Dear Readers,
I want to scoop you all up in my arms.
I want to give you big squeezy hugs and slobbery kisses.
I want to put you in my pocket and carry you around all day.
You ALL have played many important roles in my journey to improved health.
You are my constant accountability, my sounding board, and most of all my trusted friends.
Here are some of my all-time favorite love nugget emails that I've received from YOU, my readers.
And if you would like to send me an email: lapbandgal@yahoo.com
********
"Hi!
**********
**********
"Congratulations on all your success it's awesome what you have accomplished. Hopefully one day soon I will be able to say I reached my goals as you have."
~P. November '13
********
"Hi, my name is **** and even though I'm really late, I just wanted to thank you for writing a blog about your experience with lap-band. I stumbled across your blog about a month or so ago and have now read through all of your post. I'm still not sure if I will get the lap-band but you have definitely made me feel less worried if I do decide get it. Everyone has told me that I will have problems with the band and won't lose much weight. But now I know this isn't true if you put the effort in, because of your experience. So again, thank you and congrats on all of the progress you have made and are still making."
~H. November '13
********
"I have been thinking about the LapBand for awhile now. I signed up for the next seminar at my local hospital to discuss both surgical and non-surgical weight loss options... but wanted to do some additional research on my own before then, and that is how I came across your blog. I read through your entire journey in one sitting and I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story and your honesty. It has been so helpful and you are an inspiration! Thank you for doing what you do, I hope that I can learn from your example and be a long term weight loss success story! Thank you!"
~S.M. August '13
********
"Just started following your blog today. Will be quick cuz I know you prob get tons of emails. I had my surgery on May **th and so far have lost 51lbs. It's truly amazing and your blog just made me cry to see your before and current pics!!!!! Thanks for blogging and being a positive in the the lives of new banders. ;)"
~A.R. ~August '13
********
********
"Hi! I came across your page and wanted to say what an inspiration you are! Congrats on all the hard work and for sharing with everyone."
********
"I think you are my long lost best friend! LOL - Let me tell you why:
I am a world traveller
I love SNL - and see lots of references in your writing
I adore spreadsheets and graphs.
I say Spency - not spendy! LOL
I have signed up for 2 informational sessions at 2 different hospitals. I hope I like one of them.
So you are my new bff, and an inspiration. Thank you for your blog - from the bottom of my heart. I mean it. I don't know what to do next - but I'm a big girl and will figure it out! :-)"
~L.T. May '13
********
"Congratulations!!!! you have done well. I just visited your website for the first time. Thank you for doing the blog which gives me encouragement. I start me liquid diet in two days. My band surgery is scheduled for ****. I will be following your blog to keep me motivated. Congrats on your success!"
~J.M. April '13
********
Thank
you so much for starting your blog, I found it this morning and it’s
already been very helpful. First, let me compliment you on how
beautifully you have transformed! You are absolutely
gorgeous and I hope to have as much success as you have."
~G.G. April '13
********
"I've been following your blog for a few months and have found you to be inspirational and motivating. Of all the blogs and pages I've been reading, your blog has been incredibly inspirational. You have shared the importance of knowing "your lapband" and the importance of exercise.
Thank you!"
~G. March '13
********
********
********
"Hi! First of all, let me say your blog has set fire under my feet! It's really inspiring, and I'm so happy for you and all you've accomplished."
~K.P. January '13
********
"I just wanted you to know that I send hugs your way and I hope you continue to blog forever-you are such an inspiration to me! Thanks, Lap Band Gal!"
********
"Hi! I am so excited that I found your blog. I have just scheduled my surgery and I am super excited as well as a little nervous... I am excited to find your blog to see how someone else has adapted to the change after Lapband. It has only been a few days but you have already given me a lot of reassurance and information on what to expect. I look forward to reading more!"
~J.H. November '12
********
********
"Just dropping by to say thanks for the lovely blog. You certainly pay it forward.. I will be banded in 4 days and I have learned a lot from reading your blogs. Not the technical stuff but stuff about the journey from the heart. Again Thanks!"
