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So many great comments in this thread! It's giving me life this week with the scale going back and forth between the same half pound. I have three new weird/fun NSVs: Laying flat on my back is sooooooo much more comfortable without extra padding on my butt pushing my lower back into a deep curve and my boobs flopping into my neck to choke me. It's a whole new world of physical comfort! I keep accidentally off-balancing myself because of my body mechanic habit related to really needing to put some force into swinging my leg up when I was 50 pounds heavier. This morning I nearly ended up on the shower floor because I put waaaay too much force into lifting my foot up onto my shaving ledge. I can balance and walk on my toes or my heels. I discovered this playing with my niece earlier this week.

NSV, sex is so much better for a variety of reasons. Ha ha 😂

How can I put this…… Bob Ross is doing a nice winter scene of an empty snow covered field with a happy little stump poking out of the snow…. Fast forward a few episodes and he’s painting the same field in the spring…. The stump is the same stump as before, but without snow covering most of it he needs a lot more paint…. NSV!!

I guess I'm just venting. Before surgery, I would read people's comments/concerns of "what if it doesn't work for me? what if I can't lose?" and think... of course you're going to lose! You've had your stomach mostly or entirely removed and you're eating a small fraction of what you used to! But now, I get it... I'm about 5.5 weeks post op - in total I've lost almost 40 pounds, but that includes close to 20 pounds in the pre-op liquid diet. In the last 30 days I have only lost about 10 pounds. I never expected to lose 20 pounds a week (I was only about 100 pounds overweight going into surgery) but I did expect to lose more than this. I get more than my daily water intake, all of my protein, take my vitamins, I eat a variety of foods and usually hover around 500-600 cals a day, low to no carb... I do the peloton now that I can exercise 3-4 times a week with strength training and I walk 10,000+ steps a day. Over the last week I have gained 1 pound. I know I know I know that its not based on the scale, to look at my NSVs, and to keep my eyes on the prize long term. But I also feel like I have been able to lose more weight than this on my own in the past. I know it wasn't long term and I couldn't sustain it, but when I think about all of the prep I did, how sick I was, the sacrifices that I have made and how hard I have worked and am working, its easy to feel defeated. I expected to lose at least 15+ pounds a month for the first few months at least, not just hover on these constant plateaus. I'm worried about when I am finally going to stop losing altogether since people say it drops faster in the beginning and then really slows down... I'm already super slow.

I am loving all the responses in this thread, it's inspiring! Over the last few weeks I've logged a few more NSVs: I can feel my hipbone - hello old friend! My wedding ring is getting loose. My tighter fitting shoes are feeling loose. And my new favorite NSV: I can walk up the hill near my house without dropping into 1st gear or needing to stop for a break! 😍

another NSV: I have a large hill on the vacant lot next to mine that I mow every week (because the owner doesn't take care of it and I don't want his weeds spreading to my yard). Last summer, I had difficulty getting up the hill on my riding mower and couldn't even attempt to go horizontally because of the risk of rollover. Now that I'm almost 100 lbs lighter, I can go horizontally with ease and my mower has no trouble getting up the hill.

This morning our parent association put out a beautiful spread for us for teacher appreciation week. They always do such a great job and they had juice, coffee, tons of great pastries and breakfast items - in the past I would had probably taken a few donuts or crumb cakes and maybe even later gone back for more. Today (5 weeks post op) I looked at it all, enjoyed just the fact that they brought it for us, thanked them, and took a small cup of decaf coffee and an activia yogurt. I only had a few sips of coffee and half of the yogurt because its really high in sugar but it came so naturally almost to admire all of those treats, think about how good they probably are but then say "thats not for me, but these options are for me." And I didn't even have to finish what I took - it was a nice treat outside of my usual meal planning and now I just continue on my day. I'm quite proud of myself for not even considering the other things, or even feeling as if I was missing out by not having them.

