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Congrats on your NSV! I bought my 1st new shirts this month - 15 months post-op. I was so surprised that I'm able to buy stuff that isn't "big and tall". :-) I used to buy all black stuff - pants, shirts. Now I can't stay away from bright colors - reds, blues, greens, and the brighter the better!

Hi Everyone! It is finally pleasant in NY so my family and I decided to take a trip to the city. While at Central Park I had the best time of my life. I was able to run around with my 6 year old daughter. We climbed rocks, we rode a carousal, and walked a lot! I was not tired and body felt great! It was just excellent. Furthermore, my daughter took a picture of me and when I looked at it I barely recognized myself! What a great, great day! Before and today. 3 and a half months later.

congrats, NSV are better than scale for me!

So, I've written in my blog about how I've fallen off track. I'm back now and am soooo excited to say that I've lost inches. In one month Hips -2 inches Waist -1 inch Thigh - .5 inch Chest - -1.5 inches My clothes are looser, I feel better!! 5 total inches gone forever

the hardest part is getting my Water in each day, and also trying to keep my Vitamins in check. I seem to have something different low each visit. For example my Iron was low in my first set of labs, then without adding iron to my supplements it was fine the next time. But my b1/thiamin was low, and even with taking 2 super b tablets a day, it was still low. I am now taking 2 super b tablets and 2 b1/thiamin tablets a day and I just had labs drawn this week, and will have results next week. I am almost never hungry, and I can't stand sweets anymore. When they remove the bulk of your stomach they also remove the area that produces the hunger hormone, and the part that makes you crave sweets. I can't even do the kids chewable vitamins, they are too sweet and make me gag. So I take regular tablets, and they go down just fine. I take a handful of vitamins a day, and I'm healthy, happy and have more energy than I have ever had. I just posted a huge thread about my very emotional NSV tonight. My surgeon that is normally very composed, and not very friendly just very to the point, told me how proud he was of me, and corrected my mom when she said I had lost too much, and called me perfect and compared me to a Barbie. I joked that I gained 20 pounds just from my head swelling. I was banded in 2005 and started at 244 I lost a grand total of 40 pounds with my band. Then when I had my revision I was 206 the morning of surgery last May. So I have lost a total of 129 pounds total, but 91 of those were with my sleeve. I actually lost the 91 pounds in 7 months. I have been at goal since before Christmas.

Flying for a work conference and had to actually tighten the belt instead of having it fully extended. Woot!!

My bariatric group hosted their first meet and greet, that was loaded with some great vendors giving out some nice goodies, and holding a few drawings for some cool stuff. Then they held an amazing fashion show using some of their patients that were willing to walk the catwalk in some beautiful outfits. They also provided some tasty Snacks, some healthy some not so healthy. (I will question that when I see him in the office next week). My mom, hubby, daughter, and daughter's best friend attended with me as my "support people" As the fashion show was coming to a close, I notice my surgeon standing in the back watching, and I slipped back to talk to him for a moment. I haven't seen him for 4 months, like I said I have an appt next week, he looked at me and seemed puzzled, he said I know you, but I don't know where I know you from. He thought I was a spouse of a patient. I reminded him that he did my surgery last May, and that I had lost 130 pounds, his mouth dropped open, and then it clicked who I was in his mind. He asked how I have been doing, and how I am feeling now that I am at my goal. I told him I feel amazing, I was so overcome with emotion that I just stepped forward pulled him into a hug and started to cry, on his very expensive suit. He hugged me back to my surprise (he is very professional, and doesn't have the most friendly personality, very to the point and blunt in the office) and said that he was just blown away with my success, and that he was PROUD of me, and wanted me in the next fashion show. My family had joined us at this point, and my mom made the comment that I was too thin, and he corrected her and said I was not too thin, I looked perfect. He said I looked like a barbie doll, and he wouldn't change a thing about me. I thanked him for saving my life, and he reminded me again tonight of something he said to me on the day of my surgery. He couldn't "fix me", but he was giving me the tools to fix myself. That has stuck with me, and when I start to think of cheating on my food plan, (I NEVER diet, I have a life long food plan) I think of the amazing tool he has given me, and how he told me it was up to me to make this tool work for me. I have worked my sleeve to it's fullest and I am proud to say that I have gone from a size 22/24 to a 4 yes that's right a 4. I am going to walk in the next fashion show, and I am not only going to walk, I'm going to strut my stuff. I am so proud of the work I have put into my new self, and I and forever greatful for the tool that Dr. Uchal had given to me. My life was changed on May 8th 2013, that will be the day I Celebrate my rebirth. I just wanted to share with you all, it was an NSV but seeing all the other women that had made the same amazing transformations that I have made brought me to tears. At the end of the show, they announced that the ladies that walked in the show tonight had lost a total of 2,200 pounds. Amazing. And my mother who needs the surgery told me that she was too old. Well tonight she met a woman that is older than her that was sleeved and lost 156 pounds. She looked AMAZING, and my mom asked her a ton of questions. I think she might actually look into being sleeved. This is something I have prayed about for the last year. My mom is diabetic, high blood pressure and high cholestrol, and she had to have back surgery, and now she needs knee surgery. I keep telling her the surgery would change her life. It would help her live longer, healthier and happier. She told me that she would do the surgery but doesn't want the excess skin, I told her I would rather have her with excess skin, and Alive, than bury her with tight skin. I don't want to lose my mom to obesity, when help is available. I think that actually sunk in tonight. I guess we will see what she does. I did my surgery to be here for my daughter, and I hope she is willing to do the same to be here for myself and my daughter. Tonight was a great night. It also made me decide to help set up a monthly meeting for my area. I posted in the local group area so I guess tonight not only made me happy, but also made me see that I have a lot of support and motivation to offer.

