much, Laura & A1i! :hug:

[NurseTeresa]

Tricia.................gurl......all I can say is WOW! You look fantastic in that swimsuit! What a big transformation you have had! I want to grow down and be just like you!

[Tricia K.]

Thanks, Emilee, Amy, Heather, Jess & Teresa!!!

[MoOrLess]

Tricia - I "just" saw your pictures - I think the first time I ever saw the before pics -- all I can say (after I pick up my jaw off the floor) is WOW GIRL!! You not only look amazing - you look beautiful!!! My family looked at the before and then I showed you off in the "after" and they were all amazed - congrats! What an awesome job with that band of yours - you truly do need to be up on billboards!!! You go girl!

[Tricia K.]

Aww, thank you, Mo!!

[reblynd]

Amazing!! I Can't Believe The Befor Pic. I Am Sooo Proud Of You And I Am So Glad We Are Friends. You Motivate Me More Than You Will Ever Know. Love Ya Girl!

[Tricia K.]

Thank you, Becky! I am so glad that we're friends too. Love ya! :love:

[kelliebelly]

I cant even believe that before pic is you...it really looks nothing like you.
That swimmer pics is HOT!!! You look awesome...I would love to be able to wear a swim suit and look good.
Congrats on how far you have come...its amazing.

[Tricia K.]

Thank you so much, Kellie!

[okielapgirl]

OMG! Tricia...you look so amazing in your suit. I am just in awe of you. You are truly such a huge inspriation to me. You always look so "put together" and you have simply gorgeous hair and everything else to boot. I am so proud of your progress. You make me want to keep going in my journey. Thank you for that. You look HOT my dear.

[Tricia K.]

OMG! Tricia...you look so amazing in your suit. I am just in awe of you. You are truly such a huge inspriation to me. You always look so "put together" and you have simply gorgeous hair and everything else to boot. I am so proud of your progress. You make me want to keep going in my journey. Thank you for that. You look HOT my dear.Wow Sarah, thank you so much! :love: I really needed to read something like this today. I'm having major back issues and feel kinda blah (it's a saggy skin thing). So, thank YOU for making my day. I'm happy to be an inspiration to you and others. Just knowing that makes this whole thing worthwhile. As much as I loathe my sagging skin, I wouldn't trade it for being heavy again.

[Tricia K.]

I never realized how hard it is to hold still while trying to take a photo of your tummy...sorry for the blurry photos (and the spots on the mirror!).

[DebbieChoos]

Tricia - Great, err, blurry shots!! I told everyone these self tummy/booby shots weren't easy! Telly the photo goddess has this down to an art though!!

You look great! Unless you are holding it in really hard, your tummy looks "tighter" than the last time you posted pixs of your tummy! No wonder they wanted to use your photos in some ads (sorry about the contract fiasco).

My other other comment is that you are going to really play havoc with 503' s eyes today as he tries to focus in on your bare tummy!

[HeatherGurl]

Amazing Girl!!! You look great!!!

[stac1982]

Wow Tricia. . .you can tell a difference!

[503-250]

MY EYES....MY EYES!!!

I can't focus, my eyes are burning.

[chrispygal]

Great definition in your stomach Tricia! You look great! All that exercise is paying off! :)

["Just Jess"]

looking FAB with no FLAB, tricia!!!!!!!!! AMAZING!!!!! :) :) :) :)

[Greeneyetiger]

Tricia,

YOU LOOK AWESOME !!!!!! How did you do this? Please tell me your secret.

Tina

[Tricia K.]

Thanks a bunch you guys, but you're giving me way too much credit. My belly is still flabby and I have too much skin. It's definitely better than what it was last time I posted belly pics, but there is skin nonetheless. Ugh, and that lovely roll at the bottom...not lovin' it!

I know, I know...I'm my own worst critic! :madgrin:

["Just Jess"]

pssssssssssst... SKIN is not FLAB, my dear!!! :) you can see the 6-pack peeking through!

