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I have turned over a new leaf. For the first time since my banding I have eaten at a potluck and not gorged myself to death. I feel satified and not uncomfortably stuffed. Now that is one heck of a NSV for me.

I forgot to tell my NSV....at school today several of my classmates that I have been going to school with for two years now, did NOT recognize me!!!!!! That made me super excited.....

@Gillybean I GAINED 7.5lbs once I switched from liquid to food, so consider yourself lucky. haha. Seriously though, I think this is totally normal. My surgeon said not to expect any loss for 6 weeks. And once we reach the green zone, we won't be losing more than 1-2lbs a week. So actually.. you are doing great. Avoid the scale for the next month. @whymomwhy Sounds like things are going well. @Lose_It Thats smart. I'm doing the same and no major issues. I found shredded beef in sauce worked A LOT better for me than ground beef with sauce. Easier to chew down. Its funny certain things work and certain things don't. Fish has also been very easy to eat. Well today I had my first NSV! I am going on a cruise in a week and I ordered 2 formal dresses online (one in size 18, one in a 20.. I normally wear 20). Tried it on when it arrived today and a size 18 was way too big on top! The dress is plus size so didn't even come in a 16 which I needed. I cannot wait til I am out of plus size entirely, but for now... this feels pretty good Here was my day: Breakfast - 1/4cup yogurt (I noticed my band was really tight this morning) snack - 8oz milk lunch - 1/3cup shredded beef, 1/4cup peaches, 2 small pieces of broccoli Snack - 8oz milk dinner - 1/2cup chicken noodle soup Snack - 8oz milk Exercise - did 30 minutes on the elliptical, some arm raises with 5 lb weights, and leg stretches.

Good Afternoon, my friends! I'm smiling like crazy today :-) I feel great, the sun is shining here, and I've lost the 4 pounds I gained! Soooo, where to start ... Christie - I'm so sorry you're feeling blue. I don't have children, so I can't honestly say I know how you feel. However, for those of us with fur babies, we DO understand that day we realize our babies arent kittens, or puppies any longer. When did they get so big? When did they grow up? I realize its not exactly the same, but the feeling of Loss, so to speak, is the same. ((HUGS)) oh, rabid pack of chickens? LOL I almost peed myself when i read that !! :laugh: HB - a size 14 ??? SWEET !!!! I'm SO looking forward to wearing a 14. Because then you can shop anywhere! They're the biggest size in a regular store, and the smallest size in a plus store - the best of BOTH worlds... Congrats! :redface: Leigha - DON"T give up the wine! It's your one and only real splurge. Life should be enjoyed. So ENJOY it! I agree that it will just take a bit longer. But this is a lifestyle, remember? You shouldnt pressure yourself with dates, and deadlines... But i doubt you're looking much like a man!! LOL I think you look amazing! :w00t: Hey Bets - how many calories did you end up burning before nightfall?? LOL I had a great image in my head of you - chanding clothes as fast as you can, and literally running around the house, the block, cleaning, yard work, whatever you could muster up to do - all in fast forward motion! It made me giggle outloud ... :smile2: All you BB people - thats so awesome that you all got it and like it. I've been on the fence ever since MIA BOB mentioned it a few months back. I don't have the funds, but i think the tool would be invaluable if used ( for me , USED would be the key word lol ) So i ordered a Fitbit... its the same principle, but less expensive < Fitbit > its smaller also. So, we'll see :-) I'll let you know how it is once i get it. they're on back order until june 15. :wink2: And once again, a big hello and welcome to all the newbies that have joined us !! Where have all the oldtimers gone???? HELLO??? And a big WOOHOO to all the NSV's out there ! I also had one at my scrapbooking retreat. I wore an outfit i wore there just last October, and i swam in it! I didnt realize i had lost 35 pounds since then! And all the gals noticed it :-) it was sooo great for my ego at this time to have some possitive feedback! :tt2: I start my new job on monday ! I've been a grazer the past few months, and really need to get back to the 3 Squares a day ... working 8-5, m-f should be a HUGE help in that department. I'm not one to drink my meals, so I need to ask - is it ok to eat a couple / few hours after i wake up for my first meal? I know we're supposed to eat w/in an hour or so, right? But I just can't have much besides coffee. I was thinking cottage cheese or yougurt around 10 am. Would this throw everything off? I assume lunch will be around 12 or so, and i'll be eating supper between 530 - 630. I'm hoping this will work for me, and Onderland and I will become fast friends :tt1: I'd give anything if we all could meet for a weekend. Find a central spot, and spend a weekend laughing, crying, chatting, sharing and supporting ... just a pipe dream , i guess... :crying: I need to fly to tthe store, Any suggestions on portable breakfast and lunch ideas are welcome HUGS to all today !!!!!! :wub:

So, I've not had a change in the scale since March 26th. Grr. I have my third fill on Thursday, so I'm hoping to see a change SOON. In times of struggle, I have to reach down/reach out to find something GOOD somewhere. So... NSV! Yesterday I ran my second 5K, and I beat my previous time. I felt so strong and powerful! My new record is 43:05, and I am so thrilled. I'm planning on a 5K every month to keep myself motivated and training. My next is May 8th. Three weeks! I also bought a bike yesterday (yay, tax refund!) so that I can commute to work (4 miles each way). My running buddy talked me into a 64.6 mile Bike-A-Thon in July also. Egads! Getting busy training NOW!

We had a Redbox movie to return, so I stopped by the CVS on my way to the library. The Redbox kiosk was out of order so I went to the library and picked up my books that were reserved. When I got back in the car I remembered the movie. The nearest Redbox was at McDonald's. I walked in and had the weirdest feeling. I realized I hadn't been inside a McDonald's since before my surgery in late April. It smelled greasy and kind of made me a little queasy. This from a girl who lived on bacon egg and cheese biscuits, sweet tea, cheeseburger Happy Meals, and more Diet Coke than you can imagine. Amazing, strange and wonderful!

My NSV today: putting on hook & eye closure (not elastic!) pants that I could only dream of closing 2-3 days out from surgery due to my gas-filled belly!!

I've had a difficult month. I've run 2 times in the last 4 weeks. Had to work way too many hours and then ended up with bronchitis and then had to travel for work last week. Finally got a good run in this morning and was worried about going long. I'm training for a half and I need the long runs to get me ready. The furthest I've run has been a 10K (6.2 mi). This morning I ran 8 freaking miles!!! I'm going to pay for it tomorrow, but everything is feeling good right now. Had another NSV this last week and only you all can understand how happy this makes me...

I would like to start a thread that encourages long term vets to share their success patterns. It is an open discussion of strategies, NSVs and day to day habits that define your success in being able to maintain or even improve in terms of weight, health, activity or anything else connected to this journey. Life as a vet is where the real work happens so let's share in a way that motivates both new post ops for the future and current vets for the here and now. We have a whole new chapter in our lives to engage in positively as movers and shakers. Let this thread be a beacon of encouragement for all. We have a chance to make real positive differences in the lives of others we interact with.

Tiny NSV today I had to keep cinching my seat belt in my van to get it tight enough.

AWESOME NSVs! I'm just a bit behind you on your progression and know EXACTLY how you feel. My THREE pairs of size 16 pants are getting just a bit loose, but they're all I've got now since I worry about the 18s slipping off. Another few pounds and I'll be brave enough to try my first pair of 14s in some 25 years. Great changes for you...you definitely have something to be EXCITED about. Congrats!!!

Denise, congratulations--that is a heck of an NSV! Doesn't it feel great?!

Anne-- congratulations on your date!!! I'll be counting down right along with you! How wonderful! I was so happy to read your NSV today as well. You must be on top of the world right now. Christie--woohoo! I despise that morbid word---MAJOR kudos to you for the bmi category change!!! What a terrific milestone! Bobbie--have a blast at the retreat. I used to love scrapbooking. Now it seems with 2 kids, 2 jobs, 3 dogs and a husband that's always working, I rarely have time to brush my teeth or shower these days LOL. I hope you have a great time! Betsy--how is Mark? Said more prayers at church this morning, my dear. HB-- I was so sorry to read about the snow! We had a record year here in the Northeast (PA/NJ), so I can relate to your misery! God, I can't wait to see the population explosion at the end of this year from all the snow days LOL Leigha--I'm sure all at once...BAM! 5 more lbs! You have been a freaking weight loss power house, girl! What a great goal you've set for yourself and I have no doubt you will do it! So I was finally able to have mushies today (hey, I'll take it!) I went to church around 10:30, then we went to brunch. I had most of an eggbeater/cheese omelet, a couple bites of potatoes, one piece of wheat toast all without incident. I then proceeded to have a couple of bites of my son's pancakes and was all STOP! Lol. I am thinking it was about 8 or 9 total ounces (which my doc confirmed is just fine). Needless to say I was finished at 1 pm and it's almost 7 and I still haven't eaten anything else. I am thinking I might be at a good place (well today anyway) because I was so starving in between meals before this fill I was just looking for food. Please pray this is "the one" guys. I have about 25 lbs to go until goal and I am so close I can taste it :-)! Hope everyone had a great weekend! Back to the grind on Monday! I took Wed, Thurs and Fri off for my fill appt, 6 months post op appt and school lunch with my son, so I have had a few days off. I soooo don't want to go back!!!

