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Lisa, Lisa, love your post and that you are taking care of yourself. And the race to the theater seats -- being able to do it and laugh about it -- big NSV! Such a New Yorky one from my point of view here in the sticks, lol. I've been dealing with addiction of a loved one as well. My best friend -- had no idea (depression and alcohol but I think the prescribed medication is playing a huge role). I am doing what I can (her husband has ALS...Who wouldn't want escape through whatever means but it DOESNT WORK). Anyway, two beautiful children and I am in a position where I have to draw the line and take care of myself and my own family -- feels like a lot of prioritizing going on 24 x 7 and I imagine that's what your life is. Choose Lisa first. Choose Lisa first. Come on, Let me hear it -- choose Lisa first. Every one else will benefit. Sing it, chant it behind the steering wheel, say it in the shower......at least that's worked for me.

I'm really looking foward to this upcomming year, We just spent the whole last year starting a new life and now we'll spend the next one begining to live our new lives. Congrats to all as each of our days aproach. I went shopping to get a couple of things to wear on our 4th of July getaway. I found myself with a NSV Size 10 jeans!! All I could think was a size 9 is just around the corner, I can't remember the last time I bought single didget clothing. I hope ya'll have a great weekend!!!!

Apples – Glad your troubles are almost over. Good for you! Laura – No need to apologize for spending time with your family and work. Sounds to me like you are thinking about full time??? Janet – Your quiet Thanksgiving Day sounds like heaven to me. There are times I wonder how it would be to have a holiday to myself. I don’t know if I would like it or not but I sure wouldn’t mind trying it out. Julie – I hope your trigger point helps the pain. Let us know how it goes with DSIL. TX – Awesome NSV!! That is the best. Linda – I agree with everyone else. Take care of yourself and your family. Make your visits with your grandmother when they work for you and her. The others aren’t important unless you let them be. Cheri and others who posted about giving up some computer time. I too have cut way back on computer time. It is so easy to get involved in things and the time goes by so quickly. Unfortunately, there is a price to pay for that involvement such as our family time or work. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my computer time and enjoy it but I have trimmed it back. I have totally given up FB games. I still like to read here and keep up with news reports.

Eva - love, love the pictures. Wish I could have shared lunch with you at that lovely place. Wow WARNING - my Visa credit card was (also) compromised in Las Vegas (I bet). Apples mentioned she had problems upon returning from Vegas. Card was just denied at the groomers. Charges in Canada, and India, as well as, the US. Watch you bills, ladies. For those who used credit cards in Vegas. A little good news to share, yesterday and today ppl have mentioned that I'm sure losing weight. NO ONE has noticed anything before this. NSV yippee LauraK - drama may reach fever pitch beginning Sunday. We are moving 42 yr. old son from Nevada back to K.C. to start his life over. I'll be finding an apartment for him and his dog next week and getting him settled. Then pack and leave for Guam on the 1st. Running away from it all.

Apples, Congratulations on your 1 year band anniversary - I missed it last week, so just wanted to say congratulations and thanks for sharing with us newer bandsters and inspiring us. So sorry to hear of your friend's passing Apples and Janet, I will say a prayer for her family. Meredith, I loved your story about your dad -- what a great dad you have -- and now you only have 3 days left till your band day!! You're going to do so great. Julie, hope you can relax now and get some rest. My dept. was celebrating its 10 year anniversary at work - and we had a little party -- cake and punch. Since I work at night and weekends, I rarely see anyone except my immediate co-workers. Several people from different departments told me how great I look and one girl even told me I look younger! I was worried before that I'd look older after I lost weight, but so far so good. I talked to two different people who didn't even recognize me at first -- then all of a sudden they said, "oh, Linda, it's YOU!" That was fun too and the best NSV I've had to date. I brought home the piece of cake they had put on my desk and gave it to my sweets loving DH. Better in he than in me! Have a great day tomorrow everyone. It's supposed to be 105 here in central Iowa -- along with 98% humidity! Linda

