Here are my Progress Pics!

[MamaMichelle]

Here are my 2 month post op pics, I have been kind of bummed that I only lost 7 lbs this month (and haven't lost anything in the past week) but the pics show my progress so that makes me feel so much better!!
Here's the first set:
Click on the smaller picture to see a bigger version

http://a509.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/97/l_d480e02219db1dfba2d148fe03ce7ad4.jpg (http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/bf1.jpg)

http://a25.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/76/l_62b50cb620789d35440025caebf76e60.jpg (http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/bf2.jpg)

http://a797.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/22/l_92d82e18b054df6c10e24737a8f06b24.jpg (http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/bf3.jpg)


Here's the 2nd set (I had to change shorts because the other pair wouldn't stay up, lol)
Again click to see the bigger picture!

http://a699.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/86/l_f4eaa9e871a7bade8592b158b44b44e2.jpg (http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/bf4.jpg)

http://a658.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/18/l_f824efdc64329230157a4e08a1bb6279.jpg (http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/bf5.jpg)

http://a809.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/39/l_63b35cc62f5f171651bc932c9a9030b0.jpg (http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/bf6.jpg)

[SpookyJulz]

Good job Michelle!! You look fantastic!!

[PhotoNut]

Go zipper go!! :sun_smiley:

And Go Michelle Go!

You're looking younger (and smaller) in each updated picture. Isn't it amazing how much difference 24 pounds can make?!

And... Isn't this fun?!?!

[bgrand]

Great Job!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lil'bitty]

ummm......Michelle, you lost something! YOUR BELLY! Great job!

[JDru]

You look great Michelle! Every pound makes a difference and I can definitely see your body is changing. Your waist is really starting to show! Keep up the good work! :)

[kristina]

simply stunning!

[503-250]

Wow, the difference is absolutely amazing...

Is it wrong that the last set of pictures are my favorite?
I also like the first picture....where you can barely get the dress on.

[DonHoll1]

You look great!!! Way to go.Donna

[Shellster]

Michelle...great progress! Isn't it amazing how just a few pounds makes a big difference? You look great!

[Tricia K.]

You look great, Michelle! Congrats on your success thus far.

[MamaMichelle]

Wow Guys...

Thanks so much for the kind words!! I read the board daily though I save most of my posting for my blog it's great to have a support system here and to be able to repay some of the inspiration that many of you have given me!!

[Odell]

Girl, You look GREAT! Congrats! I love that its the same dress in every pic. I can't wait to see it fit as you want it to!

[Patrick]

I agree with Bear, WOW! Girl you are making it happen.

[MamaMichelle]

So I just sailed into Onederland...

Well I got up this morning and although it is one of the 2 days a week I usually weigh; I am in the middle of my period so I wasn't even going to! I have been stuck at 200 for like 2.5 weeks and when I weighed on Monday I was up to 202 from the water weight I assumed it would be just the same but I tried it anyways.

So I stepped on the scale this morning hoping to see 199-200 and it was 197lbs!! What? 197, are you kidding me? I actually got back on the scale 3 times to make sure it wasn't a fluke but the same number came up every time so woo hoo!!

This also puts me at a huge milestone of 50lbs lost since Jan 1st 2008 which is halfway to my goal of losing 100lbs this year!!!

[MamaMichelle]

Oh yea one more milestone for the week... I was going through my closet trying to weed out the clothes that are too big and test out what is finally fitting again (like everyone else I have clothes ranging from size 10 to size 24) So I came across this dress that is a juniors size 12, I actually wore it in high school and college when I was a size 8-10. Anyways I was able to squeeze into it, it's way too tight (like streetwalker tight) but I took a pic anyways because I was so excited!!
http://a331.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/58/l_6c9df3573ec3e43be92d30e0078b4b72.jpg

[chrispygal]

Congrats on hitting the 50lb mark Michelle!!! Your progress pics are GREAT! It is so amazing to see what a difference 24 pounds can make! You look amazing, and are so pretty (always were though)! Keep up the great work!

[JDru]

Great news Michelle!! You look aweseome! :) Keep up the great work.

[WildAlaskaG'ma]

Michelle: You have made incredible progress !!! YIPPEE. You look fantastic ,,, not to mention beautiful ,,, Keep up the good work.

Judy

[MamaMichelle]

Thanks guys, sitting in my Dr. Office right now after getting my second fill, he added .7ccs to the 1.6cc I already had so hopefully the loss keeps going!!

[MoOrLess]

Michelle -- amazing transformation in the second two pics especially! -- your whole body shape has changed --it's definitely about the inches, not the scale! - you are going to rock that dress! woo hoo keep it up girl!

[little t]

Oh my goodness Michelle! I love love love the pictures you posted! I love the idea of putting on a dress that is to small and seeing how much closer you are getting to zip it up! We will have to throw a B2G party when you can zip it to the top! I am so excited for you!

[PhotoNut]

Welcome to Onderland, sweetie! You're doing a great job and you look fantastic! I'm very happy for you!!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Michelle.. you look absolutely LOVELY in that dress.. the smile on your face lights up the whole room!!! You've done an amazing job!!! I'm so happy for you.. thanks for sharing your success pictures :)

[bgrand]

Michelle, check out the Hotter than Betty thread. You made it girl!!!

[ginabobina]

WOW - I can't believe the difference 24 pounds makes!! You were already beautiful but you're looking happier and healthier all the time! You're one hot mama!

[SpookyJulz]

Michele, wonderful pqogress how exciting love the pics

[Dustbunny]

Keep up the good work. You do look like you are getting younger!DB

[stac1982]

Holy crap Michelle! You are using this band! You are doing wonderful. We talked about you at the b2g g2g. We couldn't remember your name, but just the cute dress. I will do a cheer once you get into that dress!!!

[jans]

Michele, what great progress you have made. You look wonderful. You're so pretty.
Thanks for the encouragement.
jety

[MamaMichelle]

Here's a pic from Yesterday! I posted it in the hotter than Betty thread and made it my avatar but I thought I needed to add it to my progress journal here!! Only 10 more days till I take my next set of progress pics (my 3 month post-op pics) but this is a sneak peak!!

When I went for my 2nd fill I got my teeth whitened as a way of celebrating my arrival in Onederland!! Oh and the dress is a size LARGE (notice the absence of the EXTRA- in the front lol)

Man I love my lap band!
http://a125.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/6/l_2d2fb65f3f308ea29e656eea1dfff894.jpg

[MoOrLess]

woo hoo Michelle! What a great idea - getting your teeth whitened - you look absolutely stunning! Keep up the good work!

[503-250]

Holy Crap you look hot....

I'm going to start hoping for a Las Vegas road trip for work.

[WildAlaskaG'ma]

Holy crap, Michelle !!! You look stunning. Can hardly wait for the 3 month pictures to arrive. What a way to inspire the rest of us ,,, Of course, I not only have to make it to Onederland ,,, I gotta trim off several decades ,,,

Hugggggs for your great successsful effort,

Judy

[brwneyedbeauty]

Michelle your looking HOT! Great Job!

[afisher4band]

You are doing GREAT!!! I know you are on top of the world!!! Good for you !!!

[JDru]

You look great Michelle!! I love it when you post new pics. You're doing awesome lady! :)

[Patrick]

You are a beautiful woman and you do look HOT already. Will the world be able to handle you when you reach your goal?

