8 Months Post-Op UPDATE with some photos! (hopefully) PART C

[chuflasky]

can u please tell me what diet do u follow after your surgery i just had my surgery two weeks ago can u please email me with the info thank u arlfer23@yahoo.com

[gentelbliss]

you look amazing :-)

[Mona8203]

wow there was a big difference in the pics n you look awesome. I go in on thursday for my pre-op appointment, I'm a lil nervous but so excited wish me luck.

[Santeecutie]

Hi, I had the band 2 months ago and I asked my doc why I cant have 2 fills a month instead of once and month. He said he wants to give the stomach a chance to adjust and heal around the band.

[IamKris411]

I love the cat cameos... how cute!!

[VibekeV]

What is your tattoo? The colours are amazing!

[s2macdon]

what's 'the fill'??

[tommi3109]

you look great, I wish i could have had the surgery but i had to go with exercise and diet, not to say that is not what you are doing but I wanted surgery to help me with my weight loss goals. thanks for this video it such an encouragement.

tommi3109

[siobhanmorrison]

Dang girl! I wish I could look like you. You could be a suicidegirl for sure.

[tiffanymount6]

You look great!!! My surgery is Dec. 16th I can hardley wait! I am 270 now can't wait to look like you,

[Dravensmama]

Simply Amazing... I can wait to be where you are in my journey! Thank You!

[DrStoooopid]

I think one of the hardest things, is knowing the person we feel like, and then looking in the mirror and seeing someone else. Knowing who we used to be, and seeing who we are now. I know when I look in the mirror, I don't see me anymore, and that's why I'm so grateful for people like you who post their story, and give me motivation to do something about it. I've got my Dr. lined up, now I just have to get it scheduled.

[aprilh2469]

you look great and very sexy pics.. love them.. keep up the great work .. take care!

[ohnoher]

Good lord you look awesome! You were totally hot before the band was put in, but it seems like now you have this glow about you.

[posthelgason]

OMG - You look fantastic! Please let us know how you are (1 yr post-op). Cute Valentine's pics, too. My surgery date is 7-28-08. What kind of exercise are you doing?

[lightpinktulips]

You are amazing! Thank you so much for these videos. Congrats on your weight loss & best wishes.

[Reesa23]

Thanks so much for these videos. I can so relate to everything you say here about body feelings.

[claygenie]

I totally relate to what you were saying about trying to find clothes that you like that fit!!! It's like they think the only people that wear a size 18 or over are over 40years old!!!

[countrygirl9582002]

Ashley, I am considering the lap band surgery as well.  I'm a little afraid of some of the complications that have been reported about the surgery and I have watched several video where folks have had reflux issues. Any suggestions on over coming this fear? Oh, by the way YOU LOOK GOOD GIRL! I'm very proud of you. Your an inspiration. Thanks

[thebandinme]

The health risks that come along with being obese are the most frightening thing i have come across in my research (that and some of the bypass complications i've seen) so that was what I was mostly scared of. I'm much happier now, banded, though my life is a bit more complicated, it is worth it to feel small, able-bodied and confident in my appearance. Do your research and find out what's right for you! <3 Ash

[linkinpark4ever0]

Ashley, I had the lapband 8 weeks ago and I have had 2 fills and I feel no restriction, I am scared what can I do?

[thebandinme]

2 fills really isn't that many. I had 4 or 5 before i felt i was at the proper restriction, and even then it required a lot of fine tuning. Just stay patient and don't panic. it's all happening exactly as it should! <3

[strossell]

Ashley, I have been watching your videos - which I love - I have been looking into the lapband. I made an appointment with my doctor today - to start the process. Just wondering - how long did your doctor have you wait to have3 the surgery (like from the very first appointment) and also - You look GREAT! in the photos for V-Day. K Thanks Ashley!!