~S.B. October '12
********
********
"I ran across your blog while researching lap band reviews. I must say I have been so nervous about the idea of having surgery that is all I can think about. You made it so clear in my mind with one phrase "Weight Watchers with help". Thank you for reminding me that it's not going to be like magic. That I will have to work at it. I definitely feel confident that I'm making the right choice. I appreciate your complete honesty in your blog."
~A.C. October '12
********
"Hi Lap Band Gal!
You’ve become my biggest inspiration for losing wt and I’m almost at my goal wt! thank you!"
~K.F. October '12
********
"I have spent much time reading your blogs and facebook posts and it seems to me you are real enough...Thanks for putting yourself out there to help others!"
~J.D. October '12
********
"Hi Lap Band Girl!
I must say you are a true inspiration. I am looking into the lap band. I am so excited! I can not wait to start this journey!"
~K.L. September '12
********
"I wanted to say that your blogs and fb posts are truly inspirational... So thank you thank you thank you!"
~H.C. September '12
********
"I just wanted to say that your success is really inspiring. I've seen tons of blogs with success stories, and even failure stories. I'm very happy that you've made such a turn around in your life, and I hope that soon, I can have the same results....Once again, thanks for the inspiration, and congratulations on all your success. I'll be following your blog continually."
~A.L. July '12
********
********
"You have inspired me to do great things. I hope you know how many people you have touched with your blog!"
~A.G.D. June '12
********
"hi there!
just wanted to let you know i LOVE your blog and facebook page. thank you for posting so much i truly love it. i check everyday your pics n posts to get inspiration. thank you for posting about your food intake. I thought I was doing something wrong always eating so little but often. Seeing you do the same with a strict diet like me is SUCH a relief!
Thanks lap band gal! Love your work!"
~M.G. June '12
********
"I will be banded in July, and I want to thank you! your Blog was a big help in making my decision to get the lapband, I think I go to your blog more often than google, to answer more of my questions re: the new lapband life I am getting ready to live. when I have doubts about my choice, when I feel I am guilty of what people say (taking the easy way, why cant you do it on your own?) I go to your Blog and get that boost I need and feel like I am brave and strong and that I am ready for the hard work, so THANKYOU lap band gal -I hope you know how much the time you spend blogging has helped at least one person, and I am SO sure many many more."
~T.H.F. May '12
********
"I'm an in the process of getting my lapband, I love your blog, it has been so informative and helpful and has really made me feel good about my decision."
~A.E. March '12
*********
"Found your blog and am loving every word there-it's a great help reading about your life with a band. Thanks for sharing! Greetings from Bosnia!"
~N.M. March '12
I want to scoop you all up in my arms.
I want to give you big squeezy hugs and slobbery kisses.
I want to put you in my pocket and carry you around all day.
You ALL have played many important roles in my journey to improved health.
You are my constant accountability, my sounding board, and most of all my trusted friends.
Here are some of my all-time favorite love nugget emails that I've received from YOU, my readers.
And if you would like to send me an email: lapbandgal@yahoo.com
********
"Hi Lap Band Gal!
My
name is D*** and I too have struggle with my weight ALL my life and
have decided to have the lap band procedure. I had my consultation with
my surgeon's office today...
I
wanted to take a moment and write and tell you THANK YOU!! Your blog
and facebook page have helped me with my research and I love how honest
you are about your procedure and your hard work to reach and maintain
your goal weight!
I
found you blog through a google search and went back and read EVERY
single post! It has helped me knows some key things I must be ready to
do (exercise and make good choices) and it is nice to see the hardwork
truly pay off.
I am a new follower and will continue to follow you.
thank you again for having the blog!
A new follower and soon to be fellow bandster."
~D. June '15
**********
I
just came across your blog today. First things first: you're an
amazing inspiration! Thank you for having a blog and sharing your
experience. I know it's not easy to be vulnerable, but it truly is
helping me, so THANK YOU!"