[bgrand]

Michele....we have our work cut out for us.

[Tricia K.]

Holy smokes, Michelle! You look fantastic!

[MamaMichelle]

HEy Guys here are my 3 month pics as promised, I lost 8lbs this month so there's not a lot of difference I see it most in my butt and arms!!

On a sidenote my laptop is fried so I don't have the photo editing software I usually use to fix the color issues, take out the red-eye and make sure the sizing is correct so the look a little funky, I will fix them when my laptop is finally repaired, but here they are for now:

http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/2bf1.jpg

http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/2bf2.jpg

http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/2bf3.jpg

[MamaMichelle]

Here's the next set:

http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/2bf4.jpg

http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/2bf5.jpg

http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/2bf6.jpg

[kristina]

i cant see anything but an X. :(

[Patrick]

I am glad you said that Kristina, I thought that my mind had finally lost it! lol

[kristina]

ROFL Patrick..ur still with us!
and i said it cause i ALWAYS look forward to seeing Michelles progress pics...shes so cute!!

[JDru]

I can't see them either. :(

[little t]

Neither can I! I wanna see!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Ditto over here too.. can't see your cute new pictures.. but can hardly wait till I do :)

[MamaMichelle]

Sorry Guys I had the links wrong, should be fixed now... Guess that's what I get for posting before 7 am!!

[Patrick]

Great progress pics Michelle, that shows someone who is really working the band.

[Tricia K.]

Great progress, Michelle!

[JDru]

You look great Michelle! That dress is almost zipped up and I can definitely see a change in your face. Keep up the good work!! :)

[Belinda L]

Man, I wish I had been smart enough to put on the same thing -- that is absolutely fantastic and the difference is unbelieveable. You are absolutely gorgeous!!!

[chrispygal]

Ooooh you are almost in that dress girly! Whoo hooo!

[afisher4band]

You look awesome!!!!

[Absynthe]

Wow - you look WONDERFUL!!!!! I LOOOOOVVEEEE these kind of pictures in the same clothes that really show the changes. Congrats and keep up the wonderful work!!!!

[JSRN]

You are sooooo beautiful!!! What inspiration you give us. You show us what the future holds. Pure happiness...........

[Neal R.]

Looking great Michelle. Keep up the fantastic work.

[bgrand]

Michele,
Your are absolutely adorable. Can't wait til you can come party with us!!!!

[MamaMichelle]

Thanks for your sweet comments everyone, ya'll are the best!!

[ginabobina]

I love the dress idea - I think I'll find an outfit I want to fit into and do that oo... you can really see the progress! You are BEAUTIFUL!!!!

[kristina]

oh my gosh...michelle..your tummy is GONE! you look stunning. i predict that dress is going to be really big on you...and soon!!!!

[WildAlaskaG'ma]

Way to go Michelle: You're really lookin HOT !!! Keep up the great work.

[little t]

OMG Michelle! I thought you looked fantastic in your April pic, but your May pic is so hot! That dress is totally going to fit you in one more month! Promise not to try it on again until the end of June! Then you will have that OMG moment! We all want to hear about how exciting it is when you zip that dress up! Once you get that dress to fit, you will have to get another dress that does not quite fit. It is so exciting for me to see how much closer you get each month to zip it up!

[bgrand]

Tami is still recovering from last night. I think she meant Michelle.lol

[little t]

oops! You know you are right Betty! I have no voice, I am exausted and my brain is in a fog! I fixed it!

[Neal R.]

Tami is still recovering from last night. I think she meant Michelle.lol


LOL
is she dunken typing again? :)

[little t]

Seriously, I only had two Long Islands last night, but they effected me quite a bit! I haven't gone dancing since February and I can tell that my energy level is crazy high! I was dancing so much and hard! My friends would get aches in the sides and go sit down one at a time. I would keep dancing! I was sure that my calves would be killing this morning, but they aren't to bad! Just mildly sore!

[morgan1660]

wonderful job, man what a difference.

dr, jonathan ray- Tenn

start-380
surgery day-355
week out-345

[BrendaC]

What a splendid idea! You would have no idea if you didn't have these pictures. I think I'll take monthly pics just so I can see that I am losing. Keep up the great work!

[SpookyJulz]

Michele~

You look fabulous!! I love the same outfit idea. It really helps to show the progess well.
I agree with Tami....get a big AHA moment the end of June. Wait until then to the dress on again. You'll be jumping and screaming for joyj!!!

[MamaMichelle]

Here's me at 191...

ME and my son at his Kindergarden Graduation:
http://a392.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/10/l_266490309ca2b5de128a29df1a4026c7.jpg

My Son and I with his teacher:
http://a550.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/3/l_50dab7f1fadb7ec10758f01a30e608dd.jpg

My Husband and I (not sure why he looks drunk here, lol)
http://a930.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/73/l_cd9aa7bf821ae159f7fbe38086554a81.jpg

Me later that day after getting my hair done:
http://a651.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/107/l_60a0f3d7184db5b05cf5105455c9c2aa.jpg

[bgrand]

Love the pictures. You look fabulous. Hubby and son are also so cute.

[Patrick]

Great photos Michelle, and a nice family as well. You are doing fantastic.

[Beddyband]

YOU look GREAT.. OMG.. I love the dress!

[Dustbunny]

Great Job! You look so happy!

[Shellster]

You look hot Michelle! My son just finished Kindergarten too....sniff sniff! They grow up so fast!

[kristina]

simply gorgeous!!!

[MamaMichelle]

Thanks guys!

I was going through some old photos last night and came across these from about the same time 1 year ago:
Easter 2007
http://a323.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/72/l_87c66ee785b83e2e7d37997e2c47b652.jpg

http://a573.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/44/l_c914acead151d648b53cd31f6fb70cac.jpg

Pre-K 2007
http://a44.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/6/l_2d7309a6bfb0e554cf19590a3e4ff0eb.jpg

http://a456.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/118/l_50762a96db52d7b05c10e96ed6eafcdf.jpg

http://a35.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/87/l_477f09d192aa139680011764835e36b2.jpg
What a difference a year (and a lap band) can make

[Neal R.]

Looking great!

[503-250]

Yah yah yah...cute husband, cute kid...skip to the last picture.
Sooo you were hot before, you are hot after....I don't see the change.

OHHH you mean the weight...gotcha

[little t]

I agree with Bear! You were adorable before you lost any weight! You are hot now! I cannot wait to see what you will look like when you get to goal!

[Tricia K.]

Michelle, you look fabulous!

[MamaMichelle]

SO my current "progress dress" was an inch away from fully zipping up when I tried it on May 28th, I'm so tempted to see if it fits yet but I making myself wait, lol. Anyways I knew I was going to need a new goal dress so I went out and got one I thought was cute, and get this it's a size 6!! It's got a little bit of stretch to it so I can get it over my hips and thighs but it's streetwalker tight so consider yourself warned, lol. The zipper's got a long way to go on this one!!
In my last dress my goal was to get in it by my husband's birthday (July 4th) so I guess with this one I will aim for my birthday (October 17th) I am in a 12 right now so that's a pretty lofty aspiration but that's what goals are for right?
Here are the pics (I just finished working out when I took these so that's why I look so icky):
http://a953.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/102/l_333c4c014e0cce1a161d62030ab2c0e8.jpg
http://a835.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/93/l_cb11f1c68c86d4f190232f57b8ddc5da.jpg
http://a40.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/110/l_f9a57b33e4613d4bba6ba86ffe33b657.jpg
http://a741.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/121/l_64d7c0588b94ff6d5ed30df7b0041dac.jpg
http://a773.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/59/l_686ff96a5eae0f38a487299caa1f9c3c.jpg

[bgrand]

Girl, I love that dress and even with it unzipped it looks great on you.
Look at those collar bones and your tummy is flatter. Fantastic!!!!

