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Hi, My bandiversary was Dec 1st. since being banded, I've lost 69 # with 70 more to go,. But with exercise, am still shrinking in clothing sizes (Really an upper for me) NSV- have to quit closet shopping as I am about out of clothes that still fit; of all BP meds, and my CPAP is dropped 4 points. I out walk my DH. Now I need my gall bladder out (Dec 22, it's complcating what I eat and itis better this way ) . What I've learned: Exercise is key, I really can change, this is only a tool and I have to make it work. I still feel like I'm juggling exercise, diet, and life - still need to change things daily to make it easier (evreything is in flux). also maybe it isn't me, my job is horrid. I will be better off when they decide who is laid off

Congrats on that, I guess it is also a NSV!!!!

Congratulations on doing so well. I would call that an NSV! I often wonder if I would have done as well with my weight loss if I didn't live alone and had to live with tempting foods laying around? I don't have to exert much will power as it is, I don't buy stuff I know I will be tempted to eat, so it's never in the house.

Hi all, after seeing quite a few pictures from (Before & After) thread and (NSV photo) thread I noticed the need to start a thread to show the ladies breasts before and after the band. I think it would be a great source of info since we can get a clear picture of how breasts reacts to weight loss, and in the same time it would be a great chance for ladies to show off their most valuable asset to our community. Regards, Magic

Welp, I did better than last week and lost -3.1 lbs this week. I'm definitely starting to see patterns in my body, and how it reacts to things throughout the week. On Wednesday I weighed in at 185.6, today (only 2 days later) I'm weighing in at 187 lbs. I'll take a loss, no problem, but it intrigues me how my body bounces up and down a pound or two during the week. One of my healthier habits I've acquired since surgery, is weighing myself only once first thing in the morning when I wake up, and not doing so again until the next day. I use to be obsessive compulsive about weighing myself multiple times a day, praying I would see some kind of loss, if even a few ounces. By only weighing myself once a day, I feel like I'm seeing much better results and not dwelling on it as much. Things I also know that have been working for me are laxatives. On Monday I tried miralax dissolvable (pre-measured packets- love it) in my coffee and it worked wonders. On Wednesday, I tried a good old laxative pill and it worked wonders as well. So now I know that if my body needs a little push to dump the toxins out of my body I have options. I'm very wary of taking any laxative every day because your body becomes dependent on them, and I do NOT want that to happen. I've been fairly regular up until last week, so trying different things this week brought a lot of relief to my system, and my numbers dropped as well. I will say that my biggest NSV to date happened today. I have about 20 pairs of jeans ranging from size 16 to size 8. About 3 weeks ago I was able to squeeze into my size 12's that have been getting looser and looser. Today being Friday and jean day at work, I decided to reach for my prized (slightly expensive, but fabulously fitting) size 10 jeans just to take an assessment of how they fit and how much farther I have to go. I put them on, and to my shock and amazement- they fit. Perfectly. No muffin top either. I went and looked in almost every mirror of my house just to make sure I wasn't hanging out or fooling myself. Nope- they fit! I felt overwhelmed with emotion this morning, over a pair of jeans. It's been YEARS since I've worn them, and even then I remember the last month or so I was able to wear them, I was wearing spanx and girdles trying not to bulge out thanks to the evil muffin top! After I got in my car, got my son to school, and just started thinking- I went into a Zen like state. I just felt like everything was going to be okay. I don't know what my all-time ultimate goal weight will be, or when my body will stop losing weight, but right now, the feeling of having my beloved size 10's fit me, is enough to praise God and count my blessings. I love my sleeve! Height: 5'9 Highest Weight: 216 Current Weight: 187.0 1st Goal Weight: 169 Sleeved: (8/17/2012): 216 lbs Week 1 (8/24): 204.8 (-11.2) Week 2 (8/31): 200.6 (-4.2) Week 3 (9/7): 196.8 (-3.8) Week 4 (9/14): 193.5 (-3.3) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 9/17/12- 1 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog Week 5 (9/21): 191.6 (-1.9) Week 6 (9/28): 190.1 (-1.5) Week 7 (10/5): 187.0 (-3.1)

@@Djmohr, I am so jealous! Well done!! I think I am still a 10? Not sure as I haven't shopped for a while. I'd love to have an experience like yours..........did I say I am so jealous! Well deserved NSV!

Congrats on the skirt fitting!!! Stupid question... What does NSV stand for??

It finally happened to me. I'm down 35 pounds since surgery (jan 22). Today I tried on 2 pairs of my old jeans (size 14) and they fit. Woohoo. Seriously love the feeling of not being afraid to get dressed and see myself in the mirror. And not only that it gives me such motivation to continue this journey and get to my goal of 150. I have 47.5 and half pounds to go and I know I can do it!

