Downsizing. . . and a Comparison Photo

I just got back from the tailor. I have this gorgeous black cashmere coat with chinchilla trim that I bought when I was at my heaviest. I love love love that coat. It's so luxurious and beautiful, and even at 230 pounds, I felt like a movie star in it. You can see it in a photo in a post from last December, but the picture doesn't really do it justice.

(Not my actual tailor, but close!)

Last year, I took my coat to the furrier to have them fix some of the chinchilla that was looking a little worn, and I also had them cut it down to my then-current size. That little endeavor cost about $400, but the coat was very expensive, so it was completely worth it. They did a beautiful job on it, and it looked as good as new. I've only lost about 12 pounds since I had the coat altered, but with all of the exercise I've been doing, it looks at least 4-6 sizes too big.

Sooooo, I finally motivated to get to the tailor and she is going to cut it down! And, I'm patting myself on the back right now (pat pat) for not waiting until I was freezing to death before taking it in! This will cost about $140, but since there is no way I could get a perfectly fitting coat even remotely like this one for $140, that seems very reasonable to me.

I also took in my Rockstar sweater/jacket from St. John, which is one of my favorite pieces of clothing. For some reason, I didn't get it altered last year, so it was at least 10 sizes too big for me today. The tailor was undaunted. . .she just got out her chalk, pins and ruler and went to town! She's amazing. I wish I could sew like that. Anyway, in two weeks, I'll have it and the coat back, and I can't wait to wear them. The tailoring cost about 1/10th of the price of the jacket, so it also was well worth it.

This morning, in anticipation of my tailor visit, Yana dropped off some dresses that I loaned to her, including the one shown on the far left here. I tried one on for the tailor, but decided not to have them tailored. I've been having so much fun getting new dresses -- like the Tracy Reese number shown on the right! -- that I don't really need another cocktail dress right now, and now that I'm at goal, I actually might rather wear something a little slinkier!

Ramblings on Dodging the Food Police and Dating

After my last post, both my mother and my friend Christina made the same observation to me. They said that they never realized when I was heavier just how unhappy I was about my weight. There is a reason for that. It wasn't something I wanted to share (other than with my therapist, who I specifically went to because I was having trouble motivating to take off the weight. Meanwhile, I'm one patient who she can be sure that she cured!).

I've always been of a firm belief that I should not complain about my weight unless I was willing to really do something about it. The reason for that is similar to one of the main reasons I didn't tell everyone about my band. In the distant past, whenever I'd told people that I was unhappy about my weight, they always took that as an invitation to comment on diets I should try, remark on what I was eating or should be eating, etc. In other words, they would turn into the Food Police. I hated that so much, in part because I knew I should be doing better. Eventually I realized that if I didn't open up the discussion, I wouldn't be on the receiving end of Food Police comments.

On a completely different note. . I have to tell you about the weekend! I had a great time with Chris. We went out for dinner and drinks on Friday night, and had such a great time that he asked me out again for Sunday night. During dinner on Friday, he mentioned that he had stomach cancer about seven years ago (he's been in remission since). The surgery he had was laparoscopic, and he was very open with me about how that impacted his life and feelings in general.

After that, I felt comfortable sharing with him that I have the lap band, so I told him. He didn't know what it was, so I explained it. I thought his reaction was a good one, and he gave me props for really working to lose the weight and get in shape. And, that was that. Not really a big deal!

On Sunday, we went out for dinner at a cute Argentinian spot near me. I told him that I was glad that I had told him about the surgery, since I wouldn't have to over-order to look normal! We shared three dishes, had great conversation and really enjoyed each other's company. . . .

BUT. . there was one thing. . . he seemed stressed and told me that "Something great happened to me yesterday, and I feel like I need to tell you about it." I was like. . oh God. . .Did he get back together with his old girlfriend?! Fortunately, that wasn't it. Long story short, a friend offered him his dream job in Denver, Colorado. He's going there on Wednesday for business anyway, so he's going to meet with the company and find out more about the position while he is in town. I think he will probably take the job if it is offered. Wah!!

One thing I liked about the conversation was that he told me that he was disappointed that this came up right after we started dating, and that he would want to keep seeing me if he moved and for me to visit. That's not exactly my ideal situation though. I am hoping he decides not to go. I guess I'll know more after he gets back next week. Boo! Bad timing!

HAPPY SECOND BANDIVERSARY!!

