Are You Ready??

[LeAnne19]

For my story! =D

I was born at 8lbs 14oz and 23 inches long.

In kindergarten I was a head taller than every other kid.

I have always had a round face, and I was mildly overweight all threw elementary school, mainly just very tall. I was never a short, round kid.

In middle school I had some severe emotional trauma on a few different levels.

I was about 5'10 and 220 in 7th grade. So above average weight, but very tall, not gigantic.

In 8th grade The emotional traumas became more than I could handle.

By 9th grade I was 270 and 6'0. At this point my mom forced me on DeproPrivera Birth Control.

By 11th Grade I was 336 and 6'0. The birthcontrol, combined with emotional issues, starting a riot at my school, and overall depression took me to my heaviest.

The summer before my senior year I met a new group of friends, my life was forever changed. I got down to about 310, healthy ways.

I began to back away from my school and just hang out with people not from school.

Janurary of my senior year I got into the wrong crowd, Started heavy drugs.

I am not talking about smoking pot and drinking booze. I got down to around 280.

The summer after I graduated I cleaned up, because I had a full ride to Purdue university.

Between August of 2007 and August 2008 I had gained 40 pounds, was upto 320.

In that time I went to Purdue, came home because my long time finance had leukemia, lost my fiance to leukemia, and dealt with the grieving process.

I had Surgery on September 18th, 2008. My mom paid for both of us to have surgery on the same day. I have lost 55lbs to date. Tomorrow I get my second fill. I have excellent restriction, It won't take too much more.

I am very excited, and I have yet to take progress pics, but I have gone from 26 to 18/20 depending on the brand. Losing my Boobies a bit though, That makes me sad! But a lil PS will fix that someday! =D

And you can call me Lee or 19 =]! That is what everyone knows me as.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Welcome again 19!! You're on your way to a better and healthier lifestyle.. and bless your Mom for giving you another gift of life! :) I know you'll do great on your journey.

[LeAnne19]

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/MomNBabyMe.jpg Mom and I



http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/MomDadNMe.jpg Mom, Dad, and I



http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/stickinTongueout.jpg



http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/ChuckieCheeseBirthday.jpg

[LeAnne19]

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/imcute.jpg

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/Pantiess.jpg

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/MeAt4.jpg

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/1-29-200842135PM.jpg

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/Christmas1996.jpg

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/MomAndMeAt10.jpg Mom and I

[LeAnne19]

Heaviest

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/Heaviest/S3010332.jpg Sarah and Me We shared a desk when I was First Starting in Yearbook, Sophomore Year

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/Heaviest/S3010373.jpg Barbie and Me, Good Friend From Highschool, Early Sophomore Year

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/Heaviest/17thBirthday.jpg One of my BFF's From Highschool, Jakay, This was my 17th Birthday

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/Heaviest/EndOfJuniorYear3.jpg Editor of Newspaper Mike, When I was Editorial Editor

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/Heaviest/EndOfJuniorYear4.jpg Megan and I, another newspaper staffer, This is May 2006

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/Heaviest/EndOfJuniorYear5.jpg Newspaper Advisor Mrs. McKinney

[LeAnne19]

August, September, October Of 2007

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/DSCI00012.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/DSCI00016.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/DSCI00026.jpghttp://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/DSCI00034.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/DSCI00044.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/DSCI00062.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/DSCI00063.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/DSCI0007.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/DSCI00092.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/DSCI0009.jpg

[BrendaC]

Welcome Lee and way to go on the weight loss. Aren't Mom's fantastic. How is she doing? Love the pictures but wish you would have taged them with captions so I know who is who to you in them.
Good luck on your second fill, you say you have excellent restriction so let me know how it goes for you. I have good restriction too but have toyed with the idea of a small fill but don't want to overdo it. Keep up the wonderful work and . . . you have the face of an angel. I love you already!

