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Hi Band Sisters! I'm in Washington for the week, and am totally ROCKING on my pre-op diet. I have not cheated one single time. I totally feel like I rule! I brought my pre-packaged meals, and have been drinking soup and hot chocolate during the meetings, nibbling my bars and soy nuts for snacks. I'm pounding water, and even declined drinks and dinner invitations. I am devoted to success. I fully expect that when I get home I will be another 3-4 pounds lighter. I also met a nice man at the airport who is *ahem* on his way over to socialize for a while. I feel so loose in the caboose, but I'm single, and pretty, and crazysexycool. So where's the harm in it? Of course I've given his contact info to my girlfriend in case I end up missing (hahah, that won't happen). Thought I'd check in and share my NSVs with you. Hope you're all doing well! I'll be home tomorrow. Nathalie

If you're serving as an inspiration for others to improve their health and their life - I say be proud of it, and encourage and support others any way you can. If you can help others, that's a big NSV in my book. If they're successful, I guarantee you they won't care how you did it. If they're not successful, then maybe you would consider letting a few extra people in on your secret, and can inspire them to take the next step - but that's totally up to you!

Thank you all for your support. And Shad I know what you mean about your wristbone, my watch is actually so loose around my wrist I have to keep moving it up to the fattier part of my arm. Hey ANOTHER NSV. LOL.

I love this story. I think the NSV stories are emotionally more important than reading the scale.

That's awesome... a fun NSV! Congratulations.

Ain't NSV's the best!!! The scale moving down is great but the NSV you don't expect puts it in prespective! CONGRATS!

We are entering our first summer as the new us. I don't know about you guys but I am enjoying mine more. I think the fact that the board has dried up a bunch shows us that you all are too. What wonderful things have you all been able to do this summer that you couldn't do last? Anything wonderful planned that you wouldn't have dreamed of last summer? Enjoying the world more? How has losing the 30+ pounds that we have each lost affected your enjoyment of summer? Yesterday I walked on the beach of the lake....rolled up my shorts and just LOVED it. I wasn't self concious that someone would see my thighs....I just enjoyed my world. I bought a swimming suit that didn't cover shoulders and thighs. No skirt this year. I make it a point to go outside every day and enjoy the world. Last year this time I was dying because it was so darned hot and walking from one room to the other left me sweaty. 3 things there....walking doesn't make me sweaty, sweaty is a GOOD thing these days, and I'm not nearly as warm as I was with 50 more pounds of fat on me. How about you all. Share!!!!

I am down about 59lbs and my NSV is that I bought two pairs of capri's and actually fit into size 14 petite slacks(with buttons and zippers and everything!!) NO elastic waist! In December I was in size 20 pants, with elastic waists! Aimee

My 2 Summer NSV's in one I started running three weeks ago. Last week my ex was going to the US (everything is cheaper) and he offered to buy me some of those dryfit nike running shorts. Heasked me what size, I said "ladies medium" Well I wore them yesterday and went for a 4k run!! I am not sure what is more of a "rush" the running, or being able to tell people my real size with confidence

This is a winter NSV, not a summer one, coz I'm on the upside down half of the world, hehe, but it gave me a thrill. I WOWED my brother at bridge on Sunday. We play bridge every 2nd week, so he has been watching my progress and has been very supportive and complimentary all the way through. However, on Saturday, I went shopping for the first time since the operation (huge sale on at one of my favourite shops) and I bought a heap of stuff. I knew it was nice and I looked good but I truly wasn't expecting his reaction when I walked into the bridge club. His jaw dropped and he was just about speechless for ages - just kept saying "WOW!! You're looking so GOOD!!" Talk about an ego boost! I think it was a combination of a really cute outfit in a colour that really suited me and wearing clothes that actually fitted nicely instead of hanging off all loose and sloppy. In case anyone is interested, the outfit was a pale pink long sleeved t-shirt with a built-in mock white blouse beneath (collar and cuffs), straightleg blue jeans and black boots. They were in an AUS size 18, which is 14 in US sizes, so I was doubly stoked about that bit, having come down from an AUS size 24-26 (US 20-22). Yay for sweetheart brothers!

