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These are the kind of posts I love.. so many successful bandsters. My NSV today is being able to have my Christmas shopping done and presents wrapped because I have so much more energy than I did before being banded. My other NSV is that I no longer run from cameras. We have had so many family functions where I refused to have my picture taken, it's a wonderful thing to not be ashamed of how you look. This surgery has enabled me to become more active and healthy. I am forever grateful to my surgeon and his staff for doing an excellent job for me.

I had a funny NSV over the holiday. I was with my brother and nephew when my nephew's mom (my brother's ex) came to pick my nephew up. She was totally skunk eyeing me something wicked. She wouldn't even respond to my attempts at small talk. I was thinking "wow, she hates me!". Still, I just tried to ignore her and loved on my nephew. When it was time for them to leave, my brother walked them out. When he came back, he was laughing. Apparently, she had no idea who I was and assumed I was my brother's new girlfriend! LMAO! She asked him who I was (curse words included) and he laughed "ummm, you mean my sister?" He said her jaw literally dropped and she goes "no way! but she's so little now! It doesn't look like her at all!" My brother told her I'd lost over 200 pounds so it's no wonder she didn't recognize me. I guess she then felt bad for being such a b#tch to me. I laughed so hard!!

NSV I went to Starbucks this morning because I wanted a skinny hot chocolate. So I paid with my debit card (which has my old picture on it) and the lady looked at me and said you have lost a lot of weight Congratulations! I smiled and told her thank you! I love my band!

Jfc- that's a big NSV!

Barbara12375 I loved what your granddaughter said! You know they speak what is truly in their hearts! Rroswelltx Great NSV's and SV's I know you will make your Christmas goal Congratulations! Christa94 I am so glad you had a successful Thanksgiving! And a weight loss as a bonus. Yea for you!

I must say, Cindy and Leila, for some gals who are "struggling", you're lookin' great doing it. I think we're all having similar issues. I did really well at lunch. Small healthy portions, but then after everything was put away, I grabbed some chips! Drat..... NSV - I did manage to eat slowly and enjoy the food. My latest little trick has been to eat faster and ignore the warning signs of imminent pb's. I kinda think I was waiting for the band to maybe ..... disappear? Somehow I haven't gotten around to accepting this implant as a lifetime deal. I want to get back to losing too. I'm certain junk food is keeping me from being a good bandster. Anyone else have an epiphany on why the Junebies (for the most part) are struggling?

@@n0ble199 Wow you look great!! Congrats! Today is my 3 months surgiversary! (Sleeved on 07/07/14) I've lost so far 39 lbs, and today for a tiny NSV -- I went to H&M and bought a cardigan because it's getting colder. I can wear a size M! M!! I almost couldn't believe it. Before I couldn't squeeze in even size XL of this shop and now I'm fit perfectly in a size M (not even tight!). It's a good day, wish you guys all the best!

Good for you!!!! It's nice to reach those mini goals. I can't believe I've lost over 60 lbs since my surgery, it's amazing what it can do! Keep up the good work! I had a NSV yesterday when one of the receptionists asked if my boobs got smaller, I guess they did, but now people are noticing. Also this morning I tried on a bunch of old clothes that didn't used to fit....well now they do!!! Some are snug, but they will definetly be wearable by summer!

Hi everyone -- I had my first NSV this morning. A small one but huge in my eyes. I was able to put a ring on my finger I haven't been able to wear in about a year. I didn't think twice about it when I grabbed it out of my jewerly box and slid it on my finger. It was about 5 minutes later when I realized what ring I had on. Whoppee!!!:clap2:. My hands have been so swollen this past year, I pretty much quit wearing rings. I hope my NSV is motivational to others. Sometimes you have to forget about the calories your taking in, the number on the scale, and look within yourself for the small victories. Anyone else have their first NSV? Melissa Lea:hippie: Spivak 06/09/06 Self pay

Thanks!! I've actually hit 65#'s lost now....my body is so weird! I go through about 3 weeks of gaining and losing about 3 or 4 pounds and then WHAMMO....in 1 week I lose 10 pounds! At first it really bothered me but have learned it's just how I lose weight. I had to work all weekend also, driving a tractor on our farm. One big NSV for me was that pre-band I would head out for an 8-10 hour day on the tractor with a cooler full of lunch food and snacks so I wouldn't "starve to death". Caught myself going this time with a Southbeach Diet High protein granola bar and 2 waters...and beleive it or not, I didn't die of hunger!!! Hope everyone is doing well, need to head to bed. Going to check out a new swimming suit store tomorrow morning, mine isn't exactly fitting anymore!:clap2:

I have what I consider a dumb question. I started out this journey in a size 30/32. It was a tight 30/32. I could have probably worn a bigger size than that even. I'm now in a 22/24. How many dress sizes do I say that I have lost? Is it 2 or 6? A NSV yesterday. I pulled off a pair of size 24 capris without unbuttoning or unzipping them.