[LeAnne19]

Christmas And Thanksgiving of 2007
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/BrandonAndMe.jpg Brandon and I, My little cousin, This is my boy, we are Very Close.
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/MirandaAndMe.jpg Miranda and I, My other little cousin.http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/MomAndMe.jpgMom and I
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/meandandrew.jpgAndrew and I, My sisters old Long time BF
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/BroyerChristmas0766.jpgA bunch of lil kids from Mom's side of family
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/MammyChristmas0720.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/MammyChristmas0738.jpg Mammy, Brandon, and Ihttp://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/MammyChristmas0740.jpg Mammy, Bub and I againhttp://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/MammyChristmas0747.jpg

[EmileeKaye]

Hey 19! Welcome to this place its great and documenting your journey really lets you see how much you change. Can't wait to keep an eye on yours, you've done awesome so far!

[LeAnne19]

She is doing well, She has reached ONEderland, started at 235. I will get more pics of her too. I did go back threw and tag pics to help, I have alot lol.
I am hoping tomorrows fill will put me just right! I will know within a few days! =]

And Thank You for compliment! =]



Welcome Lee and way to go on the weight loss. Aren't Mom's fantastic. How is she doing? Love the pictures but wish you would have taged them with captions so I know who is who to you in them.
Good luck on your second fill, you say you have excellent restriction so let me know how it goes for you. I have good restriction too but have toyed with the idea of a small fill but don't want to overdo it. Keep up the wonderful work and . . . you have the face of an angel. I love you already!

[BrendaC]

Thanks for those tags. Now I know who is who, I wondered if that was your Mom. Looking forward to pics of her too. Congrats to her for reaching Onderland. You're next.

[LeAnne19]

These are the Most Recent to being Banded, Tomo I will get progress Pics at Dr. McEwen's to Upload

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/2008JantoAug/NewYearsAtJennifers34.jpg Nik and I, One of my BFF's
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/2008JantoAug/NewYearsAtJennifers39.jpg Steph and I, My BFF
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/2008JantoAug/NewYearsAtJennifers57.jpg Jennifer and I, Good Times Lol
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/2008JantoAug/Pre-NewYears2.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/2008JantoAug/l_065ae43f267fde4ddd9e40294257c551.jpg This was about 3 weeks before Tyson Passed away in April of 2008
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/2008JantoAug/l_97b76ddbbb15a4cff042573b6b87c052.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/2008JantoAug/l_de6d6a52dd8db12995e7fb0d11fae3fa.jpg Bri and I at the Bar, Feb 2008
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/2008JantoAug/l_5b1b72c6fcf5d7c90be6e91c37a23df5.jpg Right After Tyson passed away I flew to Florida for a week to be alone, This was the first week of may 2008
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/AugSeptNovDec2007/ChristmasThanksgiving07/2008JantoAug/l_742350a6672148a324e73ce7f5488beb.jpg Tyler and I, One of my BFF's, June 2008

[LeAnne19]

2 Month Bandiversary Pics
Fill Today went good, Upto 3cc, And it is SUPER tight.. I think I am good for a while..

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/2MonthBandiversary/Photo_111808_008.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/2MonthBandiversary/Photo_111808_003.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/2MonthBandiversary/Photo_111808_002.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/2MonthBandiversary/Photo_111808_009.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/2MonthBandiversary/Photo_111808_001.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/2MonthBandiversary/Photo_111808_004.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/2MonthBandiversary/Photo_111808_005.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/2MonthBandiversary/Photo_111808_006.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/2MonthBandiversary/Photo_111808_007.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/2MonthBandiversary/Photo_111808_010-1.jpg

[kristina]

hooray for fills!!!! You look AMAZING!!!!!

[Stitchy]

Wow! Look at that waist!

[bgrand]

Great progress pictures. Good for you for taking charge of your life.

[KCV]

Oh to get to go back and be Hot and Sexy in my 20's!!! You are looking great, keep it up!!!!

[JDru]

Welcome Lee! I love all of your pictures...it's nice to have before pics to compare. You are looking great! Keep up the great work. :)

[janesays]

hi 19! good job so far!
i will hopefully be making one of these progress threads myself in a few months. :)

[wingsfly825]

Oh to get to go back and be Hot and Sexy in my 20's!!! You are looking great, keep it up!!!!
OH to go back and be hot in my 30 's lol now ill settle for being hot at any age .............

