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Hello fam, just a Lil update on my life . 7 months post op. I was sleeved Dec 5. I am officially divorced now. I am happy n really enjoying me in this new bod. The surgery wasn't the reason for my divorce ,my husband was a caterer cheater , lol. But the surgery made him feel that now I was a threat in the marriage because I was getting attention . But it was his insecurities n lied that kept him from appreciating the woman he had. So , hell with him, I'm single as a dollar bill now. I am 7 mos post op and down 90 lbs ( 89.7 to be exact). I weigh 153 lbs and I am 5'7. I now wear a size 4 in women's clothing and even fit into size 2 Vera wang dress today, NSV for me. My surgeon set my goal at 150 lbI feel so good about the choice I made to have this surgery and I would do it 10 more time if I had to. Enjoy the pics and good lock to everyone .

What does NSV mean?

Ok you all know how lbt addicted I am and how much I love you all - so listen to this I was changing in to my comfy clothes right now-and I was thinking about our thread and post this morning and it hit me PHYL I DIDN'T TELL YOU CONGRATS ON BEING ABLE TO CROSS YOUR LEGS !!!! THAT'S A HUGH NSV - CONGRATULATIONS - SORRY I FORGOT EARLIER HOW RUDE OF ME !!! Ok here is what I have done today - gym as you all ready know - showered then took Andrew to his appointment - he has been bitching at them that they aren't going high enough with the laser to remove his tattoo (it barely gets red) so this time the turned up the power - I have never seen it this red he also has this skin thingie (so does DS) it's a fungus and it gives them these little spots of lighter color skin (where as on us it wouldn't even show) well it's on his back - but last night he found some on his arm and about freaked out - so he asked the doc at the tattoo removal place (its a derm place) and they gave him some medicine for it - pretty cool - cuz his step dad paid up front for this tattoo removal thing and I told him he could try and ask them about - but they might shine him on cuz it's not part of the treatment and he has and HMO and needs prior authorization to see a derm doc.. I gotta say both my kids (Andrew & Joseph) know how to get things done... So after that he didn't want to go Xmas shopping (he stayed out too late last night I think and which I am glad of cuz I didn't want to go to the mall) so brought him home - got his script fill then went to Costco - Got prime rib for xmas dinner (oh my was it expensive) asparagus - green beans - and some lox - they had samples and it was so good - so I got me some - then came home and put that food up and got back in the car and went to Stater Bros for the rest of Xmas foods (got even poorer) and truely will have to go back for rolls and such closer to Xmas since it's still a week away - hope the asparagus last that long.. Lucky Andrew helpped bring the groceries in - got them put us and here I am.. I am so diff than you guys - my kids will be here for 5 days and that's 2 days too many for me.. I enjoy a few days with them - but it disrupts my whole life - Trying to figure out what to cook for them - cuz they eat so much diff than me - they gotta have sauage/bacon eggs toast for breakfast every day - lunch - dinner - noise - I like my quietness - I know this sounds awful - cuz I love them with all my heart and if anything happen to them I would die... But 3 days is a long enough visit for me.. So Candice the only kid of shopping I did was food - and after having samples at Costco - I wasn't hungry so it was hard to even think of what to buy for our normal weekly food - got Andrew all his junk - we are having steak tonite - but I will have to go to Winco tomorrow to get my fish and most likely will hit Target too. I might go to Khols early tomorrow I need an Xmas top - but who knows - I may even go to the gym - My knee hasn't bothered me at all today - so hopefully it's just that I do something wrong on the treadmill to hyper-extend my knee and that's it...

I am so happy to read about everyone's success! I had my surgery on March 7th and have lost 87 lbs. I have another 7-10 lbs to go but have been at a stall for a couple of months. My body seems to be happy where it is and I am a-ok with that. I feel awesome, look good, and have a ton of NSVs that keep me going. Best decision I ever made for myself!! Hope everyone else is feeling the same!

Potatie- fantastic job!!!! Can't wait until I get to post a century mark!!!! I am not having any reflux issues... can't really offer any advise, hope you guys feel better. I think that it is fantastic that a few of you have been able to put away the cpap machines!!!!! How wonderful for you!!! What a NSV!!!! On another note... My DH asked me today how much weight I gained since Thanksgiving, as of today my answer is NONE. However, when he got on the scale he has gained 8 pounds!!!!:thumbup::thumbup::lol::cool2::tt2: I know... pretty childish, but I have never had this happen before, and he was a little upset!!!!!

