Search the Community

Congratulations on your NSV!!!! Its the special moments like that, that give us the most oride on our journeys & just think that is one of many more NSV's to come in your future!!!

Oh my goodness (OMG). I had a wonderful non-scale victory (NSV) this past week. I flew on an airline for the first time since surgery. Last flight was one year ago and I suffered mucho embarrassment when I required a seat belt extender for each leg of my flight. Once, I had to request it while sitting next to my tall, ex-model coworker whose eyes nearly popped out of her head when she realized that I could not buckle my seat belt without the extender. This flight I had seat belt room-to-spare on every plane and every different style belt. Yippee! This has been the best NSV yet. I feel like a "normal" person again. I hadn't even realized that I previously did not!

The only problem with this element (apart from all the bruising - and lord, I am still sore), is that I'm finding it very odd to be 'knocked down' - by anything. When I was 250lbs plus, there wasn't a CAT 5 hurricane which could have knocked me over. These days, I'm like 'whoop! There she goes!'. Hahhhh this made me laugh! It reminded me that my fiance always very worried about me if I have to walk home from work after dark, he says somebody will kidnap me or something, and I always tell him do not worry, it's not that easy to sedate me and pick me up after I pass out and put me in the back of a van lol I require a team!!! Lovely story, you look stunning, I wish you more NSVs to come

Whoop, there she goes! That is funny! I totally get your CAT5 remark, because I feel that way sometimes too, what an amazing NSV, you go Madame R, you are an inspiration to us pre-op'ers!

This past week has been pretty awesome. My birthday happened to be my 6th month surgiversary. My lovely wife has planned us a trip to NYC for a birthday present. She didn't book it until after the reveal, just to make sure I was ok with it. Heck yeah I'm ok with it. Thanks to my sleeve: I've lost 74lbs. I'm not apprehensive about flying. We're even flying Southwest w/o preselecting seats. I would never have done that in the past. We're going to see a broadway show and a Rangers game and I'm not stressed about fitting in the seats. We're going to a couple if museums and I'm not worried about all the walking. And I went to get some new clothes because change of seasons plus a trip = I want clothes that fit. I'm a size 14! Not a 14w, but a 14. In Levi's, at the Gap, at Macy's...I am amazed. Just last month I was getting clothes for a funeral and I was wearing an 18 or 14/16w. Most of all, my self-confidence is making a comeback. I didn't realize how low it had gotten over the years.

My mom absolutely loves Cato's.... I went in with her the other day and bought a few outfits from the "regular" size section as well. Prior to surgery I was 16w/18w depending on the material, cut, maker,etc. Bought a few size 16 pants and XL shirts and hoping to be in them by the end of the month. My NSV victory today was wearing my Old Navy (size 18 ) skinny jeans. They use to be SUPER tight...and I use to have a horrible muffin top when I put them on. Well today..I had to keep pulling them up because they are too big. Also can take them off without unbuttoning or unzipping. Looks like I am getting closer to a size 14...really hoping to be there before the end of April. My collar bone and jaw lines are becoming more pronounced. My neck is starting to look skinny.

NSV (non scale victory) I went shopping at CATOs over the weekend and of course went straight to the plus size side of the store. I started out a size 22 but knew I lost some weight so went down to 18, then 16 and both were too big! I was able to shop in the regular size side of the store! Bought a couple of 14's! Surgery was Dec 30th. So happy! 2. Able to cross my legs 3. Can comfortable reach my toes to paint them 4. Lost a few chins!! To be continued....

Congrats on your NSV! Karen

This weekend we (our family) moved my sister and her husband in with our mom. I was easily able to keep up with everyone and put in 150% effort in help moving heavy furniture, climbing around in the back of a U-haul, etc. My dad kept calling me "skinny", even though I still weigh about 15 pounds more than I did when he first started really backing and pushing (in a good way) me to get WLS years and years ago. haha Of course, I came home sore that night and the next day, but from the sound of things, I fared a whole lot better than everyone else! Lots of complaining about barely being able to move! The ONLY downside, and it can hardly even be called that, is that my bones have a lot less meat covering them now, so I did end up with several nasty bruises on my hips and shoulders from banging them around. I just can't seem to remember that they're there again! I love when the rewards of my weight loss become this evident! And all of that time at the gym with the weights is really paying off, as well!