[wingsfly825]

Leeanne you are doing absolutely terrific . You are such a beautiful girl .. keep up the great work. i too had a fill today and feel great.

[LeAnne19]

hooray for fills!!!! You look AMAZING!!!!!

Thank You! I feel amazing too, and That is great!


Wow! Look at that waist!

I have always had a feminine shape, I just didn't know how much of that shape was hidden! And boy is it nice to find! =]


Great progress pictures. Good for you for taking charge of your life.

I am very lucky to have been banded so young. I wouldn't take it back for anything. These were the first pics I have taken post band, so it was my first peak too.


Oh to get to go back and be Hot and Sexy in my 20's!!! You are looking great, keep it up!!!!

Lol! Hot and Sexy at anyage is great too!! =]


Welcome Lee! I love all of your pictures...it's nice to have before pics to compare. You are looking great! Keep up the great work. :)

Thank you! =] I have a billion and one before pics, it is now time to get 2 billion and one post pics!


hi 19! good job so far!
i will hopefully be making one of these progress threads myself in a few months. :)

I am sure you will, Band has changed my life, I am just 2 sizes from being able to shop at just about any store I want! It helps to post progress, To see the changes.


Leeanne you are doing absolutely terrific . You are such a beautiful girl .. keep up the great work. i too had a fill today and feel great.

Thank you =].. Now I am not just going to be the girl with the pretty face, Looking to be the total package!! lol.. My fill was super tight, Liquids even a little rough, But I am sure in a few days it will settle out, I knew I didn't need much!

[Dirextor]

I am six feet tall as well. You look maaah-vah-lous! I haven't lost 55 libs though....Kudos to you.

[wingsfly825]

Leanne i can so relate to the girl with the pretty face . i Heard that all my life . i only wish they had the band when i was 19 because i got to hear that pretty face blah blah blah for another 28 years. Im so happy for you

["Just Jess"]

looking good girl!!! :) keep rockin' that band!!!!!!

[Tricia K.]

Welcome to B2G and bandland!! You're a beautiful young lady and you've done really well. Keep it up!!

[503-250]

Young beautiful and talented with the world in front of you...take this by the reigns and run with it!

I would love to be in your shoes right now being able to fix the things I missed because I waited this long to deal with this.

[stac1982]

You are doing wonderful Leanne. What a wonderful journey for you and your mom to go on together.

[LeAnne19]

This Pictures were taken while on vacation the last week of May 2009.
I have gone from a size 26 to a 14, And I have lost a total of 120lbs.

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/DSCI0114-1.jpg

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/DSCI0130.jpg

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/DSCI0127.jpg

[LeAnne19]

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/4822_115988655559_530730559_3356859.jpg

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr141/leannemanuel/4280_102560740559_530730559_3140130.jpg

[MoOrLess]

I don't know how I missed your thread - but just wanted to say WOW - congrats on losing 120 pounds!!! You look fantastic. I'm so happy for you. I, too, wish the band was around when I was in my teens and 20s. Kudos girl!

[newlifeat57]

Goodness..... Where have i been???? I missed your thread.... Well, actually there are so many newbees that have come on board, that I truly have not had time to read all of them. But today was the day to read your thread!!!

Congratulations on the Weight Loss. 120!!!!! WOW, WOW, WOW!!! That is wonderful. Like Mo, ^ , I too wish there had been the band available for way-back-when to help me gain control of my life. "You look fabulous dah-ling!!"

[LeAnne19]

It has actually been since November the lasttime I posted, Since then I have dropped alot more weight, I wanted to update. I have taken pictures the whole way and it truely is unbelievable the difference. In most pictures I cannot even recognize myself.

[MoOrLess]

I can't wait to see more progression pictures and your "current" picture!

[Want_2_B_Free]

Congrats. It's always nice to come back to a friendly welcoming environment. You look great. Keep up the hard work.