[lil'bitty]

You are so dang cute!! AMAZING! I can't wait to be a 12!! Couldn't imagine being a size 6! Great idea!

[JDru]

I love the new dress Michelle! You're making such great progress...I can see your collarbones now. Keep up the great work! :)

[Liberty]

Keep up the great work Michelle. I love the idea of having clothes in the closet that don't fit yet to work toward for a goal. I have two shirts right now that are too small but I try them on every few weeks and they're getting closer every time. Hopefully by August I'll be into them. You are a real inspiration!

[brwneyedbeauty]

WOW you look so pretty. When are we having a "pass your dresses " to someone else party??????? ;-)

I need to find me a dress like that! Where did you get it>?

[MrsS]

I love the idea you had of taking progress pics wearing a goal dress. I think I'm going to copy you!!!!

[MamaMichelle]

3 weeks of BOOT CAMP starts TODAY!!

Ok so we all know that exercise is a big part of losing inches and reaching our goals and I have been pretty lax about it lately. I was going really hard core back around Easter time and that month did really well with my weight loss and since over the last 2 months I've lost only 7-8lbs; not that those numbers are terrible but if I can achieve that with little or no exercise then I want to see what 3 weeks of hard core working out can do for me!! Plus I've got a goal of 175 by July 4th which seems pretty impossible as of right now with out working out...

So why now you ask, besides the goal part my son left this morning to go to his grandparents house in Dallas for 3 weeks and since I'm finished with most of my work projects I've got nothing but time and ZERO excuses for not getting my butt off the couch!! So I am putting myself thought a workout boot camp of sorts- going balls to the wall, biggest loser style for the next 3 weeks..

So what will I be doing? Well to me Boot Camp means 3-4 workouts PER DAY (each one lasting 30 min - 1hr each) I was an infomercial junkie when I was trying to lose the weight on my own so many of the DVD's that I will be doing you might of heard of before but here's my plan:

Morning Workout - Lower Energy Stretch/Strength Workout
Options: Yoga DVD, Fluidity Ballet Bar Workout DVD, Windsor Pilates DVD etc

After Breakfast Workout- High Energy Cardio Workout
Tae Bo DVD, Turbo Jam DVD, Step Aerobics DVD etc

Mid Day Workout- Dance/Fun Workout
Hip Hop Abs DVD, Yoga Booty Ballet DVD, Hula Girl DVD etc

Evening Workout- Strengh Training Workout
Slim in 6 Advanced DVD, or any version of the other I mentioned that include weights or resistance bands

Now I know that working out means adding pounds of muscle so I'm not going to obess too much about the scale I am at 190 as of today (I gained a pound over the weekend from bad eating) so that's my start weight I will be taking measurements in the morning so I can count the inches lost and of course for those of you that know me I am a picture junkie so I had to take some "before" shots today

http://a147.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/10/l_8c992e7adbe67eaacce3bcce6c43548a.jpghttp://a530.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/77/l_e3acdda6ab61fcb95d2a6084e734fe79.jpg
http://a192.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/61/l_da994178bdbc9751cd321c7936adc3f7.jpghttp://a260.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/41/l_c6fb29ce0e0b4133a587999cb5176113.jpg

So that's where I started from, I know I can stick to it... I may post my workouts daily who knows, but I will be taking pics each monday to track my progress!!
Thanks for reading!!

[MoOrLess]

what a fantastic idea!!! I honestly have been considering doing "two" workouts a day and trying not to miss a single day of exercise -- now you have given me the "want to" and so what the heck -- I'll be reading your thread with excitement and cheers!!!

Your dresses are so adorable - they show off your figure so well and make you hotter than hot! You'll make your birthday goal -- with those workouts how could you not? :)

OMG I went back - and realized I missed your monthly update pictures -- wow girl - you definitely know how to work that band of yours! Your progression pictures are truly amazing -- if anyone wonders if they can succeed with a band all they need to do is see these pictures!!!

[Greeneyetiger]

Michelle~ You have done an awesome job!!! What a transformation. You kick butt. Keep it up.

[Marissa]

Michelle -- You're gorgeous! Not to mention what a phenominal job you're doing with your weight loss. Keep up the great work!!!

[MamaMichelle]

Thanks Guys... 2 workouts done so far today, I have been using spark people to track my food and now my workouts so I am posting there daily: http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_tracker.asp?id=MAMAMICHELLELV&dte=6%2F18%2F2008


I even made myself a work out ticker that I can follow:

http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wAaQma0/exercise.png
(http://www.TickerFactory.com/exercise/wAaQma0/)
It makes me feel good to log in and update both of those things after each workout!!

Jump on the Bandwagon MO!! You can do it!!

[MoOrLess]

thanks Michelle - I definitely have jumped on the exercise wagon!!! I posted on the June Accomplishment thread and I, too, am tracking TWO workouts a day - 5 days a week minimum! Thank you for the awesome motivation - you're a fantastic example of what can be done with a band!!! I may be old - but I'm not dead - I CAN do this!

[503-250]

You know...it's harder then I thought to come up with a way to say what I think of the new pictures without crossing lines.

You are totally awesome, you look absolutely amazing, and then you are beautiful to back it all up.

[MamaMichelle]

Thanks bear, that's sweet of you to say.. I know I'm posting pics all the time so people must think I am either an attention junkie or an exhibitionist (I'm neither I promise) but I'm the type of person that thrives under pressure so when I post my pics I know people are expecting me to look better each time and I WANT to look better each time so it's my way of kicking my own butt.. I personally think I look super icky but again that's part of what motivates me to make the changes I need to so I can look better!!

[MrsS]

It's funny, Michelle, I started the bootcamp thing this week also! I am so motivated checking out your thread. Guess what else? Today I bought a goal dress to take pics in and work toward. You have motivated me! I'm gonna check on you every day, girl!

[Kim G]

Oh my gosh I am just seeing this. WOW I love the dress idea....you look GREAT. Keep up the good work and get out there and keep the rest of us motivated.

[MamaMichelle]

Congrats Reese, glad you're willing to kick yourself in the butt too!! Here's what I've done today:

Morning: Fluidity Ballet Bar Workout- Intermediate DVD for 35 min

Late Morning: Hip Hop Abs - Fat Burning Cardio DVD for 35 min

Afternoon: Slim in 6 - Burn it Up Advanced DVD for 50 min

[Italiangirl33]

Congrats Michelle...You look georgous..I am having my Lapband in 6 days..and I am so inspired by you..My goal is also 100 pounds. I have a thread going..titled Lap band education- oh no help.

I will continue to look at your threads..You really do inspire me...And the pictures..you look so nice..I cant wait to have that feeling

[Marissa]

Michelle, you're kicking serious butt! I am a Sparker too .. I've added you as a friend! :neener:

[stac1982]

Keep kicking butt! I need to quit my job so I can workout like you! Who needs money when you have a kick ass body???