Fenton, that really is a great NSV! Congratulations, and I also can't wait to read your book although it will be a little while. I'm in the middle of a 6 book series by Diana Gabaldon. I had a set of resistance bands about 10 years ago and they really worked. I'll have to get another set.

hello all... Fenton congrats on your NSV - I've noticed that my slip-ons slip on a little more easily too. I would like to thank all of you for your encouragement and your advice. I'm not sure where I'd be without this site. I did eat one of the candy bars, but I gave the rest out, in pieces, to my students. They were so thrilled, and supportive. They knew I wasn't supposed to have candy, and how hard it was for me to give it up, so they worked extra hard to earn it. I know many of you have kept your surgery a secret, but I've told everyone I know. I need the support... I need for people to watch me and comment and criticize when necessary, it makes it harder to justify when I do things I shouldn't. I'm just going to come clean to you as well... because I know I want to tell. Did I eat all the chocolate... no! But instead, when my dad offered to take us out to eat last night for my birthday, did I do the right thing??? NO ~ there I was eating fried shrimp and french fries!! Just like before. I didn't even feel guilty. I do now! I'm praying that the doc will give me fill tomorrow and help me get back on the path. I really want to do this! :tt2: Even more... I need to do this. I"m stronger than this ~ or am I? **sigh**

Hey everybody! I haven’t checked here since I had surgery 3/14. I’m down 71 lbs post-op. My hair is thinning a lot now too. I’ve always had thick hair so shedding happens, but it’s been bad the last month. I upped my biotin to 15,000 mg (15 g) a day and the hair is at least not coming out in clumps anymore. It seems hair loss is pretty inevitable for bariatric patients. The skin under my stomach I have to be careful stays dry, but I had that problem before surgery too. The stomach is a lot smaller though now! Yay! I’ve started swimming the last month for exercise. Yes, I actually bought a swimsuit and wear it in public. I am so proud of my weight loss that I don’t even care what people think anymore. In fact, next week, Hubby and I are going to a waterpark! I checked on weight restrictions and everything is ok. This is the first time I’ve gone since high school (I’m 36). Anybody else have some non scale victories (nsv) to celebrate?

Home made ice cream...Yummm! Glad I haven't had to face that, I have a hard enough time with regular ice cream calling for me!!!! I have been doing the skinny cow things and they are good, but sometimes I just get that calling for a real big sundae or cone!!!! I am reading lots of NSV by everyone, I am so happy for all of you! It feels so good to be able to share these things with each other, I don't think our normal sized friends and family members could understand what huge steps these are in our journey to "One-derland"! This morning I wore a shirt to church that has been hanging in my closet for the past 3 years because I couldn't fit it on my body, well today I put that sucker on and its loose!!!!! I wore that proudly, my DH even noticed it and said that I looked really nice. I said "You could tell me I look skinny" LOL! He then said "You do look thinner again this morning, and yes, you look skinny"LOL!:biggrin::scared2::w00t::tt2:

I'm with the rest of you that I've been busy with the holiday preparations already but I wanted to take a minute to share a NSV for me -- I pack away my holiday sweaters, sweatshirts, etc. from one year to the next and I found a couple 1X things and said well, maybe next year and just for grins said let's try it on and see how tight it is -- it fit! OMG! I'm wearing a 1X red sweater to work today... woo hoo!

Hi Everyone, I know what everyone means when people say that you are getting skinny. It is now happening to me on a daily basis. It is wierd to hear all of the positive statements. I am learning to say thank you. My NSV is that I am now also into an 18 and that is getting too big. Now that I am down 82 pounds since 3/27/08 I am finally believing that I can accomplish my goals.

