Join me on the journey of finding Jessica..................

["Just Jess"]

OK - I've been banded for over 8 months now. I think it is time to start a journey thread. I've sure had my struggles and turbulations... however, I find so much inspiration and information from the other journey threads, that maybe - JUST MAYBE - I can inspire or at least inform someone else new out there...

HISTORY:
I was born and raised in Northeast PA. I come from somewhat of a "fairy tale" family. My parents are still together and still madly in love, my extended family attend all major events in each other's lives, I grew up in a safe small town where everyone knows your name and looks out for one another (and Vinny still can't get over that my parents don't lock their house door and it's ok to leave your keys out in your car ---- SERIOUSLY FOLKS: fairytale land!!!!!) :) I had the most incredible highschool experience, I wish it on every teenager! I had the best friends and most of whom I still keep in touch with. College was awesome and I made again, some of the best friends I could have asked for. In 2002 I moved to Maryland because I could not get a teaching job in PA to save my life. Here, I had several job offers within a week! I've been teaching 4th grade at the same school every since, where I have the BEST colleagues - we're like a family and really have each other's backs! Shortly after moving to Maryland, I met the love of my life - Vinny - He and I have been together ever since our first date... We moved in together a couple years into our relationship and just this past summer, he FINALLY propsed!!!!!!!! We're set to be married in August of 2008.

I've been overweight most of my life - although it was a different kind of overweight than I've experienced in my adult life. As a child I was always a little "chubbier" than most of my friends, however - I was the most independant, self-confident little thing you'd ever run into! No one treated me poorly, called me names, or anything like that. As a teenager, I weighed about 50-75 pounds more than I should have. But I was SOOOOOO active. I was a tri-athelete in highschool, playing volleyball, basketball cheerleading/dance squad, and track and field. Although I was a size 12 (the only double digit size on the squad) I was the captain of the varsity cheerleading squad my junior and senior years of highschool. I also belonged to a dance company and danced in about 13 recitals, some of which I had solos, duets, or quad routines. SO, what happened to me? I do not know!!! My huge Italian family filled my heart with lots of love, and my stomach with LOTS of food. I learned that when I was sad, food made me feel better - when I was happy, food made me happier - when I was angry, food calmed me - when I was bored, food gave me something to do, etc.. etc.. Same story as many of us on here have ---- I lost control and gave into what soone became my addition: food.

Shortly after moving away from home and beginning college, I put on a good 50-75 lbs. That now made me obese. I was no longer a "little chubby". I was FAT. I still had a lot of confidence in myself, but I was not nearly as active. I played volleyball for the 1st 2 years of college, but then quit to concentrate on my studies and student teaching. I was tired of being the "fat girl" on the team. In college, people were not nearly as kind or accepting as they were in highschool. No one ever ridiculed me to my face... I was the funny girl - everyone's friend - someone people could always talk to, etc.. etc.. But I know people talked about me behind my back and strangers would sometimes stare rudely. My roommates would date incessantly - a different guy each weekend, etc.. etc.. I would date - but not nearly as frequently. (and yes, some odd balls!) Most of my relationships were more long-term (which some would think is preferable) but I almost wished to have that fun-free dating lifestyle, but never did. I think part of that was just hanging on for dear life to someone, in case it ended and I would have no one... The "better than nothing" attitude, I suppose. Yeh, I settled. It doesn't feel good to look back at that. Anyway, as time went on, I became more and more aware of my body not looking the way I wanted it to and less and less confident with people in all situations.

Throughout these years of being to the point of "obesity". (I think that is such an ugly word to choke out --- ugh!) I joined and quit weight watchers countless times. I had a lot of success at different diets, then turned around and went back to my old bad habits and gained whatever I lost back and then some. I tried meridia, stacker, and other diet pills, I joined gyms, I did the cabbage soup diet (ick), grapefruit diet, south beach diet, slimfast, joined nutra-system, bought 325 exercise tapes, made twenty-some new year's resolutions, started and stopped a million exercise regiments, and sooooooooooooooooooo many other things!!!!!

Then 2005 rolled along. I heard about the lapband system. For one year I researched and researched and researched. I looked up all the information I could get my hands on, I went to a couple different seminars at different doctor's offices. By 2006, I made up my mind - I wanted to do it. I started the process and began the Comprehensive Obesity Management Program at GBMC. I saw a therepist once a month for 6 months, met with a nutritionist once a month for 6 months, and went up and down with my weight during that time as I anxiously awaited being approved for surgery.

I believe it was around October that I got the news that I was approved and scheduled surgery for Dec. 21st - the day my Christmas break began from school. I continued therapy (trying to find the root of my eating addiction, which I never did, btw) and seeing the nutritionist to "learn" how to eat like a thin person.

GETTING BANDED:
The night before my surgery day, my father and aunt surprised Vinny and I with a visit! It was so nice to have more support on such a nerve racking night!!!! The next morning we were up BRIGHT and early... We arrived at the hospital around 5 am and was nervous as hell. I even got my address wrong in talking with the hospital admittance people... geesh!
After changing into my lovely gown, shower cap, and booties, the nurse came in to ask me a battery of questions, weigh me - UGH - I weighed in at 310.5. Official beginning band weight. And the rest was a blur. I was in and out of surgery, recovery, etc.. etc.. all before 5 pm - and was home by 6. Crazy!!!! And I am thankful that I did not have any nausia!!

In the following months, I ran into a few bumps. My first fill was a nightmare (do find that thread - it's a good read!!!) my second wasn't too much better. Then on my third we found out that my port had tilted and become unaccessable. I needed to schedule surgery to restitch it back to muscle wall where it belonged. Now, it is what they call a shallow port - you can feel it without applying that much pressure to my skin. While they were in there, they gave me a couple more cc's. I still did not reach this thing they call "restriction". So I had another fill and for the first time, no drama. The saline went in fine! :) This is the fill that gave me restriction for a short while... but soon that went away as well. I went to the doc on my 6 month check up and complained that the restriction I felt was now gone away. He said he did not want to give me any more fill bc he did not want me to be over-filled. He said to give it sometime that it can be a delayed restriction............... whatever. I have NOT developed a wonderful relationship with my surgeon the way some on here have.

["Just Jess"]

CURRENT DAY:
At my 8 month check up, I still had the same complaint and was losing VERY little, if anything, each week. He decided he wanted to prescribe me an appetite supressant to compliment my band. This was a little over a week ago. I've been taking this now for exactly one week. For the first time since the very beginning banded stage, I am not hungry. I lose interest in what I am eating half way through and do not feel the need to snack AT ALL. The only side-effect I have is cotton mouth, which turns out to be a blessing in disguise, bc I've been doing MUCH better with my required water intake! :)

Right now, at this very moment, I am less than a pound away from being 40 lbs. off since my banding. 8.5 months in and 40lbs. off. I suppose that is nothing to complain about - but what a long weary road it's been at times!!!!!! I am not complaining, bc had I not had the band, I very well might be 40lbs. heavier than I was ---- So, it sure has been a blessing. I am just a "turtle" as they say!!! :)

HOPES FOR THE FUTURE:
I hope to lose 70 lbs. before my wedding. That will put me under 200lbs. More than any specific goal number, I want to be healthy and happy with who I see looking back at me in the mirror. But talking numbers, I think that will be somewhere in the 160's...........

As it says in the title of this thread ----- I am along on this journey of finding Jessica. I know she is in here somewhere DYING to be seen! Hopefully sooner than later the outer exterior that hides her will melt away and she will be seen!

Much love to all my bandster friends. I have made such incredible friendships along the way. I am indebted to you all!!! :) :) :)

I will post pictures next!

Hugs, :love:
Jess

["Just Jess"]

"BEFORE" pictures...

1 - June 2006 at a faculty party --- really exemplifies my double (triple?) chin
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2 - July 2006 with my colleagues --- I look so swollen! ick! (I'm second in from left)
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3 - Vinny and I in the Bahamas - October 2006
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4 - Drinking beers with a girlfriend... probably one too many of these in my past!
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5 - My "last supper" - Thanksgiving 2006 (note the back fat???)
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["Just Jess"]

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE "BEFORE" PICTURES:

1 - In Aruba - December 2006 - so happy my man loves me the way I am
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2 - Thought this was funny to share - this is the day after my surgery. (Dec.22, 2006) Vinny and I had our "private" Christmas before going home to join our families. Note the Isopure "shot glass" I was sipping from - trying to finish one every 30 minutes all day long! hahaha ((by the way, he got me a GPS system for my car bc i'm forever getting lost!))
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3 - Christmas morning 2006 (5 days after surgery) with my sisters.
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4 - Hugging my pillow in the car on Christmas day... the only way I could ride in comfort without my insides hurting!
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5 - Vinny and I on Christmas evening...
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["Just Jess"]

Here are surgery day pics...
ready to go in my pre-surgery suite, dressed in my lovely gown, slippers, and cap.
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with my aunt, who was trying to help me stop choking myself with the double gown thing...
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my scars the morning after surgery (before I could shower and get the gross yellow stains off my skin!!!)....
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["Just Jess"]

PROGRESS PICS...........

before pics taken dec. 2006
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two-week progress overlay ..................................... three-month progress overlay
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["Just Jess"]

these are the most recent (no overlay done yet)....................

August 2007 (7 months out)

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and then side-by-side sideways shots from before to current.................

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[Tricia K.]

*mwah* You're so cute, Jess. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. And, I'm sooo glad that you're not feeling hungry anymore. I just wish your doctor would give you another fill so that you can truly utilize this tool. :hug:

["Just Jess"]

thanks, tricia!!!! :) you're one of my biggest heros and inspire me so much! i wanted to start documenting progress here and have a place to note little tid-bits and what not. ;)

thanks for stopping by!!!

:love:
love ya, jess

[Tricia K.]

You're welcome, sweetie. Love ya too! :love:

[stac1982]

Thank you so much for sharing so personally with us! You are beautiful inside and out! Your sweet spirit fills this board always. I hope you do find Jessica, we all see you and how wonderful you have done. Your new pics are great. Just keep up the hard work. You did wonderful this week and next week will be just as great!

["Just Jess"]

thanks so much stacey!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)

[Maryanne]

Jess- What a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing with us. You are doing such an amazing job! I am very proud of you!! I love your pics! Great job with the overlay. You'll have to teach me how to do that! Congrats girlfriend!!!

[DebbieChoos]

Jess

As usual your posts makes me smile! Don't you worry about finding Jessica, she's been here the whole time!! Not everyone takes the superhighway to weightloss, some take the meandering country road. It really doesn't matter, both roads get to the same destination. As I have said before this is not a race, you are losing and getting healthier in the process!

Like Trish I wish that your Dr could get you to that proper fill level so that you can utilize your lap band as the tool it really is. What appetite suppressant did he prescribe, Phentermine or Phendimetrazine? I have had great success with the Phendimetrazine, it really helped me to get rid of my dam stubborn 30 pounds. But remember I am not banded (can't believe you didn't remember that, you need to brush up on your b2g trivia!!) lol

Keep up the great work, love the photos!!

Debbie

[lil'bitty]

Jess, I can sooooooo see the loss and congrats as cross the threshold to 40lbs lost! I thought of you all day as I steered clear of the bad foods! You are inspiring me! I have to be the second hottest woman at your wedding! I leave #1 hottie up to the girl wearing the big white dress!!!

Love ya!

[chrispygal]

Jess, I see so much of a difference between your before and current pic. 40lbs is nothing to turn your nose up at and when you look at those pics you can see what a big difference it makes. You are doing great, and I love your story! And, I know I say this every time, but Vinny just seems like the cutest and nicest guy on the planet. You can just SEE how much he loves you. awww...

[Beddyband]

:sun_smiley::sun_smiley:you rock!

[Will]

I think Stacy hit it right on the head when she said, sweet spirit. That's exactly what I get from you. You seem warm, smart, funny and so adorable. I'm cheering you on girl....ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JDru]

Jess you are such an awesome person!! I know that you journey so far has been frustrating, but you have it so well. I'm so glad you shared your story and your pics! :)

[MoOrLess]

Jess-wow 40 pounds is very noticeable - you truly have transformed your body already!!! with medication and the band you'll be rockin your band all the way to your wedding! Congrats girl!