["Just Jess"]

Thanks bear, that's sweet of you to say.. I know I'm posting pics all the time so people must think I am either an attention junkie or an exhibitionist (I'm neither I promise) but I'm the type of person that thrives under pressure so when I post my pics I know people are expecting me to look better each time and I WANT to look better each time so it's my way of kicking my own butt.. I personally think I look super icky but again that's part of what motivates me to make the changes I need to so I can look better!!

michelle - you're doing FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!! your latest progress pics are awesome (congrats on your son's K graduation, too!!!!) i LOVE the idea of bootcamp - you're motivating me to get on the ball. today marks 50 days until my wedding! i'd like to just promise myself to go to curves every afternoon and run on the eliptical every morning. or maybe not even "every" - if i could get myself to do it at least 4-5 times a week - that would be a HUGE improvement over the MAYBE 3 times i've been doing lately!!!!!!!!!!

anyway, you're an inspiration! i love the way you motivate yourself with clothes that you don't yet fit into! :) keep it up, girlfriend! you're gorgeous and i love watching your transformation!!!!!!!!!!!

[JDru]

You're kicking butt Michelle! I can't wait to see your new progress pics! :)

[pageturner]

Congrats Michelle! How the heck to you put different pictures like that back to back on the website. I need to know how to do this.

Andrea

[503-250]

You sparkers be sure to join the B2G losers team

[MamaMichelle]

I was finally able to get my new camera working and the pics uploaded so here they are... I lost 10lbs this month (I think my week of boot camp helped me eek out 2lbs more than my past average of 8lbs a month) I guess the smaller I get the less I notice the changes but one thing's for sure my new camra takes a lot better pics than the old one!

http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/4mo1.jpg

http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/4mo2.jpg

http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/4mo3.jpg

Here's my new size 6 goal dress, I only got it on the 14th so there's not a lot of progress there in just those 2 weeks but I can see some changes!

http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/4mo4.jpg

http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/4mo5.jpg

http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/4mo6.jpg

Here are my measurements:
Jan 1st 2008 – Highest Weight/Start of Pre Op Diet
Weight: 246 lbs
Chest: 48″
Waist: 46″
Hips: 51″
Arms: 16.5″ and 16.5″
Thighs: 30″ and 31″


Feb 28th 2008 – Date of Surgery
Weight: 226 lbs
Chest: 46.5″
Waist: 43″
Hips: 48.75″
Arms: 16″ and 16″
Thighs: 29.25″ and 30.25″

June 28th 2008 – Current
Weight: 184 lbs
Chest: 40″
Waist: 34″
Hips: 44″
Arms: 13.5″ and 13.5″
Thighs: 25″ and 25.75″

[SpookyJulz]

Michelle,
You look absolutely beautiful!!! Great job!!

[bgrand]

Michelle you look amazing. Keep up the good work. We are all cheering you on!!!!

[afisher4band]

You are doing awesome!

[BrendaC]

Way to go Michelle!

["Just Jess"]

michelle - you look grrrrrrrrrrrreat! :) so gorgeous (and your skin is RADIANT by the way, what the hell is your secret?!)

keep doing whatever you're doing - it's working!!

[kristina]

michelle..i have been tracking your progress on myspace too...and i have to tell you girl..watching that dress get zipped up just brought tears to my eyes...you are so hard-core girl. i love your working out..i love your accountability, and i absolutely love every single picture i see of you. when i get my band i wanna be just like you..forever pushing myself to reach my goal, and then another and then another...keep rocking your band girl...your awesome! and beautiful!!! and cute!! and tan!!!
WAY TO GO!!!

[kristina]

oh and i am not that far from vegas baby!!!

[503-250]

HOLY CRAP! The dress is zipped and on to a new challenge, nothing stops you.

I am absolutely stunned.

You are too hot, the stalker wall is plastered with your pictures and it is sure to be a favorite section of the visitors.

[little t]

You are looking smokin hot in that dress! How exciting that in only 2 weeks you were able to zip it a bit more! You are doing fantastic!

[Neal R.]

Hotness personified!

[MamaMichelle]

Thanks everyone, you are all so encourging that's why I love this forum!!

[Chisaimama]

You look awesome. Great work. I'm so happy for you. I still have 38 pounds to onderland.

[brwneyedbeauty]

Wow Michelle! Your kicking butt! You look amazing!!!!!!

[MamaMichelle]

I weighed myself this afternoon, and I FINALLY got down to 180lbs!! This is huge to me because I haven't weighed this much since I can remember...
It's not just about the number on the scale what I am most excited about is that I am 2/3rds of the way to my goal, only 33 more lbs to go!! I really can't express how pleased I am with my lapband and I am so thankful for Dr. Ortiz and all of the OCC and of course all of you wonderful bandsters that are so full of support and inspire me everyday!
I am finally in most of my size 10 pants from college and I can actually say I don't hate the way I look in pictures lately! Oh and my son got a new toy digital camera yesterday from one of those mail-in cereal offers and took my pic (it's only like 2megapixels so the quailty is not so great) But here I am...
http://a431.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/61/l_f9688722d174e7633c418da41980130e.jpg

[redgrldj]

You look great.. Keep up the good work..

[GirlyGirl]

Wow, all this in only five months! Wow, you look great. I hope I will have as much success! I hope all of us do!

[kristina]

amazing sexy beautiful, friend. i love ya!!!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Wow Michelle.. you look great.. and your son did a great job taking your picture!! Continued success!!

[little t]

Yowzers Michelle! You have rocked this band! You look fantastic! Isn't it such a great feeling to be going back in time with your weight and sizes and say, "I wore this size when I was in college"? I love that little game I play in my head!

[NurseTeresa]

Michelle, I am not on here like I wish but just read your post from beginning to now and you ROCK! You were beautiful before and now its just intensified. You sure know how to work your band! You are such an inspiration along with so many others who know how to rock their bands. Keep up the fantastic job and you will be to goal before you know it. I love both of the dresses by the way. You wear them well.

["Just" Paul]

Michelle... here's what I want to say...


Hubba hubba.:eek:



'nuff said.

[JDru]

Michelle!! You have made such incredible progress in 5 months! Keep it up girl...you'll be at goal before you know it. :)

[MoOrLess]

wow Michelle - you just keep getting prettier in each picture - and skinnier!!! Yes - you are skinny girl - whatever size you wear -- and the picture taken by your son is darn amazing - it looks terrific - amazing what 'toy' cameras can do :)

Congrats on a wonderfully successful band journey!!!!

[MamaMichelle]

Thanks guys, I've still got a ways to go but I would be totally fine with just 10 more lbs gone...

[bgrand]

Michelle you look wonderful. As I have said many times before, your so adorable. Congratulations on all your hard work and keep glowing!!!

[little t]

Michelle, you are a lot like me. My original goal when I started was just to be 200 pounds again. Once I hit that, I thought, "Why stop there?". So I kept up eating right and excercising. Since then, I have lost almost 60 more pounds!

["Just Jess"]

michelle- you look FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!! :) keep truckin' sista!!!!!

[graciesaunt]

WOW!!!! The changes from Feb. until now are amazing. I like the idea of buying an outfit and working toward that goal. Keep up the great work and love the pic by your son.