[thebandinme]

Since I was a self-pay (I didn't have to go through insurance) my process was very short. It was about 2 months from my first appointment to the day of surgery. You'll have to do a psych eval, pre-op diet and, depending on who your surgeon is, any list of other requirements they might have to make sure your body is ready for surgery. Good luck to you! <3 Ash

[careip]

Ashley I'm late seeing these. But I finally made it here. :) You look amazing! I love the poses after and your before ones too. You are right! The contrast is AMAZING. I know what you mean about you reach for 16-18 pants... it's so hard getting used to looking so different. People's reactions are really funny sometimes. I've had people who didn't even recognize me at ALL. Too funny.

I would like you to touch on that next time: people's reactions/treatment of your new look.(that knew you before)

[thebandinme]

That sounds like a great topic! I will try to remember that for my next video! Thanks! <3 <3 Ash

[fatgrlshrinking]

You look great at this weight! My goal is 180. I started at 335 in February of '07 and I'm at 308 right now. I decided NOT to have WLS, but I am very supportive of those who do. You are very brave for making that choice.

[fingercheese]

Thank you fro all the wonderful advice....I am 46 days post op and just had my first fill last monday and it isn't doing a damn thing....I'm hungry most of the time at night and I can't wait until this hose clamp on my guts works....I have lost 30 pounds so far just eating small and walking 2 to 4 miles a day...

[thebandinme]

Sounds like you're doing awesome! Feeling barely anything on your first fill is totally normal, once they build up the saline in there and you find your "sweet spot" it'll be smooth sailing for ya! Good luck!

[mamafighter]

hey , you look pretty good,i plan on having suegery like in 3 day's but i'm not sure if it's for me. i weigh 171 and my height is 5'3.what do you think ?

[thebandinme]

I don't think you would qualify at that low of a weight but you should look up your BMI to see for sure. :)

[mamafighter]

well my BMI is 31 , the docter said that it's ok to have it done but i'm not sure. how have you felt?have you keeped on loseing weight?

[fingercheese]

Right on...You look absolutey beautiful...I'm 38 days post op and getting my first adjustment monday...I posted 2 vlogs so far about my experience...I really hungry now and can't wait until they tighten this thing...I'm subbing and shareing n careing...thanks for shareing....

[alegna242]

Your pictures look really nice. I am just about your pre-op size and I would like to ask you kind of a personal question. How much has your bra-size changed? And is it for the better? thanks.

[goldfischegirl]

I was a 40DD when I started but I think I may have really been an E and just squeezing into DD out of sheer stubbornness. Cause I know my boobs have shrunk a bit but I am a 36DD now so they haven't shrunk according to my bra. I am lucky! They are less firm, a little more wilty, but I am very happy to have them here. I think my boobs bring other pr-oppers hope, and that's nice :)

[panchita72]

Ashley, You have really clarify alot of my questions! I've been trying for almost a year now to get the surgery - I'm almost at 300lbs w/diabetes and high blood pressure in my mid 30's -the insurance people asked for me to be supervised for 6 mos. on a diet plan..last tuesday was my 6 mos. and we are to resubmit to the insurance this week...wish me luck. You are a total cool chick..hugs!

[goldfischegirl]

omg i am wishing you so much luck i hope you can feel it because i'm wanting it as hard as i can! insurance can be a mega bitch man but don't let it bring you down! Worst comes to worst you can always get a loan, but don't give up hope! good things will happen for you, i am crossing my fingers and holding my breath and doing all the random superstitious things i can think of for you! GOOD LUCK you deserve it! <3 Ash

[panchita72]

That's it I'm giving you the "friendly award" you are super nice... I appreciate your words and your support. Honey your boyfriend is extremely lucky to have you ☺

[alegna242]

Oh thanks, Thats good to hear. I feel the same way about squeezing into bras too tight myself. As much as I hate them sometimes I don't think I would like them to be taken away. Thanks again!

[karikatk]

Ash, Im going thru withdralws here,, you need to do another post!! lol...hope you are going great!!

[goldfischegirl]

Haha already? As you wish my dear, I will post a John-conducted interview soon. It has been requested by a few people now so I think he's moved to collaborate with me again :) Soon!

