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I noticed that I am walking faster today, almost back to normal pace. Soon, LOL, I will be able to keep up with my husband again. I had an interesting NSV today that I think has nothing to do with weight loss, so to speak, and everything to do with my "new found" positive feelings about myself. For the past two years I haven't really had a good positive image of myself. I lost my long straight blonde hair to chemotherapy. I was over weight even then, but I had my pretty hair to help me keep a positive image about myself. With that gone, it has been hard. Not to mention that my hair came back extremely curly! Everyone tells me how much they love my curly hair, but I just absolutely hate it, and I really mean ~~~loathe it! I guess this not so good feeling about myself has put me into the mousy quite type category, which I have never been in until this year. Well obviously looking at my numbers, I haven't lost much weight. I have been taking pictures and I can see slight differences because I myself know where I feel lighter so I can see those changes in the pictures. However, my husband really can't see any visible changes. So, I know this isn't happening because I showed up to work looking "thinner". Well here goes my NSV.... There is a very handsome man that sits just a few cubicles down from me. I have been walking past him since January, ever since I returned to work after my chemotherapy. He has not once ever turned his head, acknowledged my existance, looked up from his computer screen at me or anything of the sort. I even had to discuss something work related with him and he talked to me while he looked at his computer screen. So, I have walked by his desk countless times and never a reaction. These last few days, I have been talking about this "natural high" that I am feeling. Well, my natural high must be radiating, because everytime I pass this guy now, he glances up. He even said "good morning" to me in the kitchen. Interesting perspective into how positive or negative feelings about yourself can change a situation. Morning Scale: 212 (up +1) Food today: cup of coffee black w/ 1 equal Breakfast - ham and swiss cheese, about 3oz total Lunch - 3oz of Red Snapper and 4 pieces of yukka protein snack - Dinner - 1/3 of a La Madeleine chicken, broccoli tomato crepe. Calories 416, fat 21g, net carb 31g, protein 22g. Excersize: None

Not weighing was the best advice I received from the site and the best decision I made. I only weigh when I have a doctor's appointment and don't own a scale so there will be 3 months between weighs this time. Today was my first NSV I tried on a pair of size 15 (from a size 22) jeans in the juniors dept and they fit like a glove. I don't get excited from my weight because it seems to be moving slow but moving none the less but those little jeans made me come home and wake my husband up to brag lol... whatever decision you make will be the best for you Good Luck!

mjrevel great when things like that happen - many more NSV will happen too happy for you

I don't own a scale. The only time I get myself weighed is when I am in a doc's office. This means that I have been relying entirely on NSVs throughout my weight loss journey. There have been many and almost of them have been fun. Finding that you can easily fit into clothes which you were formerly too fat to wear is great. Finding that those same pants will no longer stay up is pretty amazing, too. I once walked right out of a pair of capris. Having friends and family make a fuss over your fabulous weight loss is pretty nice. Realising that you can shop in normoLand is a real gas, too. Wearing nicer, hipper clothes is fabulous.

Ok, so I have been sitting here pondering what my first NSV will be. My DH pipped up, well your pants could fall off (this is via email as he is deployed). I was like, well they do that already if I don't have a belt. I am cursed with a obnoxiously small waist and a HUGE bottom half (read as over a 20in difference). So with out my belt or a tailor I could literally slide my pants on and off with out unzipping them (it actually sucks). So that one is out for a first NSV. Then I started thinking about the things I liked doing when I was a kid that I don't do anymore. Running, I think I am going to work my first NSV to try and be a 9min mile again. I used to love running, then my knees went out (no lasting damage, just enough to take me off the track for a long time) and the weight started piling on. Or, or getting back in the pool and trying to beat my old swim records. Nothing like Olympic times, just beating my old personal bests from swim meets and such. So, if you could plan your first NSV what would it be??

That is awesome! I would definitely consider that an NSV! When things like that happen, it reminds me of when I was the plump one making comments to "skinny" people. Your perspective changes when you become the skinny one. We never know the journey of others.

Hurray for NSV's

I tried? What is NSV ?

That is such an awesome NSV! Perhaps my wife will have your success also as she has dealt with ankylosing spondylitis most of her life. She currently is on remicade injections every 6 weeks, but has done prednisone and embrel in the past. She is going to have VSG in a couple months and would it not be amazing if she had your success.