Good Morning Gang Back from the gym - I had an AH HA moment - I was taking the advice that I give all of you - I pumped up my exercise. I did 30 minutes on the stair machine and was sweating like a pig by the time I got off - it said 2 miles and 228 calories 97 flights of stairs - did level 6 on something then I went and got on the treadmill and did another 2.53 miles burned another 220 calories - incline 6 to 8 and speed 3.5 to 3.7 I'm pooped - but feel good at the same time.. Ya he's right in away - I have always said they banded our tummies not our brains !!!! I am going to have to ck out the brain surgery - just think if they can do that and the band sleeve or what ever - we would have it made in the shade... Linda great nsv on the drivers license pic !!!! Ok it's windy and I need to go clean my room do some wash get dressed - I need new tennis shoes... So CBL -

Hello Girls! All I can say is......YAY!!!!:thumbup::thumbdown::crying::cursing::drool: I did it! I lost 1.1 yesterday to take me up to 10lbs for the whole month. That's my best lost ever, even better than when the band was first put in I think. I am buzzing!! I am still struggling with the exercise this week again (work always seems to get in the way of having fun!) but I am going to stick religiously to 1200 cals and see how far that gets me. I would like to zigzag, but am reading into it, as I am a routine person, and I need to know how much I am having on what day. A friend sent me this link if you are interested too Calorie Calculator - Daily Caloric Needs I am so pleased. I don't feel deprived and better than that - I just took off my work trouserx (don't panic - I'm at home now!) without undoing the fly or buttons!! NSV city!! The discussion here is so useful. You take so much for granted, but its only those who have tried and had success who really know ie Our Janet! Mx

Good Evening everyone! Thanks so much to all of you who were in Florida for sharing-- like some of the others have mentioned, I too feel like I was there -- and yes, I believe I would have felt the same --I alreay know you all anyway. I still do want to meet in person soon though -- so we'll have to work out the details of our next trip. I found out today I didn't accrue any vacation for either Dec. or Jan. as I missed more than 15 days each of those months - so I BARELy have enough vacation time to take 5 days off in July for my neice's wedding. I didn't realize I wasn't accruing vacation those two months so that really hurts. I just have to hope I don't have to take any time off between now and then (we don't have sick leave so I have to use vacation/personal time for that). So it makes it tough. Judy, excellent synopsis -- great sense of humor -- you and I would get along great -- so glad you were able to make it. Apples, sounds like you were wonderful as always with the hostessing duties. Lori, hope you didn't think I was being critical of you on your venting post -- I was just saying that "of course you were feeling depressed cause everything was not in your control" I didn't mean to imply that you were a controlling person -- I hope you didn't take it that way. I just meant it would be tough for anyone to go though that many changes and undecided plans all at once. WTG on the Valentine's Day presents -- your DH sounds just great. We don't do presents either really -- we tend to go out and buy what we want/need at that time -- sometimes we wrap up stuff we buy just to put it under the tree for "show" so the kids dont' feel sorry for us -- but honestly, like most of you, I'd rather save the money for a nice vacation. My DH and I bought each other fifty cent cards at the dollar store and wrote nice things in them -- he told me how "beautiful I have always been to him and how proud he is of me for getting healthy." That meant more than a present anyway. We did go out to dinner Sat. nigiht -- just our usual place up the street -- but it was nice -- I put on a top he particularly liked when I bought it -- he commented on it at the time. But no heart teddy for me -- LOL. Apples I LOVE it!! WTG girl - I'm sure you had a great time. Julie, so glad you went and also glad you found some nice things to buy and yes, congrats on the seat belt extension and tray table - it was a thrill for me last year when I got to put the tray table down all the way -- I do believe that was one of the better NSV to date. Also glad you didn't have any problems with your flights. Eva, so glad you were there for Janet and she there for you so you weren't alone in your long travel day. Hope you're enjoying Ft. Myers. I checked the weather there today and saw it was pretty chilly -- 60 = sorry you're having such crappy weather. I cooked a big valentine dinner for kids and DH and the dog's b-day -- including a cake -- also went to see Lovely Bones this weekend and shopped for DGD's new comforter/sheet set for her bedroom here at my house.So although busy, a good weekend. Got all my exercise in. Laura, hope Nelson is better -- I could tell before what a great kid he is -- plus you are such a great Mom -- so I KNEW he was a great kid. Hugs on the snow in Indiana! We just are having small flurries and wind and very cold here. Jessica, so glad you went - I'm sure this will help you in your journey -- so glad you found our group on the LBT -- I know you'll be a smashign success in both your weight loss journey, nursing and being a Mom!! Your pic is great - you look so diifferent from your first picture. Charlene, I haven't gotten much of the Beck Diet book read -- really love what it says in the little I've had time to read -- but I do think it will be very helpful. Phyll, I saw the pictures of your new Grandpuppy -- she is adorable -- I think you should have snuck her on the plane with you -- why not get a little one to keep you adn DH company? I think you should go and get one this week. You won't regret it. My little sweetie just cheers me up every day. NY, hope all is well with you and you get that surgery done soon. Let us know when you get a date. To the newbie having surgery on 2-20 or thereabouts, congrats and you will be fine on the 7 day liquid diet -- I had to do 2 weeks before surgery and it was no problem -- by the time I started I was really ready to tackle my obesity and I was sick of food at that point. You'll do just fine, trust me. LauraK hope everything is okay -- how's your dog getting along. Sorry I can't remember the name. Cheri, glad you had a great time with your grandkids -- they really brighten our lives -- wish I could have a few more. Love my little GD so much. Meredith, congratulations on the house and the move -- you'll love it!!! Well, I must close -- not intentional if I left someone out - I'm rushing cause I just got home from work. LBT was down part of the day and I couldn't read anything until tonight. Glad it is fixed now -- loved seeing the pictures and hearing about the weekend. Love and hugs to all. Linda

