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Try not to worry about the number. I know easier said than done. I was in the same boat in May. I was so close to 100 pounds that I think I actually psyched myself out. Just try to stick to your food plan and listen to your belly, not your mind. Have you done any measurements? Even though my scale didn't move much in May (I actually gained 1 week as well) my inches went down. NSV's can get you through a scale plateau. Just try to keep in mind it's just a number. Good luck!!

I just want to preface this by saying that getting the surgery was probably the best decision of my life. A briefish summary of my story: I was lean as a kid and a teenager. I was highly active and on many days I would play basketball for 3-4 hours after school. Then, I went off to college. As a teenager, I ate a ton of food just to keep the weight on. I could eat ~5,000 kcals a day and my weight wouldn't budge. I had a 6-pack and could dunk a basketball on a good day, which isn't easy when you're 5' 10". When I got to college, I started partying a bit (others certainly partied a lot more, but I'm not going to say it didn't affect me). I also stopped playing basketball every day because I either felt too lazy to go to the gym (none of my usual friends were around to motivate me to get off the computer) or I had to focus on studying/writing a paper/etc. I gained about 20 lbs my freshman year. I still didn't look bad in a shirt, but I think this was the beginning of my battle with obesity. I'm certain that extra 20 lbs was enough to trigger the beginning of my sleep apnea. The next year, I became incredibly lazy, mostly because I was often tired. I went to go see multiple doctors on campus, including a psychiatrist, and they all diagnosed with major depression. When I mentioned my poor sleep, they just attributed it to the depression. I tried various anti-depressants, but they didn't seem to help. My doctors and I thought it was a matter of just finding the right medication. Meanwhile, I kept gaining weight. I gained another 40 lbs my sophomore year and my abdominal bulge could no longer be hidden by wearing a loose shirt. I made it through that year with OK grades, but it was a struggle. Once I finished the semester, I resolved to lose the weight. This was my first diet of many. I spent most of my summer working out / playing basketball and adhering to a strict 1,500 calorie diet. I managed to lose 40 lbs and and I actually looked quite good due to the muscle I put on from weight training, but as soon as school started up again, I slipped. I supposed it was the stress that caused me to fall of the wagon. Between late August and mid-May of the following year, I put on 50 lbs and was heavier than when I started dieting. I also lost a lot of my muscle mass, to the point where my legs buckled a few times just walking around. Worst of all, I failed a couple of my courses each semester. I decided I needed a change of scenery and transferred to a different university, hoping that a new location would help me reinvigorate myself. Long story short: it didn't help me. I ended up dropping out and moving back in with my parents. I spent the next few years in a state of lethargy, hopping from one crushingly monotonous retail job to the next, quitting when my fatigue would become overwhelming. Finally, at 26, I started to turn things around. It started when I saw a report on the news about sleep apnea. None of my doctors ever mentioned it to me, but I was certain that I had it. After a few months, I finally got scheduled for a sleep study. The night at the sleep clinic was rough as I had trouble sleeping with all the wires attached to me, but I did manage to sleep for an hour, enough to be diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. A week later, I finally got my CPAP. It changed my life. I went from having little motivation and energy to wanting to change the world. I signed up for a couple of classes at the local CC and aced both of them. I then transferred to the nearest university while living at home. Over the next year, I took 39 credit hours and made As in all of my classes except for a difficult genetics class, which I got a B in. It was by far my most difficult course load, but I thrived. I would have graduated summa cum laude if it weren't for the fact that I need another 15 hours at the campus to qualify. But I still had one large problem: I was fat. Fatter than I had ever been, tipping the scales at 330 lbs. I had also recently tried dieting, but succumbed to the yo-yo effect. Throughout my time living at home, I dieted several times. Each time, I was initially successful, losing 30 lbs or more, but I always ended up a bit fatter than before. I finally realized that dieting was futile, at least in my case. I was in the 95% that re-gains after weight loss through traditional means. I always changed up my diet some, going from low fat to low carb, but the result was always the same: fatter than before. I had known about bariatric surgery for a while, but I didn't consider it an option until after I graduated -- even then I was reluctant to get operated on. Fast forward to this past March. I had be avoiding doctors, but I finally went to get my bloodwork checked at the behest of my parents. I still felt pretty good thanks to my CPAP but, shockingly, I was diagnosed with diabetes. I also had hypertension, hypertryglceridemia, hypercholestolemia and mildly elevated ALT levels, on top of my diabetes. My A1C was 6.6%, but my doctor said that I could put my diabetes into remission if I lost weight. I had to do something, but I knew dieting again would be a failure. It was time for something different. Fortunately, immediately after my diagnosis, I saw an ad for True Results offering to do VSGs for $3,500. I knew my insurance wouldn't cover my surgery, so I called and set up an appointment. It wasn't long before I had a surgery date. I had my VSG on April 6th. My pre-op weight was 331 lbs. Today, I weigh 270 lbs. My appetite is nil. I feel fantastic and walk 8-10 miles a day. I lift weights 3 times a week. I've gone from wearing XXXL shirts to fitting comfortably in XL shirts. I was wearing size 52 pants, now I can squeeze into size 42s. I wake up feeling refreshed every morning. I still use my CPAP, but I my pressure has come down from 12 to 6 cm H20. My blood pressure has gone from being uncontrolled even with 2 meds to being normal without any medications. I haven't had my post-op bloodwork yet, but I have no doubt that it has greatly improved.

