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AussieLady, I embeded the video in the following topic http://www.verticals...52-nsv-changes/..hopefully you can view it there Shell - WAY to go *insert happy dance*...you look awesome. Thank you all for your feedback and comments, especially about the video and the negative people. I know I have to walk away from this person, but he was my biggest supporter over the last year, being there encouraging me for almost every challenge I set myself. But he lies to me, about things that are not worth it, so how can I believe what he says about me...his actions and words dont aline and it just does my head in. Talking to him about it only leads to more lies..anyway I will find a way to put some distance be healthy mind and spirit. New Year...finally New ME!! BTW I am open to be set up if anyone know and nice elligible single men hahaha:)

All of these NSV are inspiring! Its all things I keep wishing and hoping for. Congrats to all of you! After lots of conflicting feelings, I know I am doing the right thing by deciding to get banded. Almost one month pre-op down. Two more to go!

Hi everyone, Haven't been on here in a while and thought I'd check in to say hi. I've been having a wonderful summer, and although my weight is pretty stalled right now (finally getting my fill tomorrow) I have experienced a lot of wicked Non-Scale-Victories in the past few weeks and thought I'd share! The first round happened at my cousins wedding which was on June 21st. It was a huge wedding - over 400 guests and I was a bridesmaid. I saw a lot of extended family and friends who hadn't seen me at this low a weight in at least 5 or so years... it was a great feeling and I got tons of really sweet supportive feedback, as well as some of the annoying - "good work, but don't stop now," or "I'm so glad you're finally doing it!" UGH. But the sweetest feedback I got that night was from my friend Danger Dave (this is VT -all the boys have funny nicknames.) Towards the end of the night, we were sitting outside, taking a dance break, and he said something about "you look great Ange." I said thanks - mentioned the professional hair and makeup. He said no, it was more than that... I can tell you lost weight. This was definitely a bold move on his part - asking a girl about that, even mentioning that elephant in the room. It was super sweet though, because he just acknowledged how hard that must have been, and how impressed and proud he was. Definite warm fuzzies. It's kind of awkward to mention, haha, but Dave's not the only boy who's noticed a difference in me. A lot of them seem to be noticing me, period. It's funny - I'm still hanging out at around 230lbs, I've still got a long way to go weight wise, so what I think what these boys are responding to is the change in confidence I'm going through. I feel prettier, sure, but more so, I feel empowered, accomplished. It's wicked. My third, and my most favourite kind, was my shopping NSV. I was in California last week and got to pop in to one of my favourite stores, J Crew. I love this store. Once I can fit into all their clothes, I'll probably be completely broke with a completely beautiful preppy wardrobe. I saw this cute high-waisted skirt, and thought I'm not 100% a 14 these days, but eh, might as well try. I looked, but alas, they didn't have a 14 in the colour I wanted. I asked a sales associate for help, and she told me they didn't have any. I decided to just grab the 12 to take in with me while I was trying on some tees. And guess what... The 12 fit great. GREAT. And although it is a pretty flattering and forgiving cut, I still can't believe it's only a 12. And as I was coming out to show my friends, the sales associate said "I knew it would fit... You don't look much like a 14 anyways!" I couldn't believe it. So of course I bought it even though I totally can't afford it. I pretty much wanna sleep with it on I love it so much! Here's a pic of me wearing it for my nephew's first bday party - Well that turned into a long long entry. Hope everyone's doing well and enjoying the sunshine! xox

laurr925 -- you at least have to go shopping halfway through your journey! getting new clothes is sooooo motivating if you hit a plateau later on- so much fun to see the smaller clothes sizes. it gives you so much confidence! just shop in the cheap clothing stores since you know you wont need the clothes to last very long (i cant believe i can shop at forever 21 now... wow). great job on your weightloss so far! oh hey-- new nsv for me today! check out the BMI on my TICKER--- i am no longer OBESE! I AM "JUST" OVERWEIGHT!!!!