:lol:Well Girls, I tell you I just am sitting here cracking up:lol:! Congradulations! 1000 pages:thumbup:! Just shows ya where there is a will there could be a lot of junk! LOL I hope in another 1000 I know you all as well as you know each other! Way to make my morning! Back to the real stuff, i am going to try to walk twice again today. I walked a total of 70 minutes yesterday, and I got a diploma from about.com for having completed my 10 week walking program! I feel kinda proud....also nsv I started out in xxl sweats and now am in xl stretch pants, the next pair will be large, and that will be pretty soon, because the ones I wear are loosening up after two wears! YEAH:thumbup:! It is looking a little overcast here so we might just get that rain forecasted for the weekend. That is all for now... some pics of my walk yesterday:

Jill,congratulations on your year bandanniversary and also on your losses -- both pounds and sizes -- it doesn't matter how much someone loses -- what matters is that you continue on your path to a new healthier you and it sounds like you have been and will continue to be very successful. I'm so happy that you had such wonderful NSV and especially at the wedding - wow! I bet you were glowing! That should help you stay inspired for your next year with the band! So happy for you!! Laura, so happy you had a great time with your sister and now you're mom and dad coming - that's nice too -- I'm jealous -- I still have 4-1/2 weeks until I get to see my family -- can't wait! Meredith, can't imagine that you have that much drainage but maybe it's cause they only used one incision (right? you had the new one incision band, I think). So none of us would have any idea because all of us had the old, 5 incision bands. I'm sure you'll be fine if you continue to follow doctor's orders and keep a close eye on it. Ifyourband, I'm so sorry you had such a bad time with your folks and that your mom got hurt. Hope she's doing better and everything has calmed down. Proud of you for recognizing that you needed to write rather than eat -- it's hard to get through the first few eating triggers, but sounds like you did a good job. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Linda