@@bbrown527 my answer is "i wish I had thought to do" i wish i had kept better records of my journey starting with Pre-op (situations, what was going on, problems etc) took measurements periodically :( took pictures during my weight loss used My Fitness Plan as a way of keeping track of my food kept track of my NSV's other things too write EVERYTHING down for posterity since i didn't write them down I don't remember what they all were write EVERYTHING down for posterity "wrapping" things up - i wish i had kept a diary/blog you are just starting your wonderful journey "its" never too late for anyone to start doing any of the above especially YOU have fun jumping through the many hoops with insurance good luck kathy

Isn't that great? It is the NSVs that mean the most.

Hopefully you will be done with those meds for good. I've been 100% off diabetes meds since I came home from the hospital. It sure is a good feeling, and it's been the best NSV so far!!

This time last summer I was wearing size 28 pants and shorts. Today I am going shopping for size 18 jeans and shorts because my size 20's are too big!!! I am amazed every day with NSV's. There are so many, and I am so grateful. I am so happy that I had the surgery. I will not do anything to mess this up!

Wowser...what a great start! I am proud of you. i am 63, and agree that it will enable you to enjoy your grandkids more. I have four small ones, 7, 4, 2, and 3 weeks. It used to be that when I went to my daughter's house, I could only sit and hold them on the sofa. After I lost my first fifty pounds, I was limber and flexible enough to get down on the floor and play with them, and then get up off the floor without assistance. You won't believe how many NSVs (non-surgical victories) you will have that you did not know were coming. Enjoy your grandkidlets and your new life. Congratulations!

2 NSV's today.... Ran into someone I haven't seen in a while and they took a double take because she didn't recognize me. Second one was I went to try on swim suits and fit in a 12/14, so excited

I think the preop diet will hopefully help with postoperative cravings because we are getting through them now. NSV: On my fourth day or diet, I went to a Mexican resteraunt with my brother's fiance and sipped water while I watched her eat and drink a margarita!! Yay to everyone who can hold against cravings!!

It sucks hard doesn't it!!!!! Just keep saying to yourself, this will all be worth it, when I'm thin and healthy soon... The NSV's are helping me at my stage. Keep it up!! You've come this far ????

I am day 2 postop and my gas pains are bad. I can barely move sometimes. I also have a tightness behind my sternum with painful respiration if i breathe too deeply. Has anyone else experienced this? Also, I have my first NSV! My blood pressure has been 110/70 for most of my life. The last few years it has started creeping up and was in the 130/90 range before surgery. Since my surgery, every time the nurse checked my blood pressure it was around 105/55! Goodbye borderline high BP! So exciting. I hope it stays like that.

My coworker who has known me for 10 years (he's seen me at all my weights, especially my heaviest) saw me walking across the lobby to my office and he said, "I just saw you walking across the lobby and I didn't recognize you." ???? Nice NSV.

I'm so sorry you are having issues ???? you will continue to be in my prayers ???????? I hope you find a protein source soon. It's a trip at how different stuff tastes now. Well with your issue having been addressed, maybe this is your corner to turn, to be you again. This is some emotional **** for sure. It's like it's being released from our fat cells lol. I think it's actually a thing, if I'm correct.. That's why I'm always on here, and talking to head doc, meetings and taking all meds advised ????... I have my ups and downs everyday, so at least you know that part is normal ???? ❤️ Thanks so much. Your words of encouragement are much needed. I know things will get better. I'm sure your right with it being water weight. It's a journey , not an overnight fix. Wouldn't it just rock if it were an overnight fix!!? I'd probably take it for granted, and get fat again, just knowing it was lol. In some ways I'm glad it's not an overnight fix. I wouldn't appreciate all the small victories in between as much. Those NSV are coming to us all. I just had one last week.. A shirt I bought a year ago, that never fit, Did!!!! So see you'll have a great feeling like that soon ???? it has to be so tough for you, so don't think I'm taking that lightly with my words or thinking. I just know what positive light and love can do for us ????We are all rocking it out, in our own ways. ????❤️???? WORD

What does NSV stand for?

I think the nsv are more important than the weigh ins. I was in Dillard's the other day and I found I fit in their plus sizes. I was too big for that before. I started crying with armfuls of clothes to try on. Its these things that make the journey worth it. Not the number on the scale.

Sell your old clothes on Poshmark, and then you'll have money to buy new ones! That's what I've been doing, it works great! Oh, for my latest NSV: Went shopping at American Eagle two days ago, a store that I always liked pre-surgery, but couldn't fit into any of their clothes... anyway I had tried on a size 8 jeans, and they were too big! I had to go to a size 6!