TAKE the credit!!!!!!!!!!! you deserve it!

[NurseTeresa]

You look absolutely terrific! You are such a great inspiration to others. Telly needs to look out cuz your tryin hard to catch her..lol!

[Neal R.]

You look great Tricia! :)

[Tricia K.]

Thank you very much, Jess, Teresa, and Neal. :biggrin1:

["Just" Paul]

Tricia...

You are amazing and inspirational to everyone here!

Absolutely incredible!!!!!!!

Give yourself all the Kudos in the world, cause you deserve it!

[Alicia521]

Great abs girl! I want to know your ab workout! :)

[Tricia K.]

Great abs girl! I want to know your ab workout! :)Thanks, Alicia. I do the Abs of Steel video workout.

Even though I have strong ab muscles, there is a lot of loose skin on top of them. :ohwell:

[Alicia521]

You can't see it! You look great!

[Neal R.]

Thanks, Alicia. I do the Abs of Steel video workout.

Even though I have strong ab muscles, there is a lot of loose skin on top of them. :ohwell:

Yours looks great Tricia. Nothing nearly as bad as mine. When I went for a PS consult, the Dr said he could feel good muscle tone under everything, but you can't see it for the deflated balloon on top of it :(.

[Telly]

Looking awesome Tricia! I see some definition in the abs and ribcage. The gym is doing the body good!

[Tricia K.]

Looking awesome Tricia! I see some definition in the abs and ribcage. The gym is doing the body good!Thank you, sweetie!

[Tricia K.]

I'm going to follow Alicia's lead and post my latest blood test results.

Blood Pressure - 110/78
Triglycerides - 76 (well below the norm of 150)
Total Cholesterol - 190 (below desirable range of 200)
HDL (good) - 48 (above desirable level of 40)
LDL (bad) - 127 (less than desirable level of 130)
My cholesterol ratio - 4.0 (4.5 or less is the desirable range - anything greater than 6 suggests higher risk of CHD)
Glucose - 86 (within desirable range of 65-99)
Sodium - 140 (within desirable range of 135-146)
Potassium - 4.1 (within desirable range of 3.5-5.3)
Calcium - 9.5 (within desirable range of 8.5-10.4)
Protein, Total - 7.0 (within desirable range of 6.0-8.3)

[wrk-n-prgrss]

You look wonderful...you should post the bathing suit pic....you never stop inspiring me.

[Tricia K.]

You look wonderful...you should post the bathing suit pic....you never stop inspiring me.Thank you, sweetie. :hug:

BTW, I did post a picture of me in the bathing suit on page 16 (post #160).

["Just Jess"]

awesome news on your last round of blood work!!! :) that's what it is REALLY about, right? STAYIN' ALIVE! and staying healthy!

[Alicia521]

That's awesome Tricia!!!!

[Glo]

Fantastic blood work results--being healthy is what it's all about. That's a great idea to post this--I'm going to do it next time I have blood drawn for thyroid. I'm going to go and look for the bathing suit picture!

[A1ikou]

Well done on the blood results. Just adds impact when you know you're losing the weight and getting healthier too. Way to go Tricia.

[503-250]

You just continue to amaze me...I hope someday to be able to post my swimsuit pics. In the meantime...the only blood results I have are Uric Acid and Rate of Inflammation (Uric is 12 which means I have gout and its bad and ROI is 20...which is also really high).

[Telly]

DANG!

Disappointed. I don't see any new pics. Bummer!

:) hint hint

[Kel]

Amazing! Your transformation has been phenomenal and such an inspiration to me since I initially began researching the process last summer. Congratulations on all your hard work and gorgeous results! kelli

[Tricia K.]

Thanks, guys!

Telly girl, I'll take a few new pics within the next few days and post them for ya. :hug:

[Tricia K.]