So I got the chance of a lifetime to get to go to New York City on work....but then stayed over the weekend for my birthday (it was the 7th). My wonderful boyfriend flew out for the weekend and we had an amazing time! Heck, that I have a boyfriend (we're at about six months) is a HUGE NSV. But the one I'm talking about today is that now, at some 90 lbs down...I was able to walk EVERYWHERE in New York. I had energy that amazed even my boyfriend. (amazed me too). I just kept giving thanks and praise to Trink (my band's name) for giving me such freedom, such energy, such joy, such happiness. I got my life back and it was never more affirmed than it was on Sunday, my actual birthday....we left the hotel at 10 am and returned at 8 that evening. We walked NON STOP. We walked the Brooklyn Bridge...I never got winded or had to stop, I walked proudly holding my man's hand. My God I'm so thankful for Trink! She's been a godsend to me. How amazingly my life has changed in just the bounds of eleven months. My goal is to get to 100 lbs gone by my bandiversary in one month. I may not make it but it's a nice stretch goal. Here are some photos from the trip! This is me as we're just about to walk the bridge: This is me on the bridge: Here I am with the statue of the Bull near Wall Street. The joke is...I'm a Taurus...get it? The bull with the bull on my birthday! And this a photo my boyfriend snuck...I was taking a shot of Grand Central station and he was shooting a photo of ME. Lol! For reference...here's what I used to look like...