[A1ikou]

Fabulous posts from a fabulous lady. Thanks for sharing with us and ywah girl it was about time! You are so open and honest, we already know who Jessica is...we just want to see her on the outside as YOU picture her on the inside. You're doing the job great and you'll get there, you'll see.

[kebsa]

AS the toerhs have said, thank you so much for sharing your story up to date, your family life etc sound so positive- its amzing that your parents still feel safe enough in this day and age not to have to lock up like fort Knox! i have great neighbours adn feel really safe but definatley would not go as far as leaving the place unlocked- i thought that was something from past generations- it must be a great community!

Your photos do show a great deal of progress, in some ways i think maybe the slower loss has been an advantage, i think it has allowed your body to reshape better than when we lose quicker- my lose was not visible unitl i lost about 50 pounds! I wonder if you will have less of the flabby loose skin than some of us- maybe i am just trying to see the positive side again but i tink it is a reasonable theory, slower lose = better reshaping.

I am glad that you finally are not having to battle the hungries all the time, that is tough especially when you have this wonderful tool called the band- i was surprised that you were prescribed an appetite supressant, although i have read a post on another board sometime back where a persons surgeon did the same thing. How do you feel about the idea? I guess anything that works is fair game at this stage but i tink i would be a little frsutrated that he would not let you try a bit more of a fill. I would have been abel to accept it better if i had been allowed to try more fill and had run into problems, not sure why really though. iF you were one of the unfortunate ones who swing from no restriction to overtight in a very small amoutn of fill i could understand the medication approcah more - and infact i wonder why it is not used more for those people. I have tried the medication route in the past pre band adn found it made no difference accept that wonderful cotton mouth and slight mood changes- in hindsight it was probably a good thing as the one i was on was the one that was taken off the market ( forgotten the name right now). Enjoy the success Jess, it has been a long hard road for you and i have said before that the band is just one tool in the tool box, most of us have a variety of tools to use and if medication is one of yours and it works without causing you problems, its can't be bad!

[HeatherGurl]

What an awesome journey!!!
You are a beautiful person and we are all so very proud of you. 40 pounds lost, is a great achievement...especially with all the mess with your port and all girl! You have done a great job!
I am also not happy that your Dr. won't give you more of a fill. That is what this band is for... does he know that it is adjustable? :) Just kidding. I am very glad that the appetite suppressant is helping you!
Once again, we are proud of you and you keep that chin up!
Your pictures truly show how far you have come.

[Alicia521]

It is great to read your story. You are a very inspirational bandster. The 40 that you have lost really makes a difference! I know you will make your wedding goal. You will probably beat it! Anyway, it sucks that your doctor won't get you good restriction but I'm glad the suppressant is working for you! I can't wait to see how you do with it!

[SheryBery]

Jess, thanks for posting your journey story. You've always been so uplifting to me and others here. Your 40 lbs. is really showing! You're going to be a beautiful bride!
Thanks for being so open & honest.

[GirlWithIn]

The one thing I admire most about you Jess is that you have never give up in these last 8 months! You have been a real trooper and keep plugging along no matter what has been thrown in your way!

You can tell a big difference in those 40lbs! Keep up the good work honey, you'll make your goal by your wedding!!

["Just Jess"]

* wow!! thank you to EVERYONE who posted!!! :) i felt it was finally time to share my story and start tracking better with some photos. it is SO great to finally feel different in my clothes. who knew it would take almost 40lbs. to feel such a small amount different???? you're all great and i attribute my strength to many many maaaaaaaaaaany bandster friends who help me be strong! :love: i really feel the love!! THANKS!


I love your pics! Great job with the overlay. You'll have to teach me how to do that! Congrats girlfriend!!!
* actually - i did not do that. apparently you can adjust the transparency of one copy and lay it atop the other in photo shop. good luck!!! :)



Like Trish I wish that your Dr could get you to that proper fill level so that you can utilize your lap band as the tool it really is. I have had great success with the Phendimetrazine, it really helped me to get rid of my dam stubborn 30 pounds. But remember I am not banded (can't believe you didn't remember that, you need to brush up on your b2g trivia!!) lol Debbie
* what a fun thread that would be!!!! B2G trivia!!! :) post a question and wait to see who can answer it - then they get to post a question, etc.. etc.. ooooooooooooooooo - i like it!!! :) :) i, too, wish he would just adjust the damn thing and be done with it. but i am not complainging too much - as it is WORKING! yeh!!! :nod:


Jess, I can sooooooo see the loss and congrats as cross the threshold to 40lbs lost! I thought of you all day as I steered clear of the bad foods! You are inspiring me! I have to be the second hottest woman at your wedding! I leave #1 hottie up to the girl wearing the big white dress!!! Love ya!
* watch yourself!!! :eek: no upstaging the bride!


And, I know I say this every time, but Vinny just seems like the cutest and nicest guy on the planet. You can just SEE how much he loves you. awww...
* THANK YOU!!!!!!! :love: we are very much in love. and the best part about it - is he supports me in my efforts, but thinks i'm beautiful the way i am. AND vinny lost over 100 lbs. since we started dating. i forgot to mention that in my journey ---- we joined weight watchers together about 3 years ago. and he was VERY successful. i lost 35 lbs. which i gained back, of course - but he has kept every ounce off! he is SO motivated and disciplined! i admire AND am envious of that!


:sun_smiley::sun_smiley:you rock!
* hehehe - thanks!! YOU TOO!


I think Stacy hit it right on the head when she said, sweet spirit. That's exactly what I get from you. You seem warm, smart, funny and so adorable. I'm cheering you on girl....ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
* i appreciate all the cheerleading! :) :) keep it coming!


Jess you are such an awesome person!! I know that you journey so far has been frustrating, but you have it so well. I'm so glad you shared your story and your pics! :)
* i am glad you enjoyed! thank you for your support!


Jess-wow 40 pounds is very noticeable - you truly have transformed your body already!!! with medication and the band you'll be rockin your band all the way to your wedding! Congrats girl!
* sure hope so!


Fabulous posts from a fabulous lady. Thanks for sharing with us and ywah girl it was about time! You are so open and honest, we already know who Jessica is...we just want to see her on the outside as YOU picture her on the inside. You're doing the job great and you'll get there, you'll see.
* thank you, ali!!!!


i was surprised that you were prescribed an appetite supressant, although i have read a post on another board sometime back where a persons surgeon did the same thing. How do you feel about the idea?
* honestly, i was VERY hesitant bc i've heard the horror stories of people having heart issues or whatever taking appetite supressants. but at this point, i think i am willing to try anything. i did look it up as soon as i got home and it seems that insomnia is the biggest adverse side-effect and i have not had any issues there. just the dry-mouth as i mentioned, but i've been drinking more water, which is a good thing!!!! :) thanks for your concern, karen - you've been one of my biggest supporters thoughout all the ups and downs - i apprecite it mucho!!!!!!!!!! :)



I am also not happy that your Dr. won't give you more of a fill. That is what this band is for... does he know that it is adjustable? :) Just kidding.
* hehehe - apparently not, i should send him a memo!!!


I know you will make your wedding goal. You will probably beat it!
* wouldn't THAT be fantastic!!!!!!


Jess, thanks for posting your journey story. You've always been so uplifting to me and others here. Your 40 lbs. is really showing! You're going to be a beautiful bride!
Thanks for being so open & honest.
* you're very welcome!!! it is the only way i know to be!

[quote=GirlWithIn;89088]The one thing I admire most about you Jess is that you have never give up in these last 8 months! You have been a real trooper and keep plugging along no matter what has been thrown in your way! [quote]
* thanks so much for noticing that!!! i feel like somedays i am such a baby and just whine and whine and whine.............. so i appreciate you noticing that it HAS been tough! :) :) :hugs:

[Natashad]

OK I need to get my 10 pence or cents worth in depending where in the world you are reading this - What a wonderful story. You look amazing. I cant tell you how inspirational and supportive reading all these posts are. Why cant Brits be as lovely as you guys? In fact why are there so few brits on this site? :)

[reblynd]

Jess...loved reading your story, and loved the pictures. I can see the difference. You will be a beautiful bride. Keep up the good work.

["Just Jess"]

thank you to both reblynd and natashad!!! :)

today's update --- as of this evening, i am 0.3 lbs. away from 40lbs. off!!! wooo hoooo!

[CaribnQn]

Jess, I loved reading your story, and it is very inspirational. I know that 40 pounds may not seem like a whole lot in 8 months, but it really is. When I look at your photos I see such a huge difference. Your face, stomach, back and shoulders are sooo much smaller. Jessica doesn't need to be found because she's not lost. Jessica is the beautiful woman that's posing in the pictures. Keep up the good work Jess. You are really doing a good job.

["Just Jess"]

Jessica doesn't need to be found because she's not lost. Jessica is the beautiful woman that's posing in the pictures.


that is so very sweet of you to say!!!!!! :) thank u!

[Telly]

Truly a great and motivating story. You have a great foundation, a very loving family and fiance. That is very important.

I'm glad you shared with us, your journey, past, present and soon...future. I am seeing a major difference in the progression photos and am happy you haven't been discouraged.

I look forward to visiting your journey page weekly:) as I hope to find new updated photos...(weekly!)

["Just Jess"]

so, telly - is that "weekly"?? hehehehe :)

well - today i have to report ABSOLUTELY freaking fabulous news: I HIT 40lbs. OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! :woot:

[CaribnQn]

That's what I'm talking about Jess. I told you that Jessica isn't lost!!!!!

[stac1982]

Congrats Babe!

["Just Jess"]

as per telly's request... and just to share... my sister is getting married on sept.22nd (next weekend) and we had her bachellorette party last weekend in philadelphia last weekend --- loads of fun!!! here are some pics:

the shirts we made for my sister's bachellorette party:
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me, my sister, and friend - missy at my mom's house before we left:
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my sis and i in the car on the way to philly:
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my sister (in white) and her bridesmaids (in black):
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looking "tough" with our "tatoos"... haha
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[Jess_22554]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I can definatly see changes in your pics - you are going to be a stunning bride.

[JDru]

You look so cute in your new pics!! :) And congrats on losing 40 pounds!!

[503-250]

40 Pounds!!!

You are the best!

Remember when you were the angry newbie, now you are 40lbs down and well on your way to being a successful veteran. You're my pal and your successes are mine as well. You are wonderful and I can't wait to see wedding dress pictures (Honeymoon pics as well as long as you keep "HIM" out of the pics...LOL)

With that said, your story touched my heart and must have been both torture and a relief to write out. I wish I could give you the huge hugs you totally deserve.

["Just Jess"]

* caribnqn: she's still not quite "out" - but thank you!!!!!


* thanks, stacey!!!

* thanks for noticing changes, jess!

* thanks again, jess (Jdru) SO excited to hit 40!!!

i love you girls!!! you are absolutely fantastic and such a wonderful source of support and encouragement!! (OH! and motivation to keep on moving!!!!) :) :) :) xoxo


40 Pounds!!! You are the best! Remember when you were the angry newbie, now you are 40lbs down and well on your way to being a successful veteran. You're my pal and your successes are mine as well. You are wonderful and I can't wait to see wedding dress pictures (Honeymoon pics as well as long as you keep "HIM" out of the pics...LOL)
With that said, your story touched my heart and must have been both torture and a relief to write out. I wish I could give you the huge hugs you totally deserve.
* do i remember?????????????? you MUST be kidding!!!!!!!!!!!! hahaha - that was like last week! of course, i remember!!! i feel i spent more of the past 8 months frustrated and angry, than anything else! but you and the other wonderful friends i've made through this site really pulled me along and made me NOT give up. for that, i am indebted to you!!!!!!!!!!!! i remember even bitching to you privately one day about ALL the gripes in my life.................. why isn't the weight coming off better???? why isn't vinny proposing yet???? why is my class completely off the wall this year???? etc... etc... - so thank you for ALWAYS listening to whatever it was i needed to say!!! :)

hope that someday we can exchange that hug - bc i, too, would love to wrap my arms around your ever-shrinking self in appreciation for ALL that you do to be an EXCELLENT bandster friend to me! ;) thank you for your kind words and support - AS ALWAYS! love ya!!!! xo, jess

[deb]

Wow Jess your weight loss really shows in the before and now pictures. It looks like your whole body is much smaller, I see it in your arms, legs, chin and in your waist area.
You should be very proud of yourself after the rough start you had.