Hi Shamrocks! Fenton - I feel your pain. I dislike Isopure, but choke it down from time to time to get the Protein in. Lynn - I'm not sure what day is your birthday, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Tess- 70 pounds is a huge amount of weight. Just in case you don't think so, go get a 50 pound bag of dog food or potatoes or something and carry it around a little. I know what it is like to get part way there and then stall and get frustrated. I KNOW you can do it! Christine - size 16!!!!! (I'm pea green with envy) Awesome! NurseNiki - Isn't great when people start noticing? I haven't had that happen this time around, but I remember the feeling in the past. It is validation for all the hard work. What a wonderful NSV. Life is moving along quickly these days. I am still a little concerned about the baking in a week or so, but I have a plan. I have several "official" scale weigh ins in January, the first week. I don't want to be disappointed. I think if life is as busy as it has been, I'll be OK. Lately, I struggle to get all the Water and protein in. I actually get too busy to eat. LOL I love that my clothes are getting looser. I can't wait to be able to shop is non-fat lady stores!

well DIVA - Any change is a positive change. consider your new found wardrobe to be a NSV. I to am getting into clothes I have not worn in about a year. and some I am putting on get worn that day and then go to the goodwill pile after washing. I am shopping this weekend for a dress for a wedding next weekend and have no idea what to get.... I know it will be a size or 2 smaller. Even clothes I am still wearing are too big in some areas and do not look good, but my budget cannot allow me to buy for each little change. I have bought new shoes and a new purse. They don't have much effect with weight loss It is a feeling we are all getting used to dealing with and one that is a big lift to our self esteem and alson encouragement for our progress to continue.

I LOVE Kayaking!!! It really is fun, although it usually involves more beer and sandbars than actual kayaking for me. congrats on going with a shirt and shorts! That is a major NSV. I shed the shirt this weekend but kept the shorts!

I am scheduled for fill #2 today. It was originally scheduled for the 21st, but my surgeon added another surgery so the office had to change my appointment. I'm not complaining; I would want someone to change their fill date so that I could get the band. I'm just glad that it was moved up instead of further away. I seem to be stuck. I am hungry. When I'm hungry I eat. I try not to eat too much, but I'm not one of those people that can walk around hungry. My stomach has a notorious growl - its so embarrassing.... I received 3cc during my first fill. I'm hoping for at least another 3cc this time. That would put me at 6 cc in a 14 cc band. I hope this offers a lot more restriction that I have now. I'm getting a little desperate - I am 2 months (on the 24th) post op and I am only down 1 lbs - heck I lost those 18 lb within the first two - three weeks post op. Since then I've been struggling to maintain. I'm glad that I am not gaining - boy am I happy about that - I just want to lose more. My goal was/is to be 180 by June 13th. That may not be possible at this point. If I lose 2lb a week from now to then that would put me at 288 lb. I guess that will have to do. I'm going to have to buckle down - really monitor what goes into my mouth so that I can drop those 8 lbs by June 13th. Then I'll start working towards my July 4th goal - originally I wanted to be 270 lb by then. I'll settle for 278 lb. I'm putting this in writing here because I need some accountability to someone other than myself. No one (except my immediate family knows about my band) so there's no one to push me to try harder (and no one to monitor every morsel of food I eat or whisper about me doing this the easy way - which is why I have chosen to keep this to myself). There are a few people here who have had the band - the conversation that some people have about them is ridiculous. I just don't choose to open myself up to that kind on intense scrutiny and ridicule - I feel like a gay woman whose afraid to come out of the closet - but then again I guess not - I have no idea what that kind of pain feels like and I don't want to compare my petty problems to that. Anyway.... If you guys don't see my ticker going down soon - BLAST ME!! Since that's the last thing I want to see here I will be doing my best to make that dag gone scale move! NSV - I have officially left size 4x behind. I had a peasant blouse that I waited all winter to wear. I put that gorgeous thing on and I was swimming in it!!!! My coworker - who is losing weight, gave me a brand new linen peasant shirt that she is now too small to wear (size 3x) it fit perfectly. WHOOO HOOO!!!! That’s right - I'm celebrating being a size 3x. Do the happy dance, do happy dance - spin it around and shake your body down - doing the happy dance!

Hi Shamrocks! Hard to believe it has been almost 2 weeks since I posted. Scrappy - how fabulous! I don't expect to get rid of the tummy flap for another year or more. The doctor says I can do it now, but I have lots more to loose and I am not interested in doing it twice. You love beautiful, btw! NSV - I'm getting a lot of comments that I have lost "lots" of weight, but the dumb number on the scale won't move no matter how hard I kick the scale. It truly is frustrating. UGH! Well, the good news is that I should be in a size 18 soon. It's been a few years since I have seen that size. Acutally probably about 5.