~O. October '14
"Good Morning,
I
stumbled across your blog today while trying to research an issue with
my band. I just had to email you and tell you how amazing you look. I
was banded in May of 2012. I had done extremely well and lost 108
pounds as of October 2013.
Thank you for "listening". You are truly inspirational!!"
~C. July '14
"Congratulations on all your success it's awesome what you have accomplished. Hopefully one day soon I will be able to say I reached my goals as you have."
~P. November '13
********
"Hi, my name is **** and even though I'm really late, I just wanted to thank you for writing a blog about your experience with lap-band. I stumbled across your blog about a month or so ago and have now read through all of your post. I'm still not sure if I will get the lap-band but you have definitely made me feel less worried if I do decide get it. Everyone has told me that I will have problems with the band and won't lose much weight. But now I know this isn't true if you put the effort in, because of your experience. So again, thank you and congrats on all of the progress you have made and are still making."
~H. November '13
********
"I have been thinking about the LapBand for awhile now. I signed up for the next seminar at my local hospital to discuss both surgical and non-surgical weight loss options... but wanted to do some additional research on my own before then, and that is how I came across your blog. I read through your entire journey in one sitting and I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story and your honesty. It has been so helpful and you are an inspiration! Thank you for doing what you do, I hope that I can learn from your example and be a long term weight loss success story! Thank you!"
~S.M. August '13
********
"Just started following your blog today. Will be quick cuz I know you prob get tons of emails. I had my surgery on May **th and so far have lost 51lbs. It's truly amazing and your blog just made me cry to see your before and current pics!!!!! Thanks for blogging and being a positive in the the lives of new banders. ;)"
~A.R. ~August '13
********
"I have read all of your blog. Start to finish. You have inspired me. Thank you.
Thank
you especially for your time in maintenance. I am an excellent
starter, horrible finisher, and an even worse maintain-er. I admire
what you've done.
I'm
just starting the process of getting a lap band.... Even if I'm denied, I am still going to try
it with diet and exercise. And I will blog the experience. Because of
you. It seems that the blog was so important to your weight loss and
maintenance.
Again thank you. You have given me hope when I was most hopeless and that means the world to me.
Thanks so much"
~O. August '13********
"Hi! I came across your page and wanted to say what an inspiration you are! Congrats on all the hard work and for sharing with everyone."
~M.L. ~July '13
********
********
"I just wanted to let you know I
have enjoyed reading your blog. I too have struggled most of my life
with weight and I am finally taking the big step. I have started the
process toward lap band surgery.
I starts my appointments next week and meet with my surgeon on **** to schedule surgery. I am very excited but a little nervous. Thanks for
putting your story out there for us to read and learn from."
~R.R. ~July '13
"I think you are my long lost best friend! LOL - Let me tell you why:
I am a world traveller
I love SNL - and see lots of references in your writing
I adore spreadsheets and graphs.
I say Spency - not spendy! LOL
I have signed up for 2 informational sessions at 2 different hospitals. I hope I like one of them.
So you are my new bff, and an inspiration. Thank you for your blog - from the bottom of my heart. I mean it. I don't know what to do next - but I'm a big girl and will figure it out! :-)"
~L.T. May '13
********
"Congratulations!!!! you have done well. I just visited your website for the first time. Thank you for doing the blog which gives me encouragement. I start me liquid diet in two days. My band surgery is scheduled for ****. I will be following your blog to keep me motivated. Congrats on your success!"
~J.M. April '13
********
"Good Morning Lapbandgal!
~G.G. April '13
********
"I've been following your blog for a few months and have found you to be inspirational and motivating. Of all the blogs and pages I've been reading, your blog has been incredibly inspirational. You have shared the importance of knowing "your lapband" and the importance of exercise.
Thank you!"
~G. March '13
********
"I decided a few weeks back
that I was going to get the Lap Band done, and in my quest of knowledge I
found your blog, and LOVE IT! Of course I have seen the good and bad
blogs about this surgery, and its good to be educated HOWEVER I am
loving the positive energy and great info you have provided! I have
never blogged but I think I might also start so I can look back at my
journey and see where I have come from. I started a blog myself thanks
to you Thanks for your positive words and documenting your journey so
inspirational!"