[PattiDi07]

Hey, 19!! You look absolutely wonderful! You have lost a lot of weight, that's awesome! Truly an inspiration!!! Thanks for sharing the pics!

[503-250]

Damn girl...you are one tall drink of water.
120lbs...tell me you went nuts and got massaged and pedi and manicured or got strippers for the night or bought yourself a Ferrari...cos you are amazing!

[LeAnne19]

I actually haven't done anything special! Every talks about what they want to do when they lose 100lbs, well, I didn't even realize it! Shoot I even buy clothes at goodwill and stuff, cuz I just can't stay in it long lol. Maybe at goal I will do something special 20-30 More or soo

[Want_2_B_Free]

Well girl I think you should do something. Maybe a new piercing or a tattoo to comemorate and that you will have to remember for ever. I already have my new 100 lb loss tattoo ready to go. Now I just need to lose the 100 lb. Well let's see, I am down 30, so that would actually be 70 to go. Wohoooo.

[LeAnne19]

I have been thinking alot about a tramp stamp, But I will need PS eventually, so I have weighed it out lol

[Patrick]

LeAnne, congratulations on a wonderful and successful bandsters journey. You look super and should feel absolutely wonderful about the new you that has blossemed forth. That we all could look that good, WOW.

[LeAnne19]

Went to the Doctor on Monday, It was such a great feeling when him and his leading nurse said in their eyes I am only 15 lbs from goal. Only 10.5 Months out. How amazing. That was a great feeling, I thought I would never here it. I am going to do everything I can to fast track these few lbs, Of course the last little bit is the hardest! Strict diet from here out ;]

[Want_2_B_Free]

You can do it LeAnne. You have something I don't. You are young and still have that youthful metabolism. I am 38 now and it is so hard to lose. When I was 20 I could drop 5 or 6 lbs in a week no problema. Now, 20 years later-I am lucky to get 3 lbs in a week (working my ass off to do it). Take advantage of it...You will thank me later.

[PattiDi07]

Have you thought anymore about what you're going to do in 15 more pounds??? Whatever you do, please post pics so that we can all celebrate with you!!! I am so jealous right now! Way to go, hun..... You look so happy! You have been through a lot, and have come out smelling like a rose.... well, SMILING like a rose.... How is your mom doing with her weight loss? She had surgery, too, right? Just wondering. Would love to see an updated picture of her, too! :)

[redgrldj]

Wow lee.. you look awesome.. I thought you looked awesome in your first pics too though.. Good luck on losing those final pounds, you truly rocked your band...

[LeAnne19]

Thank you Everyone! You make me feel so good when I read this.

My mom is also banded she is within 15lbs of her goal too, wearing a size 12. She has been at this point several months now, It truely does get harder the closer you are. She still loves her band and is working it hard.

I still really don't know what to do at goal, all the things I could do before I can now.I can buy sexy things and look good. I can shop at any store and find something that looks good. I can go to King's Island and ride every ride. Everywhere I go I am looked at desirably, the attention is so different to me. I have bikinis and little black dresses. When I think of something big, I remember I am 20, and not exactly well off to go on a trip, and wouldn't it defeat the purpose to go to a really nice fancy[fattening] restaurant? Maybe my life at goal will just be that, life at goal, taking all the wonderful things I have learned with me. There were people I wanted to smile in their face about my change, but I have even done that.

[LeAnne19]

Still sitting wth about 15 to go =[

[redgrldj]

LeAnne you have Rocked that band.. The last 15 will come off.. The last part is always the hardest...

[LeAnne19]

Ohh my band..


So I got a complete unfill last Monday, 13 Lbs from goal.
I have been too tight about 2 months, and last weekend I got sick black stuff. I called the doctor first thing Monday and they completely unfilled, I didn't have a slip, but we are being cautious. I am now on 2 weeks liquids, 2 weeks mushies, then 2 weeks softs, I think I will get last 13lbs off before I even get more fluid. Talk about a new motivation..