I have two NSV's to post! 1. Got my hair cut...no chopped off...SHORT! Like above my shoulders! This is a big deal for me because I've always had super long hair that I wore down...like a shield or security blanket covering my body or something. The biggest amazing thing is that I'm comfortable not having my hair to hide behind and *gasp!* might actually even like my new hair style! lol 2. People have been noticing the weightloss! I've seriously had like 10 different people comment on how good/how much thinner I'm looking over the past week or so. Feels so good! Especially since my scale hasn't been moving much lately and I've been feeling so frustrated lately. Two great NSV's! Looking forward to more throughout this process!

I havent been banded yet but i have a few in mind, 2 are NSV and the last is an SV. 1- To be able to go back to normal stores, as opposed to big and tall stores. And during my bi-annual shopping for clothes not having to move up another pant size every year. 2- I like to keep my "boys" trimmed, very difficult and dangerous when you can barley see them. I cant wait to see those motherfuckers again!!! 3- Be eligible for surgery to remove a Pylonidal Cyst (sp). The surgeon that healed the cyst said they wouldnt do surgery at my current weight, too risky and healing would be a major problems. If i lose 100lb i can get the surgery and rid myself of that god awful thing.

it seems like whenever i post in this thread i get new NSVs immediately after-- but not complaining here! so today i went to work out with my trainer at his gym. i was warming up on the elliptical while he was finishing up with a new client of his, who is older but had about my body type from last year. she was really struggling on the machine next to me while i was going fast, even though it was just for my warmup. out of breath, she told my trainer-- "well, she just makes it look so easy!" i laughed and kind of mentioned that i was slower than her last year and that she would get better in time, just wanted to encourage her but not get in her business or anything because i know how i felt a year ago when people tried to tell me what to do or not do. after my warmup i went to jog a few laps while i was still waiting for my trainer, and i came back over to them a few minutes later and the woman goes "i have to congratulate you on your weightloss! damon (my trainer) told me-- and you look incredible!!" i got a little embarrassed but my trainer was just like, "yeah, jane's my poster child!" made me feel so proud. like, yeah, i can see the results when i look at my before/after pics, but when you see me on a regular basis the improvements are harder to see, and this was the first time my trainer acknowledged that i'm his super star... and that he was bragging about me to other people! this random lady probably has no idea how happy she made me, because in actuality, she is the first person i have seen face-to-face that told me i was inspiring her.

I've got a couple of NSV's... the main one I have to say was going to 5 parks in Orlando, FL I fitting comfortably in every single ride! And this past weekend at church I actually had someone ask me if I had plastic surgery!?!?!?! I couldn't be happier with my band and I thank God for giving me the strength and courage I needed to go on with surgery when I was terrified! LOVE MY BAND!!!

SecretStolen and Kaninag those are great! I need to change my Facebook pic. My latest NSV is that I rode every Roller Coaster at Dorney Park last Saturday. I was so happy because I have never been able to ride everything there EVER! I used to be to fat for all but 2 coasters. On Saturday I rode with no worries, every buckle clicked and needed tightening. One coaster video tapes your ride, the Talon. My video tape was amazing. I looked so happy, just like I felt. It was pure joy. For the first time in a long time I am truly happy. I love my band. The Best NSV ever!

Great NSV!

Well I got a fill today.... number 3 I have been HUNGRY!!! I have slacked off on my exercise since the kids went back to school it has been hard to fit it in everyday... but I have added in some weight lifting with my aerobics (transfirmer DVD) The doctor said that adding muscle will make you hungrier I only lost 4 puonds and was voicing my displeasure at wanting to be to 40 pounds by my appointment and the RN who helps with fills and runs our support group fussed at me :tt1: she told me I need to take the word JUST out of my vocabulary!!! The doctor told me he could tell by the way my stomache looks when laying on my back that I have been loosing good... more of a crease at the bellybutton line he said... so that is a good thing... I have noticed that my clothes are fitting looser still even though the scale has slowed. Oh and I got a NSV comment from my daughter... she told me I am less squishy and am not as comfortable to lay on:blink: The doc and nurse got a good giggle out of this... well here's to hoping that this fill will help me stay full for longer then an hour

I had a NSV a couple days ago! My mom, who is super skinny, has never been a "complimenter", lol. Never has really told me I was having a good hair day, or she's ever noticed when I've lost weight before, yada yada. But she's awesome anyway. So, I went out of town for 2wks. She came over when I got back, and when she walked in she said "Well hey there SLIM!". And I just said hey and walked into the kitchen, she followed me and said again "how's it going slim?". I guess she wanted to make sure I heard her. She said she could really tell I had lost. I was fighting back the tears cuz my mommy called me slim! haha. I loved it!