~J.M. January '13
********
"Good morning
I want
to say thank you for writting your blog .. u are so open snd wonderful.
I am starting out on my Lapband journey ( in the dr apts pre op part) I
have been reading your blog from surgury to current... I am up to when u
hit your goal weight.. I dont even know u and I am so so proud of you. Again I just wanted to say thank you."
~C.F. January '13
********
"Hi! First of all, let me say your blog has set fire under my feet! It's really inspiring, and I'm so happy for you and all you've accomplished."
~K.P. January '13
********
"I just wanted you to know that I send hugs your way and I hope you continue to blog forever-you are such an inspiration to me! Thanks, Lap Band Gal!"
~B.D. December '12
********
"Hi! I am so excited that I found your blog. I have just scheduled my surgery and I am super excited as well as a little nervous... I am excited to find your blog to see how someone else has adapted to the change after Lapband. It has only been a few days but you have already given me a lot of reassurance and information on what to expect. I look forward to reading more!"
~J.H. November '12
********
"I found your blog thru LapBandTalk and first let me say, you look great! You look so young and vibrant! I'm
considering lap-band after 20+ years of yo-yo'ing...Thank
you and thanks so much for sharing your experience via your blog, it's
so helpful for those of us considering and trying to decide.
~M.B. November '12
********
"Just dropping by to say thanks for the lovely blog. You certainly pay it forward.. I will be banded in 4 days and I have learned a lot from reading your blogs. Not the technical stuff but stuff about the journey from the heart. Again Thanks!"
~S.B. October '12
********
"Hi There,
I
just wanted to drop you a note to say Thank you for sharing your
journey and contining to do so. I was banded on .... and am looking
forward to this being a truly successful journey for me. I have
struggled with my weight since I was very young and I am now 40. You are an inspiration and I am glad to see you are still keeping up your blog."
~C.P. October '12
********
"I ran across your blog while researching lap band reviews. I must say I have been so nervous about the idea of having surgery that is all I can think about. You made it so clear in my mind with one phrase "Weight Watchers with help". Thank you for reminding me that it's not going to be like magic. That I will have to work at it. I definitely feel confident that I'm making the right choice. I appreciate your complete honesty in your blog."
~A.C. October '12
********
"Hi Lap Band Gal!
You’ve become my biggest inspiration for losing wt and I’m almost at my goal wt! thank you!"
~K.F. October '12
********
"I have spent much time reading your blogs and facebook posts and it seems to me you are real enough...Thanks for putting yourself out there to help others!"
~J.D. October '12
********
"Hi LBG,
I just wanted to say thank you for all of the information that you have posted about your lap band journey.
I have just started on the
initial journey myself, and I spent this weekend reading your ENTIRE
BLOG. Yes, I read every single post you have made.
Thanks again for all of your insite and information and honesty."
~R.M. October '12
********"Hi Lap Band Girl!
I must say you are a true inspiration. I am looking into the lap band. I am so excited! I can not wait to start this journey!"
~K.L. September '12
********
"I wanted to say that your blogs and fb posts are truly inspirational... So thank you thank you thank you!"
~H.C. September '12
********
"I just wanted to say that your success is really inspiring. I've seen tons of blogs with success stories, and even failure stories. I'm very happy that you've made such a turn around in your life, and I hope that soon, I can have the same results....Once again, thanks for the inspiration, and congratulations on all your success. I'll be following your blog continually."
~A.L. July '12
********
"Thank u for sharing your journey!"
~S.S. July '12
"You have inspired me to do great things. I hope you know how many people you have touched with your blog!"
~A.G.D. June '12
********
"hi there!
just wanted to let you know i LOVE your blog and facebook page. thank you for posting so much i truly love it. i check everyday your pics n posts to get inspiration. thank you for posting about your food intake. I thought I was doing something wrong always eating so little but often. Seeing you do the same with a strict diet like me is SUCH a relief!
