Search the Community

My how time flies. I think this is week 6 for me! I'm dealing with a few hiccups but overall I'm doing very well. I've been stalled for about 2 weeks now. It has a lot to do with my gallbladder issues and I'm going to see the surgeon about it tomorrow. Now here is the kicker. I gained like half an inch on my arms and chest while stuck at 237 but I had to remind myself that it will pass. PLUS I've been working out like crazy and lifting weights so OF COURSE I'm gaining inches of muscle! I just wonder will it sabatoge this golden window everytone speaks of the first 6 months being for weight loss. Back to the gallbladder. I don't want to go into the appointment like "I told you so" but I did ask him to take it out with my sleeve and he told me it was not neccesary because most patients don't have issues. I should have insisted on it, but you live and you learn. It really does lower my respect of his opinion. I swear sometimes I feel like I know more about this surgery than him or my NUT..... On a good note, my confidence is through the roof. It's such an eye opening to feel good about myself and realize just how much I turned down chances to hang out or try different things when I was 40 pounds heavier. I've been running, playing basketball, going to bootcamp classes on campus, and tonight I'm going to a Zumba class. I can get through an hour or dancing without realizing how much time has gone by. I'm making plans this summer to go rafting and hiking with friends. My energy level is through the roof! I'm no longer living, I'm finally Alive! Since the scale isn't moving, I'm motivating myself by trying to claim as many NSVs as possible. 1. All of my labs are...normal? What is that word? Normal. I don't remember the last time I had normal labs.<--- Wow! 2. I painted my toes. I was even able to rest my knee as I painted! <----That is EPIC! 3. I can cross my legs. I do it without even realizing it now. <---I've NEVER been able to cross my legs comfortably. 4. i went to a international festival and bought a bracelet. It fits!. <----- I couldn't buy normal jewelry for the past 5 years without some kind of extender. Thank you for reading. I hope each one of you has a wonderful rest of the week!

So at the gym I had a couple really amazing moments. First I weighed in out of ritual and found out I'm down a couple more pounds and I'm now 167. Woohoo! Which made me excited to work out even harder. Did a full 5k distance in a little under 29 minutes on the elliptical followed by half an hour of circuit training where I upped all my max weights. I was pretty pumped by this point so I hopped back on the elliptical to do my fastest mile ever, 8.30 flat! Added one more mile to make it an even 5 and then off to the massage chairs. I love days like today!!

@@rydersmama, What a funny NSV! It is wonderful to have that sense of confidence, isn't it?

Great NSV. Congrats!

So here I go with more NSV. Why am I writing about these? Well I have come to accept that there will be a day that I don’t remember what it felt like to be where I am right now. I have stated to forget how it actually felt to be where I was 6 months ago. I remember the things I had to do (position pillows to get comfortable to sleep, ask for a window seat on the plane so I could smash myself up against the side and not take up too much room, buy 5x shirts because I wanted them loose and baggy) but not how if felt to roll over in bed and I remember the tears I cried after being intimate with my husband but not how embarrassed I was with my body, even with a man that always told me I was beautiful and he loved me. I’m writing this down so that when I get to place that I need motivation I will have it in my own words. So on with the story. I walked into Maurice’s yesterday to look for some cute jeans. That would be different than just looking for jeans that fit. It is much more fun to look for cute jeans. Anyway I walked into our local Maurice’s that has regular sizes and plus sizes. The size 4, teenage sales girl asked me if she could help me and I told her that I was jean shopping and she pointed to the REGULAR size side of the store and started telling me what was on sale. Ok…do I need to point out that she did not ask me what size I wore or tell me what was on sale on the plus size side or even glance in that direction. I couldn’t believe it. I stood there for a second reveling in the moment. If I would have stood there any longer I could tell she was getting ready to ask me if I needed something else. It was FABULOUS!!!! I have decided that I am officially out of the plus size stores. :smile2: Ok so I tried on the flare leg and those are always too tight on my big old thighs. No surprise there, but when I tried on a looser fit, stretch low rise, (low rise…..H-E-L-L-O-!-!-!) :eek:I was absolutely overwhelmed to see that the size 13/14 was about too big. I checked the tag thinking I grabbed the wrong ones, or it was marked wrong. I didn’t even try on the 15/16. I would have gone to a size 11/12 (!!!!) but I didn’t like the wash on them. They looked too young for this old mom. My 15yr old daughter was with me and liked them but agreed that maybe they were too young of a style. Well I walked out of the store without jeans, but I was not bothered in the least. I was on cloud nine! Ok so I know you might think that alone would be enough to get through the next month or so…but there is MORE! Today I am on my way to a conference. I haven’t flown for 7 months. So just to recap I had surgery about 6 months ago and have lost 90 lbs…..Do you see where I am going with this? Okay so first I got on the little plane (one seat on one side and 2 on the other) and I was able to walk down the aisle facing completely forward. No turning in the aisle to fit my too wide body down it. I was smiling and I’m sure if anyone was watching me and not asleep at 6:00am they would have wondered what the deal was with my sly little smile. :tongue2: So I found my seat and sat down and I didn’t have any arm rest cutting into my thighs. I put my bag under the seat and buckled my seatbelt and had about 8 inches to spare! Before it would have been at the largest setting and probably would have been uncomfortable on this tiny plane. So I wanted to grab a blanket and I unbuckled my belt and got up and got one and sat down and rebuckled and then I realized I didn’t grab a pillow and I jumped up again and rebuckled without any major production. I couldn’t believe it. So the plane wasn’t very full and about ¾ way through the flight I ….. CROSSED MY LEGS! :tongue:Yep you heard me. Now I will admit that my leg was out in the aisle some and with traffic I would uncross and get out of the way, but I think you know what a HUGE deal this is for me. I enjoyed walking out of the plane too with my butt actually fitting down that aisle! Skinny people that have never been obese just wouldn’t understand what a big deal this is! I was in the airport and looking for breakfast and I was starting to get worried. I saw McDonalds, a donut shop, a breakfast wrap restaurant and finally a BBQ with bacon/sausage and eggs. Whew! I’m glad I kept looking. One meal down on this 5 day trip. Only 14 left to go!