Girls & Guys - just an FYI, getting up at 5 am to exercise is not fun. lol. I'm so tired these days, I must get some sleep tonight! Side note, I had to share a NSV - Or maybe its a scale victory. Anyhow, I went to my daughters parent teachers conferences, and one of her teachers came up to me and said "wow, I hate to be rude, or I hope i'm not being rude, but have you lost weight?" - this teacher has only seen me twice, and I felt good that she noticed. Anyhow, just went I start to feel down about my weight, I get a compliment that brings me back up on cloud 9. I have a question - have you guys noticed werid noises coming from your throat area? I am having all kinds of gurgle noises, weird. It doesn't happen all the time, but it woke me up last night doing it. I haven't had heart burn or anything, just weird noises coming from the inside......

SoCal that is a really neat NSV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are looking great. I haven't seen PinkyLee yet. My husband talked to her on Friday when the moving truck was there. Hope to see her soon in her new house. I'm sure she is really busy with the new house and closing on her former house I think tomorrow. I've been just maintaing. I'm getting stuck more so that's scary for me. I don't do that unless I'm overfilled. I think its stress. I've been extremely busy at work, working long hours. I'm taking a little break from all of this. Hope to hit it hard in Jan., but meanwhile trying not to do too much damage. Sounds like many of you are so close to goal. That is terrific.

Sunshine2-Good for you! How wonderful! I just love the band. shues138- What a wonderful NSV! That is great! I just wanted to check in with everyone. It has been 3 months and 2 days since I was banded and I have lost 38 pounds. I am addicted to exercising. I really love going to the gym and almost feel bad on days when I can't get there. Anyway I had my 2nd fill this past Thursday. I have a total of 1.5cc's in my 4 cc band. My doctor is on the conservative side, but as long as I keep losing, it's OK. I am very happy with the band. Have a good night- Gigi

5jacks- That is a great NSV! You must be so proud of yourself!:clap2: Your weight loss is GREAT! I went for my 2nd fill today. The PA put .75 cc's of saline in the band with the first fill. Today he told me that there was still .75 cc's in my band and he added another .75 cc's for a total of 1.5cc's in a 4 cc band. I am almost at my 3 month bandaversary(4/30) and I have lost 36 pounds. I also wanted to lose 10 pounds/month, so far, I am ahead of the game. Have a good night! Gigi:)

Hello everyone - I've been MIA for a while - out of town, busy with work, family stuff...life sure gets in the way, doesn't it? I'm proud to say things have been going very well for me. Since my last fill I've had good restriction. I am down 75 lbs now and people at work seem to comment on how I look on a daily basis. It feels so good to get the compliments and to know that the weight will stay off with the help of the band is an even bigger reward. I've hit another plateau - staying the same for about the last week and a half - but I'm sure it will kick back into gear soon. I've been fighting a cold for the past week and even stayed home from work last Wednesday and slept the entire day. I went on a scrapbooking retreat with friends last weekend and sneezed and blew my nose the entire weekend. Then I woke up this morning doing the same thing - UUggghh!! Next weekend I'm going on another retreat. So I'll spend the week planning what I want to work on and packing my supplies. Last weekend we were in a house, so I was able to bring my Magic Bullett and have my shakes when I wanted them. This next weekend we'll be at a resort and everything is buffet-style. I'm going to just focus on eating my protein first and drinking my water during the day and then I should be fine. I just need to stay away from snacks. I had cheddar chex mix last weekend and it was SO good, but it was the first time I'd really just let myself snack and the guilt was terrible! Anyway, I see from your posts since I was on last that you are all doing well. Congrats on all the NSV's and take care of yourselves to the ones who were having issues. I'm going to try and check in more often. I miss chatting with you all!

Sherri - way to go with the NSV!! What a wonderful feeling :girl_hug: Mary - each pound should be celebrated! Way to go! Born2Lose - you look rockin'! Congrats on your great accomplishment! I had a great day yesterday. I wore a sweater from my "someday bin" yesterday - kind of dressed up - and I got so many compliments! It's amazing that when you feel better, you look better, and you walk different, and carry yourself differently. I've had nothing but support from everyone and that means so much. Off to work - Have a great Wednesday everyone!