That is great! Those NSV's are better than the scale number! I notice that mine aren't swelling at the end of the day like they were... still some, but not near as much. I really think all the carbs I used to eat made me retain Water too.

I am just over 8 months post VSG. I am lucky to not have had any complications. I was able to get to my goal weight. I chose to have a breast lift and tummy tuck at 7 months post sleeve which I know is early but the right choice. I am 6 weeks post plastic surgery and just had my follow up appointment, I laughed when she sternly told me to not lose anymore weight. I can honestly say I would never have thought that I would ever have heard that again in my life. I do notice that it has been a full life style change but I am glad that I do feel I live a regular life. I know that I am sure to have obstacles over the years to come and it could be easy to fall back into old habits but I am sure my new tummy will keep me in line. This forum has been a great support and I am glad to have found it.

NSV's ??? Where do I start ? From the minute I wake up is the start of a NSV because no more sleep apnea ! Getting showered and nicely dressed is a pleasure , not a challenge because of my weight. Clothes look and fit waayyy better. All day, no more digestive issues, everything works normally. I enjoy talking to people because they are happy to talk to me, I think the self confidence comes through. I love my exercise classes ( swimming and Pilates ) because I can see and feel my body getting stronger and more toned. My pants are getting loose. Again. I can do everyday normal things wihout even thinking about it. Yep, EVERYDAY is a NSV for me !!!!

Always fun to see where everyone is at...hope everyone is having a great summer! I am having a great time shopping in new clothes as I have officially gotten rid of every piece of clothing in my closet! Now that was a NSV! Last year I was between a 22-24W, and now I am comfortably in a size 11/12, sometimes even 10. I had my annual physical and saw a doctor who hasn't seen me in a year...she actually did a double take when walking into the exam room. Quite different from when I delivered my son and weighed 300. I also traveled on business last month and loved not feeling like I needed an extra seat on the plane or having the stewardess ask me if I needed a seat belt extension. Finally feel like I can eat normal too...get full easily, but can pretty much feel like a normal person sitting at the dinner table. HW: 256 Surg wt: 224 Current wt: 155

I doubt I can out do you girls with your NSV's but I will list a few of mine.. At age 68 1/2 I feel like a kid again. My diabetes is gone, My high blood pressure is gone and my cholesterol is normal. I am happy to park way out in the lot at the store so I can walk. I ride my horse again and can clean my own house without collapsing In a chair. Lord knows it's great to be able to wear normal size clothes and not dread special occasions anymore because of looking like a stuffed sausage. I am looking forward to going to Alaska in August and know that without my band I would not physically be able to enjoy the trip. I promised myself I would ride horses in Alaska . *It's on my bucket list. I hope to continue being healthy and happy as long as possible. I can do all the other things you guys listed like shaving my legs, bathing etc. So happy to see all of these positive Bandsters here , get tired of the negative stuff.

I love love love NSV posts! Some that come to mind: Crossing my legs in a bar like the hottie I am. Wearing blouses with buttons. They don't gap anymore! Jeggings. Enjoying exercise. Not sweating profusely with every exertion. Taking stairs with ease. No back pain. No foot pain. Wore heels for the first time in ages. Leaving food on my plate on a regular basis. Choosing food as fuel instead of entertainment on a regular basis. Caring about my hair and nails and skin and general girliness. Saying yes to social invitations more and more. Waking up early even on my days off ready to fill my day with activity. So much room between me and the steering wheel. Not worrying about weighing too much for furniture to hold me. Sliding into a giant restaurant booth with a bunch of people. Feeling more energetic and youthful at age 54 than I did at 34.

My whole life is a NSV. From the most mundane things like lifting my legs to shave them in the shower to the most vital such as moving and without pain and without looking at the rest of my life being in a wheelchair. If I tried to list them all out, this post would go on forever.

read some of my NSV.........then think about your own NSV and now ask yourself just how are you doing??? (yeah i thought you'd see it now).. some NSV's for me that i love and no longer take for granted: having a seat belt fit properly painting my toe nails putting my socks on (hub use to have to do this for me).....although he still ties my shoes being able to reach down into washer w/o my stomach getting in the way fitting into a bathtub and water can go around me sitting in a chair or even laying in bed without fear of it (breaking) walking to and from a store parking lot fitting into a reg bathroom stall without using the handicap or turning sideways a woman's time of month...easier access (no other words needed) smaller clothes and able to buy in stores in person and not online clothes are no longer loud/circus colors (why do clothes markers make obese/fat woman clothes so loud?) wearing button up jeans wearing a skirt that zips (and not having to wear elastic) weighing less than my ole man (what a feeling that is) knowing i can get up and go somewhere as my legs/knees will work lower back pain nearly GONE completely fitting in a movie theater seat with room to spare crossing legs (WOWsie moment there) the list goes on and on.........what are some of yours??

Non scale victory. Nsv