Hi Gals, Long time, no talk. I had a crazy week here with relatives visiting for a few days, then two picnics yesterday and dinner and a show last night. Saw Diana Krall nearby in Ocean Grove. The perfect end to a long, fun week. Sounds like all of us in bandster world for most of us going into our six month bandiversary are continuing to see positive results. Ups and downs, stucks, PB's, NSV's, wieght fluctuations {hopefully Water more then fat} and scale numbers' going lower and lower. Amica, congratulations on your Old Navy buys. It's a wonderful feeling we can all relate to and love to hear that other's are experiencing it. Chrissy, you are someone to be reckoned with. 70lbs! You're melting away! Despite all the food around me this week, I have to say, I have been good. Not by choice, but by band. I've been fighting going back to the dr's to get an unfill. I'm only at 3cc's and I seem to get stuck more then not. I chew, I don't drink fluids, I take my time but I still have a problem a few times a week. My food of choice is mainly SanteFe Rice and Beans Lean Cuisine and some turkey chili, and tuna fish, which are safe foods, my hair is falling out, and I'm seeing major acne on my forehead when I didn't even have it as a teen! My DH thinks the acne is also due to lack of nutrients. Who knows but it's not pleasant. I just started back having my Protein drinks for Breakfast {yesterday} and think I should continue since I don't eat my breakfast until lunch time. This coming week is pretty quiet and I need to focus on eating, journaling in MFP and working out, getting back on track. My 16 yr old step daughter is visiting us from SC. She asked me if I would bring she and her girlfriend to the Cake Boss' {TLC} store in Hoboken, NJ next Sunday to buy cannoli's and other Italian pastries. Ugh! That will be an accident waiting to happen!! LOL Everyone have a good day. Stay cool, be cool and just laugh at what ever life brings today.

That’s what it’s all about. Let the NSVs get you through the weight stalls! Keep it up! My NSV is returning to spin class this morning after a 3 month break... and I crushed it! Also- my spin shoes aren’t so tight my feet go numb, I can keep up with the class in position 2 and can do jumps! Another NSV? A lot less lady part discomfort cause I’m able to be out of the saddle a lot more! It’s crazy what taking 50lbs off will do! (Note: I’m only down like 32 since surgery in July, but I’m probably down 50 since the last class in May..

NSV - went shopping last night for some cool weather clothes..Heading up NORTH, Rochester, NY for the weekend.. I amazed myself. I was able to buy a size "M" for my sweat pants... I can't remember the last time I could say that.. and a size "L" for my tops.. I have lots of trouble with my midsection and getting things to fit..too much excess skin. but thiis shopping trip was a big ego lift for me!!

Suzie - I just noticed in your avatar that you have COLLAR BONES!!! Whoa!!! Major NSV!! Maybe if I'd get out and mow lawns for 6 hours I'd have collar bones,too!

Kat, congrats on the NSV. How awesome that must have felt. We spend more time out on our deck than in the house. I know the neighbors must hate it that we are out there all the time, but now that we have a fence up they don't have to worry about it anymore. Several years ago Hubby and I were on our way to the Lake when we ran across a little Amish furniture place. We ended up buy a glider that is divided in the middle by a little table. We thought that would work better than sitting side by side. Now I can rock all I want and have my glass of ice tea. Speaking of ice tea, I made my first batch of Sun Tea today. It's delicious. Love the stuff. Hope everyone had a great weekend.

You crack me up, Haydee!! Richard wanted to take me out to dinner but we had to cancel due to stuff going on with mom. So I asked for a jewelry tumbler instead...LOL I got tools for Christmas! And i couldn't be happier! Can't wait for my package to come. :tongue: I'll be your house is looking really good, eh? What all have you done already? I find it hard to believe you dont like cheese!? How do you eat queso and enchiladas and nachos??? What's WRONG with you????????? :confused2: Great NSV!! You'll have to wear a helmet now. KAT - So glad your son is home!!! What a wonderful surprise for you all! Gee, i can't believe you didn't just go plop yourself on their couch for a couple of hours! They would have loved that! :mad:

I enjoy this thread daily. I have trouble responding to every post, so I just jump in here and there. :tt1: I do read every post. Anne said I have wisdom! :eek: hehe.... Thanks Anne! To all who feel down sometimes. I feel it too, but try to focus on some positive stuff to get me out of a funk. I do feel much better now that I have dropped major poundage, but some days I still feel fat and it brings me down a little. I also have those "mid-life crisis moments." Focus on NSVs helps me sometimes. Here are a few of mine that have helped in the past few days: There were a few times this week I felt kinda "lanky". It has been a long time since I had that "lanky" feeling! I got some positive comments from patients this week. One young gal looked at me after I took her x-rays and said "you look so different!" I told her I have lost 80 lbs since the last time she was in. She said, "omg! that's it! you look great!" Another patient kept looking and finally said, "have you lost a bunch of weight or something?" It's really a good feeling. I went closet shopping again today! I found several more things that fit!!! I am wearing a pair of jeans right now that I could not get zipped a couple weeks ago! They fit great today! woot! I pulled the next pair of jeans to the front of the closet. They will be the next I shrink in to!