I'm excited to finally be able to post in here. I've been following since i joined. I will be getting my surgery this Tuesday. My NSV is finally being able to believe I can lose this weight and actually be thin. I've been overweight since I was 7 and in the past I've allowed myself to believe maybe i can just be obese instead of morbidly obese or even just overweight but never did I allow myself to believe I could be thin for fear of failure. I'm so excited to begin this journey and congrats to all of you for your progress I can't wait to be where you are.

NSVs I'm looking forward too: Not needing a belt extension on a plane Not having to search for the weight capacity of chairs and exercise equipment being able to wear cute bras! (like the little balconettes) Going to amusement parks and being able to RIDE the rides!! Not feeling like I can't go to the cool clubs because even though I'd kill everyone with my style, it wouldn't count since I weigh more then 3 of them put together. as posted on one of the first pages: seeing my va-jay-jay! and NOT through the mirror :thumbup: Not feeling like Shrek (like an ogre walking through town and everyone is staring at you) and I am so EFFING tired of hearing: YOU HAVE SUCH A PRETTY FACE. I'm sure theres more, Can't wait to check things off that list :thumbup:

Had an amazing NSV happen recently! My mom is 5'0 and around 125lbs - not super skinny, but totally petite and cute! I have always felt giant compared to her. Well recently when I was home she was able to give me a jacket that she had bought that was too long on her AND a pair of her size 29 Hudson jeans that were too big on her now - i've inspired her to drop about 5-10lbs. Getting to share clothes with my mom is one of the most special NSVs yet!

Well i finally have a NSV worth posting about!!!! I went shopping yesterday and i went into GAP and just for the hell of it i picked up a size 12 in pants to try it on. and it FIT!!!!!!! OMG it FIT!!!!!so after the initial excitement i looked at the price tag . Normally that kinda price would have me putting the jeans back but i felt so happy to fit into them i didn't care!!! i bought them with a smile on my face. i think the cashier thought i was drunk or something. i was so giddy when i was buying my new size 12 jeans.

Holy cow! You guys blow me away with your success! Not to mention all of the inspiration I get when I read through here, especially with Jane, Drew, and Laurrs little stories of NSV success. (I apologize- those are the only names I can remember off the top off my head.) 12/30/08: I tried to hide the fact that my 22s were far too tight. :thumbup: 07/20/09: I cleaned out my closet and threw out the 22s and the 20s. I picked up a pair of 18s that haven't fit in two years, the "skinny jeans" style in particular (oh, the irony of a fat girl in skinny jeans cracks me up every time I wear them), and those suckers fit!!! Not just "like a glove", but loose! :ohmy: ...and they made my posterior look cute once more! :thumbup: I'm still waiting on my old size 16 Gap corduroys from 8th grade to fit. Along with a number of vintage tees and retro dresses to fit that Mom bought me years prior, that never fit properly.

