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CONGRATS! I love these NSVS. I loved the first time my ring fell off my finger and I didn't notice it. Then I decided that when my other ring that was smaller would fly off my finger that I would be done with my weight loss. Well, it still hasn't happened yet but I think my weight loss is good. I'm stuck at this weight with a bounce of 3 lbs. Not bad, i do like my body size. Ironically, now I'm focusing on my face! I so desperately need a face lift. LOL Nothing is ever going to be perfect.

I am getting the sleeve done on October 1st, and I have been on my liquid diet for one out of three weeks needed. I tried to stay to myself for the first few days and just kinda hang out where I wasn't going to have the issue of food being *right* there. I worked all week, did my thing, and now I find myself on a day off and I realize that this is one of my problems! I always eat so much more when I am at home with nothing to do. I am happy to report that instead of just sitting around I mowed the lawn, went and got another Protein option, got another of the supplements that my NUT wanted me to get for post-surgery, and I bought a more reliable scale for tracking things. I was active, I was moving around, I was feeling good. I have to tell you, though, my moving around had me driving past places that I would have normally dropped in and ate something at. It felt good to drive right past. That brings me to the title of my post: tip-toes and eggshells. I feel like this week has been an eye-opening experience for me. My relationship with food used to define me. But now, I can drive past my old food favorites and I know that I am moving on to a better life. I am even ok with smells. (I went to a GNC to get some stuff and there was a Little Ceasar's 2 doors down. Smelled good, but not enough to compromise this.) I went to visit a friend because we haven't had much occassion to see each other in the last week. I mixed up a strawberry-lemonade Protein Shake and figured I was going to be just fine. D, my friend, felt she had to warn me that her house was going to smell like food because she had a meal cooking in the crock-pot all day long. I told her I would be fine and she dropped it. I sat with her and just talked for almost 3 hours and every time she brought up a new topic is was in some way wrapped around food. Finally, D stops and looks at me and actually appologized for talking about food! I had to laugh and tell her it was ok. I think she felt like she has to tip-toe around the subject because I am denying myself solid food right now. I am not going to lie, I am a total foodie. I love cooking, I love different tastes, I love the social aspect of having a meal with friends. But, I am also at a point where I am not going to let food define who I am. I have thought about surgery before (at my highest I weighed just over 400 lbs) but it was never right for me before. After nights like tonight, I know I am on the right track. I know that it is finally right for me. I think I have seen these called non-scale victories. Well, my friends, I think I have had my first NSV. And I like it.

Some people seem to have more swelling early out, I think that's why they can have so much trouble getting anything down. I also have a "sleeve of steel" - I've never experienced the "foamies", and even in the first few months it was really rare for any food to cause me even the slightest discomfort. But do be aware that it can take months for your cut nerves in your stomach to heal, which is why you don't want to rely on a sensation of fullness to control your portions - measure, measure, measure. I'd say the vast majority of us end up eventually (in maintenance) being able to eat more than we should, particularly if we're getting away from dense protein and letting "slider" foods back in. That's where building good habits will keep you on track, regardless of the size of your sleeve. The last time I had a check-in with my surgeon, he was shaking his head over the difference in patients. He's been amazed that I've lost more than 100% of my "excess weight" (by his goal measurements), even though I have a sleeve (he has more bypass patients). He was talking about the fact that on the inside, we all end up with more or less the same "tool" to work with, but some of us go so much further with it than others. Certainly part of that is metabolism and other factors beyond our control, but a lot of it can be your personal determination about how you're going to live your life going forward. Make good food choices, move your body (a lot) more, deal with the mental/emotional reasons behind your obesity. If you can manage all that, you'll be a raging success regardless of the size of your sleeve. I've certainly had my struggles along the way, and I've eaten things I wish I hadn't let back into my diet, but I think if you can keep yourself on track, you'll be a success. In the mean time, know that stalls are part of the journey for most of us, and they're extremely frustrating, but if you stay on track the scale will start moving again. If it doesn't, it's time to take a really good look at what you're eating, and how much. Track every last bite you're consuming, even those chewable vitamins. Figure out whether too many carbs are stalling you journey. And in the mean time, focus on how much progress you've made already, dig out those "before" photos and measurements, go try on some smaller clothes, and make a list of your "NSVs" - non-scale victories. Once you get to maintenance you're going to need something other than plummeting numbers on a scale to give you the positive reinforcement you need to stay on track. Stalls are a great opportunity to practice that skill! (And learn to laugh at the stupid scale. I remember shaking my head at the goofiness of weighing exactly the same amount for five days in a row, down to the tenth of a pound. I mean, what are the chances of that? Even variations in hydration levels should cause more variation than that! At that point I was checking my scale batteries! But I did my best to laugh at the ridiculousness of it.)