This is such a great thread! I'm so glad you started it, Leigha. Your episode yesterday sounds miserable. I'm so glad Dr. Kim's nurse is meeting you today for a little unfill. I love hearing about good doctors---there are few enough of them that kudos are warranted. Everyone deserves a good doctor; I wish everyone had them. Awesome job with the weightlifting--and lost weight and inches! Ada, exercise is key for me, too. I hope the next fill's the charm for you. I'm one step behind you, just about to get my 2nd fill on Wednesday--with my 3rd already scheduled. It feels good to be moving toward it Heather, 48 pounds! Phenomenal! My doctor is a 4 oz. protein/3x day kind of guy, too. (Well, he works UP to 3-5 ounces; I'm still at 2.5.) It can leave a little extra room, no? :laugh: Still, it does the trick, weight-wise--and with restriction, it will be wonderful. Speaking of restriction, sorry you had to unfill a bit, but hopefully you are now in a better place. Illuminationlady, I'm SO glad you've reached the not-hungries! Your progress really gives me hope. Hummingbird, I hope your tight fill modifies itself to sweet spot fast. TJ--salt + no BP meds will add up to a gain every time. (Hm. Maybe soon, those meds will be a thing of the past; I'm pretty sure mine are on the way out...) That gain will be gone in no time. In the meantime, you're experiencing AWESOME NSVs! BT--How many hours now? I'm much like you; I can lose weight just fine (though being old and female makes it a bit slower going than you've experienced). It's keeping it off that I really suck at. The band is going to be an amazing tool for you. Have people really said that your opinions and advice don't matter because you're not yet banded? Dumbasses. Your advice has always been really solid, IMO. I am procrastinating--I really need to be working. I have a publisher's deadline on Wednesday, and I'm being bratty about it. I hate working through weekends, and this assignment was timed in a way that ensured I'd have to work straight through this one. (Got it on Thursday.) Of course, my protest is only going to shoot ME in the foot...but I still seem to be having a petulant temper tantrum. (I will buckle down and get it done in a few minutes...) I just wanted to add my NSV du jour: I teach Sunday school to first and second graders. I alternate with another teacher, and because of my surgery, have not seen the kids since before our very long winter recess. The first little girl who came in this looked at me really funny. I asked her if she remembered me---and after looking at me for a few minutes, I reminded her that my name is Betsy. She looked at me a minute more, and said, "I know. But you look completely different!" THAT felt mighty good! Have a great Sunday! Off to work. :biggrin:

Just had a seriously weird moment whilst grocery shopping. Some guy looked at the stuff in my trolley and asked if I was feeling hungry. I said no I have a teenage son so he replied that he was wondering how I managed to stay so slim! Yes it may have been an NSV but it also felt a bit weird and creepy.

Wow Leigha! Leave it to you to burn that many calories when you're not exercising LOL! I can't wait for my BB to get here! It looks like it will arrive on Tuesday, so not much longer now! So, to burn the extra 300+ calories as Betsy mentioned should be easy with the 'regular' activites you maintain (especially the gardening)! The more I think about it, the more I really think the calorie deficiency is the reason for our plateaus for as much as we're burning. I am going to follow the BB recommendations for a couple of weeks and see what happens. I have nothing to lose at this point, since I'm going on 9 weeks of this blasted plateau LOL! So, I'm guessing you like your BB? I cannot WAIT to get mine! AF - welcome! I was actually walking right away. You have to take it easy with exercise the first 4 to 6 weeks, but honestly, I was doing about 1 mile per day and I was fine. I wasn't given any timing with drinking (other than no liquids 15 before and an hour after eating). Denise--CONGRATS on your NSV! Woohoo! Betsy--thanks for your kind words. I honestly don't know what I'd do without you guys and the support you constantly give. My husband, not being able to handle the thought of anything potentially bad, reacted in the man way and I just felt so alone. I knew though that between my awesome mother (who lives next door thank God) and you guys, I'd be okay though :-) Happy Mother's Day to all my banded mommies and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!! xo