Here is my complete list of NSVs (non-scale victories) today. Since I am not seeing any change in the scale, I decided that I needed to review my progress, to see how my life has changed since March 14th, 2005. Because I was so distraught earlier this week because I listened to the damn scale, I decided I needed to list them all in one place. If you are not currently tracking your NSVs, I really want all y'all to start tracking them. Besides, when we are all invited to the Oprah show we need to have some evidence besides what the scale says, right? My most important NSV is that I haven't died from respiratory failure. 03-27-2005, 11:04 AM I finally have an NSV! my rings fit again! And I don't have the terrible edema problem I developed over Christmas any more! Woot! Two NSVs for week two! 03-29-2005, 08:18 AM This is a gi-normous NSV. I haven't used my inhaler in five whole days! As many of you know, I have terrible acute and chronic asthma. Five days before my band installation, I had to be taken to the ER via ambulance. My asthma was one of the main reasons I got the band, that whole prospect of death by respiratory failure just didn't appeal to me. (..."I want a death by misadventure) My book bag doesn't seem as heavy as it was before I was banded. (and I do almost all my walking with that book bag) It doesn't hurt to stand at the sink when I do the dishes anymore. I believe it is because I can get closer to the sink because my tummy is smaller. I've lost an inch from my waist! Speaking of inches lost, I've lost a total of 11 from my entire body. 03-30-2005, 06:29 PM another day, another NSV! I ran up a flight of stairs this evening. I didn't even realize what I had done until after I had done it! And my had my 20 pound backpack on. I wasn't even winded when I got to the top either! New crop of NSVs 4/5/05 Okay, one of the women in my math class wanted to know how much weight I’ve lost. “You’re looking good! How much have you lost?” My purple robe fits me! My jeans slide off my butt! New NSV 5/7/5 Monday will be my eight week bandiversary. All my pants have been very baggy, so today I tried on a pair of pants I haven't been able to fit for 4 years and I could button them! Size 22 black jeans. 05-10-2005, 07:44 AM Sunday night I woke up because I was laying on something hard. I figured that I must have rolled over on a book or something like that. (I sometimes fall asleep reading). I felt around in the dark, but I couldn't find anything that didn't belong in my bed. The hard thing? it was my ribs. 05-19-2005, 11:20 AM the other day the weather was on the wet side, so I zipped my jacked. Just like that, without even a second thought, zuup up the zipper went. And then it hit me. I. Zipped. My. Jacket! No wiggling, no struggling, no thought! Holy weight-watchers Batman! 05-24-2005, 11:56 AM I got a great NSV Sunday night when I got home. My sweet son wanted to know how I was doing, with the band. We've been apart since I got my band 10 weeks ago. He said I looked really good, and that my face was full of life, and that I was glowing. Then I had to chase him down the stairs and out the front door, and around the truck. I RAN down the stairs, I RAN around chasing him until we nearly collapsed laughing! 06-21-2005, 10:09 PM Today I wore a pair of jeans I haven't been able to fit into since 2002. Today I walked 15 minutes to and from the restaurant for lunch, and I wasn't winded, and I didn't need my inhaler. Today I took a walk with my son and he had to tell me to slow down (of course the silly boy wasn't wearing any shoes...) Today I went grocery shopping after work, and then DID NOT collapse on the sofa all night. 06-23-2005, 11:23 AM Another day, another NSV. Today, not only am I wearing for the first time, a shirt I got for Christmas, but I RAN FOR THE BUS. Yes, you read that correctly, I RAN for the bus. It's not like there wasn't another bus in 5 minutes... but I RAN. Me! and I wasn't winded either! Heh, sure, I'm happy with all my NSVs but a part of me is wondering when I'm going to start having some weight loss! 06-26-2005, 09:40 AM And here I was, worried that I'd never have any NSV when I started this journey... Today, I needed a belt! Now, I'm not in any real danger of pulling a Jonathan in the grocery store, but my pants are uncomfortably loose. I didn't even think that was possible! So, I dug out an old belt that I haven't been able to wear and it fit! 1 notch down, 13 more to go! 07-13-2005, 08:29 PM Major NSV time! I had to get a pair of Khakis for my trip to NY this weekend. I was told "brown khakis" which don't really exsist... Anyway, I digress. I tried on a pair of 22, thinking they might fit. Nope, too baggy. I tried on a pair of 20s! They were on the baggy side! I got a pair of 18s, and they fit! I fit into a size 18 today!!!!! Okay, I didn't buy them because they were not pretty, but I could put them on! Oh my gawd, oh my gawd, oh my gawd! A size 18! I haven't been able to squeeze my pretty little self into a size 18 since my baby was small! Oh sure, my jeans aren't a size 20, but still! It looks like I'll be bringing some clothes to