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Happy bandiversary! It sounds to me like you have done great with your band with all those NSV's. Smile, you are a beautiful person!

HI Campers! (Hi Crystal!) Well, today is my one year bandivarsary. Not a single expectation I had before my banding has materialzied at least when it comes to weight or size, but perhaps the evaporation of my asthma symptoms (yay me!) makes up in some small measure for not losing weight. (that whole not-dead thing goes a long way I think) I have lost a net of 30 pounds since being banded. I've lost 15 pounds since April 2005, which is hardly impressive. This last year has been quite a ride for me. Right now I'm not even bothering to try to lose weight, I'm just concentrating on maintaining. And I'm doing a very good job of that. Someone on another board told me that they were disapointed that I've given up, that I wasn't even trying, so of course I would fail. But that's just it, I haven't given up and I haven't failed. I don't think the band failed me either. Or maybe I do. I dunno. I know that I was very angry that I wasn't able to lose weight. I was well on my way for a while to developing my first eating disorder -- this summer and fall I was completely obsessed with counting everysingle calorie trying to lose weight. (tooth paste does not have any significiant calories, BTW) I spent a month at 700 +/- 100 (okay, mostly - ) because I couldn't lose weight at 1000 or 1200 or higher. I lost 1.5 pounds that month I was too tight. I thought I had developed a leak, but it was just a case of an interventional radiologist who didn't have enough experinece letting out more fill than he was putting in... It's hard watching everyone pass me by. It's hard to watch folks who started out with similar stats to me loose 10 sizes to my one size lost. It's hard to watch them lose so much more in pounds that I feel like I ever will. But at least I've recorded every one of my NSVs that I've ever noticed, which does help. After all, when I'm invited to go on Oprah when i finally do get things figured out, I'll be able to share more than pounds lost, I'll be able to share the life I've gained. So, since I badger everyone at their bandivarsaries for their favorite NSVs, here are my favorite ones right now. My top ten NSVs in no particular order. I didn't die from resperatory failure. Probably my biggest NSV, that whole not-death thing. Probably my favorite one too. I have wiggle room when I fly, and I don't need an extender anymore either. (is that one or two?) I've run for the bus without even thinking about it I've been able to chase my Spudboy down the stairs and out into the street before having to stop becaue I was laughing so hard I've started bellydancing again, and I'm a professional bellydancer too now. I no longer have a "breathy" quality to my voice, but I'm told it's strong and clear now. (no more asthma!) I am no longer The Great Crystal Dam in the bathtub I can cross my legs. HOLY SH*T! I can cross my legs! donuts no longer have any appeal I have realized that I will never go hungry again. (it's a wolves thing)

Hey everybody! Sounds like everyone has dealt with the holidays very well. I'm soooo glad that's over with--- until new years lol but I'm actually looking forward to that becuase I'm going to set my official new years goals- and actually have some hope of attaining them this time!!! I'm not very hungry right now, luckily. I was having powerful cravings days 3-6 but they seem to be much more under control now. Also i was having major pain in my side- but I've decided it's port pain and its fading now. I finally slept on my bed instead of the recliner last night....it was like coming HOME lol. Oh I want to report my FIRST NSV (non-scale victory). Today I pulled on my size 28 lane bryant jeans and zipped and buttoned them!!!!! before I was leaving it unbuttoned and then tucking the little flaps in to give me a lil breathing room. I know its small, but I was excited!!!

NSV = Non scale Victory! Way to go! The best NSV's are the ones where our significant others are the ones to realize it. Well done!

LOL.. I would say that's a NSV!!!! Girl, i don't have a whole lot to start with, but I'll sacrifice this gut for it!... I've gone down a FEW cup sizes pre-op.. I'm VERY scared about that!!!

That's definitely a NSV and by the way... CONGRATULATIONS - LOL! Seems like all of the "Bs" disappear with the weight loss... booty, boobs, bumps, and bulges. :biggrin2:

Forgive me but what is PB and NSV???? I am a newbie....lol.

So glad to hear that you are doing well, I'm sure the numbers on the scale will be kind but if not look at all of your current NSV's ???????????? I actually weigh myself everyday and use this app to keep the progress. I'm glad that your hernia isn't bothering you this week but so jealous- my hernia repair is awful, I feel like I have acid in my esophagus and I'm having some discomfort but it comes with the territory so I will be patient Yayyy for being able to get away when your hubby chases you- you two sound sooo cute aw thank you! I'm so sorry to hear about the discomfort and acidic feeling you're having! That's got to be aggravating. I have a question. Did your doctor put you on Prilosec at all? My doctor has me start Prilosec one week pre-op and continue until the end of two weeks post-op. I think that's some kind of secret magic key for no acid or something! I've never taken that stuff in my life but he was like take it. Even if you don't have heartburn or discomfort take it - and then he said so many patients won't take it thinking it was options and then they turn up with issues. I took everyday - no issues at all! I hope you feel better soon! I didn't have acid reflux prior to surgery but because of the hernia and gastritis I was taking Protonix I asked if I should continue after and was told only if needed ???? I will ask about the reflux and Prilosec when I see the surgeon tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion ????