Chris, I thought I was the only one on here that hadn't been filled!! You've done fantastic!! I can't remember, are you working out daily or what? I'm about to start that Tai Chi class tonight and talk with Derrick (the trainer) about getting started on a daily routine or at least 3x a week routine. I'm getting inspired looking at you and everyone else. I also will be going on a cruise at the end of November with 15 other ladies....YAHOO!!! So, I need to start toning. I want to minimize the extra skin syndrome as much as possible. Do you have a lot of extra skin? You are young so it may be elastic enough to just go down on it's own. How's everyone else today? I had a lazy day as Saturday night I went out dancing with some young chicks. My hubby was all for it as he's not a dancer. Well, I danced off some weight, but on Sunday I didn't get my afternoon nap and boy I was tired today. Oh, by the way, they took me to a place that is "big girl friendly". I wasn't interested in anyone cuz I love my hubby, but it was nice to know that I was not being judged harshly for being plus size. I was thinking that soon, I wouldn't be plus size...YEAH!!! As a matter-of-fact, I ordered a swimsuit online for the cruise and ordered an 18 and it fit...a bit tight but will be perfect at the end of November. It was on clearance for 17.99!! That's my NSV for the week!!

It's good to know that the weather change could be causing problems. I don't like being tighter, but it will pass and I love the cooler weather we're getting in the Houston area. Genn and Beachee Girl, Perhaps there needs to be a special recognition for bandsters who continue to follow the rules although losing slowly or not at all. If you continue to plateau, perhaps you should check with an endocrinologist. A journal would be invaluable to you and your health professioal. Cathy, Good move on the fill decision and good luck with the first fill. No more fills for me unless I am 100% positive it will be helpful. A new NSV for me. I just realized that I'm learning how to handle my emotional stresses in a much more positive way. Food was a bandaid for my depression that never promoted healing. I'm facing demons I ran from before. No where to hide now--unless it's LBT.com!

Hey Pinkylee............I like the "fake the chores" routine. I'm good at that one! Hi Everyone. I've been absent from here of late. Tis the season. At last post I had agreed that I was overfilled but had opted not to have an unfill. I'm glad I made that decision. Gradually I have "loosened up" and I'm able to eat in moderation. There are times I still pb but in my mind this is what the band is suppose to do for me. I am constantly aware that one wrong move and I'll be in the bathroom or at the very least slime-ing my way through a meal. For awhile I wasn't able to eat any solid food and I was starting to get concerned, but now with care I can eat most things. I had a very reasonable Thanksgiving meal and even had a little pecan pie without guilt. I am very pleased with this fill and I hope it lasts. My scale has been bouncing from 211 - 208. I've seen 208 on two separate occasions and that makes it mine. I claim it! I still have hope of seeing Onederland by New Years Day. I had a nice NSV yesterday. I was at my daughter's house and my 12 year old granddaughter was hugging me. She asked, "Monga (my grandma name) are you getting skinny?" when I said that was my plan she said, "I'll be the only kid I know with a sexy grandma". Needless to say we all laughed and needless to say I LOVED IT! Have a great week and remember to enjoy the season.

Tracy - yep, we're all facing the same problem. I was a little bummed because the last 2 weeks, I have not lost. I was losing so fast, and now, notta, nothing, zippo! I have actually GAINED - Even though I am still eating probably around 1000 calories (if that many). But I do feel skinnier, so I'm really not worried. I go to the doctor today. I am hoping he will say I can have a fill! Just a remeinder to everyone - we have started a January Bandster Exercise challenge thread - so come join us! The thing that I am starting to really realize is this is going to be a long journey for me, the losing weight that is. I know that I knew this before, but I don't think it really sunk into my head. I lost really fast the first few weeks, and I think deep in my mind I was thinking - oh, this is going to be easy. But now, after working out, sweating, dealing with head hunger, trying to avoid chocolate, eating slow, chewing well, turning down ice cream (yesterday's NSV), reading everything I can on Lap-Band, I think it has finally sunk in, this is NOT going to be easy. This is going to take a lot of work, and I believe it is going to be a long journey to get to my goal weight. But thats okay, I know I will do it. I believe we all need support and should come back to the thread often, even if we fall off the wagon, we need to fake it until we make it!