Nicole! That is an AWESOME list of NSVs! I also no longer need acid reflux meds or my CPAP machine! I "tried on" a skirt I wore six months ago, this morning...and was able to pull the waist of it about 8 inches from left side. WOW! I tried to get a picture with my laptop cam but I couldn't do it. I'll get hubby to snap one when he's awake. LOL. I also didn't gain anything during TTOTM this time! Yay!! Meredith & Lady B: Keep us posted on what's going on. I'm going to ask my doc if some meds will cause the band to tighten as well. I noticed that during my TOTM this time, on the days I took generic Midol, I seemed to have more of a problem getting food down. He told me it would be tighter anyway because of the fluid retention in the body, but on the days I didn't take the med, I didn't have any issues. weird. Meredith...have fun at the reunion. Work it Girl! I agree with what has been said about still seeing the "old me" in the mirror. I think part of it is because I don't have clothes that fit properly. I mean, they are wearable, but not all of them really, truly fit. Part of it is that I still have work to do toning lots of areas of my body. So, I've started trying to only look in the "big" mirror when I'm fully clothed. I also try to focus on areas where, to me, the loss is really noticeable...like my waist, neck and chest. That really does help me start to visualize a skinnier me. However, its still hard to wrap my mind around the possibility of being in a single digit size. I mean...I haven't been since I was like, 15. LOL! God bless of each you today. Look to Him for your strength in every moment. Love & Hugs,

Oh I forgot my NSV, I have a smaller booty! Was beginning to think I would just keep changing bra sizes forever and nothing else.

126dee...welcome. Wow...I am so far behind on catching up with everyone's posts...so I'll just say "Great job Everyone!" Even if the scale isn't moving,we can still find things to celebrate. For instance, all my rings are spinning around my ring finger. I'm having to wear some on my middle & index fingers. I put on a size 20 skirt this morning...and honestly...I think I could wear an 18 right now! So my point is...whether the "metal monster" is moving or not, look for those NSV's to keep you going....and come back here for honesty and encouragement. We're all in this together!

You know it still amazes me how much my thinking still has to change about what my capacity is post sleeve. I never realised how much I felt I couldn't do- and that I had gotten to the point where I was so unhealthy I really couldn't accomplish basic things. For example, I went to work for four hours this morning, came home and reorganised my study, the linen press and my wardrobe. Then I went and swept the patios, cleaned the rest of the house and vacuumed and mopped. And I still have plenty of energy! Before I could never have even considered doing this let along without breaking a sweat - literally Love, love LOVE my sleeve...& a recent (sort of NSV) I now no longer weigh the most in my family my dad now wears that title (as he should) lol. Can't believe it was only 9 months ago that I had the surgery - so many changes, so many things happening!! It's bloody amazing!

Cath, I hope that your blood tests come back negative. The other thing that can cause back pain is the Phrenic Nerve which runs around the base of the Diaphragm and can cause referred pain into the back. Mzbkt, I know that the pre op period can be really stressful, however, the serious complications that can result post op if you smoke up until the surgery could make your recovery very uncomfortable. If you can use the patches for even just a week before surgery, you could reduce the risks of Lung related complications and also the risk of developing a clot. Mistysj, it sounds like what you experienced today is called 'dumping', this usually happens when we drink/eat too much sugar (more commonly) or fat and it doesn't get absorbed. Unfortunately, the only treatment is to do what you are doing and rest until the symptoms pass. I am sorry that you have experienced this so early in your recovery. Lissa, I love your NSV about being told to buy 'smaller clothes'...that is such a hoot. LOL. I'll bet you had a quiet giggle at that comment. Bec, I hope that you are doing well after your surgery? Regards Michele