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Back into a size 5 on wedding ring finger!!!

Haven't checked in for quite a while -- hope all my fellow bandsters are doing well! It'll be four months of banded life on January 5 -- time flew by! I've learned much on my journey & I continue to work on being a better, healthier version of me. I'm down 42 pounds & I must admit that I'm enjoying the weight loss but also the NSV's as well. I've had one fill & going back for another this month. My surgeon, nutritionist & I feel it's best to ensure I'm learning to "eat better" & not just look to fills as the be all, end all. I'm glad we are taking this approach because it really has helped me learned to eat better & make good choices. It's not always easy, but I'm still in the game! I had to be kind to myself so I stopped comparing my weight loss to others. While I'm happy for everyone & it's motivating, it was also (at times) difficult because I would immediately think, "Why haven't I lost that much yet?" Or "Why can't I drop this weight more quickly?" We are all on our own journey, and I'm still learning to fully embrace and enjoy mine! Wishing everyone the best in 2015! Below is a before & after (so far) photo of me. Feel free to share yours!

Blerdgirl what does NSV stand for? Thanks for your support

I had a nsv today too! (My scale isn't moving) but my pants were feeling loose...went to Macy's and tried on some regular size 16's! Now I just need to trick the scale into moving down some lol.

So, it's been awhile since I've been on here. Looks like I'm the same weight I was as the last time. I said at the beginning of December that I wanted to lose 10lbs by my birthday in the beginning of March. Well, I lost 2lbs, but have been then up and down between the (lowest was 138.6) and what I was when I decided to challenge myself (142). Argghh!! It is so difficult. I'm so close, but it feels like I'm still far away from my official goal of 115. I mean right now I'm only 25lbs to go. If I can reach my next mini goal by my birthday, I'll only be 17lbs away. I've got to stick with it, because it is so worth it. My NSV moment came when I bought a size 8 skirt (granted it's elastic waist & I think whoever owned it before me (it's from my favorite thrift store) must have stretched it out)!!!!!!! I've also gotten a couple other medium sized things. That's so exciting!! And even more people are noticing that I've lost weight. I hear the words "thin" and "skinny" and I'm like "You can't be talking about me." But, sometimes I see it too. I'm astounded by the fact that I've actually thought seen my myself and thought "skinny". Now I just need to catch myself a guy. So, if you're reading this and struggling with your weight loss, I just want you to hang in there. Lord knows it is tough, but it is so worth it. It's taking me a really long time, but I'm still so glad I made the decision to get the band.

It's my TOM so I'm not taking stock in the scale so I had my first official NSV - I've had a lot of sizes in my closet but nothing under a 14. Today I was able to buy 12s. I was shocked. This is working. Thank God!

@@kimpossible67 - That's a NSV for you and hopefully ill be a blessing for the missing individual and their family.

Congrats on such a great NSV!!! Had one myself last week. I tried on an old leather jacket that my dad couldn't wear AND it fit! Size large - I haven't fit into a size large since junior high.

@@James Marusek hey dude slow day!!?? the devil made me say it NSV = non-scale victory (“scale” means “weight scale”) NUT = nutritionist many/most newbies don't know what the heck the above two initials stand for it was nice of you to explain nice of you to create such an indepth list you are one of the many success stories with the sleeve down 110 lbs!!! kathy congrats