You made me cry with your story! The last time I flew, I had to ask for a seat belt extender. Your post has reminded me to stop and enjoy the little NSVs that come along. They are truly a joy...and they are great victories!!! You are very inspiring, and I wish you so much more success! Thanks!

I find myself missing the NSV'S and the attention. I didn't really like being the center of attention then. This is the new me and it has been quite an adjustment.

So I have found myself in somewhat of a dilemma that I could have never imagined six months ago. I had my six-month follow-up appointment with my surgeon after having the sleeve done in April. Needless to say I have worked really hard and have lost 88 pounds from my highest weight during the last 7 months. I have met my surgeons goal but I have not met my own personal goal as of yet, but I am still working diligently on that. Overall I am a pretty private person, and aside from my bariatric pal friends, only my mom and husband know about my surgery. I have gotten lots of questions at work and from friends, but have managed to keep my decision to have surgery private. This is where my dilemma comes in..... When I started at my highest weight, I felt ashamed about having surgery to lose weight. Even though I know now this is a totally incorrect way of thinking, I struggle somewhat with admitting now that I have had surgery since I have kept it private all this time. I don't want people to feel lied to, even though this was a very personal decision for me. So upon going to my follow-up visit with my surgeon, he proceeds to tell me how amazed he is with how great I look, and how successful I have been. He then says he wants to have before and after pictures of me to feature on their Facebook page, and to include in their seminar for future bariatric patients as one of their success stories. So my dilemma is I have kept my decision to have surgery private to this point and don't want to come across as a liar, but now that I have put in the hard work and feel successful I am proud of my accomplishments. On one hand I want to oblige the office and be included in their success stories because of all of the hard work and effort I have put in, and I do feel proud of myself. On the other hand I know how quickly social media travels, and I don't want to look like I have just been lying to everyone all this time. I considered submitting pictures and just blocking out my face, but then I don't really feel like I am owning my accomplishments. I know this post is probably extremely confusing and I find myself going back-and-forth a lot. I would love others feedback or input if you have been in the situation, or of what you would do if you were in my situation. Also thank you to all of you BP veterans who take time to post and give responses to questions for those of us who are still going through the beginnings of our journeys. Your knowledge and wisdom has been invaluable for me through my journey.

Hey Y'all, Well, I went in for my fill today and even though I had not lost much weight since August, I did have a major NSV! My Dr. was very happy with my results. I lost over 19lbs of fat and gained 10 lbs of muscle. So, okay, I'm happier now since I know what is going on. I got a fill of 3.1cc today. Can't wait to see what this does for me.