Yes! Every day is a rollercoaster of "I'm so excited, I want to do it NOW!" and "omg, what have I done, this will be terrible!" Reading the forums has mostly helped me lean towards excitement, especially with the number of great success stories and the fun NSVs but some of the problems do make me worry. It will be a huge change but I guess if what I had going right now was working, I wouldn't be here in the first place.

Hello, everyone! Some random thoughts: I had my suregery last Tuesday, the 9th, and today was the first day I felt hunger pangs. I made a can of low fat cream of chicken soup, thinking that since I was "ravenous" I could easily eat the can and once I got through about 10 spoonfuls I felt like I just ate a Thanksgiving dinner. How weird. On another note, I've lost 5 lbs. since the surgery, for a total of 15 lbs so far, and I've had my first NSV (non scale victory)... I went to get a maincure and the nail lady gasped when she saw me. She asked if I was on a diet and she said my face looked "so" thin. That was pretty awesome. I guess I'm still bloated from the surgery so my pants are tight, but apparently my face is thinning out, which is really nice. Last thing, for now. I ordered some of the clear, fruit flavored Isopure zero carb protein drinks - they taste like Gatorade or Vitamin Water - they have 40 grams of protein, no fat, no sugar and are 160 calories. So far, I like them all - a lot. Good protein alternative to the protein shakes if you're sick of the milkshake schtick. You can find them in GNC or have them shipped directly to you from the Isopure website, which I think was actually cheaper and there's a better selection. The grape frost reminds me of grape kool aid. Yum.

Ya'll I vote for a Avenger's Cruise! We'd get all kinds of cabana boys, shows, pools, beaches...it'd be awesome! I didn't mention the food - but food (ah, my weakness in life). Bea - I'm like you, big boobs, small waist and big hips. I was blessed with an hourglass (nothing like tootin' my own horn, when you got it flaunt it baby!). I'll never ever be skinny. I'd kill to have a Sophia Loren figure - or something close. I hope you enjoy your girls night out! I agree with mom - don't worry about the blowup. DH and I had a HUGE fight Monday night. He decided I couldn't go to the gym in the mornings. HE DECIDED!! Hell no. I'm not anybodys puppet. For 8 years I got the girls up, made breakfast, got ready, got them ready for the bus, double checked everything...well, it is now an inconvenience for him. They dress themselves, eat breakfast at school. All he has to do is get them up and out the door. URRGGHH I was so mad at him! He said that EVERYONE was happy when I went at night to the gym. I wouldn't get home until 8:00. I then had to cook dinner, help with homework, do some laundry, give the girls their baths, get them to bed. All of this by 9:00. NO WAY!!! Then of course I had to clean the house, dry the laundry, fold it, get my lunch ready for the next day, have sex with him and try to go to sleep. OK I'm ranting now...sorry. It seems to him I was happy with this arrangement. WTH??? I'm not superwoman! Mornings are so much better...for obvious reasons. He has since changed his mind. I haven't been that mad in a LONG time. Mom - go to Walmart and try a couple of things on to find out your size (just the tops - I wouldn't try on the bottoms, no telling what you might catch). Then go online and order you something! DH loves cut-offs and tight T-Shirts (You can tell we're southern - lol)...he likes those more than anything fancy. Of course he loves high heels too! Nurse - that's an AWESOME NSV!! You go with your sexy self!

I have a few NSV's to share! First, I started back to school Tuesday and I did NOT wear scrubs to school! (If you read one of my last trending post you will understand that) I actually went clothes shopping and bought some real school clothes including a size 8 in jeans!! Also, for the last two days in class I didn't wear a jacket, I didn't even bring one which is astonishing even to me because I ALWAYS have something to cover up with. Jackets are something of a security blanket to cover arms, stomach, any back fat I may have had (imaginary or not). It's a wonderful feeling to not feel self-concious while in the seated position. I can focus on my instructor instead of worrying if everything's covered and not poking out. Lastly while at Walgreens one of the lady's who works there came up to me and my daughter and said " I hope this doesn't sound rude but aren't you like half the size you use to be?" I just laughted and said yes I am, thank you! Then on the way home I started thinking dang how fat was I that the lady at Walgreens took notice Still pretty sweet NSV's if you ask me! Oh and I'm finally (34 years into life) getting braces! It's amazing how much you want to improve yourself even more when you feel good about yourself!