[MamaMichelle]

Our family has been trying to find new ways to workout, so we've been hiking at nearby Mt. Charelston... Thought I'd share some pics!

http://a824.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/62/l_6ea5a53ebb55fb0e73b30e895ade5c77.jpg

http://a58.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/6/l_bfe3c8db30824646972fbb9c6fa77a49.jpg

http://a873.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/120/l_2d3722e168970417e9a5cefc1f814450.jpg

[pageturner]

Fantastic progress!

[little t]

How cute are you guys! What a beautiful family! I love your new avatar! You in your shorty short shorts!

[tnag86]

Michelle, you are one hot mama!!!!

[GirlyGirl]

Hey Michelle! You're a doll! Good for you!

[newlifeat57]

Michelle, You look absotively, posolutely gorgeous. You, along with many, many others on this site, give me hope. Your journey is inspiring. Thank you for posting your before and during pictures. You Rock!!

[JDru]

Cute family!! :)

[Txblue_eyedqt]

Very Cute Family, and awesome hiking, and YOU look GREAT!!!!

[Tricia K.]

Looking fabulous, girl!

[MamaMichelle]

Can’t believe it’s been 5 months for me, and I am quite happy that I have lost 48lbs! I only lost 6lbs in the past month so there’s really not much difference in the dress pics so I thought I would break out the bikini pics I have been hiding lol…

Don’t ask me what possessed me to try on this suit at 226lbs the day before I was banded much less to capture it on film but I figured that there would come a time where clothes were going to be hiding my progress and I guess we are at that point, I actually thought I had lost this suit when I did my big closet clean out in May so I don’t have pics in it from 6/28 and 7/28 but I came across it in a drawer in the laundry room so I decided to start up with the swimsuit pics again!

So here I am 5 months post band and down 48lbs!
http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/swimsm.jpg

[Rini]

Hi Michelle,
You look wonderful. I have been tracking your progress. Can I ask you how tall you are? You and I have very similar body shape but based on your starting BMI you must be shorter than me. Im 5'7 at 264 at 41 BMI. The changes in your figure are encouraging to me in many ways that I won't detail. Keep up the great work. I bet you will be a size 6 by the end of the year!

[redgrldj]

Michelle you look great..

[brwneyedbeauty]

Michelle you must be so proud! You are doing wonderful!! Keep it up!


Cheri

[kristina]

HOLY MOLY! Look out world...she is BEEEEUtiful!!!

[dianemarie]

you look so great, and so much younger too, dont you feel great!!

[MamaMichelle]

I am happy to say that it has been 7 months since I started my journey (5 months since getting my band) and I have lost a total of 70lbs!!

Here’s me (currently a size 10) wearing my old size 22 pants:http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/jeanb.jpg?w=403&h=685

Have I mentioned I LOVE MY LAPBAND??????

[graciesaunt]

WOW Michelle! You look fantastic! A 7-size drop in jeans. That is awesome. Now is the time to hold a huge yard sale to get rid of the "fat" clothes and buy new "skinny" clothes.

[Dustbunny]

Wow! Terrific. Good for you! DB

[mizfish]

Michelle,
I just came across your thread and WOW GIRL!! You look GREAT!!! What an awesome idea taking a picture in a dress with a goal to look hot in it! (yes, you have acheived that!) keep up the awesome work! You are absolutely beautiful!:rockon2::cheer4:

[little t]

Yowzers Michelle! What a fantastic transformation!

[NurseTeresa]

Michelle what a wonderful idea to do the bikini pics to be able to see all of the changes without being naked. You look fabulous! Your skin glows and you look absolutely happy. What a cute family you have as well. So how did it feel to be so small and put on those size 22 pants? Thanks for sharing your progress with us all. You as well as many others on here are such an inspiration to us!

[kristina]

michelle you look like you're 18. a HOT 18 year old at that!!

[bgrand]

Fantastic job Michelle!!!

[Tricia K.]

You look great, sweetie!

[GirlyGirl]

Wow, you look great! I accidentally bought a pair of size 10 black cargo shorts. They had a tag on them that said size 16. I got them home and they were so tight I could not even pull them anywhere near together enough to zip them. I looked at the inside tag and they are actually size 10's but were tagged wrong. I decided to keep them rather than return them so that I could eventually fit in them the way you did the bathing suit....

You are an inspiration!

[redgrldj]

Wow, you look great! I accidentally bought a pair of size 10 black cargo shorts. They had a tag on them that said size 16. I got them home and they were so tight I could not even pull them anywhere near together enough to zip them. I looked at the inside tag and they are actually size 10's but were tagged wrong. I decided to keep them rather than return them so that I could eventually fit in them the way you did the bathing suit....

You are an inspiration!

Jer.. hang those pants where you can see them.. I have a pair of Capri's hanging and I try them on every so often.. They were my small size pants, that I wore about 4 years ago..

[MamaMichelle]

SIZE 8... FEELS GREAT!!

Been kind of bummed about my weight loss slowing down, I've only lost 2lbs so far this month and I REALLY need a fill... I haven't been working out because we are moving this weekend and there's just too much other stuff to do. So I came across a pair of size 8 capris and for the hell of it tried them on, and they zipped right up!! I was so excited I had to take some pics, even took one of the tag because it was such a milestone for me (my body carries most of my weight in my hips and legs)!!

http://a484.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/89/l_5a389915b87caf75a5cb3f59733b00d3.jpg
http://a78.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/118/l_bad001c7b38262840052f6fcfa2100e5.jpg
http://a921.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/23/l_76a57bdba0c1e106a5d1b0e7ae504278.jpg
http://a654.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/22/l_87fb69a92c0f31785f827c2dc3138805.jpg
http://a28.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/88/l_aab3c13bb2e3aaa258f75d444c3d8f83.jpg

[Neal R.]

Dang, Michelle, you look great. Awesome job. You have to be very proud, we are.

[brwneyedbeauty]

OMG size 8!! whoo hooo great!

[chrispygal]

Looking very svelt there girlfriend!

[wingsfly825]

WOW michelle,
You are an inspiration to everyone......... You should be so very proud of yourself.... Im not banded yet but when i read stories like yours i know i made the right decision for myself also.

[afisher4band]

Way to gooooooo!

[redgrldj]

looking great Michelle.. I might have to make the 3 hour drive to Vegas to see you in person...Oh and to shop at Ceasars palace..

[EmileeKaye]

WOW!! Just checked out a few of your pics. You look amazing!

[MamaMichelle]

Thanks everyone, not ready to throw out my size 10's yet but it's good to know that if the lbs aren't dropping at least the inches are!

Pattie- come on down, we will make a day of it!!

[Kim G]

You look great! Inspire us all!

[GirlyGirl]

Your a doll!!

[dianemarie]

HI SUSAN, I hope you can help me, I was banded in dec 2006, starting weight was 208- I am down to 148, - 150, it depends on the day it seems, I want to get down to 135, I go see doctor cahn next month again, it was 2 months when I saw him last, he is not happy with my weight losss now, any suggestions to get it off, Diane... I was thinking of only liquids for a few days........

[503-250]

Hi DianeMarie!

First, you should start a thread of your own and tell us your whole story (or as much as you feel comfortable with) and maybe even throw in a before and after pic.