My insurance requirements were 6 months Dr. Visits. Psych eval. Amongst other things. My boss was the only person who knew. When I got my approval just after thanksgiving and got my surgery date. Day after Christmas. (Merry Christmas to me). I told my family the week of Christmas. Plus a lot of coworkers had found out. I am totally fine telling anyone. I workout at the local YMCA. So people have really noticed. Some ask others just compliment me. I lost 65lbs pre-op and as of yesterday. 14 weeks post-op. I have lost another 105 lbs. Total of 170 fine. I share it with many people. I am going to do an interview with YMCA and local newspaper. I also told surgeons I am willing to come their seminars to tell my story. I feel if I can help 1 person even look at the potential to get headed in the direction of better health. It is all worth it. I believe in sharing this journey with whoever wants to listen. I live the you took the easy way out. Then I go into education mode and explain what I had to do pre-op and what I have to do for the rest of my life. I love seeing their jaw drop when they realize just how much it takes. The look is priceless and my NSV for the day.

I was May 8th last year. May sleevers are the BEST sleevers. Good luck to you all!! I'm always here if you have questions, or want advice. According to my doc, I ROCKED my sleeve. The time will fly by, and before you know it, you will be rocking skinny jeans, and posting NSV's.

I had the sleeve done at the end of November, 2013. It was a band to sleeve revision. I was what I would have called a "slow loser" but found out some things I was doing wrong. So, I changed some of what I was doing - went to 1000 calories/day, added fruits and vegetables to my diet instead of just Protein and began walking and working out some. Now, I know you're going to say, "If you're working out you're adding muscle which weighs more than fat." Ok, I'm not working out THAT hard. A couple of weeks ago I had an NSV by getting into size 20 clothes from a size 26/28. I hit the 40 pound loss mark in 4 months. I was feeling really good. But things have changed. I'm still in a 20, which I'm happy about. But I'm losing my hair. The one thing that I have ALWAYS prided myself on. Even when I was over 300 pounds, my hair always looked good. It was healthy, bouncy and in really good shape. Then, pieces of it started coming out when I showered. I'd go to soap myself up and have to remove strands of hair from the bar of soap. I thought, "Well, that's the price of bariatric surgery I suppose." I started taking Biotin after reading some messages on here. I also made sure I got at least 60 grams or more of protein a day and have been averaging over 60 grams a day for over a month now. I thought it probably wasn't as bad as I was making it out to be. Then, I went to my hair dresser for a cut yesterday. She started washing my hair and said, "Oh my, you're really getting thin." My daughter is getting married in 2 months and my hairdresser said we may have to get a hair piece to help cover up some of thinness if it doesn't get any better. What?!?!?!?!?!? Are you frickin' kidding me? Oh, and it gets worse. I stepped on the scale this morning and was 3 pounds heavier!! WHAT?!?!?!!?!?!?!? I've been following my diet strictly and haven't gone over 1000 calories. I've looked at the snack cakes in my daughter's snack drawer and walked away. ARE YOU FRICKIN' KIDDING ME?!?!?!? 3 POUNDS?!?!?!!?!?!? And this is after a 2 week plateau. I'm ready to give up. I know this weight didn't come on over night but I really expected more than 40 pounds in 4 months. And, I know that we all have weight fluctuations but mine have only been a pound here and there. 3 pounds? Higher??? That's crazy. If I was cheating, sure, I can see that. But I'm not. I'm a bit fed up. I don't want to hear about losing inches vs. pounds and changing things up. I've done that. I guess I just want to bitch and complain. Has anyone else gone through this mental torture and how did you get your HEAD back in the game? I'm beating myself and my sleeve up right now. I need a mental kick in the ass. Any advice?