For some reason people tend to use way too many abbreviations. This causes exclusion and confusion. So here is a list of abbreviations that are commonly used in this forum. Abbreviations ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit) bc = because BCBS = Blue Cross/Blue Shield BED = Binge Eating Disorder bf = best friend BM = bowel movement BMI = Body Mass Index bp = blood pressure BPD = Borderline Personality Disorder or Biliopancreatic Diversion (Scopinaro procedure) btw = by the way CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy CC = common channel c diff = clostridium difficile cos or cuz = because CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure CRNP = certified registered nurse practitioners cw = current weight CXR = Chest X-Ray Dr. = doctor DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EKG = Electrocardiography ff = fat free GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease GI = gastrointestinal GNC = General Nutrition Corporation store GP = general practitioner or family doctor HBP = high blood pressure hr = heart rate hw = highest weight ICU = Intensive Care Unit Idk = I don’t know IMHO = in my humble (honest) opinion IMO = in my opinion IUI = Intrauterine insemination LAP Band = Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band lol = laughing out loud LSG = Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy med = medicine msg = message NASH = Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis nf = non fat NG = Nasogastric NP = nurse practitioner NSAIDS = Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSV = non-scale victory (“scale” means “weight scale”) NUT = nutritionist Onederland = a magical place or destination for those trying to lose weight. It might correspond to attaining a weight in the hundreds or losing a hundred pounds. op = operation OSA = Obstructive sleep Apnea Oz = Australia PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCP = Primary Care Physician PM = private message (email) PMS = premenstrual syndrome postop or post–op = post-operation or post-surgery PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitors ppl = people preop or pre-op = pre-operation or pre-surgery PTSD = Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PVC = Premature ventricular contractions RA = Rheumatoid arthritis RN = registered nurse RNY = Roux-en-Y s/f or sf = sugar free smh = shaking my head, scratching my head sw = weight at surgery tmi = too much information TPN = total parenteral nutrition u = You VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vit = Vitamin wks = weeks WLS = Weight Loss Surgery WOD = Workout of the Day w/o = without wt = weight or :-) = ☺ = smiley face or :-( = ☹ = sad face

I had lost about 50 lbs before co-workers started to notice and comment. Men tend to carry their fat around their organs (or so I understand) and so our weight loss doesn't always show immediately. However, with the clothes starting to get loose and my energy skyrocketing, I was still inspired to continue my journey. There are so many non-scale victories (NSVs) along the way, keep in mind that seeing the thinner you is but one great victory. Best of luck on your journey!

I don't have a resolution this year. More of a promise to myself. I usually do the whole diet and exercise thing too. But this year I can focus on the shopping trip I'm planning with my daughter (because I really need clothes that fit) and the roller coasters I'm going to ride with my son when we go to amusement parks and all the other fun things I can finally do this year. So excited to start this year out not feeling dumpy and ashamed of myself because I once again let myself go instead of being committed. Such a great feeling to be proud of what you've accomplished and feel great about how you look. And all the little NSV's. I've never taken so many pictures with me in them before. Hope everybody else is feeling blessed for making the best decision we could have ever made.

You look fabulous! And you're wearing your ID badge on your waist. That's something I've been secretly craving to do forever! That right there is a major NSV! In fact, I'm putting it on my post op bucket list right now! Congratulations!

@@Katcloudshepherd OMG poor hubby has been through the ringer you are his primary health care provider?? things must be very difficult for you too you've lost 121 lbs!!! might be a little easier to breath and move around helping hubby unexpected NSV maybe?? hubby needing oxygen 24/7, high blood pressure, many, many co-morbities many surgeries over the years it must be so hard for him and for you too having to be attentive to all his health needs (i'm sure you don't mind, but it must be draining/hard hopefully many of his ailments will improve or gradually disappear sooner than later he will "probably" have a difficult recovery the two of you will be standing hand in hand together standing very tall and strong being their for each other may the new year bring you both health and happiness good luck kathy

What a wonderful NSV!

Nah......I will never get tired of this one, or anything sharing our NSVs. I don't even mind it when brand new newbies ask the same questions that come up every week.

It i the dreaded stall. Stop making yourself crazy and step away from the scale. Look for other NSV (non scale victories). It could be taking your measurements (neck, boobs, waist, thighs/hips) and measuring the differences. It could be noting the changes in your body; can you walk further? It it easier? Do you have more range of motion in your knees?, etc.... Throughout your weight loss journey there will be stops and starts as your body adjust to the changes you are making. Do not let them frustrate you. As long as you are following the program, the weight will come off.