Second, why isn't your doc happy with you being down to 150? The last weight is the hardest, the habits have formed again and you might need to sit back and write down all that you eat, check your protein, calorie and water intake to make sure you are in line.

Third...post and let us know what's going on!

[MoOrLess]

Just saw your size 8s! Congrats Michelle -- you look "at goal" already!!!

[little t]

Dang Michelle! You are just itty bitty! You look so good!

[bgrand]

Looking amazingly hot Michelle!!!

[kristina]

a size 8????? who wears that?!? Michelle!!! Lovin it girl!!!! you look a-m-a-z-i-n-g!!!!!

[a_smaller_bigmike]

Wow!!!!!

Mike

["Just Jess"]

<<rubbing eyes>> did i see a SIZE 8?!

omg - girl, you are just cooking along!!!!!!!!!!! you amaze me. seriously! awesome!!!!!!!

[wingsfly825]

You look great....keep up the good work, wow is it paying off. you must feel awesome

[MamaMichelle]

6 months post op, doing pretty good but gotta get back on track!!

Hey Guys,
As some of you might know my family and I just moved across town to a new home that is closer to my husband's work, we were in our old house for 3 years and it is amazing all of the crap one can collect in that amount of time. So pretty much the entire month of Aug was spent focusing on getting moved and my diet and exercise routine suffered the most!! If you are wondering we are almost done getting everything set up in the new house so that is good but not the point of this post so I will get back to why I started this topic....

For me a month of packing/cleaning/moving/unpacking provided a nice excuse to totally neglect all of the good habits I have been building for these past 6 months... This means we were eating out for most meals, ordering pizza and of course I was avoiding the gym because I was just too busy/stressed/tired (enter whatever excuse here because I used them all) basically I fell into some terrible un-bandster like habits and believe me the scale made me pay for it...

On July 28th (my 5 month bandiversary) I was 178lbs and as of Aug 28th (6 months post op) I am 177lbs... I was down to 174 when I unpacked my scale around the middle of the month but I have gained 3lbs because of the lack of exercise and bad eating habits that have continued even now that the hard part of moving is over!

Yes I know 3lbs isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things but this is the first time I have gained anything after 6 months of being banded (other than a temp fluctuation of a pound or two during my time of the month) and I think it's important for us all to remember that the band isn't a magic wand, that you still have to make the right choices! I think that if I didn't have the band I would have gained closer to 10lbs because I was still limited in what I could eat but I really need to get another fill.

So I have booked a fill for Friday Sept 5th (this will be my 4th fill and I currently have 2.3ccs in my band that holds a possible 4cc) and I hope that this fill will get me back on track! I know that a fill doesn't always jump start weight loss but when I can eat a dinner consisting of 4 BBQ shrimp w/ coleslaw as an appetizer, 6oz of steak with mushrooms and potatoes along with dessert I clearly NEED a fill because doing it on will power alone defeats the purpose of having the band, right?

When I think about it, 2 months ago it would never even occur to me to eat the kind of dinner that I described above, I would skip the appetizer and dessert and usually just split a steak with my husband and maybe have a bite or two of his potatoes. So I don't really know if it is a lack of restriction or lack of discipline that has gotten me so off track with my eating but either way I am making sure that the month of September my chance to refocus!!

So that's where I am mentally as of 6 months post op, I will post my measurements, progress photos, total lbs lost and all that once I find my digital camera. I am setting a goal of 170lbs by my 7 month post op date (Sept 28th) and while that may seem like a lofty goal, but I know that the combination of my fill on the 5th, along with getting back to the gym and refocusing on the bandster basics I know that I can get there!!

[chrispygal]

Michelle, I understand why you are upset by the 3 pound gain and you seem so dissapointed in yourself. Don't be! We spent so many years being so dissapointed in ourselves for our weight and that is one of the bad habits we need to break! Reality is that life gets in the way sometimes. There are times when it really is difficult to find the time to go to the gym and there are times when we're sick and just can't physically do it. Moving is a big ordeal and a very stressful ordeal. And you did the best you could. There is no shame in that!

You've done strikingly well in 6 months Michelle. A 3 pound weight gain cannot take that away from you. I think a fill is a great idea for you. You're right in that the band is not meant to work on willpower alone. And this is why most of us have never been successfull in losing weight long term. We can "diet" for only so long then something happens in our life, and we fall off the wagon. Luckily the band is there to help limit the damage we can do and it will be there when we are ready to get serious again. There will be setbacks and this is not a race, but as long as you keep on moving in the direction of your goal THAT is what matters.

The beautiful thing for you Michelle is that you are 27 pounds away from goal six months into this process. Again, that is just awesome! I'm happy you'll be back and posting more. We've missed you while you were moving. :)

[LoYoYo]

Don't beat yourself up. You are doing awesome! And keep posting those pics. You are truly an inspriration.

[kristina]

Michelle...i am so proud of you for so many things...your honesty being one of them. i think thats what trully makes u a success story. you def. hold yourself accountable....which is going to make it that much easier to get back on track. get that fill...and jump back in. u can do this. u r not far from goal!!!
we will be here waiting for your updates...

[little t]

Michelle, please do not let 3 pounds upset you. You have been doing such a great job and you are clearly one that has been fighting for evey pound that you have lost! Go for the fill and you will be able to start all over! Get back int he gym and skip dessert! You are doing great!

[brwneyedbeauty]

I agree with the above said. Michelle you have done so well! We are all so proud of you.


Cheri

[MamaMichelle]

Thanks guys, honestly it's not about the 3lbs at all it's that at every meal where I was eating the wrong things or more than I should I knew it was wrong and I kept telling myself I should stop or not eat that but I kept doing it anyways. I guess I was counting on will-power too much and not letting the band do the job it is supposed to do! I guess like all my diet failures in the past, will power can only get me so far and this is the point when I would start gaining all of my weight back, luckily this time I have the lap band to make sure that doesn't happen!!

I have been better the past few days and am back down a pound to 176 and can't wait for my fill on Friday I will keep you updated.

[redgrldj]

Michell.. I know what you are saying.. The mental stuff is the hardest when trying to lose weight..

[kristina]

michelle- i totally know how u feel. i have been really sick lately, and spoiled by my family. of course they know how to make me happy- through FOOD. i have made really unhealthy choices and i wasnt able to work out...i gained a pound. thank God the damage wasnt worse! the part that bothered me most wasnt the pound it was me allowing those foods in. i am now working out again, and watching what i put in-but still not like i was before. so glad i got this out. lol! sorry i had a whine session on your page...but i totally get how u feel.

[MamaMichelle]

Hey guys,

I am happy to report that those pesky 3lbs I let creep back on are almost all gone... I realize now it wasn't really about gaining 3lbs it was that as I was going through those few weeks of bad bandster behavior I fully knew what I was doing was wrong yet I kept eating anyways!

So I started back working out (just 20min a day for right now) and made sure I got my 100oz of water in, upped my protein grams and lowered my carb intake and put the benefiber back in my diet... Again basically all the RIGHT things a bandster should be doing but I had slipped on doing during our move, after about 5 or 6 days of getting back on track I weighed this morning and I was 175!!