["Just Jess"]

thanks deb!!! i appreciate you noticing the differences, they are small - but hey, they are differences!!!!!! :)

it was a "rough start" and "rough keep going" - and i am still not happy with our doctor, however he finally found SOMETHING that is helping me - it's just a shame it isn't the band! hahahaha

oh well - how are you doing there???? ticker looks like it's moving right along!!! is that 65 since banding?! or is that overall?

[deb]

I am doing good Jess, I lost 10 pre-op and 55 since banding. I had restriction from the time of surgery untill July but its all gone now, have been starving. My appointment is oct 17, I hope to get my first fill but who knows.
At the July support group DR. VR talked about the new thing may be to use meds first to lose weight then get banded to keep it off.
You look really good, keep up the good work.

["Just Jess"]

a few more pictures of recent events... these are from my sister's shower, which i planned, so needless to say - was INCREDIBLE!!!! :) we had about 250 women, so we did it at an outdoor grove, and were blessed with the MOST beautiful day august had to offer!!! no humidity, a gorgeous breeze, yet a bright sun-shiny day!!!! :) :) :) we did a luau theme - and everyone, old and young, family or friend, had a blast!!!!

just want to share some of the fun things we did... enjoy!!!


this is a pic of me at our "centerpiece" making party at my house. pardon the deodorant mark in the underarm! hehehe - but we were getting crazy at this point, we had to make 20 of these "towel cakes"..... we sewed the 3 tiers together and straight pinned them to a cake board then added flowers...
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here is what they looked like when we were about half done:
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we did all my grandmother's favorite cookie recipes (she was FAMOUS for her cookies at holidays and weddings) in her honor, as she passed last October and her presense was SO greatly missed. we made cookie favor plates and they went over SOOOOOOOOO well that people were actually caught "stealing" other people's plates if they got up to use the restroom, etc.. haha - it was quite fun. and our family members were SO touched that grandma's presense was felt so strongly with her most beloved cookied in front of each person all afternoon.... (but WHAT a job that was baking and arranging them: this is 2 days before the shower - after a week of baking) here is a tray for the dessert table and the plates before they were covered with cellaphane:
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW - the most fun game we played: "TP bridal designs" where the oldest member at the table had to be "model" and the remaining people were the "designers" and all they got was a roll of toliet paper and their imaginations............. THIS WAS HYSTERICAL!!!!! here is a pic of my sister with her "bow-hat" and the 4 lovely winners of the contest: (winners determined by crowd applause)
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["Just Jess"]

(((am i going crazy now that i have thread all about ME?!)) hehehe

here are some more pics from the shower................

BJ, her bridesmaids, mom, and MIL (to be)
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me and my sister under her welcome sign (catch our typo mistake? whoops!) first "serious" and 2nd how we always are "SILLY!"
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my dear loving family... Tiff (middle sis), dad, BJ (youngest), mom, and me:
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and last, post-shower when the boys came to join us - vinny "lovingly" stares at some left-over treats... hahaha (i sometimes wonder if it was my cooking/baking abilities that REALLY hooked this guy! hehe)
2885


CAN'T WAIT TO POST WEDDING PICS AFTER NEXT WEEKEND!!!!!!!!
AND OF COURSE, MY OWN NOT TOO FAR AFTER THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

["Just Jess"]

I am doing good Jess, I lost 10 pre-op and 55 since banding. I had restriction from the time of surgery untill July but its all gone now, have been starving. My appointment is oct 17, I hope to get my first fill but who knows. At the July support group DR. VR talked about the new thing may be to use meds first to lose weight then get banded to keep it off. You look really good, keep up the good work.

that is FANTASTIC, deb!!!! :) how do you feel about dr.VR's new medication philosophy? honestly, i am nervous with what i'm on now. there are so many success stories - but also some scary ones thrown into the mix!!!! but it's good for me right now, bc it is helping, so i don't want to complain!!! it really does "cure" the hungries!! it is amazing!!! the thing is, so many people get that also with good restriction. but when you bring up "other people" or god-forbid internet support groups --- he goes up on his soap box of 1,901 reasons why you can't compare your journey to anyone elses AND how many people on "these" sites could quite possibly be false and/or uncertain if what they are saying is true. so he says although support is wonderful, be careful what you believe. BUT honestly, i am more apt to come on here than call him if i'd have a problem, you know? horrible that i've come to trust him so little, isn't it?

anyway, i am SO happy to hear you're doing so well!!!! and without any fills! that's fantastic! what size band did he put in for you?

[sueellen64]

I want to be your best friend!! I can tell you're an incredible person, very genuine,and very funny!! I wish you the best, and thank you for sharing your life with us! 5 more days til I get banded, and join the club!

[SheryBery]

Yayy Jess on those 40 lbs!! You're on a roll now, girl....you'll be at goal by your wedding next year! You are quite the party girl/party planner! My parent's 50th wedding anniversary is next year, and they want a luau theme. Wanna come help plan??

["Just Jess"]

I want to be your best friend!! I can tell you're an incredible person, very genuine,and very funny!! I wish you the best, and thank you for sharing your life with us! 5 more days til I get banded, and join the club!
well, good luck TO YOU! i wish you a very uneventful band-day! :) and you're more than able to c'mon and join my circle of friends! there is always room for one more gal! hehe ;)


Yayy Jess on those 40 lbs!! You're on a roll now, girl....you'll be at goal by your wedding next year! You are quite the party girl/party planner! My parent's 50th wedding anniversary is next year, and they want a luau theme. Wanna come help plan??
oh, i do think "party-planner" must be my 2nd calling! when i retire from teaching, i may seriously consider it! :) hehe -- regarding your luau theme, it's FUN and EASY! go to www.orientaltrading.com (http://www.orientaltrading.com) that is where we got a lot of our "props" and such! cheap, cheap, cheap, and super nice! :)

[kebsa]

QUOTE_"You are the best!

Remember when you were the angry newbie, now you are 40lbs down and well on your way to being a successful veteran. You're my pal and your successes are mine as well. You are wonderful and I can't wait to see wedding dress pictures (Honeymoon pics as well as long as you keep "HIM" out of the pics...LOL)

With that said, your story touched my heart and must have been both torture and a relief to write out. I wish I could give you the huge hugs you totally deserve."

AWW JESS, Isn't Bear jsut a big ol softie!!!!!!!

I am glad that the appettite suppressants are helping you and i know you have said that you are a little concerned- the ones that are on the market at present are not the ones that were implicated in cardiac problems eg heart valve damage etc- that was phen phen, the combination of 2 different drugs, it was a very potent adn therefore very popular option but was pulled off the market as soon as the problems became apparent- it was very small numbers of people that were affected too. I would not stress too much over the saftey of the medications currently in use- its just frustrating that it seems like you are not being allowed to use the band to full extent but as long as you are winning, what ever path you have to take is the right path! does that make sense??!! I would fidn your surgeons attitude a little patronizing, i get very frustrated by medical professionals who believe that only they have the truth and that is almost what he is saying, "don't trust your band buddies or what your read etc only believe me" i find that a bit tough- no one says that b2g community are experts that have all the answeres but there is a lot of personal experience here and i don't tink we can all be psychopaths who are out to lead you astray for fun- his is a strange attitude isn't it. I have a technically very good surgeon, but like yours, he has a patronizing attitude towards his patients, it caused me alot frustration adn heartache at one point. we get on better now but that isonly because i am being a"good girl"now and losing weight- he doesn't put much faith in peer support either but, i have said it before, i honestly believe that is is the icing on the cake that makes everything work properly. even knowing that i was not theonly person having difficulty made so much of a difference- if i listened to my surgeon, the procedure was absolutely fool proof so if i wasn't lsoing weight it was my fault and i was a naughty little bandster! having a bunch like the guys here to come back to was essential to get through that really negative message! I am just so glad that at the moment you sound as though you feel confident, in control, happy and really determined that you are on the right path- just be careful that we naughty bandsters don't lead you astray now Jess!

the photos from your sisters do look like real fun and i can easily see the family resemblence between you two. As for the overlays/morping you are right about how its done, it is easy but if you want some more done i am happy to have a go for you. I use photoshop but any phot editor that lets you work with layers will do it. you just put the new photo over the old one as a second layer then you make the top layer partly see through adn then merge the layers together- as long as the photos are the same size it is really quick, if the photos are diff sizes it takes a bit more fiddling. "gimp" is a free downlaodable programe that will let you do this too

["Just Jess"]

hey karen - sorry i did not notice that there was a new message on this thread (whoops - forgot to subscribe to my own stinkin' journey thread... can you say: "doh!" hahaha)

anyway, thanks for your words of encouragement ALWAYS! you're so fantastic! really!!!!!! you are just the world's BEST cheerleader! love you so!!! :love: thanks again for always making me smile!


update on where i've been hiding all week, my sister's wedding was this past saturday. i went home (northeast PA) on wednesday and have been NON-STOP running around like a crazy person doing all these errands with my sis. ((i will be MUCH more organized that she was, for the record! hehe)) anyway, i nearly did not believe it myself when i did the good ole' subtraction.................... I LOST SIX POUNDS THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i do not think i lost that much since liquids in the post-op phase! CRAZY! i said over on the L3 thread that I should be a wedding planner if it keeps me running around like that everyday! hahaha :) :) i would be SKINNY in no time! haha

the wedding was WONDERFUL! my sister was GORGEOUS! and you would not believe how incredibly calm, cool, and collected she was!!!! truly, myself and some of her bridal party were more nervous and jittery than she was! it was nuts! but anyway, the wedding was perfect and the reception was LOADS OF FUN! my family is crazy and fortunately his blended well! we danced our asses off all night (i even taught vinny the "pennsylvannia polka" which was a RIOT!!!

i will post pics in a little bit!!! thanks to all those who sent their well-wishes!!! you guys are TRULY the best!!!

xo, jess

["Just Jess"]

OK ---- first I have some pics from the rehersal dinner (Vinny was our "videographer" for the actual rehearsal, do I don't have any hard copy pics from the church --- these are all from afterwards, you know -- the fun part! hehe)

Vinny and I at the rehersal dinner...
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This is my youngest sister BJ and my now brother-in-law (wow!) Bryan...
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The bride with her attendants the night before the "big day"...
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My family's table... on the left: dad, mom, aunt becky -- on the right: grandpa and his lady-friend, val, vinny, me...
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The bridesmaids and groomsmen having some fun at the rehersal dinner...
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["Just Jess"]

here are pics from the wedding day (can't wait to see the professional ones, but these are the ones we have now)................

This is after we all got our hair done - my sister, Tiffany (middle sis), me, BJ (the "sexy little bride") and of course, mom:
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The bride, maids, and mom acting silly in the limo:
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After I entered my pew at the church:
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Vinny and I tearing up the dance floor:
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Sisterly love --- Tiffany, BJ, and Jess:
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["Just Jess"]

8 months post-op................. FINALLY starting to notice BIG differences!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1st pic: December, 2006 ------------------ 2nd pic: September, 2007
2920 2919

In looking at these photos from the previous weekend's festivities... I can hardly believe how much thinner my face looks, even to MYSELF! And I know I still have a double (triple?) chin and SO MUCH more to go.... It's just SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO nice having these NSV's pop up along the way! :)

[Tricia K.]

Aww Jess...you're beautiful!!








































Your sister's not bad either! :biggrin1:

["Just Jess"]

haha - thanks tricia!!! :) she's in st.lucia honeymooning right now -- i'm so very jealous!

[Shellster]

Before I even scrolled down to the before and current face pics I was thinking...oh my GOD! Look at her face! I can tell such a big difference in your face and neck! You were always beautiful, but your eyes are sparkling now! I hope you are as proud of yourself as I am of you....GREAT JOB!

["Just Jess"]

i am starting to feel more proud, shelley!!! it's been such a long journey and to finally feel the success i was hoping to feel MONTHS ago is SUCH a huge blessing. i needed this jolt in a BIG BAD WAY! my own wedding coming up next year, i just want to look as good as i feel.... thanks so much for you comments!!! :)

[chrispygal]

Jess before you even posted the side-by-side pics of your face, I thought to myself wow - I see a big difference in her face. You go girl!!! I'm so happy that the scale is moving for you!!

[chrispygal]

Ok, how funny is that my post is almost identical to Shellster's? lol.