Well, my train zipped right off the tracks for a bit there, but I'm back now. Life you know! Yesterday was my first fill. Today I'm just slightly aware of it. Truly it was a piece of cake. A discussion, a weigh in, withdrawal of the fluid inside already and a re-add of the original fluid plus a HUUGGGEEEE .5 cc's of fluid. I needed the fill. I was beyond ready and I felt like I could eat a side of beef. I needed the contact too to slap me back into eating as opposed to eating slider foods. Since I've been eating regular foods, I've discovered there are foods out there I cannot eat, and that's okay. Beef is hard. Fish and chicken are easier. Vegetables need to be cooked until they are well done. I can't eat raw veggies as of yet. Bread - no, crackers - yes. Tomorrow will be measurements day - the 5th of every month for me. Some clothes just finally fit properly, others are a bit loose, so I'm hoping for a NSV or two. I have gained two pounds and I refuse to adjust my ticker until it's moving south. I am still walking, but admittedly less - no worries though peeps, I'll kick my own ass thanks! I've experienced all of the following - stomach cramps from not paying attention, feeling suddenly bloated by drinking too much too fast. Serious pain like an elephant on the chest and most days when I feel great. I'm enjoying that my body is talking to me, I just have to be aware and listen. When you've never paid attention, it's strange at first trying to 'hear'. The ice and snow are melting - temperatures are slooowwwlly rising and robins have been gracing my backyard. Spring is here at last. Happy Friday all PS - when I win lotto, the handsome one and I are moving here!

6 week checkup was today. My surgeon was very pleased with my weightloss. Had nothing but praise for me. My underwear fall off now, I guess that's an NSV of sorts. Lol I'm cleared to exercise with resistance now so I'm excited to work out my arms. It's funny, she said 45 min of a brisk walk burns more calories than running for 10 min. I'm def gonna do some fast power walking and starting yoga. Looking and feeling better each day. Still can't drink anything room temp, has to be ice cold. Water brings on major nausea. Ugh. Other than that I'm a happy camper

Agreed. STAY OFF THE scale FOR 2 WEEKS! Have someone in your house hide it from you if you have to. It is causing you to focus on a number that is false right now. Think about NSV's as you recover. Chart your nutritional intake in MFP.In 2 weeks, you will hopefully see a number that agrees with your expectations.

For personal reasons I chose not to share my WLS with anybody I work with. I've made no secret that I've been on a strict low calorie diet and I go to the office gym twice a day to walk on the treadmill and ride the stationary bike for 25 to 30 minutes each time. On Monday, one of the secretaries mentioned to me during our morning workout that a bunch of people on the 2nd floor of the office (I work on the 3rd floor) had been talking about me. I asked why and she said they were all abuzz talking about my significant weight loss and how good I looked. I was excited that they had noticed but I really hate being the topic of other people's conversations. Then I went to a meeting, and one of the men in the office said "Wow, you've lost a lot of weight, are you sick?" WTH??? What kind of question is that and why would a person ask that??? It completely negated the positive statements from earlier. I have really mixed feelings. I am excited to be losing weight, feeling better and looking better. I suppose its good to be noticed by others but I am uncomfortable being the topic of office gossip, especially since the jerk asked that stupid question. I suppose I have to take it all if I'm going to continue on this journey as I'm not going to stop losing weight and I can't help but be noticed in my office. I wasn't ready for this part.

NSV: I tutor 2 girls 13 and 10 I borrowed the 13 year olds hoodie and it fit!!!! It zipped and everything!!! my scale may not be moving as fast but the inches are!