Wow what a post... Fanny that orange really compliments your skin tone, it makes your face so much brighter you might want to try a version of that color. You look fabulous. Now what does NSV mean??? I am not real computer literate and don't know to many of the letter meanings. Okay so, My summer fun will be in size 10 shorts WOW!!!!! i could not beleive they fit when I tried them on. I was Happy dancing in the fitting room. (only my bottoms are 10 my top is still a 16 due to the twin sisters not going anywhere) I am going to go buy a bikini tomorrow for my Cancun vacation my husband is treating me to in 10 days. Scars or not I'm wearing it.

I've had a few NSV's in the past month or so, but yesterday was my biggest! I was walking into Walmart & caught a reflection of myself in the door & couldn't believe what I saw....my collar bone!!! It's been in hiding for a few years. I never thought something so small could mean so much!

Mine isn't as great as the others listed here, but one of my NSV's I am most proud of right now, is the fact that pajamas bottoms that were rather perfect/tight on me a few weeks ago, are now becoming so baggy to the point I'm going to have to toss them out and get some new ones.

How can we make a support group happen? Truthfully, I’m on Facebook more than here— can we start a secret group where we can check in on each other? Anyone up for it? If so, I’d be happy to look into it. Also, the head cravings are still so real. I took my DD to a birthday party today and the smell of pizza almost pushed me over the edge (and I’m not even a huge pizza person). But I just kept drinking my protein water and pushed through. Is it too early to have NSV?? 😂😂😂

I imagine that all of our NSVs would be considered 'weird' to those who are already in-shape. 🤭 Nevertheless, here are some weird things that I am looking forward to: Being able to cross my legs femininely. Being able to shop at a store that doesn't carry plus size clothing. Being able to feel confident about myself/body in front of people who aren't family or close friends. Being able to sleep without my CPAP machine (cya later, sleep apnea)! Being able to walk through IKEA (or even stand long enough to do the dishes) without needing a break. Being able to wrap a normal sized towel around my body. Being able to conceive and have a healthy full-term pregnancy. Being able to be more active and have more fun with my stepchildren. I am sure there are a ton more NSVs that I can't wait to achieve, though!

I have always thought to myself this is too easy… I had vsg 2/24/21 I am down 80 lbs since surgery and 104 lbs overall since 10/31/20. Some of it is luck and some of it I feel is good choices and embracing the lifestyle changes as well as mindset. I listen to a few wls podcasts and belong to a few wls groups. I go to support meetings offered by my surgeon’s office and spend a lot of time researching. Celebrate the NSVs and keep making new goals. Tracking helps me meet my goals, measuring everything helps me learn proper portions. Walking and weightlifting are also contributing to my weight loss. I did have 1 hiccup- gall bladder had to come out 5 months after vsg- but I did have a history of gallstones and the rapid weight loss probably was what caused my gall bladder to become inflamed. Hoping it continues to feel easy and I can stay on track for the long term.

Hi all, I'm one of those people who struggles with head hunger from the time my kids go to sleep till I'm sleeping. I have been struggling with this for years and obviously since being banded its harder because before I would just give in and eat. Two nights ago I was really tired and after putting the kids to bed I went to bed myself, watched some TV and went to sleep, no snacking or thinking of food. Last night I did my usual, cleaned up a bit, watched survivor, american idol and some Pope stuff. When I got in bed I realized I didn't have a snack or even think about one. First I almost felt like I wanted to go back down and have something. (I found these really good frozen Greek yogurts from healthy choice that I love.). I digress! Then I realized, hey this could be the start of something new for me. Maybe I don't have to think about food all night and count calories in my head to see if I can afford just one more 100 calorie snack. Hears hoping! Lisa

This is frustrating and I'm so sorry. Many of us have been there. For a while, consider focusing not on weight but on NSVs, which are Non-Scale Victories. Maybe certain clothing fits you better, maybe you can walk further than you used to, maybe you're making better decisions about what to eat. It gets better. Promise.