Thanks lap band gal! Love your work!"
~M.G. June '12
********
"I will be banded in July, and I want to thank you! your Blog was a big help in making my decision to get the lapband, I think I go to your blog more often than google, to answer more of my questions re: the new lapband life I am getting ready to live. when I have doubts about my choice, when I feel I am guilty of what people say (taking the easy way, why cant you do it on your own?) I go to your Blog and get that boost I need and feel like I am brave and strong and that I am ready for the hard work, so THANKYOU lap band gal -I hope you know how much the time you spend blogging has helped at least one person, and I am SO sure many many more."
~T.H.F. May '12
********
"I'm an in the process of getting my lapband, I love your blog, it has been so informative and helpful and has really made me feel good about my decision."
~A.E. March '12
*********
"Found your blog and am loving every word there-it's a great help reading about your life with a band. Thanks for sharing! Greetings from Bosnia!"
~N.M. March '12
********
"Hi,
Your blog has really helped me prepare myself for banded life. I can't wait for this life change and I am hoping to be ROCKSTAR like you! :)"
~J.T. March '12
**********
“Hi there-
"I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for your motivation... I go into surgery tomorrow and have spent a great deal of time on your blog reading all you wonderful accomplishments.. I am so motivated and scared all at the same time, but looking forward to the future...your blog really has taught me to just keep trying, keep going, keep moving.
It might take me longer then most, but I will get there...I’m doing this semi alone, my husband is the only one who knows I’m having this done, not family or friends, so you have been a real help, a real spark to me.. A place to go and see I’m not alone in this.
So again, Thank you!! and so looking forward to reading more."
~K.F. February '12
********
"Hi
I was banded January 30th and wanted to thank you for your blog. I have learned so much from reading your entries and the other pages/blogs you recommend. You're story and success is very inspirational and I look forward to the daily updates."
~L.S. in Massachusetts; February '12
********
"I just wanted to take a second and let you know that I really appreciate the time and thought you put into your blog. When I first began researching the Lap Band I stumbled across your blog and it was the deciding factor for me. You painted a realistic picture for your journey and it gave me the courage to choose to have the surgery.
"Hi lapbandgal!
I emailed you a couple of months ago when I started looking into the band and I now have a date of surgery!! I now have my very own blog and I just wanted to let you know how much your blog and journey have inspired me, especially in the middle of presurgery liquid diet."
J.M. December '11
********
"Hello,
I have been reading your blog and I can say is wow! I have just started the process for lap band surgery....I really want to say thank you for blogging your entire experience. Thanks!"
~T.T. December '11
********
"Hi!
I have been reading your blog for a few weeks now and feel inspired by you... I had my lap band in April of 2010 and have lost 48 pounds. Thanks! I love your blog. You are so funny!"
~A. in Idaho December '11
********
"Hi,
I am starting my research into potential lap band surgery, and your blog is the first one I have read. It has really given me a lot of information and made me feel more comfortable with the idea of going forward on this journey. I will keep reading your blog ...since it is what has been my inspiration to keep looking into lap band!"
~Sara K. November '11
********
"I was researching on the lap band surgery and people success stories and saw your blog. I love reading your blog and your journey post opt. Thank you for doing this blog and letting other people see your stuggles and achievements. You really give good tips and information useful for everyone.
P.S Congrats with everything and you look GREAT!!! Two thumbs up!! :))"
~Mary November '11
********
"Hello,
I am not a lap band owner but I read your blog as encouragement while I am on my journey of dieting. ...I am not a eligible candidate for the lap band procedure as I am 74 years old ...Thank you for your story and encouragement to others. Whether we are lap band gals or just people fighting obesity anyway we can, it is helpful to have blogs like yours. The best reward (besides not being obese) in losing weight successfully is being able to share your experiences and encouragement with others."