[canovac]

I agree, the most important thing is support from friends and familly. You look FAB

[beautifulmind7979]

hey glad to see that u are getting healthy and going to live a lot longer due to losing weight. just make sure that your bmi and height are the right range for your weight loss goal. i wouldnt want to see u get an eating disorder. take care of yourself. live for life and not live to be bone skinny.

[cando559]

I Love My Lap Band, banded 1/12/08 at 265 now 2/25/08 at 234 and dropping!!!! You look awesome!!

[thebandinme]

Thank you! And I am so glad everything is working out for you and that you're doing so well! Keep in touch! <3 Ash

[TEISHASALON]

does insurance cover it? where did you get it done? i want to know everything!

[henglis911]

good work. I had my band surgery the month before you (mexico) fills are a bit of a pain and a bit spendy ($180 bucks) but I am doing well. 75 lbs lost. I am at 210 but I really do have to work out. Great attitude regarding the goal number. Really admirable. THere is far too much eating disorder behavior in the weight loss surgery community, your attitude is very healthy and refreshing.

[Zianner]

WOW WOW and WOW again.. you look SOOOOO good. You must be so happy with yourself for where you started to where you are now... well done as i know its not easy... how many fills have you had.

[thebandinme]

I think I've had about 8? Including one unfill.

[mushygreenpea]

WOW YOU ROCK !!

I have watch all you vids and your such an insperation. My surgury is on the 19th March and i can't wait till I'm 8 months, oh my god !! Wow Wow Wow speachless Girl !!!!!

[karikatk]

Just wanted to say you are an absolute inspiration. Thank your for sharing your journey with us. You look utterly beautiful in your Sultry Valentines day pics. Your honey must be so proud of you.

[thebandinme]

Aw thank you! That means so much to me. Thanks really :)

[AshtrayHeartt]

You look fantastic!

xx

[dullard5000]

I so hear you about squeezing past someone--I hate having to do that--like when I'm in a club or something--and I'm always wondering what they're thinking when I have to sneak past them, like "bowl me over fatty"

[julied514]

Wow! You look amazing. I dont comment very much but always glad to see when you have updated. I got banded in sept so far i have lost 40lbs, had a little surprise and i am now 3 months pregnant but glad i was able to lose some of the weight before hand. And i know i will be glad after the baby!! I hope i will be able to have the guts to have pics taken. All the best in school, ect, it really is a bright future!!! Looking forward to your next video.

[devonaravenhold]

You have really changed! Not in personality though, and that's the best part. You keep rockin' it girlie...you're a total inspiration for me and so many others. Much loves!

[ShineNSta]

heyyy you look GREAT! Glad to see the weight's melting off still. I'm proud to say I've lost 21kgs in 4 months! Didn't get the lap banding done in the end though - my boyfriend breaking up with me was a big enough wakeup call to get my butt into gear! I've never been happier..!

[BeAuTiFuLCuRvEs]

omg! hott hott hott you look great and those picture's rock!!!!!!

[thebandinme]

thanks! ::embarassed::!

[tb83]

you look great. that's one thing i am looking forward to, wearing some cute bra's! and never returning to layne bryant ever again. i hate shopping there. good luck with your continuing journey!

[waskiewiczrn]

Your pictures look fantastic! What a difference 60 pounds makes.  Thanks for the update. I agree with you that it is invaluable to others as far as support goes.

Dena

[guitarplaypro]

Welcome!

[krazy77grl]

You are amazing! Love the valentine's photos!!! Hotness!

[thebandinme]

Ha! Thanks!

[babybee3184]

You always have great information and its helpful to hear from someone who is 8 mths. post - op that has been through the experience. Thanks for making the video :). You are doing well!

[thebandinme]

I'm glad I can be somewhat helpful! Good luck to you! :)

[guitarplaypro]

Holy crap balls! You look great! :)

[thebandinme]

Hey thanks man! :)

[mamacitalinda4ever13]

im so glad that your happier now! you look amazing!!

[thebandinme]

omgosh thank you! <3