the Las Vegas Bash after all! 07-28-2005, 10:17 AM Okay, I apparently gained 3 pounds but I lost another notch on my belt! Woot! Maybe the best one of all... This morning I realized that I will never go hungry again. (it's a wolves thing) 08-07-2005, 11:28 PM This weekend at the Beach I discovered that forgot a jacket. So I had to buy a new one. I picked up a 2x and it fit fine. A little roomy but that's okay. Wait a second... The sleeves are a bit long. Let's try the XL. I know, I know, an XL? That’s crazy talk. Hey! This XL is pretty roomy... but the sleeves fit. So, I had this totally insane idea... What would happen if I try on a Large? oh, it's never going to fit, it won't even zip up. Nah.. I'm too fat for a LARGE. oh my gawd, she's actually going to try to put on a LARGE jacket??? What, is she nuts? Is she a glutton for punishment? No! She's the proud owner of a powder blue fleece Long Beach Washington jacket!!! SIZE LARGE 8-11-2005 I am not hording food anymore. 8-14-2005 I just realized that on my cross country flight to Syracuse NY I did not need a seatbelt extender. Not only did I not need one, I actually had wiggle room in my seat. 8-21-2005 Well, my NSV has to do with my hording. I gave 2.5 big black lawn & leaf bags of clothes to the help house. I was going to bring them to the bash, but I felt that they were more needed here. I got rid of them while packing to return to exile. 8-22-2005 back to school, and I fit into the desks so well my tummy doesn't even touch the table! No squishing into the desks! 8-25-2005 I just realized that I didn't have any trouble with the change in altitude or the change in heat this year. For the last 2 years going from temperate Seattle to the extremes of Pocatello were very hard on me. A week after being here I ran up 2 flights of stairs in the COB without being terribly winded or needing my puffer. I also have been handling the heat just fine. Of course, having an AC sure helps... 8-30-2005 I had to go buy a big skirt for my Middle Eastnern Folk dance class... Yeah, they don't want us to call it "belly dancing" here, they feel it has "negative connotations." Yeah, what ever, it's belly dancing. :mad: I went to several stores trying to find a skirt that would match the requirements, let alone worry about the size thing... So at the 4th and final store I found one, a cocoa dip-dyed skirt. The biggest one was a LARGE, so I wasn't too hopeful. But I was brave and went to try it on. IT FIT! I just bought a size LARGE skirt. Not 2X, not XL, but just LARGE!!! Mind you, when I bought my Large jacket, I really suspected that the label was wrong, that it had been marked Large in error at the factory, an that it was some sort of cosmic joke on me. Sort of like that pair of size 18 pants that I was able to fit into (didn't buy but that's a different story). I felt that was in error as well. Maybe it wasn't an aberation, maybe it's the truth. I feel like I have no restriction at all. I still haven't lost any more weight, but I'll take my size shrinking. My other NSV is a medical one, and has to do with my leg skin graphs. In about 2001 I had a revision of one of my skin graphs from my motorcycle accedent. Every day since the revision, I had to wrap my leg in an ACE wrap to give it support so it wouldn't blow-out. I had such bad edema that if I didn't wrap it, it would buldge out quite a bit because of the nature of the graph. I stopped needing to bind my leg a couple of months ago. I simply don't need to any more, no more edema problem. 9/1/2005 My knees doen't rub together when I walk anymore. My belly roll is squishier and hangs a bit lower. This is an NSV because it is proof that I am loosing fat. 9/12/2005 This past weekend was the Bandster Bash in Las Vegas. I had to tighten the airplane seatbelt. Sure, I've lost 3 pounds since 2/29, but I'm trying soo hard to not focus on that. Focus on needing to tighten the seat belt. At the Bash this weekend, I got several pieces of clothes. Okay a whole new wardrobe. When you wear your own clothes over and over, it is really hard to notice any difference. I mean really hard. I've been working my way into several pairs of pants that I haven't been able to wear in years and they are size 22. Yet at the bash, I found size 18 pants that were comfortable. What gives with that? Anyway, I have a few pairs of size 18 that are comphy. 9/15/2005 I've been looking at my body fat % and my current Fat Free Mass. If I don't put on any more muscle mass, and stay current where I am, I only need to lose 55 to 70 pounds, not 70 to 100 pounds. I think that's counts as an NSV. Of course, if I can manage to put on 15 pounds of muscle like NanaHarly (Pat in Virginia) did, then I only need to loose 35 to 50 pounds! Woot! I know what I'm going to focus on! I was tallking to my DH on the phone and I casually crossed my legs. HOLY SH*T!!!! I CROSSED MY LEGS!!!!! 9/17/2005 As of today, I have had 46 NSVs. That amazes me. Today's NSV is that I dropped a .5% in body fat. 9/27/2005 I had an NSV this weekend of a sexual nature. Let's just say that I'm not as bulky.... My forearems and calves have amazing definition. My low belly is shrinking, and starting to gain some definition. 