Attached is a picture showing my beginning jean size (26W) and my current jeans size (10P). I saw a similar picture to this on the forum and thought I would do one, too. There is 108 pounds difference in weight. My waist has dropped from 46.5" to 32". (still TOO BIG) My hips have dropped from 48" to 36". I think I will leave these hanging on the back of the door for inspiration.

Don't worry about the scales....you need to focus on NSV (none scale victories) for example loose clothing....I have went from a size 50-52 and is currently wearing 40-42, but I still want to lose more weight. Be encouraged!

There's an old saying, the grass is always greener on the other side. It's only human nature that you envy her for her rapid weight loss as you are in the process of losing weight yourself, albeit slower. I doubt very seriously that there are very many banded people who haven't at one time or another questioned our original decision and thought about what if. It's human nature. If we could take a pill and wake up thin tomorrow, there would be a line wrapping around the globe itself to get that pill. I'd be in it, I know. Stating that she eats anything and everything isn't possible without her suffering some really adverse side effects. We all know that, but if you are basing this on her word alone, don't be so easily taken in by her. If you have witnessed her yourself eating things that she shouldn't be able to, I doubt if you get to see her bodies reaction to it. Besides, what is she learning, how to continue her unhealthy habits, resulting in the usual outcome eventually? Instead of putting down your own accomplishment, which is wonderful BTW, try giving yourself credit and be proud. You are doing what you felt was best for you at the time you made the decision. Try to remember those reasons why you opted to be banded vs GB. Those reasons were important to you then and still should be. You are losing at a perfectly normal healthy rate. You are also learning to make better food choices and living a healthier lifestyle. You cannot tell me that after all of the weight you have lost, you haven't noticed any changes, it would be impossible. Think NSV, write them down and remind yourself of what has changed for you. Do you not have more energy? Are you not wearing a smaller size? Are you sincerely not happier than you were before you lost this weight? Sorry to go on like this, but I think you are selling yourself short. You do not deserve to be treated like that, even by yourself. You are better than that, recognize it and respond to the positive thinking rather than the negative. Take care of yourself, please. I personally think you are doing a wonderful job and I know I am not alone here in thinking that. Cindy

wannalise i am so very sorry and confused at the same time for what you are dealing with i totally understand what you are dealing with, and i hope you and your neurologist get this figured out/get control, very, very soon we are "sisters" - when i turned 16, (43 years ago) i became aware of my epilepsy i have been "controlled" all these years - with a couple of exceptions due to medicine changes my NSV - after i had lost about 50 lbs - we realized that due to my extreme weight loss, i now needed LESS medicine (keppra & lametcal) unfortunately we found this out the hard way - when i had an "unexpected" side effect I became very "dilusional" after knee replacement surgery 3 months PO WLS had to stay in hospital 3 extra days til they could figure out and deal with the prob - getting the right dosage for me I now take 1/2 the dosage that i took before WLS - this is huge for me i hope you and your neurologist get this figured out very soon!!!!! losing 160 lbs - you have done amazing i wish the best for you take care my friend

So I went on vacation out of the country and then had to return thru immigration. The agent refused to let me thru as she didn't believe I was the person in my passport photo. Had to get a supervisor over and explain that I had lost 100+ lbs since that picture and it was in fact me. Eventually convinced them, but I guess I am going to have to spring for a new passport with a new photo.

How's this for an NSV? Do it! It will be the best decision you ever made. I actually wore that bikini in public last week up in Byron and it was the BEST feeling.

~giggles~...PBBBB will have that smirk on her face during the whole vidio and you do have a point about AJ....get a memo out to PBB about that name up grade.... and I swear I didnt rat you out....I cant even find half the post your girls are on half the time... I think im going to have to stop with home work and falow you all more... But for now im off to see the kiddies Halloween parade in school and help out with a party.... This is a NSV today for me...I never wanted to be a room mother...but this year I offered !!! Be have girls.....~wink~

Hey Guys!!! It's been 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days since I was sleeved... I thought it was cool... the whole 333 thing.. anyway, I just wanted to share where I am right now.. I'm not losing tons of weight very quickly, however, I am losing inches, inhibitions and immature people's info!!! I'll make a different post about my NSVs to date and my trip home to Mississippi last week... This post is long enough.. But these are my stats so far.... Weight- HW: 382 DOS: 360 CW: 325ish and falling Clothing size- 30/32- 4X , size 11W shoe (pre-sleeve) 28/30 -3X/4X, size 11W shoe (day of surgery) 22/24-2X and falling, size 101/2 W (Currently) The Girls- 48DD (pre- sleeve) 46D (day of surgery) 44C (currently) Physical Ability- no stairs, little exercise, too painful (pre-sleeve) walking a mile w/ pain during the last .25 mile (near surgery day) 7 miles on recumbant bike, 2-mile walk, 3 flights of stairs w/ NO PAIN (currently!!!) Confidence Level- Party Participant, fun girl (pre-sleeve) LIFE OF THE PARTY!!! (currently) LOL.... I love SLEEVINA!!! She's helped me change my life and starting unearthing the REAL me... the me who was trapped by food and fat w/ seemingly no way out!! My sleeve has provided me w/ a very clear and well-defined road map to weight loss and a healthy life... I wouldn't change it for the WORLD... I am embracing and enjoying my journey!!!