Welcome Larae, glad your here, congrats on the jeans! HB--I console myself on the boob shrinkage by saying "Well at least my stomach is shrinking under them!" of course, this really doesn't help but I say it anyway. By the way, if anyone finds my missing boobs my husband would like them back, maybe I should set up a reward for them? :cursing: Liz--In case I forget, have a safe trip this weekend. Besty--Is your new book a text book? Christy--I am with you on the grandparents thing, my grandparents were the only stable thing in my life and they get all the credit for me not being a complete nut case. NSV-- This morning when I tried to get dressed, nothing I had clean fit. So when I got off work I went to Academy (they have really good prices on clothes) so I found a pair of Capri pants that I thought would be my new size and tried them on they were too loose! I had to go back and get a smaller size. I cant remember the last time I was in a dressing room and had to go back and get a smaller size anything!

Well right now I am wearning a size 20 pair of jeans. They are snug on me, but as loose as the 22s were getting, I decided it was better to go with snug for the moment. They aren't as tight as they were even a few days ago! I can sit in the comfortabley and so forth, so really not bad. Just snug. I think a few more pounds will help them get to that not snug spot. So I figure this is a good NSV! I can fit in smaller jeans!

Here's some pics. First, the NSV!!!! Legs crossed COMFORTABLY on the plane.. and I got lots of legs. And the seatbelt is no where near tight. HOORAH. This was me BEFORE I had to bundle up. And then these are taken in Central Park.. And I'm not sure where we were for this one.. The coat is an NSV too. Last time I bought from Burlington Coat Factory (about 6 years ago with parents), they had the patchwork suede coats, and I remember crying because the only thing in my size were ladies coats.. boring black trenches, etc. The day before the trip we went to BCF to find a warm coat. I was looking in plus size. I am 2x in coats I guess, I saw ONE cute coat in 3x.. and ONE cute coat in 1x. The 3x was just way too big. There was nothing in 2x that was trendy at all. I was really getting frustrated. So I decided to try the 1x coat. And Voila. there it is! I'm wearin a 1x coat!! :thumbup:

Hello Vi's!~~ No, Judy, I did not get to rest or relax today... not yet, anyway. But it's rain-storming here now thru tomorrow so all ds's soccer practices & games for tonight & tomorrow have been cancelled, so I'm thinking that in a few I may crash on the couch & finally RELAX!! I had a MAJOR NSV today!! Today 2 friends & I went to "Let's Dish!", the food prep kitchen where I used to work part-time 'til last Fall, to dish up some tasty meals for the month. Even tho I don't work there, I still go there 1x/mo to dish dinners & chat w/everyone. So I'm there and in walks a former co-worker, Tammy, and I say, "Hi Tammy!" and she looks at me and... ready for it?... SHE DID NOT RECOGNIZE ME!! This is the first time that this has happened to me since banding! I've had people notice my wt loss (esp. this past week @ school, I've been basking in all the compliments, actually), but not completely not know it's me! Of course, once she realized it was me, she freaked out & wanted to know ALL about the band. She could use it. Not being mean, just honest. Hey, if a former fattie can't be honest w/a current one, then we're all doomed! So that was WAY COOL! But then we went out to lunch @ Red, Hot & Blue (a BBQ place) and I got the Chop salad w/chicken on it and I barely ate 3 or 4 bites and BAM! I knew I had to PB it all up... so off to the bathroom I go, and we all know what happened there, so I won't bore you w/the details... WEIRD! My 2nd full-fledged PB in a week! Of course, I didn't eat any more, brought it home, and am now starving (my tummy's even rumbling loudly) & I'm scared to eat it!! Grrrrr. And that's my day! How's yours??