Great story, Reverie!!!!! And even greater NSV's! You deserve it.

Awesome, awesome story and nsv! Doesn't get any better than that. Good for you!

Congrats Madame! That is a great NSV and I'm glad you and hubby had a good time too. Life's short, so it might as well be happy. Lynda

Madam R, Girl you must still be dancing high on the clouds for such a great night of Nsv! From the wonderful complements to the kiss on the cheek and top it off you went home with your wonderful man and got to count the nights calorie burning sucess!! I am so happy for you!!

So, after having a lovely afternoon with a fabulous friend, who had managed to rationalise and put into perspective a work problem I've been enduring since 2008. To Celebrate, as I finally felt free of this burden, I decided to drag my man out for an evenings entertainment. We went and had a few drinkies and then decided to go dancing at the local 80's nightclub. I love 80's music, me. So, the club was jumping and I, was having a wonderful time bopping around. My man doesn't like to dance, so he stood on the sidelines - effectively on guard! Apart from the fact two drunk males who had decided to use the dance floor as a race track and knocked me flying, which resulted in a considerably bruised hip bone today and a fiance who wanted to literally kill these two youths; something very nice happened. We'd been standing near a group of more mature Polish males, who were a jolly nice bunch. Who, too, were bopping around and having a good time. One of them asked of my man 'is that your wife?' to which he replied 'yes, sir'. The Polish blokes all said 'You are a very very lucky man'. He replied 'I know'. <raises an eyebrow at how men can be sometimes!> A bit later, a, well, how would you refer to him as? A bit of a geeky looking/studious male, approached me whilst dancing. Nervously he said 'I am really sorry to disturb you. I am with a group of blokes who think you are gorgeous. We've been talking about it and they reckon that I would never be able to approach someone like you. (Someone like you?!!!) Would you mind if I just stood here for a bit, because I want to prove them wrong.' Feeling taken aback, I replied 'Aww, thank you! But of course! In fact I can go one better than that. Would you like to dance with me?' His young bespectacled face lit up as I grabbed his hand and dragged him onto the dance floor. (My man didn't mind as he clearly didn't feel threatened by it). This young lad's mates were left open-mouthed at the bar and I got such an effusive 'thank you!' when our dance was concluded. Towards the end of the night, as the Polish men were leaving, one of them approached me to say goodbye. With his thick accent and courteous demeanor, he leant forward and said 'I just want to say, your husband is one very very lucky man. You are a beautiful woman. Have a good evening.' At which point he kissed me on the cheek and left. Now, I have been excited about inches disappearing, I have been shocked by the scale dropping, I have been bemused by all my new found bones - I have also been devastated at the hair loss, but nothing. Nothing, compared to how last night made me feel. I am normal again. I am a 'someone like you'. I am humbled, slightly embarrassed - but elated. And you know what's even better? I logged my three hours of dancing on MyFitnessPal and I'd burnt up 1,293 calories! (Which more than offset the 5 pints of Guinness and the couple of vodka and red bulls I'd consumed!) Yay, me!