[stac1982]

You look wonderful Jess. I am so happy for you to be on track! I love that you are succeeding!!!

["Just Jess"]

haha - great minds think alike, as they say!!!! and we sure do have some GREAT MINDS here at B2G!! :) :) :)

thanks, chrispy! and to you as well, stacey! :love: i feel the love!!!

[MoOrLess]

Jess...your sister looked beautiful as the bride! but I had to comment on the obviously "in love" fiance you have -- you can see the stars in his eyes when he looks at you - in every picture it was about his love for you - not hamming it up for the camera - you are blessed girl! I'm so happy the scales are moving for you and things are moving along - you will indeed be a beautiful bride come 8/8/08!!!

[JDru]

Jess you look AWESOME!! You have changed so much since your surgery and I know you've gone through some tremendous personal growth as well. I can't wait to see you in your wedding dress as the sexy little bride!! :)

[A1ikou]

Ahh Jess the pics are lovely and the side by side pics of your face are awesome. You are positively shrinking away. Takes us a while to see the differences but when they become apparant 'even to us' it is wonderful!

[kebsa]

Jess I am so pleased that things are finally working for you, you look great, and sound so happy and upbeat at the moment- its really good to see! as for being a wedding planner, WOW, talk about stress to help with weightloss- rather you than for that one, i am all for eloping! your photos look great Jess and you really can see the difference, you look great now but i reckong you will be stalker wall material sooner or later- now thats the ultimate nsv!

[Will]

Okkkkkkkkkkk Jess! Vinny might be a TAD in love with you. lol. Super sweet! Congrats on your success girlfriend, keep it up!

[Alicia521]

I'll have to copy Chrispy and Shelley...I kept thinking, man your face is shrinking! Good job!You look amazing.

[SheryBery]

Ah Jess...you SHOULD be proud! You're looking great. Keep it up hon!

[Neal R.]

Great pics Jess. Looked like a great time and you look great. Keep it up :)

["Just Jess"]

mo - thanks so much! but indeed you see more "hamming" than not with him in pics, eh? hehehe - he is so adorable!!! :)

jess - thanks for your sweet comments!!! i cannot wait to try on my first wedding dress!!! (I've been putting that off till the last possible moment!)

ali - shrinking away, huh??? i don't know about that - but it does feel good to finally notice it myself! ;)

karen - thanks so much! but i think it will be a little while before i make "the wall" hahaha

will - a tad? ya think? hehehehe - i might be a "tad" bit in love with him too! hehe

alicia - yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh! thanks!!!!

sherry - thanks again!!!! :heh:
neal - thanks for your comments!!! :sun_smiley:

["Just Jess"]

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!


AS MY TICKER INDICATES... I HAVE LESS THAN 100lbs. TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is huge to me!
My goal seems so much more attainable now! And I'm creeping closer to that *50* lbs. off mark

more and more each day!

What a great birthday present to myself this morning! I'm 29 today - and FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEARS I have less than 100 lbs. to lose to be an "average" weight!


:) :) :) so excited this morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! had to share! :) :) :)

[deb]

Congrats Jess on the weight loss and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

[SheryBery]

Yayyy Jess!! I'm so glad things are going better for you. Makes it all worthwhile, doesn't it??

[Pamla]

Love your new journal Jessica! You are doing a wonderful joy!

[JDru]

Congrats Jess...you have acheived so much this past year. Keep up the good work! :)

[MoOrLess]

Jess - belated happy birthday! I hope it was an awesome one -- what a wonderful way to celebrate your LIFE...you're losing weight left and right -- flaunt it girl!

["Just Jess"]

Congrats Jess on the weight loss and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
thanks and thanks!! :)


Yayyy Jess!! I'm so glad things are going better for you. Makes it all worthwhile, doesn't it??
it REALLY does!!!!!! :heh:


Love your new journal Jessica! You are doing a wonderful joy!
thanks, pam!!!


Congrats Jess...you have acheived so much this past year. Keep up the good work! :)
i really have - it's good to actually FINALLY see that!!!!! it's been a pretty bumpy road!


Jess - belated happy birthday! I hope it was an awesome one -- what a wonderful way to celebrate your LIFE...you're losing weight left and right -- flaunt it girl!
thanks!!! :) i'll start flaunting in a few more pounds (like 50 more)! hehe

[mizfish]

Jess,
you are amazing! You are doing soooooooooooo well!! 48.3 pounds!! Way to go. I loved reading your story and then loved seeing all of the pictures of you and your family, the fun that you had during the parties, the wedding and your before and after side by side face photos. WOW! you can see such a huge difference in your side by side shots and your face shot. You are going to make it and then some by your wedding, I know that you are! I was so touched by how you included your grandmother at the shower. She would be so proud. As I type this, I have tears in my eyes. I lost my gramma back in January and she too was the family cookie maker! What a great idea! gramma's are the best! You keep up the great work. you have an awesome spirit and truly seem to be a wonderful person. Vinny is very lucky to have you!!

[Telly]

Wow Jess, I loved all of your pictures, read every single caption too. You look alot like your mom and your dad looks so young. Your sister was a beautiful bride (you guys look alot alike). You and your honey look soo happy together. I love seeing that. I love seeing pictures of people having fun. And wow! 6lbs in 1 week is awesome
1

I have to say Jess, you look amazing. You've done a fantastic job at losing weight, not giving up and keeping the scales moving in the right direction. I've noticed that you aren't the type to give up and I'm so proud of you. You are a great role model on this board and for me.

The before and current pics of you shows the proof is in the pudding.

["Just Jess"]

Jess,
you are amazing! You are doing soooooooooooo well!! 48.3 pounds!! Way to go. I loved reading your story and then loved seeing all of the pictures of you and your family, the fun that you had during the parties, the wedding and your before and after side by side face photos. WOW! you can see such a huge difference in your side by side shots and your face shot. You are going to make it and then some by your wedding, I know that you are! I was so touched by how you included your grandmother at the shower. She would be so proud. As I type this, I have tears in my eyes. I lost my gramma back in January and she too was the family cookie maker! What a great idea! gramma's are the best! You keep up the great work. you have an awesome spirit and truly seem to be a wonderful person. Vinny is very lucky to have you!!

mizfish --- THANK YOU for your words!!!! my family is so very close to one another and the loss of my grandmother was felt so much harder than i could ever express in words. i don't know if i shared anything about that situation on here or not... but i've been thinking about her A LOT lately... so here it goes:

my grandmother had a stroke one year ago, columbus day weekend. i will never forget when, bc we happened to be on vacation at the time (atlantis in the bahamas) vinny always brings his laptop with him everywhere we go in case a work emergency popped up that he had to handle. well........... long story longer ---- we got the miami herold newspaper each day outside our room. one day on the front cover was a story about an power plant explosion that occured in cary north carolina. well, my dad was currently working right near there --- the artile said there were many people who took sick due to the fumes, etc. and some fatilities. so you can imagine how nervous i got! :( i immediately booted up the computer and tried to contact my family to see if that was a weekend dad was working or home (safe) in PA. well, i got my sister's away message on her AIM account. the away message said "please say a prayer for my grandmother... be back when i return from taking dad to the airport" ok - step 1 - dad is safe. step 2 -- why are we praying for my grandmother???/ and step 3 - where is my dad FLYING to???????????? so now i'm FREAKING OUT even worse. i decide to turn on my cell phone, which i NEVER do when we're out of the country... and called home. mom hestitantly explained to me that grandma had a stroke and dad was flying to AZ to be with her in the hospital (he is one of 2 brothers, and my uncle lives in AZ). the rest of my day, needless to say, was for all intensive purposes, over. i was miserable and broke into tears everytime i thought about my grandma - who was one of my BEST friends............ the next morning we left for the airport - when we arrived in atlanta (where we were suppose to switch planes to get home) i turn on my cell phone again. i have a message from home that says to call immediately. i call. so scared of what i would hear. mom explained that grandma took a turn for the worse and due to her living will, there was little they could do to sustain her --- as per her wishes (she'd always been VERY clear that she would never be "hooked to a machine" to breathe, eat, etc.. etc..) so she said to get to AZ as soon as possible, as they were moving her from ICU to hospice care. i hung up the phone - explained the situation to vinny, then we went over to the delta counter to change my flight home to AZ. we all arrived there a few hours later. it was heartbreaking. we spent the about 4 days there before she passed. every waking moment spent in that hospice room praying, crying, sharing stories, holding her hand, doing all we could to assure her that we loved her and she would never be alone - not for one minute. we played her favorite music and at times even shared funny memories and laughed together. it was the HARDEST "event" i have EVER had to deal with thus far in my life........ and the LONGEST week i've ever endured. 4 days after her "last rights" had been read and they told us with heavy hearts that "she could go at any moment" she finally let go. we were all there in the room. my dad, mom, sisters, uncle, aunt, vinny, and myself......................... my god - this is so hard to even write............

anyway, i guess the reason i am sharing this is YES my family is so insanely close. we are about as tight knit as they get. and any wedding, shower, or anything in the absense of honoring my grandmother would not be heard of.

the way she was honored at the wedding was at a candle-lit table of wedding photos. in the center was bj and bryan's engagement picture. surrounded by photos of my parents wedding photo, his parents wedding photo, then grandma's, great grandparents's and great-great grandparents. it was so very special.

in addition, my mother made bj (and myself, actually - i just got that this weekend) a money pouch, babushka, and hankerchief all from my grandmother's wedding gown. so she was bj's "something old" and will be mine as well. she will be with us forever........................ saying i miss her terribly is SUCH an understatement.

sorry to be gloomy here - but like i said, she's been on my mind and i don't recall ever sharing the story, bc it was so near when i first joined this site last year.

thanks for listening and again, mizfish, thanks for your kind words!! :love:


Wow Jess, I loved all of your pictures, read every single caption too. You look alot like your mom and your dad looks so young. Your sister was a beautiful bride (you guys look alot alike). You and your honey look soo happy together. I love seeing that. I love seeing pictures of people having fun. And wow! 6lbs in 1 week is awesome. I have to say Jess, you look amazing. You've done a fantastic job at losing weight, not giving up and keeping the scales moving in the right direction. I've noticed that you aren't the type to give up and I'm so proud of you. You are a great role model on this board and for me. The before and current pics of you shows the proof is in the pudding.

hey telly --- coming from you this means more to me than you could KNOW!!!!!!! i appreciate your compliments and support! you are fantastic! :) and yes, everyone says my mom, sister and i look alike! and both my parents are so young!!! my mom turns 51 this year and my dad just turned 52 last month. they got married at 20 and had me when my mom was 21. and were done having all 3 of us by 25! how crazy is that?!

thanks again for your support and encouragement!!!!! :)

["Just Jess"]

OK - I know this is a bit off-topic, but how can I hide the fact that this is affecting me DEEPLY.

I'd like to share a few pictures of a woman who has changed my life in more ways than I can count. She was a mentor, a teacher, a guide, one of my biggest supporters, one of my best friends, and ALWAYS there for me and everyone in our family.... this is my grandmother - aka: grandma ree - someone i love so much and miss more than i can express. isn't she beautiful??

In loving memory.................

this is the funeral program that i made:
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here is a picture of gram and my sisters and i from the early 90's:
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a pic that shows her silly side --- with my little sis, bj - the queen of silly:
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a pic from the last family wedding we all attending together:
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the last family portrait we have of all of us:
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that's vinny and my dad in the back row, then aunt margie, bj, GRAM, me, mom, tiff, and my uncle pete.......... all the hameza's in one place! :)

[SheryBery]

Ah Jess...I'm sitting here crying. I lost my grandma to leukemia when I was in the 6th grade....so you can figure out how long ago that was! And I still miss her to this day. When I got married (both times) and had both of my boys, she was the person I missed having there the most. From the time I was about 2 yrs old, I'd spend a month each summer at my grandparents house. She was my best friend growing up. She was the sweetest person and could be so funny, because she had trouble "getting" jokes. She'd laugh hours later at something that had been said earlier!
So I understand you completely, hon. She'll always be with you and I know she's so proud of you.
Thanks for sharing.

["Just Jess"]

thanks for sharing your story as well cheryl........ grandma WAS there at my sister's wedding - i just know it. the same way i know she'll be at mine. :)

[stac1982]

Thanks as always for sharing with us Jess. Your g'ma seems like a very special person. I am very luck to still have mine and one great grand mother with me. It's very wonderful that you have such great memories of her.