Exactly two years ago today, I had lap band surgery. The past two years have been amazing, and I have not questioned my decision to get banded for even a moment. It's been such a novel, freeing and incredible experience to actually feel GOOD about my weight and my body for two whole years in a row. I feel like I've been freed from prison -- the food prison. . and the fat prison, too.

On this momentous occasion, I want to share some thoughts and observations with you. . .

I'm counting my band-related blessings. Here are the first ten things that come to mind:

1. I am strong and fit now.

2. I can run, whereas I couldn't when I was at my heaviest.

3. My feet and back don't hurt anymore.

4. I feel good, both physically and mentally.

5. I am proud of achieving my goal and making this work.

6. I no longer feel any shame, self-loathing or disgust about how my body looks.

7. I like how I look, and I'm forgiving of any flaws I may have.

8. I really like the extra attention and special treatment that I get now.

9. It is a pleasure to go shopping now.

10. I have plenty of wiggle room on airplanes, in canoes, and anywhere else I choose to put my substantially smaller and cuter bee-hind.

Exhibit A: My substantially smaller and cuter bee-hind at the US Open in August 2010

Is the thrill gone after two years? Do you just forget about the band after a while, and does being at goal just seem normal or ordinary?

The thrill isn't gone for me. I so often think about how grateful and lucky I am to have found this tool to help me with my weight. I am still thrilled by NSVs all the time. Finding that I fit into a Tracy Reese size 8 (!) dress recently was a big one. Feeling tiny when I'm on a date is a new good one too!

SVs (scale victories) are hard to come by now that I'm in the low 150s. I have not lost even an ounce since July 6th -- more than three months ago! But, I've been taking spin classes and doing yoga throughout the intervening time. . and, in taking my measurements for this post, I was really surprised to learn that I lost 5.9 inches since July 6th!! Wow!! That includes half an inch from each thigh, half an inch from each calf, and a whole inch off my hips!! (I can't stress enough how important it is to take your measurements as early as possible during this process.)

Number of Inches and Pounds Lost?

During the past two years, I have lost 79.2 pounds (going from 230 to 150.8) and . . . . . (insert drumroll).............

50.45 inches -- that is 4.2 FEET -- from my body!! WOW!!!

I can hardly believe it when I try on my Jared pants and see how enormous they are on me. I actually have a very hard time wrapping my head around the fact that I used to fill them out.

This photo was taken in April 2010

What did this loss cost you?
Lap Band Gal recently wrote a bandiversary post that I loved. One of the things she did was to calculate how much she paid, per pound, for her lap band surgery and follow up visits. Like me, she was self-pay. I haven't kept exact track of what I've spent, but it's in the neighborhood of $9,500, all told. That's about $120.25 per pound.

It sounds like a lot when you put it like that. But $9,500 was such a small price to pay to get my life back, to feel good about myself, to be healthy and fit, to fit into any seat comfortably, to be able to wear regular-sized clothing, to be free from hating myself for my weight, free from foot pain and back pain -- and the shame of having to see old friends and knowing they would see how much weight I'd gained.

Do I miss anything about my pre-band life?
Not really. OK, there is ONE thing that I kind of miss. . . taking a big ole bite out of a juicy burger that has pickles, a bun, tomato, ketchup and mustard on it. Yet, even though my mouth is watering at the thought of that bite, I honestly couldn't care less about giving it up. I would never trade 80 pounds for that bite.

How was Year Two different from Year One?

Year One was all about seeing new numbers on the scale and learning what worked well with my band. I felt incredible that entire year and, for the first time in my life, I spent an entire year feeling happy and grateful about my weight and how I was managing my

personal battle of the bulge! That feeling has carried through -- I still feel fantastic about that. In fact, I've felt downright joyous on the weight front ever since I began this process, even when I had other stresses in my life.

During Year One, I dropped the bulk of my extra weight -- 63 pounds. I am 5'6, and that took me from 230 to 167 lbs, leaving 12 more to get to my goal of 155. I only lost 16 pounds this entire year (taking me to 151). But, they were really significant pounds. They took me from being slightly fluffy to having a reasonably rocking body for a 39 year old! Hee hee!

I got serious about exercise about six months into Year One, but I really dug in during Year Two. It is really a part of my life now, and I'm in even better (!) shape now than I was on my first bandiversary. And, because of its effects, I actually like body parts, like my bootie, which I'd hated for my entire life up to now. Even my legs are shaping up these days! I wear clothing that shows off my figure now (within the confines of good taste, naturally!). And, my clothing size ranges from an 8 to a 10. (I started at size 20, 14W, 1X).