10/1/2005 My 50th NSV is that I am no longer The Great Crystal Dam in the bathtub. There was room on both sides of my hips in the tub! At this rate I'll have to invest in some rubber duckies... 10/2/2005 Spoke with my mom on the phone last night. She said it has been years since my voice sounded so strong. She said there wasn't any breathiness at all. I guess after years of severe asthma, I'd developed a sort of wheezy -breathy sort of way a speaking. 10/22/05 I had a fitness assessment done yesterday. While my aerobic fitness score wasn't very high, 22 out of a scale of 20-50 (needs work), my over all fitness level fell into the Fair range, and my blood pressure is in the Fit range. (mind you, I've always had good BP, except for the first few weeks I'm back in SE ID due to the altitude and heat change) 10/27/05 I am offically no longer Morbidly Obese, but simply Obese. Today my BMI is 39.6, so I might not even qualify for the surgery, if not for my co-morbidities, which are all under control. My second NSV for the day is that I have been invited to dance professionally at a Greek restaurant here in town. It will be fun to be able to put on my resume that I'm a Professional Belly Dancer. 11/5/05 All my pants are starting to look like giant clown pants, none of them fit in the butt or thighs anymore. If I didn't have this damn thick waist, I would really be in honest size 18 jeans. My black leather jacket is going to have to be retired soon. It's rediculously large on me now. The sleves alone now hang past my finger-tips and it looks like I could smuggle a medium sized ham in each shoulder. So I tried on my big winter coat, and now it really is my huge winter coat. It's about XX too big. It's fully reversable a suede stadium jacket, with lepord fake fur on the other side. I love this jacket, but next year, some other lucky bandster gets to love it. It's important for me that last winter before I was banded I couldn't zip the black leather jacket up. There was a 2-3 inch gap that just wouldn't meet. While the stadium jacket fit, it was pretty snug. Not any more! 11/10/05 Lastnight I was using my laptop. In my lap. This means that I HAVE A LAP!!!!! Woot! 11/14/05 When I sit on the floor or in a hard chair, I feel the bones in my butt. Not only my tail bones, but other bones (probably my pelvic bones?) as well. 11/17/05 Okay, time to bump the thread. Last night while Iwas talking on the phone to an old friend from high school I again casually just crossed my legs. Without thinking about it. I know I've done this before, but it's a mind thing I think. Other NSVs include belly dance stuff. My DH won a few auctions on ebay for me, a couple of B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L belts, a gorgous silk veil and a pair of harem pants. The pants looked impossibly small, even with an elastic waist. I just knew that they were NOT going to fit, but being the glutton for punishment that I am, I attempted to put them on anyway. They fit! They are too shere to wear without a skirt, so that will have to be next on my list of things to get. The other victories around dancing are some of the skinny ones are asking me for help, since they cannot get some of the moves quite right. I'm also getting really excited about dancing at the restaurant. I'll do that once I get home after Thanksgiving, and I complete my costume. I still need a top and a skirt I mean, I just bearly broke out of MO, and I'm going to be a fat professional dancer. What am I thinking? I mean, what am i thinking, other than I'm dead sexy and a fine belly dancer. 11/19/05 Okay, Thursday I passed up free donuts, and this weekend I've been busily working in my yard now that I'm home. Raking big fat soggy leaves, clearing flower beds, and the like. DH is amazined at my level of energy, and so is son. I guess I'm a little amazed too, since for the last several years the only energy I've had at this time of year has been spent trying to breathe or something aerobic like reading or playing video games. I've gotten used to a more active lifestyle in ID with all the walking and PE/dance classes I attend. I routinely walk up several flights of stairs with my heavy bookbag, where this time last year I was using a rolling bag, and needing to take the elevator because my asthma was so bad. 12/09/05 Well, tonight I make my semi-professional debute again! We had our dance department dance review Wednesday night, and pix will be forthcoming. We were great, several people told us that we were the best group on stage, so that was awesome! I went out on stage, in front of an audience of maybe 300 or 400 people, and I OWNED the stage. I wasn't the slightest bit nervous, and I'm quite amazed at that, believe you me! I made eye contact with many of the audience, and I had the biggest smile on my face the whole time. Not only did I look like I was having a great time, I WAS having a great time! The next NSV is my costume... my top was a crop tant top that I've added bead work too to make it sparkle. But the important part of that