I also have my 4th fill today in about an hour so that's good, even in following all the basics I mentioned above the fact is I can still eat WAY too much at a sitting and for many months I was ok stopping myself but I realize I got this band so I wouldn't have to rely on will power! I am thinking I'll just get a slight tweak, maybe go from 2.35 to 2.5 as I do PB 2-3 times per week but it's only when I eat too fast...


And finally I found the box that had the digital camera in it so I snapped a pic yesterday, I'll have to take my bikini/progress pics later this afternoon when I get home from my fill! But here's me at 175!

http://a571.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/121/l_984c7bbf2ac24180336271aa9dce3bf2.jpg

[brwneyedbeauty]

Michelle as always you look great!



Cheri

[kristina]

michelle. i swear girl...u r like the number 6 reason i am getting this band!!! you are stunning. and good job getting back on track. u can do this!!!

[JDru]

Great news Michelle! I'm glad to hear you're back on track...sometimes life just gets in the way. Good luck with your fill!

[New Life for me]

You look amazing, you are doing great!

[redgrldj]

Michelle you look so good.. I am glad you got your head back in the game...

[newlifeat57]

Wow!! You are one tough cookie (I mean this as a compliment)--You don't waste any time getting back to business. I want to be like you....You are an inspiration!!

[MamaMichelle]

Here is my most recent before and after, with the band I have lost 50lbs in 6months:
http://mamamichellelv.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/newba.jpg

I just had my 4th fill on Friday and found out that my port is detached on one side also known as a "tilted port"... During my last fill my doc had a little bit of a hard time accessing my port but it was no big deal... This time when he felt my port he said that he thought my port was tilted which was exactly what I thought because it feels kind of pointed, like it doesn't feel flat like the top of a quarter.... Luckily he could still fill me, I had my original 2.35 and he added .15 so now I am at 2.6ccs.

My doctor said he has never had a Dr. Ortiz patient with a detached port so I don't know if this happened because I overexerted myself at some point or if all the poking from the last fill maybe dislodged it or something but if I look at this pic of my 1st fill on April 17th-
http://a469.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/54/l_280221694fc7516024fc1b88b975e5bc.jpg
Notice how the needle is straight up and down?? That's how it should be!! So sometime in the last 3.5 months the right side of my port detached so it is still attached on the left and if you were to take that same picture during this fill the needle would be 30* leaning towards the left (my right if I'm looking at my belly).

So I guess that's the update, so far no difference in my eating after the fill but I have PB'd a few times on really cold liquids... Pretty weird I can eat the same amount but that drinks are bothering me, maybe that means I am getting closer to my sweet spot if nothing else it means no way I can eat my weekly Blizzard (probably a good thing) so we shall see if it "kicks in" in the next week or so!!

[kristina]

i laughed out loud at the port shot! wow..thats one big needle! sheesh!!!
your bathing suit shots rock!!! the difference is night and day!!!

[LoYoYo]

WOW! You look great! You look so happy. Keep up the good work.

[little t]

So what does that mean? Do you have to get it re-sttached? My port sticks out like a tumor now, so I would imagine yours would stick out a lot if yours feels pointy!

[afisher4band]

Can too many sticks make it tilt? Last Fill I was stuck to death! Sorry for the HJ!

[MamaMichelle]

As some of you guys know I reached 75lbs lost this week, In celebration of reaching this milestone my super sweet and supportive husband surprised my by booking a spa day for me as well as dinner and a hotel room for us! We had a great time and I thought I'd share some pics!!

Me at 75lbs lost:

http://a774.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/59/l_ca787b19953c882d443f80cdb7d7c365.jpg

This is one of my milestone dresses, something I used to wear in my high school and college days:
http://a227.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/52/l_5b599dab9b0b292887cf7da3e555295a.jpg



Oh and I took this pic when i was barely able to squeeze in that same dress about 4 months ago!
http://a331.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/58/l_6c9df3573ec3e43be92d30e0078b4b72.jpg

[chrispygal]

Michelle you look just beautiful!! What a nice thing for your hubby to do! You are doing such a great job!

[Dustbunny]

Michelle Nice work, you look so happy and fabulous! DB

[kristina]

hubby saw your pic michelle...and he is..
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s94/Amberwhisp/Smilies/Drooling.gif
but i dont mind...cause you are BEAUTIFUL...and i get to say..look honey...that could happen to me!!! :)

[newlifeat57]

Michelle, you are really rocking that band. You are such an inspiration. Congratulations on your success. I'll bet your husband is so proud and supportive of you.

Kristina, I really believe it will happen to you!!!

[New Life for me]

Michele Congratulations, you look absolutely amazing!

[GirlyGirl]

Michelle you really look great! It makes me think I better get off my ass and let my band do it's job. you're only three month ahead of me as far as your band date. It makes me think I'm screwin' off too much.

You inspire me to get with it!

Kristina, you're next.... I think you will do the same as Michelle once you are banded and I can just imagine how great you will look too.

I love, love, love the dress Michelle!

[503-250]

Wow...Michelle, more pics for the stalker wall on my birthday and all!

[little t]

What a sweet thing for your hubby to do for you! Your amazing transformation and super hot status is one of the reasons that all spouses should support our decision to be banded! They reap the benefits as well!

[JDru]

Michelle you never cease to amaze me with your progress. You look HOT girl! What a fun thing for your husband to plan. Keep up the great work!!

[kristina]

jeralin...ur a sweetie..i would be happy with half of michelles success! she is def. a huge inspiration for all of us...

[MamaMichelle]

I finally made it into the 160's!!! I think my 2 days a week with the trainer is already paying off!!

Also here is my newest pic from this weekend- Me @ 169lbs!!

http://a103.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/105/l_5feeb60f3bb15c158afd44b9e693a806.jpg

Here are some face pics from Feb 2008 and March 2008 to compare:
http://a392.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/93/l_7941d83d007a6f1ea5936b08cde7a70f.jpg

["Just Jess"]

gorgeous!!!!!

[kristina]

michelle, it may just be me, but i dont see feb or march's compare pics?

on the flip side..you look absolutely amazing!! i would say you look about 130, not 169!!!

[JDru]

Beautiful!! You are kicking butt!

[gldnhoney64]

Congratulations!!!

[Rini]

Michelle you look awesome. You most certainly do not look 169 I agree with Kristina on that....yeah where are the other pictures?

[MamaMichelle]

Thanks guys, I carry a lot of muscle weight on an athletic frame so I have always looked smaller than what I actually weighed, that's why my goal is 147 that was my weight in high school and I was easily a size 5-6 then...

I re-posted the comparison pics, can you see them now??

[kristina]

i see them girl. know what? you have always been beautiful. no matter your size!!

[bgrand]

Michelle, you are stunning!!!

[chrispygal]

Looking great, as always! Love the pic!

[RoxieGirl]

Michelle - you look awesome! i loved seeing your initial pictures in the black dress and the progress you were making. Your latest picture really shows how far you've come and you look awesome!! Congratulation on your success. I know you must be feeling great about yourself as it shows in your smile. Congratulations!!

[TwinMom]

Michelle -

You really could be a model. Seriously. You are a very, very pretty girl-- and so photogenic! I bet your husband is walking around like a peacock these days.

You are a huge inspiration to me as our beginning weights and height are nearly the same (I am, unfortunately 14 yrs older than you..but.anyway...) I constantly check your posts -- for encouragement. I feel like I am a stalker -- just like Bear...hahahaha

You do look great though. Keep up the great work!