On other levels, Year One was about getting over my breakup with PP, and about holding on to my job during the recession. Year Two was about getting used to my new body, and pushing myself to be physically stronger and more fit. It was also the time of my nearly year-long rebound relationship with C. During Year Two, I also worked at finding ways to build my practice at work despite the depressed economy, and on branching out socially and making increasing efforts to do new things.

Comparison from July 25, 2010. Click here to see a bigger version.

What an amazing road this has been, and continues to be. I wish there was a word to convey how grateful I feel to have found a way to free myself from the fat prison. How about grateful to the 10th power?? :)

What will Year Three Be Like?

As I begin Year Three, my initial impression is that this year is going to be about living my life to the fullest. Part of that will include continuing with my exercise and setting new fitness challenges for myself. I am seriously thinking about running a 10K next year. If I get tired of spin class, I'm going to try Physique 57, which I understand is a fantastic workout.

I feel ready for a new relationship and am really excited about the possibility of falling in love. I really want to plan to hike the Inca trail, or to do some other vacation that is physically demanding enough that I never would have done it at my start weight.

For Year Three, I don't care if I lose any more weight (not that 2-5 more pounds lost wouldn't be fab!), but I care very much about maintaining and keeping up my fitness level. Honestly, maintaining has turned out to be much easier than I expected. I know that working out 3 times a week (on average) is key to that for me. It also lets me do things like eat ice cream or cookies when I want (in moderate portions), without the scale going up. I'm lucky that my band tightness doesn't fluctuate too much, and I'm at a very comfortable fill level that works well for me. Weighing myself every day is also key to maintenance for me. If the scale is up, I forego the cookie or get in an extra workout. If it's down, I eat what I like, within reason.

I have spent a lot of time working on myself -- physically, emotionally and intellectually -- during these last two years, and I really like where I am. I also love every single one of you who I have connected with through the bandster blogosphere, as well as everyone in my day to day life who has supported me through this process. You are all such an important part of what has helped me to stay the course and keep focused, positive and encouraged. This blog has been an incredible tool and resource for me, and I am honored that you have let me share it with you.

Bandster Lunch with Tina!

Today is a big day for me. . . it's my second bandiversary! But, before I get into my big bandiversary post, I wanted to give a shout out to my fellow Superstar of the Band, Tina from Losing It! She is in NYC right now for work, and made time yesterday to come and take me to lunch.

Tina is just as funny, warm and interesting to speak with as she is to read on her blog! She also is one of the few bloggers I know who has been banded longer than me (she was banded a few months earlier), and it was great to be able to hear her perspective. One interesting thing she pointed out was the distinction between PBing because you're stuck and PBing because you just ate too much. I hadn't really thought about it, but these really are two distinct types of PB experiences. In fact, I actually had the latter during my date last night. Lovely. :) Fortunately, I made it to the restroom in plenty of time!

Tina -- thanks so much for making time for me during your visit, and for a great lunch. I really enjoyed it.

Date Update. .

I have to admit. . . it was a pretty darned good date! I wound up going to brunch with Chris at one of my favorite spots, and we had a really nice time. We talked up a storm, found out that we have quite a few things in common, and just generally had a great time! After brunch, we walked around Soho, and went into a few stores, including one of my favorite clothing stores, New York Look (cheesy name, amazing clothes). I wound up finding a really gorgeous dress from Tracy Reese, and buying it to wear to my cousin's 40th b-day dinner at 21 Club that night.

Chris definitely had a hand in my purchasing decision! He was really complimentary about how the dress looked. I felt like it was a liiiiiiiitle short for me (it is about an inch above the knee. . and my legs have always been among my top-two least favorite body parts), and I said that -- and he asked the salesman to talk me out of that thinking, saying that I have "great legs"! I can tell you without question that that is the FIRST time in my entire life that anyone has ever said that about me.

But, you know what? After 1 1/2 years of hard core working out -- including all of the spinning I've been doing during the past few months -- I looked down at my legs in the dress to evaluate, and was surprised to see that they actually looked pretty good. I hadn't realized how much they had changed until that moment. So, dear readers, I bought the dress! (Photos to follow! I wasn't able to bring my camera, but others took pictures. . which maybe I'll see. . one day!)