I somehow missed this thread when it was first started. I just found it and enjoyed reading everyone's NSVs! I have a lot of similar ones, but here are a few of mine: I used to have to keep the steering wheel in my car raised to make room for my belly, and it blocked my view of the clock and temperature. Now I can put it low enough to see the whole dashboard. The other day, I climbed 12 flights of stairs like it was nothing. Didn't even have to stop for a break. Amazing how easy it is without carrying a whole extra person! I used to leave a lot of extra time when going to work, meetings, etc. because walking to another building or up stairs would leave me sweaty. I used to carry around a fan and small towel so I could cool off/dry off after getting sweaty. I also liked to be super early to meetings to make sure I wouldn't have to squeeze behind someone to get to a chair. Now I can just get there on time like a normal person and not worry about any of that. I was taking a walk recently (which is crazy in itself -- I never used to just go outside and take a walk!) and I had to move off the road while a car passed, and I tripped and fell in the grass. When I was 300+ pounds, a fall like that would have hurt and it would have been hard to get up. This time, I just jumped right back up like it was nothing. I no longer dread meeting people in person for the first time as I used to when I knew they would think less of me once they found out how fat I was.

NSV's: No more blood pressure medication Economy class airline seats aren't that small anymore

Oh YEAH! These are great ones. And this makes me think of how some things happen that I don't even realize. Like, you just made me realize I don't have to roll over in bed in stages anymore! So many things are happening, and there was so much I had grown accustomed to and now that it's gone sometimes I don't even realize it! That in and of itself is a big NSV! Sent from my Nokia 7.2 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you so much. This is probably the best NSV ever for me, because it did take a long time to get to that point of self love and acceptance. I actually reached that before I started my wls journey and it's really so important because I don't think I couldn't have gotten here if I hadn't gotten there first. When I think about my younger self who hated herself for "only" being able to get to 150 and not being thin enough it makes me sad about all the time I missed out on loving myself and living life. It's a freeing feeling. It's never too late though! I'm proud of how far I've come emotionally.. That's really the hardest part! Sent from my Nokia 7.2 using BariatricPal mobile app

This got me in the feels, actually made me tear up feeling happy for you. Congratulations on this, you have obviously been doing the internal self love and acceptance part of this journey. That is a solid NSV!

It's been a while since I did an inventory of my NSV's. I'm 2.5 years post op, but I can still appreciate all the little things: Not only fitting into regular-width tall boots, but wearing jeans with knee-high woollen socks over them while wearing said boots AND still have room to spare. I used to hate it whenever Mr. tried to pick me up - as in lift up off the ground, not hit on at the bar! - (dude, I'm 235 lbs, you will embarrass both you AND me in your attempts)...now I find any excuse for him to do it...including jumping onto him at random moments. Sharing (and fitting into) the often fought-over arm chair in the house with the Kid at the same time quite comfortably. Feeling 110% confident in walking around buck naked (in front of Mr. lol). No more quick dashes to my closet after showers (i do a slow catwalk now...lol), no more towels or sheets or strategically placed hands to cover myself. The lights are ON alot during sexy-times hahahahahhaha. Seemingly endless amounts of energy, a perpetually good mood, and an overall attitude of "Sure, let's do it" (whatever it may be)....vs. being tired all the time, cranky and annoyed alot, and saying NO to most things. oh, and ...CLOTHES.

I can't wait to experience this NSV!

Today I had an unexpected and surprisingly satisfying NSV. I noticed that my belly button shrank. It's about 50% shallower than it used to be! Who knew I would be so pleased about less depth to my belly button? 😆

I also found that people would compliment me when I was in a stall...those that know (almost everyone in my life) would say that I am really losing, and I would think "I haven't lost weight in two weeks" and then I'd start losing again. I think your body needs time to "redistribute" or something, so clothes feel better, you look better, but you weigh the same. I try to focus on NSV's (Non-scale victories) during the stalls.