~R. October '11
********
"Hi,
I came across your webpage while looking up info on lapbands. I was told yesterday that I should look into the lap band...I have struggled with my weight since middle school. I have my first consult soon. I am really nervous...Reading your webpage calmed some fears. I bookmarked it so I can revisit."
~A.H. October '11
********
"Hi!
I have read your blog from beginning to end...whew, that was a lot of reading, but I found it to be so informational...You really are an inspiration and I aspire to have the same success!"
~R.B. October '11
********
"Hi lapband gal! ...I'm on my way to be banded in November. I've been a silent reader of yours for awhile, I have read every post and I want to thank you for all of your fantastic pointers and information on being banded. You have been such an amazing inspiration, I really look forward to new posts and any new important info I can put in my band binder. Its also nice to see another type A cat lady out there in the world :)"
~J.L. September '11
********
"Hey Gal!
Two weeks ago I started a search on WLS. I found you and your blog. Read every word! I was fascinated with you entries and writing style. Your journey was instrumental in my decision. We are the same height and I weigh your starting weight.
Therefore.........I have started all the stuff necessary before insurance approves the procedure....
Thank you sharing you journey. You have been such a blessing to me already!!!!"
~C.H.C. August '11
********
"Hi, I am getting my band this Thursday and I'm very excited! I've been blog stalking you and about 65 other people since January when I began the process of trying to get the band. I wanted you to know that I have truly been inspired by you. I thought you might like to hear from one of the many anonymous followers how much your journey has meant to others. Thank you!"
~J.B. August '11
********
"Hi, I have to say that your blog has inspired me so much. Thank you for being so honest and open about everything. It makes you very relatable. You look amazing and keep up the good work."
~M.M. August '11
********
"You are such an inspiration and have motivated me to get back on track with my weight watchers. Honestly, I viewed your blog as a curious nah sayer and have been in complete awe of your transformation!"
~L.T. July '11
********
"Your blog is a continued inspiration to me and I just wanted to write and say Thank you. ...This weekend I went and bought new pants because my old ones would not longer hold up and I thought of you and your before and after pictures you post. Thank you for writing your blog. I may not leave comments often (I feel like I might not be considered part of the club so to speak) but I visit regularly. However I get to my goal you are an amazing inspiration to me and I owe you a great deal of gratitude. Thank you for being my inspiration."
~A.S. July '11
********
"I am a *dedicated* Lap Band Gal reader. I'm just so tickled that you commented on my blog. You are a serious inspiration. thank you!!!!"
~N.A.H. June '11
********
"Just wanted to say congrats on your weight loss journey... I stumbled across your blog today and I am very happy that I did. Today is my first step towards getting the band done...Its nice to see someone do things the right way."
~J.L June '11
********
"I just want to add how much I admire the outreach/education/support you are providing to so many in the form of your wonderful blog and your comments on others' blogs. You stand out amidst all the bloggers out there. You are clearly one special woman with a gift for helping and inspiring others, both by example and by communicating with such empathy and skill. Hugs to you, and thanks again!"
~M.W. May '11
********
"Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog. I am 5 years out (lapband) and have maintained my weight loss...I love reading your blog, it gives me hope...Your dedication, success and honesty is nice and refreshing to read. Keep up the good work!! Thanks for sharing!!"
~L.P. April '11
********
"Just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoy your writing. I am newly banded and your blog was one of the first I stumbled upon and it’s been a source of daily inspiration. So, thank you, thank you, thank you! Keep up your good work. You’re inspiring so many of us out there."
~K.J. April '11
********
"Heya - just wanted to drop you a line to say thanks so much for your bits of advice from time to time, and that I'm really enjoying reading your blog! I've officially been banded for 7 days, so at the start of a very long journey, and it's great to read experiences from those who have been there already..."
~G.S. February '11
********
"I just finished reading your blog from beginning to end. It took a few days :) Anyhow, I would like to thank you for a nice up-beat blog from someone who really made the most of their band. It has been interesting, educational, encouraging, and I'm very thankful for bandsters who have the approach that you have. Thank you!"