Ok Telly, here's one for you. You know how I love taking pics in my car! LOL

[DebbieChoos]

Ok, so we all joke around and use the term hottie alot. But girlfriend I just grabbed my Roget's Dictionary and looked up hottie...and there you were! Your transformation is truly inspiring, you should be so proud of what you have accomplished. For this I forgive your moderator post whoring cheating.

Check out this transformation....who is that in that smoking hot chick with the great eyes and smile in the drivers seat?

[Tricia K.]

Awww shucks! Thank you, Debbie!! :hug: :love:

And, thanks for forgiving me about the post whore stuff. :biggrin1:

[Neal R.]

Very nice Tricia, you look great and your right - that's a very Telly like pic in the car :)

[Tricia K.]

Thank you, Neal. :)

P.S. 1,870 :biggrin1:

[JDru]

As always...you look amazing!

[Tricia K.]

Thank you, sweet Jess!

[chrispygal]

Tricia, I just can't get over how thin your face is!! You are so absolutely stunning and inspire me so much!

[kelliebelly]

Tricia,
You have gorgeous eyes!!!
You look amazing.

[A1ikou]

You know I love all the pics you post but in this one I think you are at your most beautiful. Gorgeous picture, gorgeous lady.

[Tricia K.]

Thank you so much, chrispy, Kellie and A1i!

[HeatherGurl]

You look amazing girl! I love that picture. What a pretty face!!!

[Tricia K.]

Thanks, Heather!

[DebbieChoos]

yada yada yada.... yes everyone SHE IS FREAKING HOT!!!! YES SHE HAS A GREAT SMILE!! YES SHE HAS GREAT EYES!

But...she's not wearing her seat belt.

[Tricia K.]

But...she's not wearing her seat belt.Oh contraire, mon ami. I am wearing my seatbelt, but I had parked and pulled the seatbelt behind me to take the picture.

[DebbieChoos]

hmmmm I don't know...sounds pretty dam fishy to me. I will have to forward to Gil Grishem or Jack Bower for analyses....

[Tricia K.]

hmmmm I don't know...sounds pretty dam fishy to me. I will have to forward to Gil Grishem or Jack Bower for analyses....LOL! Ok, I know who Jack Bower is but who is Gil Grishem?

[DebbieChoos]

LOL! Ok, I know who Jack Bower is but who is Gil Grishem?

CSI - He is the lead CSI (Thursday nights CBS)

[Tricia K.]

Ahh no wonder I don't know who he is. I don't watch CSI.

["Just Jess"]

just saw your most recent pic - very nice!!!! you do have such a gorgeous smile and pretty eyes!!!! :tongue4: a real looker! woooooooo hoooooooo! :) hehe

[Tricia K.]

Thank you, Jessica!

[Tricia K.]

Former American Idol contestant Mandisa was the special guest for an Ashley Stewart clothing store Grand Opening today in Baton Rouge.

She is beautiful, sooooo nice and down-to-earth. We chatted with her for a few, shook her hand, and received personalized, autographed photos of her. Micah even got to tell her a joke. He's a big fan of hers. Here's a picture from our visit with her.

[NotSoFunny]

what an awesome pic. she is gorgeous! i bet it was so cool to meet with her. color me green! :)

[Tricia K.]

It was so cool to meet her. She had this huge smile on her face when we walked in. Micah was so excited too. It was cute.



P.S. Notice my font color? :biggrin1:

[NotSoFunny]

yes. lol...

[Will]

Awww she looks like a sweetheart and boy could that woman SING!

[chrispygal]

Ok, how cute is Micah in this pic?!

[Tricia K.]

Will, she really is a sweetheart. I am so glad that we met her. I agree, she can sing!

[Tricia K.]

Ok, how cute is Micah in this pic?! chrispy, I love that kid like he was my own. He's such a good kid. We rarely (and I mean, RARELY) have to reprimand him.

[Neal R.]

How fun! :)

[Telly]

And the oceans force swept my ship to and fro.... I landed upon a photo...


"finally!!!!!"