sentence is CROP TOP! Yes, that's right, I was wearing a belly shirt on stage, exposing my ample belly to the public, with my surgery scars clearly visible! And I did it on purpose! Okay, this next one isn't an NSV, not really, and it properly goes on the "Skniny Bitches" thread, but here it is We had just come off stage after doing our two numbers and we were all still amped up on adrenalline. We were talking about how we had done, bla bla bla. A group of ballet dancers were there, I mean, right there and one of the skinny blond said to another skinny blond the snottiest comment I've heard in a long time. Okay, all the ballet dancers were skinny blonds, but that's besides the point. She said, in a loud voice "well, at least we weren't shaking our Bon-Bons." In the snottiest possible voice mind you. So, I simply said, with sugar in my voice, "well that's because you can't shake your Bon-Bon." And then I smiled so sweetly at her. (then she said that I was probably right, and the group of them walked away) So, I suppose that makes me a fat bitch, but I just decided that I wasn't in the mood to take crap from anyone. So, the next part of the Bellydancing NSV is that I'll be dancing againg tonight at a local restaurant, and yes, I'll be dancing for tips, so Big Paul, you'd better leave now so you get here in time, and yes, you'll probably need to take out a second mortgage So, finally, I'm doing this when I weigh 240 pound and not waiting until I get closer to goal. I'm doing this at size 22/24 and not when I get to my goal of 12/14 12/22/05 I'm less invisible. Last year at this same time I felt so invisible when walking through the halls at school. Now guys hold the door open for me, and men and women smile more at me. Perhaps they just needed a couple of years to get used to me, or perhaps I am more self asured and confident. Confidence attracts confidence. This time last year I could not breathe. I was in and out of the hospital and making near daily trips to the ER, having several nebulizer treatments every single day. Since I've been home just about a week, I've used my inhaler much more often than usual of late. I've used it 3 times in a week. This is a weird NSV, but I finally have doctors seriously trying to figure out why I'm not having the sort of weight loss I should. I guess I had to go on the Supermodel Diet for a month before they would take me seriously. 1/4/6 Today I went skiing for the first time in 5 or 6 years! Woot! It was a lot of fun, and I fit into my ski pants from 5 or 6 years ago. I'm so happy! Okay, this was a MAJOR NSV for the DH too because he went skiing too! Spudboy and I had to talk him into it, but he did it! I'm so proud of him! I didn't use my puffer once while skiing, but was wicked cold because my gloves weren't good ski gloves. Oh, and I didn't have a water proof jacket either... So, 3 for the price of one. 1/13/06 I just got back from several days in DC, for a scholarship symposium and job fair. I have a conditional job offer for when I graduate, if I can obtain a security clearance! Woot! That's an NSV, since it would be a major job! I have a whole string of NSVs, the very most important one is that I went to DC WITHOUT AN INHALER. What's more, I didn't even need it. This is super significant because this time last year, and for several years prior, I couldn't go anywhere without at least 2 inhalers on my person. I had an inhaler in every single piece of clothing that had a pocket. Last year this time I had spent 10 days of the Christmas vacation in hospital, don't know how many trips to the various ERs. I didn't even realize that I didn't have an inhaler until the puddle jumper from Salt Lake to Pokey, AFTER my trip was almost done. I was constantly being mistaken for a much younger woman, and when I would talk about my son, people assumed I was talking about a baby or a very small boy. Oh if they only knew! 1/18/06 In class yesterday I realized that my belly wasn't even touching the desk in two of my classes! 2/7/06 I had two NSVs this week. One is that I went to a party where I only knew one person. Big deal? Yup, big deal since I am terrified of groups people. It's not like they are spiders or kittens or something like that, but I have avery difficult time with groups of people I don't know, I'm very shy. (yeah, who would believe that?) But I went to the party, and I was charming and talked to everybody. I don't think my husband would have recognized me.... The other NSV is that I've accepted that I'm not going to lose weight. Not until this Cushing's thing has been addressed or resolved. But because I've accepted it, I don't have to stress over it. I don't have to beat myself up any more. Oh wait, one more NSV, I need to take my watch to the Jewlers to have one of the links removed from the band! 3/5/6 Well, I haven't had that many NSV's lately, or if I have, they have been lost to me. I need links removed from my beautiful watch, and I can wear more of my rings. I have to stop wearing one of my rings because when my fingers get cold (winters in SE ID are COLD!) it flies off my finger! Woot! So, 3 NSVs for Feb 06!