Congrats on your NSV! Please post pics for proof.

I can't lie...quitting smoking using Chantix is a breeze. I've hardly had any cravings and when they do, they go away about as fast as they came about. The first day was tough, I wanted to have something hand-to-mouth like I have done for longer than I'd care to mention. Day 2: I decided to go buy up as many healthy Snacks and chewing gum (usually a no-no for bandsters) as I could get my hands on. It helped a lot to nibble on seeds, nuts, fruit and Cereal bars when the cravings hit me. But today, I don't even feel the need for all of that...I'm happy I have a cabinet full of goodies here in my office, but the band is still keeping me from wanting too much food! I thought I would need to go and buy celery and carrots to cut into cig sized sticks today, but I seem to be doing alright so far. What an added blessing! Anyway, I'm staying strong and I believe I will stay smoke free using Chantix and I shouldn't gain too much that I can't get back off quickly since I have the band. *Chewing gum is not advised for bandsters, even if you don't swallow, small pieces can still go down your throat. If you notice difficulty eating or drinking after you have chewed gum, drink a bit of vegetable or olive oil. This will break down the gum base and allow it to slide through your stoma.

I don't want to discourage you but the weight really does not melt off...be realistic and Celebrate the small successes! Especially in the beginning, I retained a lot of Water it seemed like and wasn't losing but my pants sure we're falling off! I highly suggest taking full body pix, celebrate the differences you see! I couldn't believe how happy I felt when I was 200 lbs! No one really says they'd like to be 200 lbs but it felt great! I loved how thin I looked from the old me (my high was 291). I wish you the best of luck but also look for nsv's as well (non-scale victories). I don't want to see you frustrated when the scale may stick for a week or doesn't move as much as you think it should. You can do great!

I weighed in daily while on the losing part of the journey. As with others, I did not let a weight gain derail me as long as I knew it wasn't due to poor decisions on my part. Now that I've transitioned into the maintenance phase, I weigh weekly. If I find this is enough to keep me accountable, I may move to monthly as well. There's a wonderful thread out there...i wish I can recall the topic title but it's all about the NSVs and the positive changes that happen while you are losing. It's a much healthier way of looking at the journey rather than doing it by focusing on the numbers.

Congratulations!!! How inspiring! It's been a desire of mine to do a 5k. I started the Couch to 5k plan last year. Between week 2 and 3, I injured my knee and could barely walk. I've been getting injections into the knee and limping a bit since. My knees obviously decided I was too fat to run My doctor told me no more than 1 mile a day because of the knee issues. If I couldn't even walk for excercise anymore I felt like I was just going to get fatter and fatter until I died. That is when I decided that it was finally time to go for the surgery. The thought of surgery was scary, but death is a bit more scary! My surgery is next week and I can't wait to drop some weight so that my knee isn't quite so angry with me when I walk. I've rocked my preop diet so far, so I KNOW that I can do this. I've been busy picking out the 5k's I want to do first. One is in October and the other is in December. The finisher 'bling' is such a turn on!! Thanks for sharing your NSV!

I did the 3 day breast cancer walk in 2007. I weighed about 250 at the time. A running shoe store had a podiatrist come in once a week for free consultation. I learned that a soft squishy bottom felt good but I needed a much firmer support shoe. I have a very high arch and my foot pronates or rolls out. It made all the difference to get a shoe to address my unique foot made all the difference. .. I walked those 60 miles in 2 two different pair of the shoes i bought there. By the way, being comfy in more fashionable shoes is a huge NSV!

Hi KeedyGettingWaisted and Nicey2u! Yes, I am doing a month long pre-op diet consisting of 4 Protein shakes per day plus raw vegetables. It was rough the first two days but I am used to it now. It didn't even bother me this weekend when we had my son's birthday party and there was Lou Malnati's pizza (famous Chicago style deep dish pizza) in the house, not to mention Oreo ice cream cake! I thought it would drive me nuts, but it really didn't bother me at all. I call that an early NSV!

Easter Challenge Goal-219lbs 3/23- 226lbs 3/30-222lbs Bea, I hope your hubby recovers quickly. And woohoo for your NSV!! FallenAngel, I'm sorry you lost your cat. Don't worry, you will get back on track

Congrats on your 1st NSV!