Fabulous find @kristieshannon. And not having to worry about belly popping buttons is a great win. I loved when I realised I didn’t have to worry about buttons straining & gaping across my chest. NSV are the best. A zoom cocktail party? What an idea @BayougirlMrsS. And we wouldn’t have to worry about stumbling home afterwards. 😂😂😂

FINALLY! Onederland! I can't remember the last time I didn't see a "2" as the first number on the scale. Seeing the "1" this weekend was just surreal. I think I must have stepped on and off the scale at least 10 times. What a motivator! I feel like I've accomplished the impossible and now ANYTHING is possible!! ~40 to go (I'd like to hit 50 just to have some wiggle room). For those who might be struggling after the first couple of months - Months 1-3 were EASY - weight just fell off. Month 4+, slowed A LOT (as in less than 8 a month) - Being able to eat pretty much anything I wanted without having an upset stomach didn't help. I was hoping to be under 200 by the end of December. Stalled (much of it my fault for choices I made, and simply my body catching up), got frustrated, felt sorry for myself, etc...and at times even wondered if it was possible or if I was just going to stop there with my weight loss. Booked a vacation and decided that I WOULD be under 200 before I left (next Sunday - nothing like cutting it close!). Got back on plan, made better choices, and quit feeling sorry for myself and WOO HOO - Major goal #1 accomplished. If you're struggling, hang in there, refocus, know you aren't alone in this journey and make up your mind that you CAN do this. NSV's this week - I didn't see the "OMG, PLEASE let this fat lady be seated ANYWHERE but beside ME on a plane" look. People actually look me in the eye rather than past me. Servers @ restaurants are concerned that the food they served me wasn't good because I didn't eat much. I got more work accomplished onsite because I didn't need a lunch break (quick protein bar and I was good to go). I could go to ANY store and buy some cheap clothes for vacation - Can't wait to rock that bathing suit coverup in Hawaii next week!

Congrats! I'm looking forward to experiencing the Shopping NSV. I'm still working my way through my old clothes, which are admittedly now huge. LOL I don't have one pair of jeans left to wear; they are all beyond ridiculously baggy. I am holding out for a while longer.

What is NSV?

Congratulations on your success! We are pretty similar — I had my surgery just a week before yours, and I have also lost 100 pounds since my surgery (I lost about 70 pounds before surgery). My initial goal weight was 180 pounds based on average weight loss (this was before I lost the first 70 pounds), but now I’m shooting for 150, although I honestly don’t care all that much about the number on the scale; for me, it’s all about the NSVs. When I stop and think about it, I’m in disbelief that I have lost such a massive amount of weight. I used to see people who have lost 100+ pounds and think it was impossible, and now I’m one of them. i also have the same sense that it doesn’t feel like I’ve lost as much as I have. I am literally half the size I used to be, and of course I can tell that I’m smaller, but I definitely don’t feel like I’m half my old size. I actually like to cook, and I spend a lot of time on Pinterest looking at bariatric-friendly recipes (I find a lot of recipe on keto web sites, even though I don’t exactly follow the keto diet, but a lot of keto recipes are good because they’re low-carb). One of the cool things about being a bariatric patient is that my portion sizes are so small that I get a ton of servings out of a single recipe. I made a batch of turkey meat sauce that came out to 27 portions! I have a freezer full of single-serving meals from just a few cooking sessions. I’ve really enjoyed finding new, healthy recipes that I love, and I hardly even miss the old unhealthy foods I used to eat. I recently discovered that I like spaghetti squash! And I eat cauliflower rice all the time. I hardly recognize myself anymore. Anyway, it’s great to see someone else enjoying great results from WLS. It is truly life-changing!