~R.B. January '11
********
"Hi Lap Band Gal,
Just a quick note to say thanks for your blog. It is one of the best ones out there. I am going through medical appointments in prep for lap band surgery. My stats are very close to your original ones...... It's so helpful to read your blog and see someone being successful with the band."
~L.W. November '10
********
"Hi,
Your blog has really helped me prepare myself for banded life. I can't wait for this life change and I am hoping to be ROCKSTAR like you! :)"
~J.T. March '12
**********
“Hi there-
Just found your site and love it! I’m a dietitian who works with lots of bariatric patients- both band and bypass. I will share your blog with my band patients- very inspirational. Congrats on all of your success and thanks for sharing your insight in such a nice format.
Many band patients struggle with really changing their attitudes/expectations- I think your blog may be helpful to a few of my patients who are in this situation.
Thanks!!"
~J. February '12
*********
"I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for your motivation... I go into surgery tomorrow and have spent a great deal of time on your blog reading all you wonderful accomplishments.. I am so motivated and scared all at the same time, but looking forward to the future...your blog really has taught me to just keep trying, keep going, keep moving.
It might take me longer then most, but I will get there...I’m doing this semi alone, my husband is the only one who knows I’m having this done, not family or friends, so you have been a real help, a real spark to me.. A place to go and see I’m not alone in this.
So again, Thank you!! and so looking forward to reading more."
~K.F. February '12
********
"Hi
I was banded January 30th and wanted to thank you for your blog. I have learned so much from reading your entries and the other pages/blogs you recommend. You're story and success is very inspirational and I look forward to the daily updates."
~L.S. in Massachusetts; February '12
********
"I just wanted to take a second and let you know that I really appreciate the time and thought you put into your blog. When I first began researching the Lap Band I stumbled across your blog and it was the deciding factor for me. You painted a realistic picture for your journey and it gave me the courage to choose to have the surgery.
Thank you so much, I can never really tell you how much you inspired in me."
~M.M. January '12
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"Hi lapbandgal!
I emailed you a couple of months ago when I started looking into the band and I now have a date of surgery!! I now have my very own blog and I just wanted to let you know how much your blog and journey have inspired me, especially in the middle of presurgery liquid diet."
J.M. December '11
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"Hello,
I have been reading your blog and I can say is wow! I have just started the process for lap band surgery....I really want to say thank you for blogging your entire experience. Thanks!"
~T.T. December '11
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"Hi!
I have been reading your blog for a few weeks now and feel inspired by you... I had my lap band in April of 2010 and have lost 48 pounds. Thanks! I love your blog. You are so funny!"
~A. in Idaho December '11
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"Hi,
I am starting my research into potential lap band surgery, and your blog is the first one I have read. It has really given me a lot of information and made me feel more comfortable with the idea of going forward on this journey. I will keep reading your blog ...since it is what has been my inspiration to keep looking into lap band!"
~Sara K. November '11
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"I was researching on the lap band surgery and people success stories and saw your blog. I love reading your blog and your journey post opt. Thank you for doing this blog and letting other people see your stuggles and achievements. You really give good tips and information useful for everyone.
P.S Congrats with everything and you look GREAT!!! Two thumbs up!! :))"
~Mary November '11
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"Hello,
I am not a lap band owner but I read your blog as encouragement while I am on my journey of dieting. ...I am not a eligible candidate for the lap band procedure as I am 74 years old ...Thank you for your story and encouragement to others. Whether we are lap band gals or just people fighting obesity anyway we can, it is helpful to have blogs like yours. The best reward (besides not being obese) in losing weight successfully is being able to share your experiences and encouragement with others."
~R. October '11
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"Hi,
I came across your webpage while looking up info on lapbands. I was told yesterday that I should look into the lap band...I have struggled with my weight since middle school. I have my first consult soon. I am really nervous...Reading your webpage calmed some fears. I bookmarked it so I can revisit."
~A.H. October '11
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"Hi!