I hope it all starts getting better for you. Keep your eye on the prize. It won't be long until we are filling up the NSV thread

Everything you posted above my friend. Try to enjoy the ride Shelly. It really is the journey as much as the destination. Make a list of your NSVs and focus on that instead of the number on the scale. I bet you have dozens of them.

DH took me to dinner, then (WARNING NSV AHEAD)...HE TOOK ME TO VICTORIA'S SECRET, AND I FIT INTO THE CLOTHES. He bought me this sexy lil number, and meeee-yow!! check me out from before we left the house, compared to before we left the house on surgery day!!! This is so much fun!!!!!! stay tuned for the front pic...see next post...

So, I've always had a very active social.. mainly because I'm a vocalist and run in the music/arts circles.. Anyway, friday night I went to a new karaoke spot to hang out for a bit...So, I sang a song and proceeded to go hang out around the bar area w/ the DJ and his wife... This guy walks up and introduces himself and kind just lingers... I had this look on my face like.. ahhhh... can I help you??... He keeps talking, finally sits down and an hour later.... were talking about what I like to do besides read and shop.. I had to sing another song, so he follows me back to the stage area and just stands there.. .When I'm done singing, he kind of grabs me and showers me w/ all these compliments from my smile to my clothes to my voice.. I'm like.. okay...stalker!! LOL... My friends were like laughing.... I'm in shock that this stranger just grabbed me.. LOL... Previously, I would have found a reason to excuse myself because I would be totally over analyzing things... but, now I feel that life is short, so I may as well have fun!!! Oh, my favorite karaoke DJ (who I have a little crush on), can't seem to keep his hands off of me... I was singing and he walked up behind me, put his head on my shoulder and wouldn't let me go!! LOL... I was like.. Lord have mercy!! GEEZ!! Then on saturday, we had an event at church.. my ex was there.. He was turned around in his seat, staring at me... I didn't notice at first (well, I thought I was imagining things)... but my friend was like.... Stalker, 10 o'clock!! LOL.... afterwards, he walked up to me w/ his mouth open trying to think of something to say... LOL... I just spoke and walked away, as he stood gaping and wrapping his mind around the fact that he I'm over him!! So, how do I keep myself out of too much trouble??!!! I've gotten numbers, 'interesting' offers and some fine brothers asking to take me out.... LOL...

NSV=non scale victory.

@@Munecagirl85 - stalls. Get used to them, stalls, they happen:/ There is no set time-line, number of pounds lost, etc for when a stall occurs. Measure yourself, try on clothing that was snug - those are both NSVs (non scale victories). Stay the course! Get rid of your scale for now. weigh once a month or every week.

So I have attained my 1st NSV:) One of the things that happened when I hit my ultimate low and made the decision to get my lap band was when my wedding ring wouldn't fit:( I had to have my ring enlarged a few years back and at that time it was no big deal. But to have to do it again was really disheartening. I am 2 weeks post op and I have lost enough weight and water weight that my ring comfortably fits again. This is so motivational. It was hard when my husband asked why I wasn't wearing my band and I told him it was cutting off the circulation in my finger. I think this was the point when he realized how much I was struggling too. Oh well that is in the past. The ring fits now and I hope the next thing I have to do is get it made smaller.