Thanks to everyone here who encouraged me and answered my many, many questions both before and after surgery. Because of you I knew what to expect and was prepared for things not covered in my workshops and nurse education class (like the 11 pounds gained from IV fluids!). You shared recipes for different stages (like ricotta bake and chili) and made product recommendations (like cherry chocolate Greek yogurt and Protein granola). You shared advice on everything - constipation, foamies, rashes, gas, dry skin, social issues, vomiting, and on and on. You shared funny stories that made me laugh (the thread about gas was one). You offered sympathy and encouragement when I was struggling. You celebrated every NSV with me and cheered me on. We all help each other. That's what makes this group so special! Thank you!!! :-)

Thank you. You're doing really well. You must feel great! I look forward to seeing such numbers. It's got to make a big difference in clothing and how you feel. Well done. It's results like yours that inspire me to be patient and just work the plan. I'm trucking along and enjoying the puree stage. I've now tried refried Beans, an over easy egg whirred up. All have been tasty and satisfying, and a little cute in their size. Sort of like eating from kid's tea party plates. Weight sitting at 204.2 for a couple days now. It's all good. This is soooo my pattern, well documented on years of weight charts. My NUT was happy with the progress. The newest thing...the waves of emotions. From out of nowhere my eyes will well up ready to start crying. Anything can trigger them, sweet stuff, sad stuff, motivational words, you name it. I told my husband not to worry if suddenly I'm weeping and he says he understands, though he had a little smirk so he knows me well enough that it amuses him. It's all good. Still rainy so outdoor walks have been squashed lately. We desperately need the rain, being in drought situation. Some may have seen our local Folsom lake in the national news as it's so low an old town is re-appearing. So to be clear not complaining about the Water, just that walking around the house is a bit dull. LOL. I do have one NSV. Prior to surgery I was wearing 2X shirts, often mens, and could have probably worn 3X without them being too baggy. The last couple days I've worn some of my old 1X and even one ladies v-neck shirt that didn't hug every bulge. Pants are still the same due to the belly apron area, but that's okay. Work in progress. Actually there is another one, stopped with hubby when he picked up some food so I sat in a booth while I waited and there was now space between me and the table. I'm a total apple so that space was nonexistent pre-op. p.s. the food wasn't for me and I went willingly with him (stir crazy) and it didn't even bother me to be there. Maybe that's another NSV too. We may have to approach things differently than the general public, but I think we're blessed to have a tool like this. At least I feel blessed. I finally feel hopeful about a healthy, active future.

There was many times I thought I was in the green zone along the way only to have it subside days or even a week and half later. It took me about 6 almost 7 months post op before I was finally in a spot that worked for me. Those 6+ months were some frustrating times back in forth. I have to admit now that I am in the green zone the head hunger is more controllable and at times I wonder if my band has more to do with it then my state of mind. As a friend on here told me I do tend to over analyze things. Bandster hell was rough and the only way I got through it was by not having the tempting foods around me. I was a severe junk food addict and I simply could not keep it in the house. I still do not keep in the house even now but now that I am in the green zone I feel I have more control. Urge just isn't there but I cannot tell you for sure if it is just me embracing my new lifestyle, will power or the band or just a combination of all of it. I have not had a fill since January 29, 2012. April 16 will be my two year anniversary. My most challenging part of this journey has been my patience. I went through periods of up and down frustrations with the scale. I slowly started recognizing that there are other factors to consider when losing weight. Look for NSV's AKA non scale victories. Watching and feeling myself go from a size 62 waist to a 36 was more rewarding than any number on a scale.

Proud of Me!!!

Well at the last day of the the month I can look back and see all the changes that have happened so far. My pre-op diet began....I only lost 4 pounds but a loss is a loss. I had my lap band placed on the 12th along with the hiatal hernia repair. Gas pain was really the worse but thank goodness I don't have to worry about it now. I can eat like a normal person but not really- if someone would have asked me if I ate a lot before I would have said no not really. *Sigh* Now I understand and accept that I was an over eater, a snacker, and all those things that damn weight loss and getting on the road to being healthier. This month I have learned acceptance. I accept how I was and I know I can accept the changes that are going to be. 12 years and 2 deployments in the Army has already taught me to adapt but to accept things, that is different. I accept that proof for me, so far, has been in the numbers. I am down 16.4 pounds, almost 1 pound a day since surgery, minus my 4 pound pre op diet. I do have a NSV also, my wedding rings spin around my finger...:-) I just had them sized up in August and they were still tight so I will be happy to get them sized down again, hopefully this August! Looking forward to next month-hitting the gym and my first fill but my journey's start is something I will always remember, and I can accept that too.