[JDru]

Jess thank you so much for sharing your g-ma's story with us. She sounds like such a wonderful person who loved you very much and I know you will always have a little piece of her in your heart. :)

[Jachut]

Wow Jess, you are absolutely glowing. You look so healthy with all that weight gone from your face, you are really very very pretty. I think we can all live with a bit of weight on our posteriors, but when your neck, shoulders and jawline begin to emerge, it does so much for your feelings of being graceful and beautiful, doesnt it?

["Just Jess"]

I Lost 50 Freakin' Pounds!!!!!!!!!
:eyerub::eyerub::eyerub::eyerub::eyerub::eyerub::e yerub::eyerub::eyerub:

omg! I am sooooooooooo excited!

[Shellster]

Congrats! You were a turtle at first, but your soaring now girlie! Good job!

[Tricia K.]

CONGRATULATIONS sweetie!!

["Just Jess"]

shelley and tricia --- thanks so much!!! :) it's been a long time coming!

[AnnDe]

:grats: You have done awesome! :nod:

[mizfish]

:grats::yay2::toot::toot::high5::yourock::clapping 3::yahoo::emotions15:

[chrispygal]

I am sooo happy for you Jess! That is a GREAT milestone! Congrats girlfriend!!!

[JDru]

I knew you would do it this week! You kick ass girl! :)

[Jachut]

Way to go Jess!

[stac1982]

Woooo Whoooo!!! Congrats babe! You deserve it!!!

[SheryBery]

WaHoooo Jess!! No stopping you now!!

[Will]

Jess, you rock!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kebsa]

HI Jess,

I am not usually the kind of person to take pride in saying "told you so" but i take great pleasure in saying it this time- I told you it was only a matter of time befire things started moving_ great stuff! here's a bit of a cheer squad to get you started for the next 50

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yourock::yourock::highfive:: cheer4::cheer4::cheer4::clapping3::clapping3::whoo ::whoo::whoo::grats::grats::yay2::rockon2::joinin: :chain::party0018::target::target::target::party3: :party9::cool_dancer::cool_dancer::cool_dancer:

["Just Jess"]

To chevy girl, mizfish, chrispy, jdru, jachut, stacey, sherybery, will, and karen:

THANK YOU!!!!!!!! :love:
you're all truly FANTASTIC! :) :) :)


Another update: Vinny and I had a mini-vaca this weekend "deep in the heart of Texas"! We stayed on the Riverwalk and it was AWESOME! ((although TOO many restaurants tempting us every step of the way!)) I *think* I did the best I could in this situation, and probably gave in to more bars than food venues, I got on the scale this evening when we got in from the airport, but will not tell what I saw until the morning weigh in, which I will count as "official". I hope you all understand..................

ANYWAY ----------- I had the most FANTASTIC experience while I was in San Antonio! I met my B2G BBFF (that's BANDED best friend forever)!!!! hehehe ---- Terri (aka: Lil' Bitty) and her hubby came out to meet Vinny and I for drinks Saturday night......... OMG! Let me tell you all ---- it was like meeting my long lost love!!!!!!! :love: I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed her so tight! It was the best. Here are 2 pics -- just a teaser -- keep an eye out for a new thread popping up with all our silly pics together. :)

xo, jess

here are Terri and I - moments after laying eyes on one another in person for the first time ever!!!!!!
3104

one happy family! hehe - here are terri and i with our boys!
3105



OK - thread is complete --- check more of us out at: http://www.band2gether.net/showthread.php?p=93596&posted=1#post93596

[Jess_22554]

Jess - CONGRATULATIONS on hitting 50lbs! You are doing an amazing job!

The pics of you and Terri are great! I'm so glad that you guys were able to meet and can't wait for her to join us here on the East Coast.

Keep up the great work, you are such an inspiration!

["Just Jess"]

yeh, can't wait for the jess and terri and jess lunch date! :)

[lil'bitty]

Jess, I am so proud of you!! I told you several times how I could really see your loss now. Your face the most! Looking back at your before pics, OMG, yo look amazing!!!! AND I know that you are going to crush that wedding goal! Can't wait to see you and Vin tie the knot!

[stac1982]

Looks like y'all had a wonderful time. Two shrinking women!

["Just Jess"]

i'm sad... i thought i'd give myself a couple days of "back to a normal schedule" etc.. etc.. and what I gained while away in san antonio for 4 days would just melt off............................... ummm.. not so much.

as my ticker indicates, last week (the day before i left for our mini-vaca) i weighed 259.8 (no more 60's, however so slightly) WELL......... in texas (damn that riverwalk and all that great mexican) i went up to 264 lbs. (well 265 the day we got back, 263.8 this morning) SOOOOOOOOOOOOO, alhough i REFUSE to update my ticker backwards.... i am actually at 47 lbs. off currently, not 50.

:(

i had to come clean................... let's hope that by next week i'm back in that 50lb. club. ((i will say this: since my 30 day trial of the appetite supressant has ended --- which btw, was oct. 2nd)) i've noticed a HUGE difference in the amount of time i THINK about food, nevermind the increased frequency of EATING food. (i now want that 10 am snack that i didn't even think about before and when i say "want" i mean my stomach is GROWLING uncontrolably and i feel sick kind of want) i wish my doc would just give me another fill and maybe this issue would be alleviated.

anyway - needed to state that publically regarding my increase in weight over the long weekend.

[mizfish]

Hey Jess,
That's ok. You will lose that and double! Keep up the great work and don't let it get you down! You're awesome!

["Just Jess"]

thanks cheryl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chrispygal]

Jess girl it happens to all of us. Sometimes I'll lose a pound or two, then later the same week I'll put them back on and they'll stay there for a week or so, then I'll drop even lower. It makes no sense. No need to come "clean" girlfriend. :) BTW - I keep looking at your avatar pic and I cannot get over how thin your face looks!!

["Just Jess"]

thanks chrispy ----- you're just fanastic!

i've lost 2 of the 4 lbs. i put on.......... i just hate that "2 steps forward, 1 step back" thing that happens every now and again..... and i have NO excuse. i had too many margaritas and martinis and a few too many desserts (albeit SHARED) but i still ate them.

ugh!

oh well - i had fun. now i'm sitting here eating my salad and hoping to get back to square one before the end of the weekend!!!!! :) :)

I LOVE YOU, GIRL! thanks always!

["Just Jess"]

Hey Jess,
I know I lived your story with you but got choked up reading it here. I am so very proud of you for what you have done for you! I love you, Mom

["Just Jess"]

awwwwwww... thanks mom!!!

(to everyone else - i sent the link to this thread to my mom - i guess when she posted, my screen name was already signed on - so she replied as "me" --- anyway, that;s not me! that's my mom.........)

mom - this is everybody..
everybody - this is mom..

haha
-----------------------
i just popped on to update everyone that i did GET BACK to my 50lb. off milestone! yeh!!! and today finally left the 260's behind FOREVER! :)

and tomorrow, i go wedding gown shopping! OH LORD! i am not planning on buying anything bc i do not want to run into the issues i had with my dress when my sister got married (they had to take 4 inches off at my LAST alteration... that was on top of several inches they had already taken the dress in) anyway --- i am just going to get ideas bc i really don't have any CLUE what will look good on me.

so think skinny, self-confident thoughts for me! :) i will *maybe* post some pictures at the end of the weekend if all goes well!!!

hugs, jess

[JDru]

Good luck shopping tomorrow Jess!! I'm SO, SO excited for you! :)

[DonHoll1]

Hey Jess, you are doing great!! Way to go . Donna

[Beddyband]

have fun shopping! must be SOOOO exciting to be shopping in smaller sizes! waahooooo!

["Just Jess"]

today went SO well... all my requests to "think thin" must have really worked, bc i felt SO GORGEOUS in each and every dress!!!

here are a few of my favs from the day (not going to tell you which is my ultimate favorite) what i am going to ask is RANK them for me!!!!

TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

all opinions, positive or negative are welcome! :) THANKS!!!

here are your choices:

CHOICE A:
3229

CHOICE B (although the color would be peridot green, like my girls are wearing!):
3230

CHOICE C:
3231

CHOICE D:
3232

CHOICE E:
3233

[SheryBery]

Good God girlie....you look beautiful!! My favs are B....I love the splash of color...and C...I love the halter.
How fun for you, sweetie. Enjoy this time to the fullest!!

[luv2read]

I love C -- LOVE the halter top. It is so becoming on you! You are going to make a beautiful bride! Enjoy every minute of it!!!

["Just Jess"]

thanks cheryl and evelyn!!! appreciate your opinions! :)

[Tricia K.]

My faves, in order of preference, are B & E.

You look beautiful in all of them, but I really do like B the best!! :biggrin1:

[JDru]

B is my favorite...I love the color. Plus you can use that color with vest or ties for the guys too! They are all beautiful, but here's my ranking: B, E, C, A, D. I can't wait to hear which one is your favorite. You look so skinny and pretty!

[Beddyband]

I am the oddball.. I think A and D are the most flattering on you. :)

You look gorgeous and SKINNY in all of them!

[chrispygal]

B & E are my choices. And I agree Jess, they look GREAT on you! You go girl!

[stac1982]

Awwww I love wedding dress shopping. You look great in all of them. I like A, I love the bottom of it. The halter is great too. Congrats on all the planning and success!

["Just Jess"]

thanks for your opinions, tricia, jess, beddy (not an oddball, btw - i'll send you a private message on WHY! :) hehe), and thanks to you too, chrispy and stacey! :)

i don't think i'd use the word "skinny" yet - but thank you SOOOOOOOOOO much for THAT compliment. i'd say that yesterday was a big ole NSV all day! i kept looking at myself in AWE of the waist line i saw in MANY of the dresses. in "reality" my waist measurement is just like an inch less than my hip measurement. i'm an apple (more accurately, an upside down pear --- very top heavy, no ass, no hips) but these dresses REALLY complimented my non-existant figure, by CREATING one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! nuts, right???

anyway, thanks again for all the opinions. i was thinking of starting a poll thread to make it easier to see overall consensus - would you all vote again?

LOVE TO ALL OF MY B2G FRIENDS! you're wonderful! :love: :love:

[Shellster]

Hey Jess! You look fantastic....I love dress A...and the halter style on dress C (I think) also looked very pretty. D is running a neck and neck with the halter. All are very becoming....buy it in a size smaller because you're melting away!

["Just Jess"]

go to my poll and vote for your fav! :)

http://www.band2gether.net/showthread.php?t=5182

["Just Jess"]

Hey Jess! You look fantastic....I love dress A...and the halter style on dress C (I think) also looked very pretty. D is running a neck and neck with the halter. All are very becoming....buy it in a size smaller because you're melting away!

thanks so much shell --- that is actually a LONG conversation i had with both consultants i worked with yesterday... i've lost a little over 50lbs. in a little under a year. i'm hoping to hit the 60lb. mark by my bandiversary (dec.21st) then i hope to lose another 50 by our wedding day (8/8/08) so if i've gone down 3 sizes with the 50 i've already lost. can i safely assume i'll go down another 3, maybe 4 with another 50? if i go with the dress that is my bridesmaids fav and one of my own as well - i have to order it by jan. 1st bc it is custom made. i have NOOOOOOOOOOOO idea what size to order!!!

this is a source of anxiety right now and i was freaking out about it yesterday at several different times.

i'm between a 20 and a 22 in regular clothes right now... most of the dresses i tried on yesterday were 22-24. what do i order???? 18 - then have it altered in?

[EmileeKaye]

A and C are my FAVES! B is pretty, but I have been to two wedding this summer that had that same dress. Its beautiful and being able to add the color is neat, but I like the classic looks of the others.

[Shellster]

Delimmas! I don't know Jess....I would order in a smaller size than you are now for sure....16 or 18? That could be altered down some...geez. What to do? They could probably take those down to a 12/14 if you had to. Plus, remember...formals run a tad smaller than normal dress sizes. It is a pickle! Things will all work out though....you are going to be a beautiful bride..no matter what dress you choose.

["Just Jess"]

i'm a BIG fan of glassics..... but i don't like these kind of pickles!!!

[Shellster]

I love your sense of humor! You're crazy...just like me! When are you coming to Charlotte to see us all!