I put this in the Guy's Room only because I don't think the women will care. I finally got to ride my motorcycle today for about 3 hours instead of just down the road and back. I have a 2010 VFR1200 sport touring bike. Don't let that touring part fool you, a VFR is not an "old man's" bike: Anyway... This bike has 170 hp and 100 ft/lbs of torque. Do you know what that feels like when you take off? It feels like someone is trying to push you off the bike. Now imagine that you weigh 120lbs less than when you bought the bike! Now it feels like someone is trying to pull my arms out of my shoulders! But seriously guys, riding the bike is so much easier now than it was just last year. When you aren't trying to force 330lbs through a sharp corner things are a lot less scary. First of all, your tires have better traction. Second, it's like going from 2-up riding back to 1-up. Can't wait to start racking up the miles this year! Oh, and if you ride - post a pic. Doesn't matter what you ride as long as your knees are in the breeze.

I had my first NSV today! Last night I went into my closet and tried on some of my size 24 pants that I haven't worn for 2 years. I knew that my size 26's were too big but never thought I was able to wear the 24's so soon. I wore them all day and even left the button done up all day. I feel great!!! On my surgery date I was 311 pounds. Now I am down to 289. I had a little bit of the stall I have heard everyone talking about and was worried, but have since realized that is okay. I am working out 3-4 times a week already and am being very active.

I am beyond ecstatic. I am now below 300 pounds! I started at 540 pounds on October 29, 2015 when I started this whole journey. I had surgery on May 29, 2016 at 480 pounds and Now, 10 1/2 months later I weigh 297.8! I have not had a 2 in the front of my weight in FOREVER. I only have 98 pounds to go until I hit my goal! (Which may change, I'm more going for a clothing size goal now more than a number goal ) I used to have to be on oxygen all the time because I was so fat I could not breathe properly. Now I can walk for over an hour with no break and not be out of breath! I am so extremely happy with my progress! I used to HATE getting my picture taken, it was the WORST. Now I love getting in front of the camera, I ASK for pictures to be taken! This is the craziest thing for me. I feel pretty for the first time in a very very long time. I started out at a size 6x (36-38) and now wear a an 18/20 on top and 22 on bottom. I even wear leggings now! I have a large hanging skin on my stomach which I am having removed on June 5th! I will need a revision surgery when I get to goal but I am very excited for the surgery and the relief it will give me. Here are some before and after pics for you guys!

Sorry, I know I'm dumb but what does 'NSV' stand for?

I beg your indulgence because this post is pretty long, but I got all reflective when I started writing. I have lost 60lbs exactly since surgery, so that's been 10lbs a month on average. I am very happy about that. That is what I had hoped for, so I can't complain! I can't believe that I'm so close to my goal, when a year ago I felt so far away from it. If I lose only 1lb a week until my 1 year bandversary, I will be at my original goal of 160lbs! That's a very exciting thought. I would have expected that by now I would have felt decent restriction. I am still trying to find it! While I credit some of the weight loss to my band, I feel that much of it has been on my part because I do Atkins low carb. Since I can still eat pretty decent size quantities, I've had to rely on my carb restriction and exercise to get the weight off. But maybe I don't give enough credit to the band, but then again, I rarely feel its presence. I don't really think about the band that much, and I just live my day to day life like everyone else. I am at my lowest weight ever, I'm in the best shape I've ever been in, and I feel amazing! It's interesting, because major weight loss is a very personal journey. A personal journey that is a very public one as well. There's no way to hide it. My friends and family have watched me shed over 100lbs in the last year and I have had tremendous support from them, for which I am grateful. Sometimes, however, they think they understand what I'm going through because they can see the change, but they don't really understand. For almost my entire life, people looked at me and saw an extremely overweight person. I never noticed the stares (which I'm sure I got), but I didn't care. I still feel like a extremely overweight person, even though I'm not. I think people still look at me the same way, but they don't. I look around a room now and I can see that I'm not the biggest one there anymore. I know I look different, but I still feel like the same person... because I am and I'm not. I am still my bubbly self, my personality hasn't changed but my body has. By no means am I skinny, because I still have weight to lose. So I guess that puts me in the category of the everyday overweight person? It is weird to think that I'm just another one of those "normal" looking people (so I've been told). And you know what? It's not so exciting. Not that losing weight, and having NSVs like being able to fit into smaller clothes and not worrying about the seatbelt on the plane fitting aren't exciting, because they are extremely exciting and they are what keep me going! What I mean, though, is that a regular sized person doesn't have a better life. And I knew this was true even before I lost my weight. I saw (and still see) many of my friends who aren't happy, and they're skinny, so it's obviously not possible that being thin automatically makes you happy. I had to learn that happiness and self worth was independent from the way I looked and how much I weighed. I think accepting myself and my body when I was overweight has made this journey that much easier. My happiness is not dependent on the number on the scale (but believe me, seeing a lower number when I step on the scalemakes me extremely happy!) To put it in an extremely cliche way (and I do beg your forgiveness, but really, it's true!), I think that the journey itself and the things I've learned about myself on this journey are more important then the actual goal itself. I never saw myself as the extremely self-motivated person, but I have come to realize that I wouldn't be where I am today if I wasn't. In conjunction with that, I've learned to be patient and to persevere. When I started this journey, Being under 200lbs seemed ages away and being from the generation of immediate gratification didn't help much. But there wasn't a chance that I was going to magically drop 100lbs overnight (even though tv ads guarantee it!), so I had no choice BUT to be patient. Sometimes I feel like I'll never get there, but then I have to remind myself about the strides I have made. I get immense satisfaction from seeing how far I've come in such short period of time. From walking at 3mph on the treadmill to walking at 4mph. From being totally out of breath, feeling like I'm going to die after 30 seconds of jogging on 3.5mph to running on 5mph for 5 min. knowing that if i really wanted to, I could go for longer. It's those small things that make up the journey that mean the most. Yeah, so those are my thoughts as of late. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts and feelings with you. I appreciate the opportunity to do so and I look forward to reading about your experiences and thoughts about your journey. Thank you to those who read my whole post, and if you didn't, I don't blame you!