Got to unpack clothes form 3 months ago needless to say I'm gonna need some new clothes. Too big! I think that's a great NSV!! Hope y'all are going good. Ready to say goodbye to Feb and hurry in March. I'm feeling eager for Spring. Y'all have any special plans on goals for Spring?

Fifty pounds down today!!!! AND I have a major NSV happening right now. I'm sitting in plane waiting for everyone to board and asked for and extender like always.... But I didn't need it(barely) lol. Yay!!! It's a great start to vacation weekend. HW 320 12/3 SW 313 12/17 CW 270 yay!

A very good reward. I love flowers to pamper myself. Good for you. And congrats on the steering wheel Nsv.

What a nice NSV and reward!

Alex, I apologize in advance for the length of this post. Here are a few things I wondered/thought of to ask you about the local groups: Where would these meetings be held? How long would each meeting run per session? How often would meetings be held? As a teacher, my daytime availability is limited from September to summertime, but I would still love to be a leader--would that be possible for me?Regarding size of each chapter--I would think as long as there are enough members interested and regularly attending, small groups would be acceptable; groups of more than 25 might need more than one leader, to organize and interact effectively with all members. In my opinion, co-leaders would be helpful across the board, really, since there's a good chance that now and then a leader may be sick or unavailable. Co-leaders could help cover for one another to make sure the meetings still happen when life gets in the way. Also, co-leaders may have different strengths; although I'm a teacher, I'm not a nurse. If I were paired with a nurse, our group would get double the benefit...and I'm a sleever. Having a partner that's a bypass patient would make our group stronger for our members.As a teacher, I definitely thing having a "core curriculum" across-the-board set of agendas from BariatricPal might be very helpful, as long as there is some freedom built in to the agendas to allow groups a chance to tailor them to individual concerns/needs. I think it's a good idea to have a common basis to start from as we get groups up and running. It would also ensure that BariatricPal's presence or "branding" is consistent and unifying; rather than a collected hodgepodge of disorganized WLS groups. Along those lines, I think agendas that divide by topic would be a great idea. For instance, a meeting agenda that covers general nutrition guidelines to begin the meeting; then after that introduction, the group could break up into smaller sub-groups to talk about the different nutritional needs between bypass and sleeve post-op patients, and then get back together to discuss healthy recipes or share great websites for developing their own post-op recipes for a whole family to enjoy. The wrap-up could be a question-and-answer period either based on that meeting's topic, or based on questions and concerns for that particular group. Another meeting agenda might be about the mental and emotional challenges that WLS'ers face post-op and sharing ways to combat things like "head hunger" and less-than-supportive friends and family members. Another one might be geared towards offering inexpensive ways to get more active (like using one's body weight to exercise if joining a gym is financially unreasonable or emotionally daunting). It might also be a good idea to have chapters organized into districts (if there's enough interest to have multiple groups in an area) and the leaders in each district could consider developing newsletters to publish information on events and celebrations/milestones for members. Would it make sense to develop a system to reward members who attend regularly, to encourage active attendance? A similar idea: could there be a way to formally recognize members for hitting milestones in their journey? Even something small like a ribbon or a lapel pin, or a keychain, can be very motivating to receive when you've worked hard to reach a goal. They could be organized by weight loss or BMI milestones (moving from obese to "overweight" is a big one for me personally!), or becoming a "veteran" WLS-er--recognizing the 3 month post-op milestone, the 6-month post-op, the year, etc. Sometimes recognizing those NSV's is what gets us through a stall, or keeps us from feeling like we're falling behind everyone else.Thanks for taking the time to think about offering BariatricPal groups in "real life", Alex! I hope this is a successful venture, I know it could definitely help a LOT of people.