Date no. 3 is this Friday -- I'm really looking forward to it! And, he actually CALLED ME ON THE TELEPHONE yesterday to set up a plan. Yes, dear readers. A man who knows how to use a phone for more than just texting! Will wonders never cease?!. . :)

Date Update. .

I have to admit, I had a great time last night! Chris was just as nice as I'd remembered, and we chatted up a storm. I did mention at one point that I'd lost "a lot" of weight since I'd seen him last and was (ha ha) wondering if he'd recognize me. His response? "Really? I didn't notice -- I just think you look great." Very sweet . . . but let's face it, 50 pounds would be pretty hard not to notice! Either he's the most unobservant person in the world, or he was just not sure what the right thing to say was! I have to believe it's the latter, which is totally fine -- I do understand that this can be an awkward topic. No points taken off for that! :)

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Drinks wound up turning into dinner-ish. . we were at a Mexican restaurant (which he thoughtfully picked because it is near my office), so we shared guacamole and chips and a quesadilla, all of which went down just fine. Plus, one thing I like about sharing is that it's not really obvious how little I am eating.

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So, after dinner, we walked over a few avenues and he got me a cab, which I always appreciate. There was definitely a smooch goodnight. . . or two. . . which I will give a resounding thumbs-up! :)

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And, I can't believe I almost forgot to mention this part. . . he broke up with his old girlfriend in May. AND, (this one's for you, Island Babe!) I told him (after he kissed me) that I'd really enjoyed meeting him at Lesli's party and that I was a little disappointed when he said he had a girlfriend. . and that I was surprised he didn't mention it during the day. He seemed slightly embarrassed, and admitted that it was because he had liked me, even though he wouldn't have acted on it since he had a girlfriend.

An interesting one. . .

So. . . in February 2009, I went to a party at my friend Lesli's house, a few hours north of NYC. It was actually an epic party -- lots of amazing people, wonderful food, good wine -- even a bonfire and fireworks! It was very Big Chill. . but with more people and less open disfunction! Anyway, while I was there, I met a really nice guy named Chris. We talked on and off for most of the day, even lounged together on a super-modern beanbag for a quiet chat, and generally had some very good chemistry going the whole time.

At the time, I was almost 30 pounds down. . just a hair under Onederland, and I felt fantastic. Chris was the first guy I even looked at after PP and I broke up, and I thought it was significant that I felt some interest there after months of post-breakup sadness. I had actually driven to the party with Chris, my friend Marjorie, and some annoying vegan friend of Lesli's (she would have been an annoying meat-eater, too. .). On the way back, we were all talking about our weekend plans, and Chris FINALLY breaks out the "girlfriend" word in connection with describing his plans. I was fairly miffed. . . even though he didn't do anything wrong, I still felt like he should have broken that news to me about 5 hours earlier.

So, cut to last week. . . Lesli was in town (she lives in Beijing) and had dinner with Chris. Then, he got in touch to ask me out for drinks. :) We're meeting tomorrow night. Here's the interesting thing. . he hasn't actually SEEN me in about 50 pounds. But, we're friends on FB, so he surely has seen photos of me and must know that I've changed a bit since the party. Anyway, drinks are on for tomorrow. I wonder if I'll still like him. . if he'll recognize me. . and if I'll recognize him. Stay tuned. . . !

Rolling Back the Years. . .

I had a great weekend -- my mom was in town, and we had a fantastic time catching up, doing a docent tour of some galleries in Chelsea and enjoying some nice food and wine in Chelsea and the West Village.

Me, in front of some glass flowers by Robert Chihuly at the Marlborough Gallery in Chelsea

Among the many things we did this weekend was to take stock of my closet. Because my mom was having some health problems this summer (she is doing really well now - - thank you to all those of you who have asked -- I really appreciate it!), she had not been up to NYC for a bit. As a result, she hadn't seen the bulk of my new clothes, so I did a little fashion show for her yesterday!

As I was trying on the new things, a dress I've kept for the past 14 years caught my eye. It's a floor-length Betsey Johnson dress that I wore to my law school Barristers Ball with my old boyfriend, Peter, in 1996. (You may remember Peter as the Italian movie-star-type from the recent post where I'm wearing a deep pink dress.) I may not be as young and fresh-faced as I was in 1996, but I'll tell you -- the dress fits even better now! And, much to my surprise (though I surely work out about twice as much as I did then), I think that my arms actually may look better and more toned now than they did 14 years ago. You be the judge. . .

