Hope you don't mind this update in my progress. I promise only to send these when I hit a milestone.

While you don't know me very well, rarely do I toot my own horn (did I say actually say toot?) - but this is one of the things I am proud of .. my weight loss. All thanks to the Realize band.

Attached are 2 pictures. One taken the day before my operation (January 28, 2008 - 435 lbs) and one taken yesterday (March 30, 2009 - 278 lbs). In just over a year I have lost 157 pounds. For the first time in over 15 years (probably more like 18 years), I am in the 270's.

What I find so dramatic in the pictures isn't the weight loss - but my attitude. You can actually see the pain and anguish within my face and posture (in the January 2008 picture). And the upside down half piece sign only emphasizes how unhappy I was, and how I hated the world and my life. With God's Loving Grace, the Realize band, and all of YOU at J&J, I have been transformed into a happy healthy new person!!

As I continue down this road, I just want to make sure I say how I appreciate J&J's help/guidance/love/support. I know I wouldn't have been this successful without the Realize band, and all the fine folks who continue to help folks like us. I want to say THANKS for giving me my life back, and I LOVE YOU ALL!!

Sincerely,

Tom Casola