Ye looketh soo damn beautiful. Your smile is radiant and I hate hate hate that you have such piercing blues.

God has blessed you girl!

[Tricia K.]

Aww shucks! Thanks, love!

You're beautiful and smokin' hot, as usual! Rarrr!

[NurseTeresa]

I must have been slacking cuz I sure did miss that new pic. All I can say is WOW......you are truely such a beautiful person inside and out! As I told our friend Telly I want to grow down to be just like you and her!

Micah looked so happy in that pic. I am sure that is a day he will never forget!

[A1ikou]

Great family pic and looks and sounds like a good time was had by all. I'm not saying anything about how good you look, I mean always repeating myself..gorgeous, fabulous, wonderful, wow...gets boring doesnt it!?!?!?!?

[kebsa]

you do look fantastic in the car shot and it is yet another amazing transformation. All of us who are still "works in progress" find a great deal of inspiration and even comfort in these kinds of posts- I know that each time i see another real success and absolute transformation like this it helps me see that there really could be a slim healthy looking me inside this caccon instead of a slightly smaller fat woman at best. My surgeon says with real enthusiam that I might get as low as 100kg ( about 220 pounds) now that would be great compared to my start but _ I want what you got- real success and a normal weight! Every time I see post like this it makes me feel like saying, thanks for making it seem real!

[Tricia K.]

Update on me...

One of the reasons I took a break from B2G was to re-focus on my life and my personal (non-weight-related) goals, including trying to get pregnant.

Well, surprisingly, after being off of Depo-provera for only 6 months, my husband and I found out that we were pregnant on June 21st. However, on June 25th, I started bleeding while on vacation in Vegas. I called my doctor who told me to take it easy, to rest, and to stay off of my feet as much as possible. When I returned home, I went in for some blood tests to check my hCG (pregnancy hormone) levels. In a normal pregnancy, they double or triple every 48-72 hours. My first hCG test on the 21st showed a level of 119. My 2nd hCG test on June 29 showed a level of 185, which was indicative of either a miscarriage or ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. Subsequent tests confirmed that it was not viable.

One day later, on June 30th, my 10 year old cat Smokey suddenly became ill. We took him to the emergency vet and found out that he had acute, irreversible renal (kidney) failure. We had to make the difficult decision to have him put to sleep. He was in a lot of pain and I couldn't stand to see him suffer anymore. He's now in kitty heaven licking a huge iceberg (he LOVED ice cubes) and terrorizing the other cats.

Back to the ectopic pregnancy...after an intra-vaginal ultrasound, it was determined to be an ectopic pregnancy, which resulted in a shot of methotrexate to stop tissue growth. My hCG levels were monitored weekly until they dropped back down to zero. I am now feeling (almost) back to normal and have received the go-ahead from the doctor to start trying to get pregnant again.

NOTE: I know there are a few people here that have gone through something similar lately and I do not, in any way, want to diminish what they went through by posting my story here. I feel a kinship with them...they know who they are. ((BIG HUGS)) to them. :hug:

Lastly, as many of you have noticed, I have made my goal weight of 165 pounds and couldn't be happier about it. :biggrin1:

P.S. I will not be here as much as I was previously, but do pop in now and again to post.

[JDru]

I'm glad you checked in Tricia! I'm so sorry to hear about your ectopic pregnance and your cat. It can be hard when life takes turns you don't expect. Congrats on meeting you gloa of 165, that is SO awesome!! :)

[A1ikou]

Thank you for sharing with us. I too am sorry you had to go through such a traumatic summer and send you hug hugs... I wish you every success on getting and maintaining a happy, healthy preganancy soon and of course we understand you're going to be wayyyyyyyyyyy to busy!!!! to be here as much. We just love hearing an hello now and again so we know you're fine. As for reaching goal weight, was there ever any doubt you'd do it girl...way to go Tricia xxx

[Alicia521]

Tricia, you're awesome and I know you will be blessed with all the tragedy you have recently gone through! You deserve the best! :)