Me, at home, yesterday. Me, with Peter in 1996 at the Barristers' Ball
(post-blow-out and professional makeup ) :)

It would be hard to put into words how good it feels to look like my old self again. I don't take it for granted, and I appreciate things a lot more than I ever did the first time around, and I am a lot more forgiving of my flaws than I would have thought possible. I smile sometimes when I hear my thin friends (who are just beautiful as they are) beat themselves up over a few unwanted pounds or the slightest, most imperceptable bit of jiggle on their legs. If they only knew the secret to getting free from feeling badly about that!! I mean, all they would have to do is gain 80 pounds over a number of years, and then lose it!

Ha ha. . not exactly something anyone would sign on for willingly. But, I will tell you that going through this journey not only has freed me from the "food prison" -- it also has freed me from feeling badly about myself for not having a perfect body, and has let me feel good about what I do have and what I've been able to achieve. I think I am actually stronger and more confident about my appearance as a result of going through this journey. As difficult as it has been, especially during the gaining and pre-band years when I felt so hopeless, I don't regret it because it has taken me to where I am now.

Confessions of a Shopaholic. . .

My best bargain for fall . . a $29 military jacket from H&M

Just kidding about the title! I'm not an out of control shopper, but now that I'm finally at a weight that is either my final weight (152 this morning, size 8 or 10, depending on the cut) or close enough that clothes will still fit if I lose a few pounds, it has been VERY tempting to buy new clothes all the time. It's actually fun to shop and try things on now, which is adding fuel to that fire! ;)

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Still, I actually need clothing. None of my old stuff fits! And, I'm actually a little smaller than my old "thin" size, so even the "thin" pants that I kept from 2000 (Banana Republic size 10) are a bit too baggy to wear these days. I was pretty well stocked up for summer, but now that it's fall and winter is around the corner, I'm finding myself with nothing to wear again!

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During the past few months, I've bought several dresses for work, two suits, some workout clothing, undies and bras, boots, shoes and sweaters. I've also bought a few low-dollar items at H&M (I love that store), like cute tops for going out, some cardigans to help take my work dresses into fall and a military jacket (see photo).

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There are still so many things that I need though. Things like sweaters, pajamas, new sneakers, etc. It's a strange thing to be starting from zero with my wardrobe. Still, it's fun to shop and I'm just trying to buy a reasonable amount at a time. The plus side of all of this is that I really like every single thing I have that is in my current size, and I've gotten rid of 99% of the old stuff (keeping things like my Jared pants, of course!). Good thing I do like everything . . . because I don't have that many choices and wind up wearing the same things over and over!

Saturday Night Shennanagans in Chicago!

At last, I am posting my Saturday night photos from Chicago!! The dinner was a lot of fun -- the organizers arranged for a band-friendly meal in a great space. There were plenty of tables and places to sit down and catch up with people. I did my best to talk to as many people as possible, and felt like I got to know so many great women at this event.

With Nicole in her amazing red dress!
Maria, Tessie Rose, Robin, Miss Vicki, Julie, Amy and Sarah
With Kristen

And Kim
And Julie

And Jennifer

Sarah and Rani, two of my favorite bloggers!

With Gail

Jen, Tessie Rose & Catherine! (Teresa, you look amazing!! I love how the NYC girls are both in black & white.) :)

What an amazing event this was. I had brunch with Jen yesterday, and we had an official post-Chicago download session. It was good to get to talk to her about it. I've told a few non-banded friends about it, but since they don't follow the blogs, I'm not sure I was able to convey the big picture to them that well. This really was such an incredible experience.

Sisterhood Saturday Segue

Sarah - Pretty in Pink!

Bonnie - Beautiful in Blue!!

OK, so after all my galavanting around Chicago on Saturday afternoon, it was time to address the gigantic box that MLM sent to me at the hotel. So, I did a few things. First, obviously, I put on some good music. Second, I called up Sarah and Stephanie, and asked them to come up (and Sarah brought up some lovely wine, God bless her). Then, we called a few other bandsters who were in need of the sizes at hand, and dolled out MLM's clothing as she had asked us to do! It was a win-win situation, as you'll see from these photos (how perfect are these suits on Bonnie?!)!!

Stephanie - Great in green!!