I have read your blog from beginning to end...whew, that was a lot of reading, but I found it to be so informational...You really are an inspiration and I aspire to have the same success!"
~R.B. October '11
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"Hi lapband gal! ...I'm on my way to be banded in November. I've been a silent reader of yours for awhile, I have read every post and I want to thank you for all of your fantastic pointers and information on being banded. You have been such an amazing inspiration, I really look forward to new posts and any new important info I can put in my band binder. Its also nice to see another type A cat lady out there in the world :)"
~J.L. September '11
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"Hey Gal!
Two weeks ago I started a search on WLS. I found you and your blog. Read every word! I was fascinated with you entries and writing style. Your journey was instrumental in my decision. We are the same height and I weigh your starting weight.
Therefore.........I have started all the stuff necessary before insurance approves the procedure....
Thank you sharing you journey. You have been such a blessing to me already!!!!"
~C.H.C. August '11
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"Hi, I am getting my band this Thursday and I'm very excited! I've been blog stalking you and about 65 other people since January when I began the process of trying to get the band. I wanted you to know that I have truly been inspired by you. I thought you might like to hear from one of the many anonymous followers how much your journey has meant to others. Thank you!"
~J.B. August '11
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"Hi, I have to say that your blog has inspired me so much. Thank you for being so honest and open about everything. It makes you very relatable. You look amazing and keep up the good work."
~M.M. August '11
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"You are such an inspiration and have motivated me to get back on track with my weight watchers. Honestly, I viewed your blog as a curious nah sayer and have been in complete awe of your transformation!"
~L.T. July '11
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"Your blog is a continued inspiration to me and I just wanted to write and say Thank you. ...This weekend I went and bought new pants because my old ones would not longer hold up and I thought of you and your before and after pictures you post. Thank you for writing your blog. I may not leave comments often (I feel like I might not be considered part of the club so to speak) but I visit regularly. However I get to my goal you are an amazing inspiration to me and I owe you a great deal of gratitude. Thank you for being my inspiration."
~A.S. July '11
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"I am a *dedicated* Lap Band Gal reader. I'm just so tickled that you commented on my blog. You are a serious inspiration. thank you!!!!"
~N.A.H. June '11
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"Just wanted to say congrats on your weight loss journey... I stumbled across your blog today and I am very happy that I did. Today is my first step towards getting the band done...Its nice to see someone do things the right way."
~J.L June '11
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"I just want to add how much I admire the outreach/education/support you are providing to so many in the form of your wonderful blog and your comments on others' blogs. You stand out amidst all the bloggers out there. You are clearly one special woman with a gift for helping and inspiring others, both by example and by communicating with such empathy and skill. Hugs to you, and thanks again!"
~M.W. May '11
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"Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog. I am 5 years out (lapband) and have maintained my weight loss...I love reading your blog, it gives me hope...Your dedication, success and honesty is nice and refreshing to read. Keep up the good work!! Thanks for sharing!!"
~L.P. April '11
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"Just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoy your writing. I am newly banded and your blog was one of the first I stumbled upon and it’s been a source of daily inspiration. So, thank you, thank you, thank you! Keep up your good work. You’re inspiring so many of us out there."
~K.J. April '11
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"Heya - just wanted to drop you a line to say thanks so much for your bits of advice from time to time, and that I'm really enjoying reading your blog! I've officially been banded for 7 days, so at the start of a very long journey, and it's great to read experiences from those who have been there already..."
~G.S. February '11
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"I just finished reading your blog from beginning to end. It took a few days :) Anyhow, I would like to thank you for a nice up-beat blog from someone who really made the most of their band. It has been interesting, educational, encouraging, and I'm very thankful for bandsters who have the approach that you have. Thank you!"
~R.B. January '11
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"Hi Lap Band Gal,
Just a quick note to say thanks for your blog. It is one of the best ones out there. I am going through medical appointments in prep for lap band surgery. My stats are very close to your original ones...... It's so helpful to read your blog and see someone being successful with the band."
~L.W. November '10
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