Oh... and is this a NSV?????? I can now feel my port. It was weird. Last night while changing into my pj's I rubbed my belly and felt the hardness of my port and the even funnier thing is that it is NOT at ALL where I thought it was.. I guess I've lost enough belly fat to feel it. This morning I felt it again just to make sure I wasn't dreaming it. :eek: p.s. GOOD LUCK WITH FILL #2 Terri!

Good evening, Violets... I wrote a whole novel this morning and it got lost. I was so ticked, I just walked away. grrrrrrrrrrrrr I'm not going to attempt to reconstruct it. We'll just start fresh. Laura!!!!! Look at you!!!! Wow.. I wish my belly was disappearing like yours is. You're not going to need a TT at the rate you're going!!! Awesome!!!!! Suzie... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!! Definitely indulge on your special day. As the Bobster says... if you're going to sin, sin boldly.. lol Well, I went to the dentist this morning and had two fillings. I didn't feel good when I got up. Had a sore throat and ear ache. After the dentist, I came home and did nothing the rest of the day except for getting our Christmas card pics taken and printed out. I blew off our retired teacher's Christmas party, bell choir and New Day singers. Hopefully I'll feel like doing stuff tomorrow since I have a ton of things demanding my attendance. arghhhhhhh I got a khaki long skirt from Eddie Bauer today in the mail. I ordered a 16 thinking I could wear it later, but it fits now!! Even with a zipper and snap closing! For me that is a big NSV! Time to get supper on the table. I have a whole roasting chicken in a bag in the oven. It smells wonderful. Gonna fix some carrots and broccoli and call it a meal. Everyone have a good evening.. TTFN...

Wow Violets.. I just caught up on all the weekend posts! Janie: YOU ARE STILL SHRINKING!!!!!!!!!! Kat: I snorted water out my nose with the boob comment from your DH! Laura: WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!! ( I always weigh nekid! ) Terri: Another pound gone AWESOME! Judy: I see that you are closing in on ONEderland too! What day is DH having surgery? Angie: How was your weekend post fill? Everyone Else! HANG IN THERE!!!!!!!!!!! For me.. well I ate way too much crap this weekend, didn't drink enough water and didn't exercise..... but the NSV is that even though I did have a Blizzard it was a KIDS size and not a LARGE! Even though I had a Cheeseburger I DID NOT EAT THE BUN....... I have to take DBF to the airport later today so I will be out for the p.m. and then I want to do some major house cleaning.... I still have two weeks til my first fill.......... Like Jane.. I can eat anything and I continue to bounce on the weekends because I'm eating crap, and then work all week to get it back off..... TracyTX: How are you feeling today?

Good afternoon, Violets.. It's been quite a day here. I've done unpacking, laundry, Curves and uploading all the pics. Here is the link to them. I am soooooooo proud of the way I look in MOST of them. There are a couple of doozies in there, but for the most part, I am pleased I kept saying... Take my picture here... take my picture here. And I did NOT say... make sure you take the picture from the neck up. Woooo hoooooo NSVs!!! I'm off to a Democratic party meeting and then will check in when I get back. Had some turkey for supper and it got stuck, but good. Still haven't ever PB'd, but darn close tonight!! Alaska cruise 2007