I want to give major props to MLM for taking the time, effort, and expense to send a big box of clothing to Chicago to her Sisters in Band Land. It would only have been better if we'd had the pleasure of her company when we were going through that considerable box of excellent clothing! :) Thank you so much for being such a sister to your fellow bandsters. It is exactly this spirit of generosity that makes our community so strong, so supportive, and so awesome. This is one of the important things that helps each of us move forward with grace, comfort and confidence, and I have such an incredible amount of admiration and respect for each and every one of you who has helped someone else on their journey in this way. xoxoxo

Daytime Saturday in Chicago

The weekend was packed with so many things, and so much fun, that I thought I'd break Saturday down into two posts! Somehow, even after Friday night's fun, I made it up and out in time to get my hair blown out and my eyebrows done at 9:30. Afterwards, I had about an hour to spare, so I walked to brunch down The Miracle Mile -- a great street of shopping! I made a few detours. . most notably, to Saks, but I came out unscathed!

Millennium Park - Chicago

This sculpture is called "The Cloud Gate" and is by British artist Anish Kapoor

Brunch was great -- I met up with Jen from NY, Alexis, Angie and Nicole at a restaurant called Gage, which was right by Millennium Park. We talked our heads off, downloading about the night before, and comparing PB and band tightness stories! How often do you get together with five people where you get to do this?! LOL

Afterwards, Beth met up with us, and we all headed to Millennium Park and took in the sights.

This is me (and my reflection), doing a back bend on the inside of The Cloud Gate (which we kept calling "The Bean". . it does kind of look like the Elsa Peretti Bean!)

Jumping Pics!

Hilarious!! I love this one of Jen and Angie!

Catherine, Jen, Nicole, Angie, Alexis and Beth

at The Crowne Fountain, designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa

I love that it spits water out. . :)

After that, Alexis and I split off from the group and walked around before we joined a ton of other bandsters (including Maria, Rani, Sarah, Gail, Stephanie, Robin, Kristen R, Sandy and many more) for the Chicago Architectural Tour, which was conducted on a boat. It was a really interesting tour -- Chicago has so many amazing buildings, but I will admit that, by the end, we were FREEZING cold!!!

Taking a photo = ruse for generating body warmth by Sarah, Catherine, Rani, Alexis and Gail!

Alexis and Gail

I love the way the Chicago sign looks in this one.

After brunch, Alexis and I did some more shopping along the Millenium Mile before heading back to the hotel. It was great to get to spend some time with her and get to know her better! I was really glad that I broke up the day into so many different activities, since I felt like I got some one-on-one time with everyone who I hung out with, and that was one of my favorite things about the trip!

Once I got back to the hotel, I had a few girls over for a Sisterhood exchange, but will save that post -- and the accompanying photos -- for later!

Friday Night in Chicago!

When I got in on Friday night, the party was already underway on the sixth floor of the hotel. I was a little bit nervous as I walked over to the rooms! And, when I walked in to the first one, it was just insane -- totally overwhelming and massively sensory-overloading! Some of the first people I saw were Joey, Stephanie, Gilly, Kagead and Drazil.

The second room was packed to the gills with bandsters! It was so insane to walk in and immediately spot so many people who I knew from the blogs, including Sarah, Rani, Jackie, Lara, Gen, Tess, and many more! From there, we moved to a conference room on the 4th floor, and eventually out on the town. Some of us went dancing, and others went to a wine bar.

Here are some photos from the night! I'll post Saturday photos next time. :)

With Gilly!

And Sherri

Rani, Catherine and Stephanie

The Godmothas of Band Land

Sarah, Angie, Amy and me!

Barbara from PA

Bonnie

Post-party drinks at the Fairmont with Beth, Angie, Nicole, Jen and Catherine

Shout Out to The Dash from Chicago!

I took a ton of photos over the weekend, and this is among my favorites! We were all wishing that Cara, a.k.a. The Dash (or as I secretly refer to her sometimes. . Dashy von Dashenstein) :) could have come over from Australia to be with us in Chicago. I've been following her blog since before she had her surgery in May 2009, and just plain old love her! So, Cara -- this photo is for you.

Catherine, Angie, Cara, Sarah, Rani, Amy and Jen

Here is a larger version of the BBerry in the photo. (It may be hard to tell, but that is a photo of Cara we have up on the screen so that she could be in the picture with us.) :)

3,435 More Reasons to Love the Bandster Blogosphere

The Band of Outrageous Babes!
(LOL - Gilly!! I just noticed what you are doing!)