Life does not stop when we have surgery but life can and should be better. My wife and I have kept off almost 200 pounds for the last 7 Years . My wife 90 plus pounds and me 100 plus pound for 7 years it has not been easy but sure has been worth it. Family issues have come and gone, lost my mom a couple years ago, my brother in law was killed in a vehicle crash while my sister was driving, she is fine but dealing with the loss of her husband, their son was next to dad but is coping with the loss as well two other nephews wee also in the car and they were Ok with only bumps and bruises, my dad was also in the car and was transported by helicopter to a hospital but he is doing fine now. Both of my boys had to move in with us at different times, My Oldest moved to a place that he could afford but not a very good neighborhood and his 14 year old daughter was almost raped by a neighbor and their lives were threaten and he moved north to a little town called Willits California and are doing just fine. My youngest son moved in with his family and her mother so it was quite interesting for a while and they have moved out and bought a house and are doing well. Needless to say we have also have had to assist the two boys with financial assistant but that is part of being a parent. This past year my wife and I celebrated our 35 anniversary and one of our celebrations was going parasailing which I would of never though of doing 7 years ago because we would of been over the weight limit. Through it all we have been very satisfied with the band, Some would say we are not successful because we did not reach our goal. Sure I could stand to lose another 40 lbs but I am still enjoying life and have continues to do things that I could not do a few years ago. Some of the benefits that have come as a result of the band is: No more diabetes medicine No more sleep apnea No more pain in my back or knees I actually enjoy walking I can keep up with the grand children My Favorite NSV’s are: Not having to ask for an extension on an airplane Walking down an aisle of an airplane without apologizing for almost knocking someone out. Getting off the coach on the first try Crossing my legs Getting dressed without sitting down Being able to ride any coaster at an amusement park Not having to worry if the ladder is going to hold me or not Tying my shoes without almost passing out. Taking the golf ball out of the hole without getting on my knees first Leaving food on the plate without feeling guilty Not having to worry about going up stairs. Riding any ride at an amusement park that I want without fear of not being let on the ride to being too heavy. Life does have its ups and down and as long as we continue to make more good choices than bad we can continue to succeed in spite of circumstance's that we cannot control.

I am glad to see that you are on your way to healthy. Not only will your joints feel better, here are some other non-scale-victories that you can expect over time: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/276681-how-about-some-nsvs/page-140?hl=%2Bnsvs#entry3707835

LOVE the topic! Lets see, of course top of the list is to get my surgery date and get on with this journey! I like the idea of getting a existing tattoo recolored, new one hmmmm maybe I will have to think about that one. There are two weddings in 2015 for attendance and looking great would be nice yes. But little NSV goals, airplane comfort and seat belt fitting with the arm rests down; seat belt comfort in 4x4 while mudding; summer oh summer with a thinner healthier me. Nice thoughts yep can not wait!!!

Today I had my routine visit with my PCP..... After the usual Q&A, he said I looked good, I'm going in the opposite direction of most people my age. He then started to reminisce about our visits before I had WLS...(He referred me) He asked me what was my highest weight...I told him I didn't have a clue, it got to the point where I was too embarrassed to step on the scale, didn't want to face the music. He then went way back in my very thick chart and said "I have it right here, want to know?....would you believe you where in the 80's? As in 280?" (I'm only 5'8") WOW! I really didn't know! Right now it is blowing my mind just thinking about it.... Second thing that happened, during our conversation I said something to the effect that my Cardiologist does this or that way with me "because I'm a Diabetic" He stopped me right there and said "You mean you USED to be a Diabetic" Those two simple things are having a profound impact on me right now....I can't believe I was actually that heavy, and I USED to be a Diabetic.... His words, not mine.

Hello, the same thing happened to me but Trust...it will come off! And I had NSV (non-scale-victories), my Clothes...had to get New wardrobe in my second week. Surgery was 11/18/14 and I don't weigh until Doctors visits..GET OFF THE SCALE!

I can totally relate on the boots and having bigger calves Nice NSV win. We had surgery around the same time. I had mine on Oct. 30. I have done some shopping and it is so much fun. Keep up the good work

These are the kinds of NSVs I love so much. Real life. Daily living abilities. Things that "normal" people take for granted. But we do not. Congratulations.