I bought spanx from torrid.com once.. Even the biggest size (3x/4x), I couldn't get up my legs. I found something somewhere else, that is like a girdle for your thighs.. its spandex shorts with lots of spandex-y.. I wear that when I have to wear skirts so I don't chaff my thighs.. I wore them with jeans once, and from the gut holding in, it made my pants fall down constantly. Without getting into the detail, husband and I had our biggest fight in 3 years last night! I was feeling so horrible, I wanted to eat and eat and eat. Luckily, I didn't.. I just smoked half a pack of cigarettes in 30 minutes! Yuck. Paid for that this morning. And my eyes are swollen like crazy. I've been looking down a lot so people don't notice. I was in the bath last night till about 3am. Woke up an hour late for work No one said anything thank god, I didn't feel like coming up with some excuse. It's officially time for smaller jeans. I had this one pair of jeans I loved how they fit.. so I had bought 5 pairs, and I wore them 5 days a week. Well, they officially DO NOT fit. Belts make me break out in a rash, so I can't wear one all day... and these jeans..when I stand up, they slide down.. when I walk, I feel them moving down my butt. I ordered 3 new pair of pants from Alloy (thats where i get them.. they have the long inseams).. Normally, they have 2 brands that are super small (one is the NSV jeans I'm waiting to wear, lost since I moved, so they may fit, I don't know).. and 1 brand that was small but not too small.. So I always wore size 25 (the 5 jeans I have I always wear).. I ordered 1 22 and 2 23. I bought shorts before Vegas, and I got 20-22's that fit fine. Woowoo. I was knocking on size 30's door before the surgery, and now I'm into 20/22's. Still haven't weighed myself, I don't know why I forget when I go to my parent's house. I guess I'll just be surprised on Aug 6. Wedding Reception is saturday.. just finished up the final plans for the cake. It's going to be 3 tier, rounded corners, and round.. pale blue (delphinium) buttercream icing, with white swirly patterns all over.. and some blue baby's breath and white carnations on it (fake flowers). The tier we freeze is buttercream icing and filling, almond pound cake. The middle tier is fresh raspberry filling in almond pound cake with the buttercream icing. Bottom tier is half coconut-cream, half caramel buttercream, almond pound cake with the buttercream icing. Hungry yet? LOL We couldn't decide if we wanted caramel buttercream or strawberry, so the cake lady brought samples of both at 9am the other day, so I tasted it.. and it was so delicious.. and I made a point to take small bites.. despite the fact she brought about 1 cup of cake! Then she's like 'this is yours, eat it!'. I kept nudging husband to eat it for me. I had a couple more bites.. ho hum. Jen- Good luck on prospective new job :scales: Tracy-Your face is looking so skinny! Time to go fill my water bottle up..

Morning, Violets.. I got home at 9 last night and went right to bed. Slept pretty good til 1 and then was up with a coughing spell. I ran out of cough medicine.. the only one that works for me is a script one so I'll have to ask my doc at choir rehearsal today for a refill script. Rehearsal is from 9:30 - noon with a potluck afterwards. Then I'm coming home and crashing for the day. Got to shake this dang cold somehow. Zicam, do yer stuff!!! Saw someone the other night at rehearsal that came up to me and told me I was getting skinny. Those NSV's are the best! Got to go curl my hair and get on the road to rehearsal. Organist and I are decorating the tables and getting the punch so I need to be at chruch early to help her. Everyone have a great day! Pamela.... I've told you before.. my church's mantra is... no matter who you are, or where you are in life's journey... you're welcome here! Obama and I are proud to be UCC!! TTFN!!

if you are able to walk.......that is a NSV if you can wipe your ass.....that is a NSV if you can put your own socks on.....that is a NSV if you can sit on a chair or bed no longer fearing it breaking...that is a NSV these are some of my personal NSV's after i had WLS i did not care what the scale said (still dont as i go by losing inches/clothes getting bigger on me) i did not care if i ever got to be a size 2 i wanted to be able to do those things merely WALKING without fear of passing out due to heavy breathing merely sitting down somewhere not being scared the chair would break (like in the movie shallow hal) trust me, those NSV mean a lot MORE than a stupid ass number on a scale when you go from wearing a TIGHT size stretch 30 to a snug 12/14 ......you understand when inches lost means losing TRUE weight... only lost a pound? how about being able to live comfortably its about health not about being skinny or a size...

I actually have a medical restriction at work that states I am not allowed to use any ladders that are not rated for greater than 350 pounds. I always check to make sure it will hold me, but it is strange that it is a restriction on my record. When that is removed, it will be both an NSV and a scale victory!

Had another NSV tonight! I haven't worn heels in a very long time. I've been wearing a size 12W for a while but when I ordered a 12W and 12M both were too big! I get to return them for an 11M! Just reminds me how much the extra weight affected so many other little aspects of my body and life. I didn't expect to go down a full shoe size and width but I'm relieved! It's nearly impossible to find large stylish shoes. Not to mention that my ankles couldn't even take the strain of wearing heels before weight loss. Now that I'm not carrying an extra 125lbs heels don't feel so bad!