That is friggin awesome Anne. Breaking through any major boundary is such an NSV.

I'm going to make this one of my NSV -- to throw out perfectly fine food and not look back. I couldn't have done that -- I would have been feeding it to the dogs or something on the place (surely the raccoons would have liked that, right?). It's been enough for now that I'm okay with leaving a bite or two on the plate and then handing it over to my older cat if it's something he really likes to finish off. Since moving to more solid food I've been eating more and more fish and he loves it. I remember being in the kitchen one night and couldn't eat more than 2-3 bites of salmon. I didn't want to put it back in the fridge so I fed it to Alex. It was a little unsettling watching him eat that and realizing that my cat can now eat more food than me.

What is your "Bandiversary" goal? I would love to be at my goal weight of 135. It is looming so close. What have you learned this past year? That I can succeed at weight loss...all I needed was some help. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? There are so many. I have found the self confidence that I thought I lost, no more cholesterol medication, the restless leg syndrome is gone, bye bye sleep apnea, hugs from my son because he can get his arms around me, shopping in normal sized stores, enjoying shopping because I can find things that fit, mowing the yard without getting winded in the first five minutes.....the list goes on and on and on. What is your biggest challenge? Trying to keep eating the "bandster" way. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Make good food choices, but don't deprive yourself of a small treat once in while (this is for your sanity). Drink lots of Water (dehydration is a bad thing.....kidney stones are not your friend). Don't be afraid to ask questions. The best people to get banded information from is from another bandster. What is your greatest fear? Slipping up, eating too much, and falling into the same bad habits that got me to where I was in the first place. What goals do you have for the future? My biggest short term goal is to participate in the Danskin triathlon in Seattle in August of this year. How has your life changed? I am definately more active and outgoing. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? I didn't really have major expectations to begin with. I read so much about only losing a portion of the weight will be lost. But I truly believe the weight you lose will depend on you. I am so happy I did this and I would do it again in a second. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? To not be so afraid about doing something for myself. Be a hero to yourself as this will be a life changing experience.

What is your "Bandiversary" goal? To consistently weigh in below 200 What have you learned this past year? That I CAN do this!!! That my life does not have to center around food. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? I take no more prescription meds for high blood pressure, or diabetes. My back doesn't hurt. I FEEL healthy! What is your biggest challenge? To eat enough veggies, and some fruit. I havre a tendency to eat meat...and other high Protein foods, forgetting my body has other needs too! What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? To enjoy the year---yes we all want to be at goal NOW!!!! But getting to know yourself and your body along the way, is wonderful. Seeing how far you can push your new abilities---is eye opening! What is your greatest fear? Losing my band! I try really hard to make the way I do things into a habit, so if something should happen, I would KNOW what to do, to keep from going back where I was. What goals do you have for the future? Taking my grandbabies to amusement parks, and Water parks, and not embarrassing either of us! To be the best support I can for others following me on this weight loss experience. How has your life changed? I breath easier, I feel healthy, I don't feel people staring at me, I buy clothes in Misses sizes. I wear jeans again, I can wear flip flops without my feet hurting. There are so many of these little things---there are also big ones. I upped my life insurance, and did not require a Dr. exam to do it! It has been full of changes---wonderful, dream filled changes! Has living with the band met up to your expectations? Yes, I didn't go in with a lot of expectations...this was not as involved (the board) then. I expected not to be able to eat some things, that I have been able to eat. I read about all the PB's---only to find out they are not a daily occurance! I expected the surgery to be more painful---all in all it has been much better!!! If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! I had failed at so many diets, I really doubted myself going into this too. I would explain the why's and the hows that I have learned along the way. Knowing why you are on a liquid diet, makes it so much easier to stay on! Knowing why you are sliming, makes it less scary. I researched, but I learned so much by experience!! I would share my own experience!! Banding is without a doubt one of the best things i ever did just for me---i would do it again in a heartbeat, and recommend it to anyone and everyone who asks me!!! Kat