Chicago was incredible. I felt like I was having a dream in which fifty of my favorite bloggers came to life! It was so intense and more than a little surreal! It was amazing to meet everyone. Everyone, without exception, was just like I thought they would be from their blogs. We laughed our heads off, talked up a storm, and cried and hugged a whole lot too!

I loved this trip. It was a really special, unique thing to have so many of us all together. I've never had another experience quite like it. The organizers did a phenominal job of putting everything together, and it was just absolutely mind-boggling to get to meet everyone all at once. Major sensory overload!! Still, I do feel like I got in some one on one time with just about everyone, which was so nice.


I met a lot of bandsters who told me that mine was the first blog that they had ever read, and some who said that reading my blog helped them make their decision to get banded. It was very moving and meaningful to me to hear that. (Cut to the tears and hugging!) I love it that something I did could help other people -- in this case, friends who I had not yet met, but who would come to be an instrumental part of keeping me on the right path with my band and giving me an incredible amount of support. Every person who I helped has helped me, too. Without all of the encouragement and support I've received from all of the amazing bandsters in our on-line community, I do not think I would have been as successful with my band, and I know for sure that this whole process would not have been, and continue to be, so much fun and so rewarding without you.

At our dinner on Saturday night, Sarah had everyone write down how many pounds they had lost on the Bandster Cheat Sheet I put together with everyone's photo, name and blog name on it. She then added it all up. Be prepared to be blown away! (Um. . video didn't post right. . working to fix this now!)

The Gilly-fied BYOC

In honor of the upcoming Chicago trip, I thought I'd answer the quiz that Gilly posted on the group's blog. . .

1. You're trapped on a desert island and can only bring three of your favorite foods along. What do you bring?

Eggs, cheese and oranges (b/c I don't want scurrrrvy!). I'm assuming I'll get all Robinson Crusoe and rig up something to let me catch fresh fish. :)

2. If you could meet any three people, living or dead, who would they be and why?

1. Madonna, because I think she's incredible.

2. My great-grandmother, Margaret, since my parents and aunts and uncles all loved her so much and I only knew her when I was a small child. I'd love to spend some time with her as an adult. She was supposed to be a LOT of fun and just a great person. I can only imagine the great conversations we would have and getting to hang out with her.

3. Jesus, because I think it would be really interesting to see what he was like in person.

3. What is your stripper name? (Take the name of your first pet and the name of the street you grew up on)

Charlie Palmer. . Hmmm. . . that is not sexy, but it does make me want to eat a steak!

4. What is your LEAST favorite part of your body since losing weight? Your MOST favorite since losing weight?

I love all the parts more now than before. . so I don't want to diss any of them by calling them my least favorite. That said, the parts I'm working to improve the most right now are my thighs. My favorite body part is my head! That hasn't changed at all. :) However, I have a new love for my previously-hated bootie. Oh, bootie, I never knew it could be like this for us! LOL

5. Do you believe in ghosts or evil spirits? Would you be willing to spend a night alone in a house that is supposedly haunted?

No. OK, maybe. OK, it depends on how recently I've seen a scary movie. . . :) Let's just say that I don't NOT believe in them enough that I would get anywhere near that haunted house after nightfall!! I've seen enough scary movies to know that's always a mistake!

6. What is your natural hair color? If you dye it something completely different from what your momma gave ya, how come?

It's dark blonde/light brown. Actually, my current color is pretty much my natural color. . if I wasn't about 1/3 gray at this point!

7. Boxers or briefs? Alternatively. . bikinis or granny panties?

Either for guys. Bikinis, low-rise hipsters and teeny boy shorts for me. I do not buy ugly undies as a rule, and there are no granny panties in my house! Favorite brands are B.Tempt'd (great line from Wacoal), Chantelle, Hanky Panky, Honeydew and On Gossamer.

8. If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

That is a tough one!! It's a toss up between Overboard, Irreconcilable Differences, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and The Way We Were ("Hubbel!!").

9. What is your guilty pleasure?

Gossip Girl. Love that show! Plus, New York Magazine's Gossip Girl Reality Index is hilarious and a great guilty pleasure companion. (Seriously, if you watch the show and haven't read it, click that link -- it's hilarious.)

10. How many pounds gone forever are you celebrating?

Seventy-nine, but let's round that up!