After about 19 months of growth from a number 2/3 all over, I can now tie my hair back about as low as you can get it and the bangs are yet to fall out. In a month or two my bangs will stay back all day (my hair is slightly damp at the moment and that's keeping them in) Beginning to neaten up down, aswell.
Congratulations! That's great especially since you can tie it low. Now everything will be a breeze and growing long won't be so impatient since you'll already have length =}
It is a milestone I am looking forward to. Good for you for making it so far. Keep on growing!
Shawn (Mr.Crow)
(http://www.myspace.com/manlocks) - Mr.Crow's photo archive of growing hair