It's finally happening! Had my monthly appt with my band doctor yesterday (the awesome Dr. Duffy at Yale New Haven Hospital's Bariatric Surgery office), and I was down 11 pounds! :w00t: I update my ticker in my email signature more often than every month, so it reflects my total loss, but I was so excited that I'd lost 11 pounds in one month I was ready to scream with joy! :thumbup: And guess how I did it? By following the bandster rules! Being careful to choose nutrient-dense food instead of calorie-dense food, chewing thoroughly and eating slowly, not drinking my calories, and avoiding "slider" foods that don't stay with you long enough to indicate a feeling of fullness. Amazing how well the rules work when you follow them LOL Combine that with a few well-placed NSV's regarding clothing, and it's been a really good period. My latest weigh-in this morning has me at 230 lbs, a number I haven't seen for at least 10 years...I'm really excited about that! Next mid-range goal - making it to 200 lbs by the time of my family reunion in Florida in July. Next short-range goal - dropping another 15 pounds before May 30th to put me at 215 before Memorial Day. Swimsuit season is looking like it's going to hold a lot less terror for me this year than in previous years - that's a definate plus! What made the difference? Regular exercise and eating correctly. Mostly the eating correctly, since I already walk 30 minutes 5 days a week, with longer walks on the weekends (weather permitting). Now I'm going to add some weight work back into my schedule - nearly done with this semester's classes, which will give me more time. I need to keep 'tightening up' my physique, which I know weight training will do. Check in again in a few weeks - until then, if you are already banded, follow the rules and move more - that's the "secret" to success! If you are not yet banded, get the info you need to make a quality decision, and then GO FOR IT! Your life, your health and your happiness can all be enhanced by losing the excess weight. I know it's happening for me...:thumbup:

I really like this new look. Anyways I have to share my fabulous news. After being down about the fact that I couldn't see/feel a difference after losing weight, I finally found something. I joined a gym today and it seriously is the best thing I have ever done for myself, besides the band. I did 2 miles on the treadmill, BUT I RAN 1.25 OF THOSE MILES! Now it wasn't all continuous, but I did run .5 straight. Then I did another 1 mile on the eliptical. So here are my HUGE NSV's. 1. I ran .5 miles straight for the FIRST time in my life. 2. I wasn't the fatest girl at the gym:thumbup: 3. I didn't feel like I was dying 10 minutes into my workout. 4. I CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK TOMORROW:Dancing_biggrin: Well after an hour at the gym I need to go get some work done.

This weekend, my family went to Winthrop, WA - it is set up as an Old West Town. We decided to do the old antique pictures. We've done these every 3 or 4 years since the boys were young. Normally, I have to wear some old dowdy thing to either fit me or not show all my rolls. And, the strings in the back never tied very well - left my butt hanging out the back. This year, I wore a Saloon Girl Bustiere and fishnet stocking with high heels. And get this ... the strings wouldn't tie again. But, not because I was so fat. The strings couldn't get the outfit tight enough. They had to use clamps in the back to keep it on me. It was amazing! I just grinned the whole time. I planted my butt up on the bar, grabbed my fake bottle of Jack Daniels and whooped it up for the camera. WHAT A BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I went to our city rec center today to play some racquetball with an old friend. I had to give it up several years ago because my knees suck and they just couldn't handle the quick starts and stops. I had to renew my ID card. The gal asked me if I wanted to take a new picture and I said naw, I'm good with the one I have on my old ID. She said, "You should, you lost a lot of weight". WOO HOO! Gotta love it! tmf

Congrats to you! That is an awesome NSV

Great going, both for the NSV and for getting back into raquet ball. Guess you knees are better since your weight loss.

With all those NSV's you have under your belt, you don't need to weigh! You're such the model bandster though, it does sicken me that it doesn't speed up. Maybe you'll be like MuffinBirdie though and when it kicks in - look out!! You've offered so much inspiration to so many people on here (myself included). Heaps of good karma bound to be coming your way soon...