["Just Jess"]

haha -- wish i could say sooner or later, but i'm saving all my money to afford a wedding gown! hehe!

["Just Jess"]

HEY ALL................... :eyerub:


NSV ALERT!

NSV ALERT!

NSV ALERT!

we were flying to visit our friends in tampa florida this weekend... and on our flight here............... I COULD PUT THE TRAY DOWN!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND I had a little excess to pull on my seatbelt!!!

vinny was cracking up that i was so pleased by these seemingly silly things - but it totally made my day! we're only here in the tampa bay area for the day. we leave tomorrow morning early (SORRY I DID NOT CONTACT ANYONE IN THE AREA... DEB, DON'T KILL ME!!!!!) but we had to come and bless our friends new home, as they've lived here for almost 2 years now and we've yet to make it down. so it's a quick trip.

anyway, just had to share... once upon a time, not so long ago - I almost had to ask for a seatbelt extension. but i never did, i would uncomfortably stuff myself in that seat bc i was too embarrased... well, NO MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

just wanted to share!!! now i've gotta go take a shower and get ready to watch the boys play paintball (is that big down here? they're sure making a big deal about it!)

hehe :)

[DebbieChoos]

DEB, DON'T KILL ME

Sniff, sniff....hmpf. I'm going to sulk in the corner now, once again "chopped liver".....lol You've got great weather here today, high of 77 with lots of sun, enjoy yourselves!! Goes back to corner with my cup of starbucks....

BTW - I don't know anyone who does paintball, but we are in the south so nothing surprises me anymore!! Congrats on the NSV!!

[SheryBery]

Yayyy Jess!! I haven't flown in awhile, but the last few times I've always had to ask for a seat belt extension. Believe me, the next time I fly I don't think I'll have to have one & you'll probably be able to hear me screaming for joy wherever you are!!
BTW....you better hide from Debbie!

[JDru]

That's awesome Jess!! Enjoy the rest of yoru trip! :)

[reblynd]

My vote is A or D....but I really don't see where you could go wrong. You look beautiful in all of them!!!

["Just Jess"]

:( just a note to share... i'm getting my wisdom removed tomorrow morning at 10 am.












teeth that is! ;)

[Blueyz083]

Back to the wedding dresses.. I love A... you look stunning!!! Love the bottom of it! Best of Luck!

["Just Jess"]

OK - My extraction went OK this morning. Turns out I have "bulbous" (sp???) roots which twisted beneath my jaw bone...... OUCH! So, it took about an hour longer than expected. But I am home and feeling fine. I am on pain meds for 48 hours, so I guess we'll see how I REALLY feel on Saturday when I don't have any more pain meds left ((however, I do still have that liquid roxicet from my lanpbaded day!!!!)) ;)

ohhhhhhhhh.. Just thought of this: does removing 2 teeth and a day of liquids and musies equate to a weightloss? we'll see tomorrow... I'll report back!

[Kathy]

Ouch! Weight loss MIGHT make it worth it though...keep us posted, :hug:

["Just Jess"]

thanks kathy!!! i also got 2 days off work out of it..... so overall - not TOO terribly bad. are there any dentists out there? i think the WORST part of that whole procedure was the SOUNDS. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick! the fact that you HEAR your roots ripping or tearing and that popping sound when they cut through - OMG! i wanted to die. the pressure was one thing. and i was numbed up plenty not to feel pain and had laughing gas going for anxiety or whatever - but that sound!!! they HAVE to figure out a way to make you deaf during that procedure and it would be fine. hahaha

:)

and thank you also to kristie for your dress comment above (sorry i missed that before!)

[CaribnQn]

Okay Jess I have been focusing on the dresses and they are all pretty nice but my favorite is "D." Now this is just my opinion so here goes dress A is okay and would be my second choice. Dress B doesn't have or gives you a shape. Dress C makes you look slimmer, but doen't enhance your assets. Dress E is neither here nor there with me. Dress D enhances the boobs, shapes your mid section, and flatters you.

["Just Jess"]

my mom and sisters are coming down this weekend and we're going back to david's on saturday to re-try on the pick-up style dress (choice A) and the halter (choice C), then back to elena's on sunday to try on the last 2 styles (D & E ---- my personal favs)

:) wish me luck!!! i'm hoping the one that made me cry, is the one that will make mom cry! :) :) :) ((cry in a good way, of course!!!!))

[JDru]

I'm glad your wisdom teeth removal went well. I remember mine being painful. Best wishes for a speedy recovery with bonus weight loss. :)

["Just Jess"]

ok, no bonus weight loss!!!!!!!!! isn't taht weird after only eating yogert, half-fat ice cream, and pureed soup yesterday?????????? i thought for sure i'd have a loss... then again, i did have 3 helpings of ice cream throughout the day (the cold in my mouth felt SOOOOOO good and hey, the dentist PRESCRIBED it!). so that could have counteracted the little i ate otherwise. :) oh well. i'm still at the same weight i was at last week. that makes 2 weeks in a row with no loss.......... weird!

[JDru]

maybe it will just take a couple of days to show up... :)

[503-250]

This is why scale whoring is bad...that weight doesn't show up the next morning, it takes days for a change.

Leave that scale in the closet and go out and have some fun.

Post more dress pictures, attack Vinny, make some sugar free pudding and put it into an ice cream maker so you have a frozen yogurt dessert...anything but messing with that evil scale.

[kebsa]

hope you are feeling better post wisdom teeth extraction, i had the smae kind of problem. severly impacted etc and had mine dne some years back, they did one in the chair for me awake but found it so tough the insisted on me having a light anaesthetic forthte other 3- i ams sure he must ave knelt on my chest to get them out as i was brused right down to my collar bone when i woke up- but it did settle quickly though- i did not lose weight from it because i ate things like cold icecream and yoghurt as it was soothing.
congratsu on the flight vicory, i can relate to this victory, i yearn for the day when i can sit in a chair in the cture theaters at university and actually usue the table ftted to the chair- its getting closer but still not possible yet- isn't is strange what victories have an effect on us- i can understanf Vinnies amusement

["Just Jess"]

first of all, your wisdom teeth extraction story sounds HORRIBLE!!!! i had my stitches out yesterday, it turns out i have a bit of "dry socket" which is causing the achy feeling i have (mostly in the morning when i first get up and at night before bed) but the dentist says that will disipate in time.

secondly, it is funny the small things that bring us joy. i agree with the university desk with the little table --- i can't remember the last time i could pull one of those down either!!!!!!

last, do i read correctly!? LESS THAN 10 FREAKING POUNDS AND YOU HIT YOUR 100lb GOAL THIS YEAR?!?!?! THAT'S AWESOME, KAREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :):):):)

["Just Jess"]

ok - thanksgiving 2007 has come and gone........ wow!!!!!

it's funny, bc last year at this time i knew i had less than a month until i would be banded --- so i really struggled with the "last supper syndrome" but it REALLY wasn't that bad at all --- or at all, actually!!!!!! now, i know i do not have the correct restriction as so many of you do have - but i had a full plate! turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and cranberries!!!! i passed on a few other dishes, but i did not feel left out, singled out, or spot lighted on!!!!! i don't know what i was so worried about last year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :)

hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing thanksgiving!!! gobble gobble! here are some pics of me and my fam......... (ya'll know i love pics!!!!)

me and vinny before dinner:
3434

the beautiful cranberry centerpiece i made:
3435

my sister, brother-in-law, and i:
3436

the OLDEST and YOUNGEST of all the first cousins (can you guess which is which?):
3437

the football boys -- vinny, dad, and grandpa:
3438

ps: we do dinner in our livingroom bc there are over 20 of us for dinner --- that is why you see the couches behind the dinner table - which might seem like a bit of odd desgining....... hahaha

[GirlWithIn]

I love seeing your pics, you are looking so good Jess!!

["Just Jess"]

thanks patricia!!!

here is a comparison from last thanksgiving to this one:
34463445

it's so surprising to me to see these changes in my face..... and i can't tell you how nice it feels to say: i'm PRETTY again!!! :) :) :)

[MoOrLess]

Jess...you have always been pretty -- you just feel prettier "inside" now as well as outside :)

[JDru]

Jess you look so pretty!! Your eyes have opened up and I can just tell you look happier. You have gone through soe amazing changes this year!! Just think...but next Thanksgiving you'll already be married! :)

[Shellster]

Jess, love the pics! Everyone looks so happy! Isn't it funny how as we lose we gain a neck and eyes! You're looking good girlie!

[Alicia521]

Hey Jess, where did your chin go? Gone forever! You look fantastic!

[HeatherGurl]

GREAT pictures girl!!! You have always been very pretty... but there is a MAJOR change for the good in your pictures from this year. Love the pictures!

[mizfish]

Hey Jess,
you are looking fantastic! I love seeing all of your pics. The centerpeice was pretty too! So simple and so pretty!

[Neal R.]

Great pics Jess. Looks like you had a great holiday :)

[DebbieChoos]

Great new pictures Jess, you look great!! I'm glad you posted the face comparison pixs - they really show how far you have come!!

[SheryBery]

Nice comparison pics Jess!! You're doing so well!

["Just Jess"]

thanks EVERYONE for all your nice comments!!!!!! it is a nice comparison to remind MYSELF that even though this road seems sooooooooooooooooo very slow - i have made positive changes! WOO HOO! :)

thanks again!

[Tricia K.]

Jess, you have always been pretty. Your comparison photos are great and you're doing such a fantastic job!

["Just Jess"]

DECEMBER 21, 2006 is when i was banded.

DECEMBER 21, 2007 --- a couple days ago --- i am officially down 55.3 lbs.

again, i cannot express how much you all mean to me and make what successes i have had possible!!!!!!!!!!!! yes, i thought last year at this time i'd be looking a year into the future and seeing a me that was 100 lbs. lighter... and yes, i thought i'd be the MODEL bandster... and yes, i thought after going through the extremes of SURGERY my mind would be altered to the point of FINALLY taking ME seriously. but i still struggle EVERY SINGLE STINKIN' DAY to eat right, get my butt moving, STAY POSITIVE, and make good choices.

i hope that even though it may take me longer than it has some of you, that i will eventually find myself at my goal. and to conquer with many of you, i hope that in august of this year - i will look and feel my MOST beautiful ever in that wedding gown that makes me cry happy tears when i think of it. i cannot wait to be married and i cannot express my gratitute in words to my dear fiance, and very best friend, vinny. he has stood by me through everything over the last almost 5 years and loves me FOR ME and that means more than anything. sorry for rambling - but i wish for everyone to find the love that i share with vinny. it truly is unconditional and i could not have even STARTED this band journey had it not been for his support and encouragement. when we met, i weighed about 230 lbs. and he was pushing 300. throughout the first year of our relationship (and MANY MANY dinners out, wonderful trips, etc.. etc..) i topped the scales at around 250.... that is when i started feeling really icky about myself. so decided to join weight watchers together. he lost about 80 lbs. and i lost about 40... THEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN as he continued to lose ((over 100 lbs. total)) i started to resent him and started sabotaging myself and GAINING quickly!!!!!!!!!!! by the end of that year he weighed under 200 lbs. and i weighed more than i did when we started. this of course snowballed into my highest ever weight (310) when i decided to look into bariatric surgery. he supported me - even though he was dumbfounded at my lack of success with counting points, etc. bc he found it so effortless. (((maybe i need to mention here that i am a SNEAK EATER and he had NO idea of the points i was sneaking behind his back and not logging ----------- WHO EXACTLY DID I THINK I WAS CHEATING?!?!?!?!?!?! i will NEVER understand my logic when it comes to eating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!))) anyway, you know the rest and here i am one year later - almost 60 lbs. lighter and THIS TIME i know it's gone forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thank you all so very much for all your support, encouragement, friendship, and the knowledge you've shared with me throughout this journey. i'm very blessed to have a wonderful family of B2G friends.........

:love: love to all!!!

[MrsS]

Jess, You are a blessing to us (me.) I always look forward to your posts because I know they will be positive, funny, charming. Since joining I have felt a bond with many people, you being one of them. I am 18 months out and have lost 62 pounds. Slowly but surely we are making this happen. I can tell by your pics how happy you both are. I can't wait to see you glowing and beautiful on your wedding day. Happy Christmas Girlie!