BariatricPal Newsletter #outlook a {padding:0;} body{width:100% !important; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; margin:0; padding:0;} .ExternalClass {width:100%;} .ExternalClass, .ExternalClass p, .ExternalClass span, .ExternalClass font, .ExternalClass td, .ExternalClass div {line-height: 100%;} #backgroundTable {margin:0; padding:0; width:100% !important; line-height: 100% !important;} img {outline:none; text-decoration:none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;} a img {border:none;} .image_fix {display:block;} p {margin: 1em 0;} h1 { color: white !important; } h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {color: #333333 !important;} h1 a:active, h2 a:active, h3 a:active, h4 a:active, h5 a:active, h6 a:active { color: red !important; } h1 a:visited, h2 a:visited, h3 a:visited, h4 a:visited, h5 a:visited, h6 a:visited { color: purple !important; } table td {border-collapse: collapse;} table { border-collapse:collapse; mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } a {color: #4a8aca;} /* Unhides cells that we set to hide in the HTML in case the client doesn't support style properly */ *[class~=hidePhone] { display : block !important; width : auto !important; max-height: inherit !important; overflow : visible !important; float : none !important; } *[class~=hidePhone][width="30"] { width: 30px !important; } *[class~=hidePhone][width="40"] { width: 40px !important; } td[class~=hidePhone] { display: table-cell !important; } @media only screen and (max-device-width: 480px) { a[href^="tel"], a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: none; color: blue; pointer-events: none; cursor: default; } .mobile_link a[href^="tel"], .mobile_link a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: default; color: orange !important; pointer-events: auto; cursor: default; } #userPhoto, .hidePhone, *[class~=hidePhone], td[class~=hidePhone] { display: none !important; } .responsive_table > tr > td, .responsive_table > tbody > tr > td, .responsive_table > tr, .responsive_table > tbody > tr { display: block; text-align: left; } html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tr > td, html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tbody > tr > td, html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tr, html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tbody > tr { text-align: right; } .responsive_row { margin-bottom: 10px; } .responsive_fullwidth { width: 100% !important; } } @media only screen and (min-device-width: 768px) and (max-device-width: 1024px) { a[href^="tel"], a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: none; color: blue; pointer-events: none; cursor: default; } .mobile_link a[href^="tel"], .mobile_link a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: default; color: orange !important; pointer-events: auto; cursor: default; } Store Forums Magazine Activity Hey BariatricPal Members! Time flies, and the summer certainly seemed to slip away for us at BariatricPal! Still, our busyness has been fun and productive, and we hope you feel the same way about your summer. Here is a newsletter that we hope will keep you centered and move you forward as we head into fall. You’ll find: • Weight Loss Surgery Journey Help Anytime, Anywhere • Fall Flavors, WLS Style • Looking Backwards and Forwards During Your WLS Journey Use this newsletter to get a handle on your weight loss surgery goals and strategies, and then launch into action! Get your meals prepped, lace up your walking shoes, and logon to the BariatricPal Forums on your computer or using the Android or iPhone app! Can’t wait to see you there! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal Weight Loss Surgery Journey Help Anytime, Anywhere Going through bariatric surgery, losing weight, and keeping it off is already a tall order; why would you even think about trying to go it alone? Rather than trying to go through the journey alone, you are probably better off figuring out what help you may need, and where you will find it. That way, the challenges you are sure to come across will be nothing more than little blips that you can overcome more quickly than if you were trying to face them on your own. Your Healthcare Team Obvious though it may seem, sometimes it is easy to forget, that your healthcare team is there…for your health. Your surgeon, primary care doctor, and specialists that you may have, such as an endocrinologist or cardiologist, can answer your health questions, and put you in touch with bariatric specialists, such as nutritionists and psychologists, when you need them. The People Around You People may be more willing and able to help than you realize. Look to family, friends, and even coworkers for help in your WLS journey success. They can help you in a variety of ways, both direct and indirect for your surgery and weight loss. • Your parents and neighbors can take care of the kids or drive them to their activities, especially right after surgery when you need to rest and/or cannot drive. • Coworkers who are trying to lose weight or who work hard to lead healthy lifestyles can be supportive as you work to eat healthy, and could walk with you at lunch. • Friends could agree to socialize while shopping, hiking, or crafting – not eating. BariatricPal Really! Talk about 24/7 support, and BariatricPal should come to mind. The forums are where to go for support from BariatricPal members. You can browse or come to ask specific questions. Find helpful WLS success tips in our WLS Magazine when you read articles on nutrition, exercise, head games, and more written by experts including nutritionists, psychologists, surgeons, and successful WLS patients. Get trusted reviews on surgeons in your area in our Surgeon Directory, and check out The BariatricPal Store for protein bars and shakes, bariatric supplements, great-tasting entrees and snacks, and more products that can make your journey easier. Fall Flavors, WLS Style The bounty of fall is in, with apples, pumpkin, and mushrooms making their presence known. With these and other nutritious choices in season, why did diet disasters such as apple pie, pumpkin pancakes, and mushroom dip become the culinary face of fall? Classic fall foods can put a damper on weight loss, but fall fare does not need to throw you off your diet, though. Here are a few ideas that can get you your fall fix while letting you hit your fall goals. Apples Crisp fall apples are so innocent, until they turn into apple pie a la mode, apple cobbler, and apple butter. You are far better off pairing these fiber-packed fruits with Peanut Butter Powder, which adds some low-fat, reduced-calorie protein. Or, try great-tasting apple-flavored protein punches, without extra sugar in apples or baked goods, in the form of Protein Fruit Drinks, Apple Pie Protein Bars, and Cinnamon Apple Protein Oatmeal. Check out our Apple-Flavored Collection! Cinnamon Nothing screams “autumn!” like cinnamon and spice, but the food industry takes the flavors to dangerous places. Cinnamon turns from a blood sugar-lowering agent into a sweetened flavor that brings too many calories and too much sugar and fat: think cinnamon latte, cinnamon French toast, and cinnamon buns, for example. Get your fix instead from our Cinnamon-Flavored Protein Foods, such as Cinnamon Swirl Protein One Meal Replacement, Cinnamon Vanilla and Cinnamon Crunch Protein Cereal, and Cinnamon Crunch and Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bars. They are low in carbs, and high in protein and flavor. Pumpkin, Chili, and More A piece of pumpkin bread or pumpkin muffin has about twice the sugars you need in a day, and hardly any pumpkin. A bowl of beefy chili can have your daily dose of saturated fat and sodium. Those creamed mushrooms may smell appetizing, but what if their rich sauce sends you to the bathroom with dumping syndrome? Don’t do it! You are better off going with Pumpkin Protein Muffins with 20 grams of protein, low-carb, protein-rich instant entrees such as Vegetable or Turkey Chili, and Creamy Mushroom Protein Soup or Meal Replacement. You will get the fall flavor, without the hit to your waistline. Check The BariatricPal Store for more fall flavors you love, with nutritionals you love, too. We have treats for every phase of the WLS diet, including liquid, pureeds, soft, and solid foods. Looking Backwards and Forwards During Your WLS Journey Bariatric surgery is a process, not an endpoint. Getting bariatric surgery, losing weight, and keeping it off are a lifelong journey. They require commitment and effort, and you might be best able to keep it up if you balance looking back with looking ahead. Backwards: Staying True to Yourself and Celebrating Achievements Your past may be behind you, but it shaped you and still affects you today. Remember who you were and the frustrated or other negative feelings you may have had before surgery or before you started considering surgery, and you may help yourself stay motivated to keep moving forward. You can also honor your past by marking milestones, such as weight loss markers, fitting into smaller clothes or other NSVs, and your surgiversaries. Forwards: Setting New Goals There is always something to achieve, and setting new goals will help you move forward. There are weight loss milestones on the way to goal weight and goal weight. Along the way and beyond, you can always set goals to improve fitness, try new activities, and keep growing as the result of your commitment to yourself and your health. As always, we support whatever commitment you make to yourself and your health, and we are thrilled to be a part of your journey whenever you allow us to be. Good luck this fall in your quest for health, and thanks for being a BariatricPal member! Stop paying for nutritional supplements! Check your insurance eligibility now! If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please click *|unsubscribe|* or to unsubscribe from ALL BariatricPal E-Mail Click Here.