This seems to be touchy subject but I understand the frustration. I'm there. As in..."the stall" and it frustrates me. Logically I know the facts but some days I'm ok and other days I'm like, "c.mon..lWTF?!" I see others with same or later surgery date losing A lot more and I question everything I'm doing. But...I put on jeans Saturday that used to be hard to pull up. They had give in the waist. I spent the entire weekend sightseeing for a little mini vacation and I walked more that I could have a month ago. I feel better. I do. The scale haunts (taunts) because of the past struggles but I'm staying the course. Like the other poster said...NSV (non scale victories... a term I hadn't hear before) but true. They ARE there. The scale will catch up later. But it's a mental game. I get it. If I cam do nothing else...just know I understand. Love to all! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

What is NSV? Still new to all of this.

Wooohooo, grats on the NSV, how exciting keep up the awesome work

That's awesome,,especially no pain! That's a heck of an nsv for sure!!

NSV?

VerticalSleeveTalk.com Newsletter Hey, Sleevesters! It’s that time again…another couple of weeks, another newsletter! We keep you updated on the latest happenings on VerticalSleeveTalk.com, and there’s a lot happening! Here’s a quick rundown of this week’s newsletter. Launch of the VerticalSleeveTalk.com app for Kindle. Encouragement to welcome new VerticalSleeveTalk.com members in the ”Tell Your Gastric Sleeve Story” Forum. Tick and Track your way to success! Hot on the Boards: Why doesn’t everyone get the Sleeve if it’s so effective? First Member Spotlight: Coming Soon! Newsletter Challenge: summary of the previous one, and a new challenge to try. Visit VerticalSleeveTalk.com often to stay on track with your weight loss journey and stay motivated to follow your diet and exercise program to get the success you deserve with the sleeve. Stay involved in the discussion forums, and always let us know if you have any comments, suggestions or questions. Take care of yourselves and each other. Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder VerticalSleeveTalk.com Kindle App Launched! The VerticalSleeveTalk.com app for the Kindle has launched! You can download it for free from Amazon for instant use on your Android. The Kindle app joins the lineup of VerticalSleeveTalk.com apps for iPod, iPad, iPhone and Android. All of these apps are fully functional, so you can read and post to the forums, upload photos and send private messages. Don’t go anywhere without VerticalSleeveTalk.com! Don’t forget about the contest to Celebrate the launch of our new apps. The contest to win a free iPod Touch is still on, and you can get the details in the first VerticalSleeveTalk.com newsletter. There’s still time to enter; just complete your member profile and post to the forums to become eligible. The more you post and more involved you are on VerticalSleeveTalk.com, the better your chances of winning. Your chances improve when you post to the forums, join a group, upload photos or refer a friend. Wondering How You Can Help Out Other Sleevesters Even More? VerticalSleeveTalk.com has thousands of members who regularly come here for information, support and advice during all stages of your weight loss journey. Some of you visit often to read the forums, but you don’t post very often. Some of you post regularly. Both kinds of members are fantastic because VerticalSleeveTalk.com is dedicated toward helping everyone who needs it. We’re a welcoming, supportive community. We know that many of you Sleevesters go above and beyond the call of duty, and want to know how you can use VerticalSleeveTalk.com to become even more supportive of your fellow sleevesters. A few of you have asked about it, and we know a lot more of you are wondering the same thing. A great first step is to reach out to new members. Greet them when they post on the “Tell Your Gastric Sleeve Surgery Story” Forums, and answer any newbie questions to help them learn the ropes. And thanks! Tickers and Trackers Help You Be More Successful! What do you need to keep yourself on track, show the world who you are and remind yourself of what you’ve accomplished? Tickers and trackers, of course! Tickers let you mark your BMI, body fat, weight and countdown to surgery. They show your starting value, where you currently are and your goal value. Trackers are for recording your current body measurements. You get to customize them by choosing what they look like. We encourage you to make your tickers and trackers public, so that they are displayed when you post in the forums. That helps you stay and inspires your fellow Sleevesters. If you’re a little shy, you can make your ticker private so that only you see it. VerticalSleeveTalk.com Hot Topic: Why Don’t