[RoxieGirl]

Twin Mom - you are doing great just three months out! I am scheduled for my LB surgery on Oct 8th and couldn't be happier. How has it been for you the last three months? Was it what you expected? Any surprises? Are you exercising? So many questions.... Sorry!!

[CaribnQn]

Michelle your progress is fantastic. Keep up the good work. By the way, I love that swimsuit.

[Stitchy]

Michelle
What a fabulous job. The change is amazing. You are so pretty and your eyes just sparkle.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Wow Wow Wow!! Great Job Michelle (dang how I wish I was young) lol Too bad they didn't have this about 30 yrs ago lol

[MamaMichelle]

Sorry I haven't been around here much, things have been pretty crazy... but I thought it was time for an update!!

First off I started a new job and since I previously was working from home I had a great reason to go out and buy pretty much a whole new wardrobe... Since I have been pretty much the same general size (somewhere between a snug size 8 and a loose size 10) for the last 1-2 months I decided to buy everything in a medium/size 8 that way if I do end up dropping another size I can easily have everything tailored down to fit me... Of course I am perfectly happy right now where I am but I guess with the band you never know!

I am still working with my trainer, seeing her 3 times a week for an hour each time follwed by about an hour of cardio, she would really like me to get in 90min of exercise on the 4 days that I don't see her but that's just not happening right now!! Haven't seem much movement on the scale from the workouts but I can see that my body is getting a lot more toned so I guess the muscle weight I am gaining and the fat I am losing is balancing out.

I am going through the general life transformation that many of you all are always talking about, my new confidence in my appearence is allowing me to make changes in my life that I haven't been brave enough to do prior to losing the weight! For example I have been thinking about getting Lasik for years but have never been able to justify spending that much money on myself or brave enough to go through with it... I am happy to say that I had the Lasik surgery last week and I am already seeing better that perfect (20/15 vision).

My pretty tight fill from about a month ago has loosened up some (possibly because I have lost 4-5lbs since then) and I am pretty sure I am at my sweet spot!! My daily diet has changed because of the trainer, basically my first 2 weeks of workouts I could barely make it through the first hour, forget doing anything additional afterwards! After seeing I was getting less than 40grams of carbs per day we decided to triple that number and now I have tons of energry not only during my workouts but throughout the day too!


This is the diet I have been pretty much sticking to for the past month (around 1,200-1,500 calories, 90-100grams of protein per day and 100-150 grams of carbs):
9am- An optifast shake for breakfast (yes I am one of the few that LOVE them, as long as l can add some sugar free vanilla syrup)
11am- 1/2 cup of blended brown rice (I have to pre-mix soy sauce and rice in a blender till it is paste-like in substance and eat it pretty slowly
1pm- Another optifast shake
4pm- 1/2 cup of blended brown rice (this helps up my energy before my workout) I will also usually have one of those protein shots after my workout because my trainer says it helps repair and rebuild the muscles I have just worked after the gym!
7-8pm- Whatever the family is having for dinner, steak, salmon, fast food all of course in a small portion

Again I allow myself "treats" when I feel like it, maybe a child size soda once a week or a reese's peanut butter cup at the movies, nothing that I don't burn off in the gym..

I've got to run right now, I need to update my pics so I will try to do so this week..

Love all you guys!

[kristina]

i dont know how u are eating brown rice and soy AND optifast twice a day...but i bet u are the trainers dream come true client!!!

[Mloukas143]

Michelle, just wanted to say you look stunning, and you are just shining with happiness...you have a wonderful family...my Fiance better take me to a spa when I lose 75lbs...don't worry I already asked him =P

[Rini]

Hey Michelle,
If you don't mind me asking...did you follow a similar pattern while you were losing your weight all these months? Its just that I notice that your breakfast and lunch are pretty much meal replacement shakes instead of actual food. Is this intentional on your part for optimum weight loss or do you have a low tolerance for certain food?
It goes without saying that you look FA BU LOUS.lol
Oh and we have coined a new term in your honor in case you missed the post while you were away actually having a life...its called "Doing a MamaMichelle" referring to the concept of putting on a dress that doesn't fit and then tracking your weightloss progress in said dress" You should be honored.lol

[wingsfly825]

MIchelle you look absolutely awesome. Thats great that you see a trainer and follow such a strict diet regime. Congrats on the lasik . you must feel like a brand new woman with no glasses and the new body. keep up the great work and keep us posted. big hugs

[BrendaC]

Michelle, you are looking great! I couldn't remember who it was that pictured the dress fitting as you lost weight and now I know it was you. I am going out to look for me a little black dress and do the same. It was so cool to see it eventually zip up, and now I bet it's too big. The bathing suit pic blows me away. Your tummy disappeared and the bottoms appeared. Your face looks like and angel and what a smile. Ain't band life a hoot! Thanks for the pics and encouraging others.

[Dirextor]

Phe-nom-enal!!!!!!

[chrispygal]

You have and continue to work really hard to reach your goal. I'm so happy for you!! You're a dynamo!

[MamaMichelle]

Here are some pics from this evening, my birthday is next week and hubby surprised me with a weekend down on the strip and tickets to Bette Midler!


http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/2/l_cf6206af87c74e77b1bc96175a10f584.jpg
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/10/l_1f1a2f547d0d4287977076d84743426f.jpg
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/50/l_0d397ca6be894f8287de8e6ef4901814.jpg
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/23/l_d3f8a00236824530a0fa509885358c49.jpg

Here's another dress, the one I ended up wearing:

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/35/l_9dbe07d02d8348fdafb6efdfab3ba1ad.jpg
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/43/l_2b22d360406d4ab5824b0018342df933.jpg
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/59/l_6bb052493d6b4911af05403d6103ffdc.jpg
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/10/l_955d436a2e0849febfbf63e189fc006d.jpg

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Very very pretty Michelle.. You look so pretty in both dresses.. thanks for sharing. Hope you enjoyed the show, I can't imagine anyone NOT liking Bett :) Happy Birthday early. :)

[newlifeat57]

You are looking sooooo good. I am so impressed and thrilled for your success. Hope you have (had) a great time seeing Bette.

[Jachut]

Hehe, I like vanilla Optifast too. Cant STAND protein shakes, except for optifast.

We always have some in the cupboard, with half a banana and some peanut butter, its a great breakfast.

You're looking fab Michelle.

[redgrldj]

You look wonderful Michelle.. I can't wait for a Vegas weekend.. I know I will be there overnight, but with kids and Hubby on November 10th... I won't be dressing up though...

[JDru]

Michelle=hottie! As always, you are looking fabulous my friend. I love both of your dresses! I'm so proud of all your hard work, you have made incredible progress. Can't wait to see your next pics!

[little t]

I love love love both of those dresses! Of course, I will respond with my regular response to updated pictures of you: GOOD LORD GIRL! YOU LOOK GREAT!

[gldnhoney64]

I am still in the beginning stages of the lap band process. I enjoy looking at the before and after pictures and reading the success stories. I really need the encouragement at this time. I am determined to have a more healthy lifestyle.

[BondGirl]

Absolutely Beautiful!!! Awesome job on the weight loss. You're an inspiration!


Angie

[SpookyJulz]

Stunning absolutely stunning!!!

[brwneyedbeauty]

Michelle you look great in both dresses. You would look good in anything girl!