My husband and I go to dance classes/social dancing every Monday night. Usually it's me saying that I've had enough and it's time we headed home. Not tonight! He had to go to a meeting so I joined our friends for dinner and then we all headed off to dancing. By the time my husband arrived I had learnt a new line dance and done the warm up dance. We skip beginners because the floor is filled but we are first up for social dancing and then intermediates. Our usual finish time came and went and I was still rocking, Charleston kicking and having a ball. Eventually my husband said he was tired and we needed to call it quits but I had another dance in me so joined a new waltz solo before he finally dragged me off the floor. What a buzz!

I think at first everyday I was discovering new "non-scale victories!" It's very exciting!! Congrats on your journey!! I think one of the best unexpected "NSV" for me has been how everyone has commented on how much younger I look now. I definitely wasn't thinking necessarily of looking younger as a benefit of losing weight. :-) But I'll take it!!!

So I have lost 36 pounds (pre-op diet included) so far and today I went to get my shoes on. Usually with sandals that you have to fasten, I would struggle to put on because my big stomach would get in my way... well today... I did it! There was still some discomfort because I'm no where near my goal, but man did it feel nice to be able to have more breathing room to fasten and buckle the sandals without losing my breath! I don't ever want to be where I was again! It can only get better from here on out! Can't wait for the changes ahead. Just wanted to share with ya'll. May be simple but it surely was exciting for me!

Great NSV many more to come.

Yesterday I went to an NFL game with hubby. When I walked through the turnstile...I didn't have to turn sideways! I just walked straight through and didn't bump into anything!!! So love my sleeve!!! Living the dream, Laura

Awesome!! Hot heels are a great NSV!

I had a moment this morning. I got out of the shower, dried off and wrapped the towel around my entire body! I realized I hadn't done that in a few years. I could barely get it around my top before but not around my bottom. Then when I got dressed, I notice I had to go in two notches. Yay for the nsv's. HW 236, DOS 234 on 11/29, Current 221 as of 12/7. Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

simple or not, NSVs are great. congrats and here's to more of them!

------------ Yes!! I've cleaned out my entire closet and found several sizes! As of this weekend, I've found out that the last of the smallest sizes I was holding on to, are now getting loose - as KarenK stated. Went shopping today and bought a new suit a size I haven't worn in at least 15 years! OMG! Best of luck and much success to each of you!! These are certainly called sweet NSV's!

That's fantastic! I know how excited I was to get off my blood pressure, diebetes and high cholesterol meds. It's a great NSV!

I'm so excited, I just had to share! I went to a professional basketball game with the hubby and kids the other night and fit in the seat with no problems!! I actually had room on either side of me!! No holding my breath the whole game, no sitting up on the seat so my shoulders wouldn't hit the person next to me...I was able to sit back, relax and totally enjoy myself without having the seat parts jammed into my body. It was delightful!!

Just got back from a 3 week trip for work - while there I had to buy some new clothes and that was great . I also could relax in the tub - still not as comfortably as I would like, but enough to fall asleep in there! The big Nsv for me was getting out of my hot tub and grabbing my usual towel that doesn't quite fit around me and what do you know!?! It more than fit around me! I had a good 6 inch overlap where there used to be about a 4 inch gap! I haven't been paying attention to a scale - being out of town makes that near impossible - when I got back I had lost another 10 lbs in that 3 weeks and I was bloated from that time of month and from travelling. I celebrated with a nice pedicure Sent from my iPhone using VST

Yesterday I went shopping, and walked right past an angel food cake, and went and got a protein bar instead!!!

I ordered several pair of knee boots last winter knowing they probably wouldn't fit, but always seemed to do this to myself. They arrived and didn't fit and of course it made me want to cry. However, I pulled them out tonight and thought I'd give it a try and they zipped up with no problem! I was so excited. I now have 3 more pair of boots that suddenly fit which thrills me. I have a couple pairs that still wont zip up, but they are so close which has not been the case for a long time. YAY!