["Just Jess"]

Thanks, Reese!!!! Yes, we sure do have a lot in common, don't we??

I appreciate all your support - always!! merry christmas to you and yours as well!!!

[JDru]

Jess you know I am so, so proud of you!! You have done well and I'm so very excited to see what the next year will bring you. I know you will a beautiful AND healthy bride! I got a little teary reading about your genuine love for Vinny...you are a lucky girl. :) Love ya!

["Just Jess"]

thanks, jess --- yes, i am a very lucky girl indeed!! love you too! :love:

[SheryBery]

Jess...sorry its taken me so long to respond to your 1 year anniversary! This new job is kicking my butt! But anyhoooo.....good job and congrats!! I know what it feels like to be a year out & not where you thought you'd be. But also realize where you might've been without the band! And your next year is going to be so filled with wonderful things. I'm excited for you! Keep up the hard work!

[GirlWithIn]

Congrats on your first year, and I have no doubt you will meet all your expections and more!!

[stac1982]

What a year you have had Jess! You are wonderful and I know this year will be even better! You (and me) are going to kick some ass this year so you will be the skinniest bride ever!

["Just Jess"]

thanks cheryl, pat, and stacey!!! :) :) :)

["Just Jess"]

picture comparison --- last christmas (2006) to this christmas (2007):

3779 3781
at dinner (mushies last year, to solids this year -- YEH!!!)

3780 3782
at the tree in rockerfeller center (no hats this year)


thank god, i lost some of that chin............ although there is much more to go!!!!!!!!! :)

[MrsS]

What a beautiful couple. Jess, your avatar is gorgeous, too. I love to see that confident smile!

[shubedo]

Wow, Jess! Last year you looked like a sweet young lady. This year you look like a sophisticated woman! GREAT GREAT JOB!!!

[503-250]

Rock Center?

So...you were in my city?
Nice....don't call, don't write...I promised I wouldn't attack you in front of Vinny.

hrmpph

[JDru]

Jess I can tell a big difference from last year! I'm so jealous you got to go to NY at Christmas time...

[Neal R.]

Hey Jess, sorry I missed your one year. Time flies, huh? I know you've had some frustration, but I admire how you've kept plugging along and you really are doing better that you give yourself credit for! Congrats on a great 2007 :)

["Just Jess"]

Rock Center? So...you were in my city? Nice....don't call, don't write...I promised I wouldn't attack you in front of Vinny. hrmpph

why didn't i know you live there???? vin's family is in bayonne. where are you? we're there ALL the time - i'd LOVE to meet you!!!!!!!!!!!! i think we're headed back MLK day to the diamond place to look at bands.. i'll let you know! :) :)


Hey Jess, sorry I missed your one year. Time flies, huh? I know you've had some frustration, but I admire how you've kept plugging along and you really are doing better that you give yourself credit for! Congrats on a great 2007 :)

thank you for saying that, neal. i really appreciate it (although don't know if i fully BELIEVE it) it's been such a hard journey. and i thought getting this band would FINALLY make me successful at this thing - but as i don't need to say to you, or anyone else on this board, it NEVER gets easy. we're fooling ourselves thinking that ANYTHING is going to come along and make it easier. don't get me wrong, i am VERY PLEASED with my progress thus far. just unhappy it is so much less than what i had anticipated last year at this time............... sorry to be negative - but again, i appreciate your support so very much!

--------------------------

:love: to everyone else --- thanks again for all the lovely compliments! you guys are awesome and i love each and everyone of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :love:

[mizfish]

Jess,
I loved your comparison pics at Rockefellar Center! You guys are toooooo cute! You have done wonderful and have a lot to be proud of! Congrats on your 1 year bandaversary! (Sorry so late on the response, I kind of just returned to the board after a very busy couple of weeks!) You and Vinny look like you have a blast together! That is a fantastic start!!!!! Keep up the good work girl!!!

[Jess_22554]

Jess you look great! You and Vinny are such a cute couple. You have done an amazing job and Neal's right, you're doing better than you give yourself credit for. Keep up the good work!

["Just Jess"]

cheryl and jess -- thanks so much. i appreciate all your support and well-wishes! :) this board keeps me going, i swear! people don't give these support groups online enough credit. i just love you people!!!! :love:

[CaribnQn]

Jess you have done so well. I know how hard you have struggled but it is paying off. I see such a huge difference in your pictures from last year to this year. I too was in New York for Christmas and had a pretty good time. I celebrated the New Year there as well, and came home last night. Keep up the great work, and don't you worry you are going to be one BEAUTIFUL bride.

["Just Jess"]

HAD TO SHARE:


This morning I weighed in at 250! That puts my total loss to date at -60.5 lbs!!!


WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
:clapping3::yahoo::party2: :clapping3::yahoo::party2: :clapping3::yahoo::party2:

:woot:

[Maryanne]

You go girl!! WOOOHOOO!!!
So happy and proud of you!!!
<<Hugs>>

[Alicia521]

Yay Jess! You are doing so well!

[JDru]

Awesome!!! I'm so proud of you Jess! :)

[Beddyband]

OMG.. you are melting.... ! WAY TO GO!

[MoOrLess]

Great job Jess - see you were struggling with getting to that -50 goal and now look at you go! I'm thrilled for you girl!

["Just Jess"]

thanks everyone!!! :)

[shubedo]

YEAH!!!!! HAPPY DANCE!!!! Keep it up and when you turn sideways in that wedding gown you will disappear!

["Just Jess"]

hahaha -- that might be just a TINY bit overstated, eh?

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[shubedo]

Yeah...you're right...cause you are gonna ROCK that dress with some DANGEROUS curves! You are gonna make those stick women GREEN!

[chrispygal]

Yeahhhhh Jess! You've worked so hard to get here. Congrats!! :)

[CaribnQn]

Congratulations Jess.

["Just Jess"]

thanks! :party2: thanks! :party2: thanks! :party2:

[SheryBery]

Yahooo Jess!!! You've worked so damn hard and it's great to see that fickle scale moving! What a beautiful bride you're going to be!

[kebsa]

JESS, I am so pleased and proud for you! you must be feeling so good about this, i know it has seemd like a struggle at times but you are a getting great results- way to go!!

["Just Jess"]

thanks, cheryl --- and WONDERFUL to hear from you, karen!!! i've missed you! thanks to you as well! :)

[kebsa]

Nice to be missed Jess, i am finally out from hospital again and hope that i can stay out now and that i do not need any more carb craving inducers (mega high dose steroids)= i have missed you all and am now truing to catch up on on the gossip

["Just Jess"]

:) hehehe --- glad to hear you're back in high spirits, karen!!!!!!!!!!! you'd never go un-missed around these parts! NO WORRIES!

xo, jess

["Just Jess"]

here are photo updates of my progress pics as well! ((i know i did so much better at the beginning with taking once monthly photos --- now there are giant gaps in my months --- but you still get the same idea!!))

these first few are Dec. 2006 to Jan. 2008 comparisons:
http://band2gether.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=3871&d=1200765511http://band2gether.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=3872&d=1200765528
http://band2gether.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=3873&d=1200765538http://band2gether.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=3874&d=1200765551

and here is my overall progress picture:
http://band2gether.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=3875&d=1200765563

[MoOrLess]

like I said in the before/during thread - wow and double wow! Rock on girl!

[shubedo]

Very VERY impressive! I'm sure you look at those pics in awe...and a little smirk on your face for proving to yourself that you CAN do it!

[stac1982]

You are doing so wonderful Jess. I can tell such amazing differences.

[MrsS]

I am soooo jealous of your legs!

[Shellster]

I posted on the other thread too..but, you are looking good! Great job!!!

[godloveshope2]

Wow you look great jess. Be proud of yourself you have worked hard. Keep on movin on!!!!

["Just Jess"]

like I said in the before/during thread - wow and double wow! Rock on girl! *** thanks, girlfriend!!! i'm rocking right along side ya!


Very VERY impressive! I'm sure you look at those pics in awe...and a little smirk on your face for proving to yourself that you CAN do it!*** smirk? who? ME?! naaaaaaaaah... haha


You are doing so wonderful Jess. I can tell such amazing differences.*** thanks so much, stacey!!!


I am soooo jealous of your legs! *** WHY?! hahaha


I posted on the other thread too..but, you are looking good! Great job!!! *** thanks, shell! as always, you've been such a big supporter to me! :) i appreciate it.


Wow you look great jess. Be proud of yourself you have worked hard. Keep on movin on!!!!*** for once, i can honestly say, I AM! :) thanks!!!

[LynseyBcat]

I loved reading your journey, It sounds a lot like mine is starting out. Thanks, and keep us posted!

["Just Jess"]

hey lynsey, i am glad you enjoy reading my "saga" hahaha

if ever you want to chat - PM me!

it looks like you're off to a great start!!!!! almost hitting the big 3-0 soon!!! don't those decades feel great???? ;)

[Jess_22554]

Jess you look amazing! Congratulations on your success!

[503-250]

sheesh...I passed on the secrets of beating the angry newbie stage and you respond by stealing all my weightloss....LOL

You are amazing girl...you're poor wedding dress seamstress is going to have carpal tunnel from constantly taking in your dress.

["Just Jess"]

thanks, bear!!! i love you! :)

["Just Jess"]

HEY EVERYONE!!!

Great news to report this morning!

I hit 70 lbs. off!!!
:woot:
I am *ALMOST* at the point where I can say I have lost more than I have yet to lose (CAN'T WAIT FOR THAT!)

Thanks to everyone for your continued support through all my ups and downs! :) There have been plenty of the latter, unfortunately - but I pulled through and kept at it! I think of that country song: "How do you like me now?" hehehe ;)

[SheryBery]

Oh Jess!!! I'm so happy for you. I remember when you were struggling and it's so great to see it finally happening for you. You're always such an inspiration and a cheerleader to others and you deserve this! You're going to be a stunning bride and I wish you all the happiness and success. Keep up the great work!

[little t]

Hey Jess! I just ran across this thread and LOOK AT YOU! You are looking fantastic! I also met my hubby when I was a "big girl" and it makes me love him even more to know that he saw past all that extra junk in my trunk! You must be so excited for your wedding! Congratulations!

[Tricia K.]

Woo hoo!! Congratulations, girly!! I'm so proud of you.

[mizfish]

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHN JESS!!!!!! i AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!

[Alicia521]

Jess that is awesome! You are doing so well!

[Neal R.]

Awesome Jess!!!!! Very happy for you.

["Just" Paul]

Jess!!!

That's just freakin super great!!!

Don't you love milestones like that!


Keep it up, you are like a well-oiled weightloss machine!!!

[AnnDe]

Congratulations Jess!! I am so happy for you! Keep up the great work, with the best tool of our life!!!

[kristina]

:signthankspin:JESS..you look absolutely AMAZING! :clapsmiley:

your from then to now picture, really shows your loss! I am so happy for you. and i thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting your journey. i havent been banded yet, and i crave these stories far more than food. the good and the bad! i cannot wait to watch your progession to the end! your doing great!
and if your a turtle, i wanna be a turtle, cause right now, i am a rock.:badwm: hehehehe
kisses!

[JDru]

Yay, yay, yay!!!! You have been working so hard lately and it's really paying off. I'm so, so proud of you my friend! Seems like yesterday you were just passing 60 pounds...soon it will be 80. Post new pics!! :)

[HeatherGurl]

Congratulations!!!

You seriously rock girl!

["Just Jess"]

Oh Jess!!! I'm so happy for you. I remember when you were struggling and it's so great to see it finally happening for you. You're always such an inspiration and a cheerleader to others and you deserve this! You're going to be a stunning bride and I wish you all the happiness and success. Keep up the great work!
*** oh, girl! don't be fooled - i'm still struggling! it's just new struggles that keep popping up... i finally tackle one thing - and up pops a new one! i guess it just never gets easier. but thank you for your support and complements! i sure do appreciate it!


Hey Jess! I just ran across this thread and LOOK AT YOU! You are looking fantastic! I also met my hubby when I was a "big girl" and it makes me love him even more to know that he saw past all that extra junk in my trunk! You must be so excited for your wedding! Congratulations! *** i am SO excited... thank you! and you're right --- when they fell in love with you FOR YOU and not the hot bod you plan on living in (and you're already in) that makes it that much more special! :) thanks for reminding me how much i love my man... i've been kind of a crank pot all week - so i might just have to go to bed and give him some snuggles tonight! hehe ;)


Jess!!! That's just freakin super great!!! Don't you love milestones like that! Keep it up, you are like a well-oiled weightloss machine!!! *** haha - i don't know about "machine" but i have been more motivated lately to exercise and it's certainly paying off... i hope it keeps up! :) looking forward to meeting you soon!