All Yo-Yo Dieters Get the Sleeve? We all know of a few celebrities that have struggled with their weight for years. Talk show host Oprah Winfrey and actress Kirstie Alley have talked openly about their attempts to lose weight and different diets they have tried. So, OntheFence wondered why these famous role models haven’t gone for the sleeve and asked about it on the boards. That set off a great discussion about the sleeve! Some of you pointed out that the sleeve keeps you in check constantly – you don’t have the money to hire a personal trainer or nutritionist to watch over you full-time, but the Sleeve does that. Many of you also pointed out that weight loss surgery is not magic – you have to be dedicated to making a lifestyle change with your diet and exercise if you want the sleeve to be successful. What do you think about weight loss people for famous people who struggle with obesity? Come by and post your thoughts. Coming Soon: Member Spotlights! We introduced them in the previous newsletter, and they’re coming soon…Keep your eyes peeled for member spotlights! Each VerticalSleeveTalk.com newsletter that comes out from now on will feature a different member. You’ll get to read all about our honorees. We’ll be Contacting You Soon! Don’t forget to post in the member spotlight forum to nominate yourself or another Sleevester! Don’t be shy about it. Your story can make the difference in someone’s life. Within the coming weeks, many of you will be contacted through the VerticalSleeveTalk.com PM system about becoming a spotlighted member. Sleever Challenge! Highlights from the Last Challenge and a New Challenge to Try! Each Sleevester Newsletter, we’ll give you a challenge. You can always find the latest news about the current challenge and check out the old ones in the Challenge Forum. The Challenge is a non-competitive way to push yourself to try something new or unusual. We encourage you to let everyone know how you did on the Challenge by posting in the Challenge Forum. Roundup of the Previous Sleevester Challenge: Try a New Food! In the last newsletter, we suggested trying a new food or recipe that was healthy and a good fit for your meal plan. You can check out member contributions in the Challenge Forum. Here is just a sample of the great ideas from the challenge! lunch – P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps from M2G. The only difference between these and the real ones is that these can fit into your Sleevester diet! dinner – Cheddar-Stuffed Black Bean and Mushroom Burgers from LadyIvy. These tasty burgers are easy to grind so you can eat them in the mushy stage if your surgery is recent, and they’re great for any time when you’ve progressed to solid foods! To celebrate Cinco de Mayo – Ground Turkey Tacos from Doreykn. Ole! Thanks to the three of you for sharing your culinary expertises! Don’t forget that you can always go back, try the old challenges and post your experience. Going public is a great way to motivate yourself, and other members can learn from your experiences! The New Challenge: Share a NSV! Okay, first of all, what does NSV mean? It’s short for a Non scale Victory, and it’s just what it sounds like. It’s a victory related to your weight loss journey but not related to the number on the scale. We all have disappointing weigh-ins at some point, but it’s not all about the weight. The journey is about getting healthy, loving life and having new, positive experiences. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the number on the scale that we forget to celebrate the other victories that are just as important. This Newsletter’s challenge is to recognize a new NSV and write about it in the Challenge Forum. An NSV can be anything that makes you realize what positive steps you’ve taken for yourself. Some possible NSV’s that you recognize might be: Going to a baseball game and fitting into the seat. Buying your new summer swimsuit in a regular store. Keeping your cool while you eat a meal with your hypercritical mother-in-law. Don’t be shy about sharing your NSV on the Challenge Forum. You can help other Sleevesters learn to recognize their own NSVs and take pride in them! So that’s about it for this week’s newsletter, but there’s never a dull moment at VerticalSleeveTalk.com! Come by and post often, and be sure to share your opinions, advice and feedback. See you on the boards! Sincerely, Alex ============================================================== If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may unsubscribe by going to your Control Panel and clicking on the Newsletters tab, or clicking on the following link: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/index.php?app=core&module=usercp&tab=newsletter

What's everyone's latest NSVs? I can finally use a regular bath towel instead of a bath sheet