I posted this 15 days into pre-op approximately. Now I'm 3 weeks in and I've lost 13 pounds as of this morning. I am sluggish due to the all liquid part of the diet but all is well! No new NSV's yet though.

Congrats girl, those NSVs are awesome. It really does help you to forget what's going on with the scale.<---Doing the happy dance w/ you!!!

@@Elode - Congratulations on all of your NSVs and Thank You So Much for sharing these NSVs with all of us. I put this year's bonus towards my self-pay surgery and plan to spend next year's on dental work as well. Once you start taking care of yourself in one area it really is contagious. I am worth investing in myself:-) Thanks for the others as well, especially the boots. I have been promising myself every year that I will buy some boots when I can zip them up "next fall" for so many years in a row, just like so many Monday morning diets that would be put off another week. I'm only 10 days out but by next fall I hope to be where you are now. Thank you so much for sharing and being an inspiration to us all:-)

Great NSVs!

Congrats Elode!!!!! I completely *love* NSV posts ... I think they really show just how hard you have worked & you deserve all the praise!

Hey Merry May'ers! I had a huge NSV this weekend... I saw friends I haven't seen since about a month before surgery. When I got out of the car at their house, one of the folks said... "Oh my! Your face is getting skinny!" Yes, I'm glowing....:confused:

I had a couple NSV tonight. I want to a class at my church and ran into an old friend (hadn't seen in 15 years). I got a "you look great...haven't changed" if she only knew. I love the idea that I'm back where I was 15 years ago! Oh, and I sat in the meeting and crossed my legs...1st time in 14 years (before my last baby).

What a beautiful picture, that actually bought tears to my eyes when I thought about how utterly fantastic you must feel. I eye workout clothes enviously too. Did you know you're an inspiration to me? Similar start weight, similar goal weight, same surgeon and even NSV's that I covet, lol. You have done a really really remarkable job, you should be darn proud of yourself.

DeAnna, great job making it one week. And good going on the NSV's. Those are always exciting. My NSV for yesterday was that I had not been able to have my Protein shake in the morning so I told myself that I would have it for dinner. Well, I have a class on sunday evenings and we take turns bringing in Snacks to eat. The girl whose turn it was had brought in a crockpot of chili with all of the trimmings. cheese, onion, fritos and more. I actually sat there and let everyone else eat and I drank my Water. I was so proud of myself. So as we were moving into another section of the building I was bringing up the rear end with another lady and our teacher and I was telling them about not eating so I could have my Protein Shake when I got home, and I told them how hard it was because it all smelt so good. Get this, both of them at the same time said I did the right thing because it didn't taste that good. So glad I held my ground. Finally got home and had my banana and Peanut Butter protein shake. It never tasted so good. Now to make it thru another day. This truly is a day to day thing. I'll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. And no more excuses or trying to fool myself thinking I can do or eat something and think I can explain it off.

This is a great idea! It has not been a huge day to day problem in my house, but there are days that I just want "something" and this might help. I do hear what everyone is saying. I can only imagine how hard it is to hear that stuff all the time. The only one that tells me that stuff is me! My sister had bypass at least 17 years ago and has gained all of the weight plus more back. I have not even told her or others in my family because I don't want the judgment (my mom, husband, and select friends know). I had a lot of hesitation is this because of what my sister did. I am not her and she is NOT me! You are right! You are not your sister. First thing first is that you admit you are a food addict. Second you fix your brain. Learn why you are a food addict and what brought you to this decision. Then look for the triggers that cause you to eat the wrong things. It is all about retraining your thinking about food. Learning that it is nourishment for your body nothing more. Finding other things to replace that dependency with other positive things. Log the NSV and say something nice about yourself every day. And look forward to a happier healthier you. you deserve it. Take this miracle and run with it to see the girl you really are inside without hiding behind weight...It is not easy but the rewards are endless.......

My hair has finally gotten better about coming out and I honestly think it is due to the extreme conditioning I have been doing, since it is not coming out at the root but rather breaking off, I started really conditioning and hot oil treatments and it is really alot better. Just whats working for me, hope y'alls get better too, mine was so bad I was worried about bald spots but got it cut yesterday and my beautician said it is fine and the cut made it look so much healthier. I had a great NSV got into a size 12! I started at 22-24, I don't remember ever wearing a 12!

For the past couple nights I have been awakened because my knees hurt. Last night I suddenly realized they hurt because there is no fat cushion between them when I sleep on my side & the bones are pressing against each other. LOL. Wish the fact was coming off my stomach, but I'll take it.

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!!