It's amazing the difference you get when you lose a big chunk of yourself.... I feel better about myself and have more energy and stamina. My wife and I have always had a healthy intimate life - so good in fact that I didn't think it could get better - I WAS WRONG!!!! Definitely one of the top NSVs of WLS!.

New NSV!!

It's been an awesome past two months. Major life changes that never would have happened 50 pounds ago. I had my surgery last August, and the weight loss has been SLOW. But I'm hanging in there and the rewards have started rolling in. I decided to try online dating in March, after I was able to get some pictures of myself that I felt ok with. Two weeks later, I met an awesome guy and we're so happy together. Right about the same time, some networking paid off and I landed a job interview. The company was pretty slow with the interview process, but last week I was offered the job! The company is really dynamic and high-energy, and I know I wouldn't have been an ideal candidate if I had been at the weight and energy level that I was before the surgery. I'm not saying they wouldn't have hired me, but I KNOW that the weight loss has helped, if nothing else its helped my self esteem and the way I project myself. So, while the scale is slow, and I'll probably never be one of those people who gets to a size 4, it has given me a new outlook on life, and it looks like 35 is finally MY YEAR!!

Great job...congrats!!!! Crossing my legs was a HUGE NSV for me !!!

There was many times I thought I was in the green zone along the way only to have it subside days or even a week and half later. It took me about 6 almost 7 months post op before I was finally in a spot that worked for me. Those 6+ months were some frustrating times back in forth. I have to admit now that I am in the green zone the head hunger is more controllable and at times I wonder if my band has more to do with it then my state of mind. As a friend on here told me I do tend to over analyze things. Bandster hell was rough and the only way I got through it was by not having the tempting foods around me. I was a severe junk food addict and I simply could not keep it in the house. I still do not keep in the house even now but now that I am in the green zone I feel I have more control. Urge just isn't there but I cannot tell you for sure if it is just me embracing my new lifestyle, will power or the band or just a combination of all of it. I have not had a fill since January 29, 2012. April 16 will be my two year anniversary. My most challenging part of this journey has been my patience. I went through periods of up and down frustrations with the scale. I slowly started recognizing that there are other factors to consider when losing weight. Look for NSV's AKA non scale victories. Watching and feeling myself go from a size 62 waist to a 36 was more rewarding than any number on a scale.

Had a fun NSV today — was asked to participate in a video for work and totally fit in all of the “props” they required us to wear. So crazy!

Tbearfan, You have probably NOT stretched your stomach! That's very difficult, if not impossible, to do. Are you back on soft solids yet? If so, you need to try to get your Protein from food as much as possible. Regular food (chicken, pork, beef) will keep you full longer than a Protein shake. It will also help your sleeve heal. The stomach needs the challenge of digesting regular foods, and solids will stay in your sleeve longer. When the weight loss slows down, you need to do a few things. One is to log your food and Water intake. Getting too few calories is just as bad as eating too much because your body will not have the energy it needs to work at it's optimum potential. You also need to drink water to help flush toxins, hormones and fat out of your system. WATER and PROTEIN are the keys to losing weight. Two, take your measurements now and then do it again at least monthly. I lose inches when my weight loss "stalls". I lost my first pants size during a stall and I've lost most of my inches since my weight loss (in pounds) slowed down. I've lost slightly over 15 pounds in the last three months, but I've dropped several pants and shirt sizes in that same 3 months. Three, shake things up. Add in a few calories or carbs...or subtract them. Do more, or less, exercise than normal. Go dancing with friends, play at the park with the kids, or buy and do a new exercise video. Sometimes just changing the routine makes a huge change and causes your body to let go of a pound or three. Four, ENJOY THE RIDE. FavoredOne, another poster here, is a huge advocate of this. Look for the NSV's (non scale victories), enjoy your clothes fitting better. Celebrate the little things along with the big milestones. This is NOT a race. It's your life...and you're on your way to a better, fitter, happier you. That should fill you with joy, rather than make you stress that you aren't losing weight at the same rate as someone else. Good luck!!

Hey everyone! Happy Labor Day. Hope you are all well. Just checking in. I’m heading into my week 7. So far so good. Glad I can finally begin to do some intense workouts. Still feel some pain on my left side so I will take it somewhat easy. Lol. I feel so good and loving all the NSV. So far I’ve lost 37lbs since the day of surgery.

it took 50 pounds for me to see the difference unless I look at photos --then I can see the difference on a monthly basis. A few days ago I saw my self naked and I had to double take---it's a NSV to notice it on yourself.