I just gave away some of my cookies to the Schwan's guy. (Frozen food delivery). But, I guess this would be an NSV: I had a cookie after lunch, and left half of it lying on the counter...totally forgot about it! Like THAT's every happened before! See ya'll tomorrow...it's my day out. Shopping, then meeting a dear friend who is in town only this one day. We have dinner with "the old circle" of friends. It's a lot of fun...we drink more ice tea than margaritas these days! Cindy

jdjjwoo - congrats on the great NSV!! What a great feeling

Hi, everyone! I'm baaaaacccck! Great weekend! We started at the mall at 9AM Sat., shopped, got a ticket to see Santa, and shopped until time to see him. Then we had lunch at the Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus. Funny: DD said, "Everytime people leave, the new people get a new sheet! They don't do that at Applebee's." We totally laughed out loud! I had a nice salad with turkey and tomatoes. We shopped more and more (plenty of coffee!)...until about 7 PM. Then we went to the hotel and checked in, dropped out stuff and went back out to look at Christmas lights. (oh yeah, hot chocolate this time...with peppermint!) Then went to dinner at Blue Mesa...I had some of my sister's guacamole, and a couple of nachos. We got up Sat. morning, and went to the hot tub...then back to the mall! I had a great NSV! I bought a pair of size 20 jeans! And another pair of size 20 stretch cords! It is so exciting! We went to Sephora and tried on make-up...DD had such a great time squirting perfume on the testers, and trying on lip gloss. She's got some expensive taste for an 9 year old! She had a coupld of meltdowns...she just hasn't fully developed her "shop-til-you-drop" muscles! Basically, though, she was a trooper! Neimans, Tiffany's, Nordstroms, Via Spiga, Juicy, Coach, etc....all the fancy stores! I didn't buy anything from those stores, though! LOL! Mostly the Gap, Sephora, Dillards and Foleys.... We had so much fun! I'm trying to keep up with everyone on here....can't wait to hear about Eileen and Beanie! Pat, thanks for the invitation! Wish I could be in your group! I bet ya'll have a blast! Lisa...thinking of you! Betty, did you find out anything about the interview? Actually, Northpark Mall wasn't so crowded...I guess not many people can afford to shop there! LOL! We just picked it for the decorations, and the train exhibit! I personally am more comfortable in Target or Walmart, but it's nice to go the foo-foo mall and be treated well! Respiratorygirl...nice to hear from you, and jealous of your trip to Florida! Patty, hustle bustle, girl! I know just how you feel, though...so many things to do, so I divide them into "MUST" and "WANT TO". Then, I do all the "must" things, and make sure I get one "want to" done each day or so. I say goodbye to things that are not going to get done, and try not to stress on them. Easier said, than done, right? (hug). Back at work, it's "jeans week" for us, so that makes life a little easier! My puppy, Mickey, the mini-schnauzer, Mickey-ized my DD's glasses, so we are going to get new ones this afternoon...and shop for the angels we took off the tree at her school. I always love doing that! Ho, ho, ho! Cindy Oh, Eileen, I just read the report of your meeting with Beanie...do post those pictures!

Hi guys! I just got back from a "mini-vacation" with my husband and 2 kids (8 yr old boy & 4yr old girl). We haven't done anything all summer (mostly because of my recovery time and the money spent on my surgery) so we went away for the weekend to a small "resort" town nearby. It was nice and relaxing. We ate out for all of our meals, and it was a little different for me - that's usually the best part of vacation! Our first meal was Chinese and my food felt like it got "stuck" after just a few bites, so I didn't get to eat much and I was definitely feeling bummed. The next morning it happened again with scrambled eggs. My husband realized that both were pretty dry and maybe that was why. We got to eat dinner at a Cracker Barrell in St. George, UT, which is one of my favorite restaurants in the whole world. I was a little worried that the same thing would happen and then I was really going to be bummed. I ate a little bit of my husband's meal and a little bit of my daughter's meal and everything went down perfectly! I got to have a little chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese, salad, and fried apples. I felt so wonderful! I ate everything that I wanted and it only took a couple bites of each to be totally satisfied - that is what this is all about! We ended up driving back there for breakfast yesterday and I had another wonderful meal - scrambled eggs with cheese (these weren't dry and went down perfectly!), bacon and grits! Today was my kids' first day back to school. I am our school's PTF (just like a PTA) President and I haven't seen many of the parents since last year. A few of them know of my surgery and couldn't believe the difference already - they were calling my "skinny" - what an amazing thought! I'm not skinny yet, but it was sure nice to hear! I also caught many of the "double takes" of others trying to figure out what was different about me. Wonderful NSV's to start the school year with! I can't wait to hear about Stephanie's first day back! Also, Arcael, how did people react to your amazing change? Keep up the great work everyone!