Congratulations Jess!! I am so happy for you! Keep up the great work, with the best tool of our life!!! *** yes, ma'am, it is! :)


JESS..you look absolutely AMAZING! your from then to now picture, really shows your loss! I am so happy for you. and i thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting your journey. i havent been banded yet, and i crave these stories far more than food. the good and the bad! i cannot wait to watch your progession to the end! your doing great! and if your a turtle, i wanna be a turtle, cause right now, i am a rock.:badwm: hehehehe kisses! *** awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, kristina - you're my new best friend!!!!!!!!!!!!! to think i could an inspiration to ANYONE is still just a little befuddeling to me! haha --- but thank you, none-the-less! :) if ever you need an ear, or have a question - this turtle is your expert on patience with this process!!! hehe! :) good luck to you as you embark on the beginning of the journey that will CHANGE YOUR LIFE! :hug:


Yay, yay, yay!!!! You have been working so hard lately and it's really paying off. I'm so, so proud of you my friend! Seems like yesterday you were just passing 60 pounds...soon it will be 80. Post new pics!! :) *** love you, jess!!!!!!!!!!! :love: i can't wait till it's 80! then 90! then 100! WOOOO! i really really really hope i can reach my wedding goal by august. to be in ONEDERLAND on the happiest, most special day of my whole life would just be SPECTACULAR!!!!!!!!!!! i am off to vegas tomorrow morning - so i will have new pics to post hopefully early next week! :) promise!



*** and thanks also to my friends neal, alicia, tricia, cheryl, and heather!!! you guys are my heros! :love: love you all so much!!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!! I'm sooooooooooo happy for you Jess.. and lookiethere.. you're' finding the new Jessica.. amazing feeling isn't it? CONGRATS on your 70 lbs off.. love reading your journey too. I feel like Kristina, only she put it in better words.. I wanted to type... "yeah.. what she said".. lol

Congrats again Jess.. you GO girl !!

[MoOrLess]

Woo hoo Jess! You keep me motivated and keep giving me hope that I can be where you are - you are doing so fantastic - the bumps in the road are well worth it when you hit that great place (-70 lbs!)

WOW! Congrats on a wonderful achievement - you are gonna be a hot hot hot bride! I've been watching your wedding weight ticker and it's just flying down!

[chrispygal]

Jess 70 lbs down is awesome!!! You have worked really hard for that but gosh darn it - you did it!! You are going to be one stunning bride, that's for sure! And I agree with Jess....we want new pics!!

[DebbieChoos]

Jess - Congrats girl on the 70 pounds!! You are going to look hot in that "highly top-secret can't let anyone see" wedding dress...lol

[503-250]

YOU BITCH...stop stealing my weight loss!

Seriously, you totally rock, I can't wait for wedding dress pictures. You are earning every ounce of this and seriously need to be so proud of everything you've done.

Now, give me back my weight loss or else.

["Just Jess"]

WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!! I'm sooooooooooo happy for you Jess.. and lookiethere.. you're' finding the new Jessica.. amazing feeling isn't it? CONGRATS on your 70 lbs off.. love reading your journey too. I feel like Kristina, only she put it in better words.. I wanted to type... "yeah.. what she said".. lol Congrats again Jess.. you GO girl !! *** haha.. thanks! you know we have a smily for that? hehe :whatshesaid:


Woo hoo Jess! You keep me motivated and keep giving me hope that I can be where you are - you are doing so fantastic - the bumps in the road are well worth it when you hit that great place (-70 lbs!) WOW! Congrats on a wonderful achievement - you are gonna be a hot hot hot bride! I've been watching your wedding weight ticker and it's just flying down! *** YEEEEEEH! i just want so badly to be under 200 lbs. when i walk down the aisle... and here's anoher mini-goal that i will hopefuly reach before then. vinny is always trying to pick me up - it bothers me ENDLESSLY! i am so afriad he is going to throw out his back, but he gets a kick out of it of whatever reason. he weighs about 230. and i told him that if i weighed less than him, i would no longer fight him and let him twirl me around if he chooses to. haha! and of course, there is the matter of the "carrying over the threshold" hehe... the only time i weighed less than he was in the first year of our relationship... bc we were BOTH huge. i weighed around 230 when i met him and he was tipping the scales at about 320. we went on weight watchers together about a year into our relationship, and he lost over 100lbs. (he got down to 180!!!!!!) it really was TOO skinny for a 6'6'' man. so since then, almost 4 years later, he has gained a bit. but looks great - still thin by anyone's definition - eats healthy - etc.. etc.. ((oh side bar: on weight watchers, i lost almost 50lbs. that i obviously found again, and then some - to push ME up over 300lbs. when i finally decided i could NOT do it on my own and began looking into the lapband. WOAH ---- off topic?????? well, i guess not, since this is a thread about my journey --- but sorry to be blabbering on and on......................... ;) in any case, thanks mo, for your support always!!!!


Jess 70 lbs down is awesome!!! You have worked really hard for that but gosh darn it - you did it!! You are going to be one stunning bride, that's for sure! And I agree with Jess....we want new pics!!*** ok ok ok - we're in vegas right now. there WILL be pics next week - promise!!


Jess - Congrats girl on the 70 pounds!! You are going to look hot in that "highly top-secret can't let anyone see" wedding dress...lol*** hahahaha... but thing about how much MORE beautiful "the whole package" will be that day --- when you see me, all done up and 'bride-a-fied" IN IT, rather than it hanging on some hanger, lifeless????? hehehehe :laffhaha: i love ya, deb!!!! ;) thanks for your support!


YOU BITCH...stop stealing my weight loss! Seriously, you totally rock, I can't wait for wedding dress pictures. You are earning every ounce of this and seriously need to be so proud of everything you've done. Now, give me back my weight loss or else.*** my dear, sweet bear!!!!!! didn't your mama ever teach you it's not nice to call your friends names?? :heh: hehehe - thanks for the support. now, and in the future, but even more importantly, when i was feeling my lowest. oooooooooooooh, will there be a "wedding wing" on the stalker house? (sorry i figured you long since ran out of room on a "wall" and MUST have found a new secret "the wife doesn't know about it" house to hang all your weightloss buddies pics in! haha - right?)

["Just Jess"]

now i know i'm on a different coast than that of which i live.

i know this is a different scale than that of which i usually use.

and i know i DRANK my calories for dinner last night, instead of eating them...

that being said -------------- i weighed in at 238.5 this morning!!!!!!!! which puts me on the road to -80 off a LOT faster than i would have expected. this means i lost about 2 lbs. between thursday and today! CRAZY! i am not going to change my OFFICAL ticker to indicate that information, as i am on vacation and who knows what today will bring. (more on that below) but i am going to change my wedding ticker. *****here's to hoping that it is the SAME or less than what my wedding ticker is reporting on monday back in good ole' maryland! ;)

OMG - now about "what tonight might bring" ((hey, we ARE in vegas!)) you HAVE to check out the place we're having dinner tonight! as i mentioned before (sorry, maybe on another thread?) we're here in vegas celebrating my soon-to-be father-in-law's 60th bday. so, their trip --- we're just along for the ride. tonight, we're staying in THEhotel at Mandalay Bay... tonight, we're going to MIX for dinner. this place looks just ABSOLUTELY amazing!!!!!!!! After dinner, we're doing drinks in the club that overlooks the restaurant - it's called "MOON" and apparently Moon has a retractable ceiling that is 30 feet off the dance floor... so you can "moon and star" watch while you get tipsy!!!!!! hehehe -- CRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAZY! and then - this is the best part (bear, paul, neal... you guys will like this!) daddy-O's final bday request for today: we end the evening in the PLAYBOY club. apparently the one here in vegas is the last one of it's kind.. drinks served by real "bunnies" hahaha --- it's going to be a blast! it was hell getting reservations.. you really need to know "somebody" -- but we have a good friend who lives in LA who is an actor (no, i will not tell you who) and he called some "friends" here in vegas - and got us a table. it's going to be INCREDIBLE. ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... and speaking of "knowing somebody" apparently, my soon-to-be brother-in-law and his girlfriend met 2 celebs last night... paris hilton and mike tyson... (and yes, they claim there is photographic proof!) of course this happened after grandpa vin and grandma jess went to bed at 3 am! haha - they stayed out and partied till 7 am this morning!!!!!!!!!!!! i SO cannot do that anymore! hahaha


anyway, here are the links to check out these places... if anyone has been --- please let me know what you thought!

THEhotel (http://www.mandalaybay.com/persona/THEhotel.aspx?CMP=KNC-Google-thehotel_Corp)
MIX (http://www.mandalaybay.com/thehotel/mix.aspx)
Moon (http://www.n9negroup.com/#/moon/main/)
PBclub (http://www.n9negroup.com/#/playboy/main/)

;) love you guys!!! ((i can't even go on vacation without bringing you all along ---- do i have a problem??? a B2G addiction??????)) hehehe

[chrispygal]

Oh Jessica that sounds like SOOOO much fun! I've never been to Vegas, but heard it's great. So cool!

["Just Jess"]

it was AWESOME! i am soooooooooooooooooooooooo tired though. what a HORRIBLE weekend for a time change forward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:( in anycase, my loss was true! which was super exciting. it is .8 on my scale, not .5 --- but i'll take it!!!!! ;)

will post pics later!!! promise!

[JDru]

I'm so glad you had fun Jess!! Can't wait to see the pics...

[kristina]

jess ur my hero...hot sexy and in vegas! u go girl!

[A1ikou]

Hey Jess,
Since you are going to be such a hot bride, are we going to get to see a hot first wedding dance on You Tube? I was watching some of them and was thinking about our up-coming bride. Reckon you and Vinny should get working on it!!!!

["Just Jess"]

the promised pictures from the weekend!!! :)


4207
Vin and I in the limo on the way to dinner...

4208
Vin and I at Rock's (from Hell's Kitchen) restaurant at Green Valley Ranch

4209
The ladies at Mix --- awesome meal! (that's my soon-to-be mother-in-law all the way to the right - and potentially my someday sister-in-law next to her (if she and Vin's bro make it the long haul!)

4210
The girls --- we're so fun!

4211
Hanging out with our bunny waitress... SO much fun!!!!

["Just Jess"]

4212
Vin and I having drinks (soon-to-be too many) at the Playboy club...

4214
My friend Bree and I at club Moon --- outside looking over the strip.

4215
Chrissy and I taking self-portraits! haha

4216
My father-in-law loved those bunnies!

4213
Vin and I close to the end of the night... see the difference in my eyes?? haha

[chrispygal]

Jess, all I can say is WOW. Scroll back to the first page and look at your before pics. What an amazing transformation!! Keep up the awesome work! I can't wait to see how stunning you look on your wedding day. :)

[DebbieChoos]

OMG Jess the picture from Rock's shows the most dramatic change!! (post #243, 2nd pix) You can really see the difference girl, you are looking hot!!

[PhotoNut]

Jess you're a beautiful woman and it's awesome to see you shine like this. Here's a side-by-side for ya. You're doing a fantastic job!

4217

[mimi r]

Jess,
As a relative newbie (11/19/07) I went back to page 1 & made the 25 page journey of Jessica. All I can say is...............WOW !!!!!!!!!!! What a Hottie are YOU!!!!!! I can NOT believe the pictures!
All kidding aside, you are absolutely Fabulous, Jessica! The change is mind-boggling! You & Linny are a match made in band-Heaven!!!!
Best of band love & luck to you for many more years to come!

Phyllis

[MrsS]

I'm glad you posted those side-by-side P'Nut. That is the one that struck me....WOW!:eyerub:

["Just Jess"]

wow............ i'm struck too.

i guess you really don't SEE it until you... well, SEE it! hahaha

thanks for the kind words, chrispy, deb, susan, phyllis, and reese!!!!!!! and thanks for the side-by-side susan!! it's nice to have reminders of where you came from - and where you are. :)

:love: love you all!!!!!!