I went clothes shopping today at a store (with the pandemic haven't done much of that). Not sure if it is the pandemic or my weight loss, but my experience today was SO different then in the past. I had a number of sales people approach me right off the bat. Friendly, offering to help. In the past, I would wander the same store on my own without anyone offering to help. I've seen others post about being treated differently after losing weight and while i'm not positive that's what this was, it's certainly something I'll watch for. The NSV --- I took one of the sales people up on their offer to help and mentioned after losing weight I'm not really sure what size I am. She knew immediately what options to pull and I am in a size 28 jeans! That's a size 8, as in single digits!!! I am also wearing a Small in a number of tops. Holy $(@*. 🤯

What is NSV?

I hit a couple of major NSVs today. I’ve lost 100 lbs (or near enough to count), and finally dipped down into the 100’s. I am pretty pleased with myself, and I am so glad that I had the surgery. HW = 299 CW = 199.4 SW = 280.0 Surgery Date = 07/23/2020 I follow my program of eating healthy extremely well. Cravings are at a minimum, but the weight loss isn’t a complete breeze. I feel like I need to make a conscious effort to stick to the plan. I’m a slow and steady loser, and weirdly each pound lost always feels like it’s going to be the last. Not sure why, because I am not a pessimist by nature. The body dysmorphia is strong, and I have absolutely no sense of how big or small I am now. I feel much better than before, and my clothes are getting looser, but I don’t *feel* like I’ve lost much weight. How very weird! It’s not disheartening - just kind of a clinical observation that my brain can’t quite figure out what’s going on. My initial goal weight was 165 lbs. I picked that weight because it was a goal just beyond what the average weight loss for my height was. I honestly didn’t think it was attainable. But now I do. I’d like to shoot for maybe 140 now. I initially didn’t think I was going to be interested in plastic surgery. However loose skin, age and gravity are not a winning combination. It’s on the table now! I’m glad I don’t have to think about it anytime soon, though. Other observations: * I log my food meticulously. I focus on high protein and low carbs, and feel like it’s a good day when my protein intake is > carb intake. I pretty much ignore the fat intake, but I am eating healthy so it’s just not a concern. * I’ve averaged about 1100 calories/day since the new year. * I don’t think I would have been this successful if i hadn’t been teleworking since the pandemic started. I live alone so I cleared out my kitchen of all temptations. * I walk 3.5 miles a day and I’ve grown to really enjoy it. I rarely miss - only if there are monsoon-like rains will I stay in. * I wear a Fitbit, and I think the most important and useful feature is the reminder to walk throughout the day. I typically average about 15K steps/day. * I have started jogging a little bit, and have been ASTOUNDED that I can do it. I’m super slow, but I can do it. This morning I jogged over 3 miles without dying a single time. 😂 * I do not like jogging. * I was going to the the gym, but stopped because of the crowd of ‘New Years resolution’ people who didn’t seem to be very good with the mask-wearing. I’ll pick back up with that once I get the vaccine. * I have become more limber, and a lot of my aches and pains have receded or disappeared. I love that I can cross my legs now. * My hair fell out. A lot. Started at about 3 months and it was just shocking. It was particularly bad around my temples, and around the crown of my head. It is growing back as seen by the scraggly hair sticking out in all directions. I am so pretty. 😱 It seemed to stop falling out pretty abruptly about 2 weeks ago. * Eating breakfast is still a struggle. I’ve always hated it and I still do. I almost always rely on the Fairlife shakes for breakfast. * I eat a lot of chicken, shrimp, salad, and Morningstar frozen vegan options. I am not a good cook, and as much as I think about food I guess I am just not willing to spend much time preparing it. I like the salad kits that most grocery stores have now. * I take a tremendous amount of joy in cleaning out my closet of clothes I can no longer wear. My closet is so empty! It is seriously so awesome! I’m not ready to do much shopping yet, though. I don’t need clothes for work (yet), and I’m hoping to still lose more weight. * I weigh myself every morning, and I think I’m always going to have to do this. It’s an accountability thing for me.

Great Job, NSV's are sometimes the best one!!!