Uh Terry? That's EXACTLY the point... a NON SCALE Victory... no scale involved!! C'mon... there's gotta be SOMETHING... Yay TracyKS!! That certainly IS an NSV!! Hey gals... remember that market bag that I was knitting in TX?... well, I've made up 6 different ones (different color combos of the varigated yarn) and I'm going to take them around to some shops downtown this afternoon & see if I can get some orders for them to sell! OMG, just typing that gives me butterflies in my tummy! But everyone keeps telling me to try, so... I guess we'll see!!

Welcome Crystal. Join in when you can. I'm all in for the liquid diet and I'm shooting for all week. Jenn and Judy, you need to keep me going. I'll need the extra help this week. Our Sunday was wonderful and so was the food. My sister and attended Mass and I was also one of the Eucharistic Ministers for the Mass. Ended up sending food home with everyone which will really help out. I got lots of compliments today. I guess spending a little extra time on my hair paid off. NSV. I discovered today that I have very boney elbows. And I found that out when I found that my thighs were hurting form my elbows digging into them. It's amazing, I actually have thighs to put my elbows on now. I even find myself putting my hands on my knees and pushing off when I stand up. Never was able to do that before. Glad everyone had a great day and hope that this is just the starting to a very wonderful week for us all. Jenn and Judy, hope we get more to join us on the liquids this week.

Tracy... Happy Anniversary!!! And congrats on all the NSV's! You deserve them, for sure!! Enjoy your weekend. And never you mind about the hot tub. What goes on in the hot tub, stays in the hot tub. :mad:

It's 99 degrees here and the humidity is 100050% (no joking) NSV. Hubby and I went t Wal-Mart to by him a hat and I heard someone calling my name. I turned around and it was a girl I used to work with about 4 years ago. We stood there and talked for a minutes about the band and she must have said to me at least five times, How good I looked. She kept saying it over and over. It's times like that that makes me love my band even more.

Great NSV, but as for the 3-way mirror.......amateurish. You need a 27-way mirror like me (it involves 3 3-way mirrors) Somebody thinkin' theys gonna take the multipost title? No way....... It's just because I'm the resident "abuse boy". I don't mind....I'm kinda into it....but perhaps I've said too much... Don't worry about those 'horns, they're a hearty lot. Much much tougher than say......a sooner. *lowers voice 2 octaves* How you doin" ??

Sometimes NSV are the best victories! I've had quite a few in the last year but here are some: I can fit comfortably in the chairs in our conference room at work, the arms used to dig into my legs and hips so bad. I can shop in straight size stores only now, no more bouncing between plus and straight I need new wedding rings, my fingers have gone down so much I can't even have my rings resized!! Yay new wedding set!! Calf boots, I can wear them all. I also went down a shoe size so I need all new shoes on top of a new wardrobe. I can see my feet again when I look down instead of just my belly, also my boobs are bigger than my belly again, thank god. I can do 40-60 minutes on the Elliptical and not need a break. The first time I got on I couldn't even do 5 minutes. I'm smaller than my husband for the first time ever. I can cross my legs comfortably and love doing it.

I could feel it for the first few weeks but now, not at all except maybe when it's protesting because I ate too much. I can feel the port sometimes when I lift or bend. I just got back from my (plane) trip and MY SEAT BELT DID UP. I rushed on to the plane and looked down at it thinking, "Ok seat-belt, you don't like me and I don't like you but let's just do this thing." I adjusted it as long as it could get, sat my wide load down and 'click'. It clicked in. There was no room to spare length-wise but it wasn't pinching either and I left it on the entire trip. I didn't even need to lift the armrest, which was another relief. I spent the rest of the flight grinning but didn't want to blow my euphoria by trying the tray table, so lived in blissful ignorance. Huge NSV for me. I was so worried about this. I stand by my choice of aisle.

I don't weigh myself often so most of my victories are NSV. Today was an incredible day for them. First of all, 2 pairs of jeans that were a little snug last WEEK are a bit loose this week, so I am officially down another size as of today. Second, I wanted to take one of my dogs for a walk since it was such a gorgeous night. I was only going to go 2 miles, but when I got to the point where I was going to turn around I realized that I felt great, not tired, my legs were feeling strong and powerful, so I kept going. We ended up walking 5 miles, and towards the end I had to slow down because my dog was getting tired, but not me! I thought that was incredible.