Yesterday a 2nd grader that I have known for years (and we "pick" on each other) gave me a hug and said "Ooo, skinny."

Every NSV counts! And if I am reading your ticker right, you have lost 103lbs in 5.5 months! That is incredible!! Congratulations!

After years of having to buy adjustable necklace chains, I am now able to wear an 18" chain!! My neck has gone from 18" to 15" since June 26th!! Now...if I could just get the scale to show something less than 251!!!!! ;-P

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. Kim, yes sometimes the scale isn't my friend either. NSV - some clothes that were too tight that now fit, easier to tie my shoes, my grandson has more room on my lap (my fav), more energy. What I really miss in carbs is my popcorn. The bread, rice & potatoes I don't miss too much. Does anyone eat popcorn?

Marie...WELCOME! Your story sounds JUST LIKE MINE!! I was so sick for the first 12 days I was sure I'd made the biggest mistake of my life...begged God to help me or kill me...LOL My band was placed July 31...I'm down 20. Feeling great. And yep, we all still have 'those' days when we can't seem to find what satisfies...but I'm proud to say I have had few of those...really getting the hang of what my body is telling me...and excited to know it will work (HAS worked!) and will keep moving in the right direction. We are a small group - only about 5 of us who post regularly...but please post as often as you feel the need...someone will reply pretty quick. We have found a great source of encouragment here and its actually been FUN to share this walk w/ others who're in the same time-frame. That's really helpful, I think... I'll be SO excited to see 34 lbs off...YIPPEE FOR YOU!! We Celebrate with you. What are some of your NON-SCALE VICTORIES? (NSVs) ?? I love hearing about the changes we are each seeing in our bodies - besides the scale. Sometimes, FOR ME AT LEAST, the scale is really not my friend. i keep watching for those other tell-tale signs....this evening, for example, I noticed I can actually see my wrist bone!! LOL It truly took me by surprise. And when I lie down, I can feel my sternum!! Sounds goofy, I know, but there's been so much padding there for so long, I was afraid I actually had some kind of growth! LOL Silly me...But, IT MATTERS!! This is a great group, Marie...please jump in often...we'll try to keep you on the right path - accountability and encouragement! WE CAN DO THIS!! Once and for all!! Blessings! --Kim

Oh Wow!!!! Yay you!!!!!! A huge NSV!!!

I was able to keep up with insanity work out DVD

LOL Gmanbat. I needed that one. It's been almost a week and I have not given in to My Precious. I also has NSV today in that I am COMFORTABLY in a 2X shirt. (Previously I rolled in the 4Xes. 3Xes if it was stretchy). My 2X black peasant blouse is doing me well.

the "girls" at the dentist's office went berserk when they saw me today. they all knew that i had the WLS - but they hadn't seen me since about 45 lbs ago. i got so many compliments, i was turning red OMG :wub: i was so excited to hear them the funniest thing happened next, the dentist enterred the room where we were all talking, he saw "my face" as he enterred the room and said hi he literally did a dble take - he said "WOW - look at you." we all laughed - but i was crying/happy so much inside. Not use to this flattery and stuff- i think i could get used to this

I am only 1 week post op but had tremendous success on post op and am down 24 lbs! Today I put on some pants that were really uncomfortable a few weeks ago and they are loose! Decided to clean out my closet. But there is something wrong with my brain! I look at things and think, I should keep this for a puffy day or in case I gain. GUESS WHAT? I am NOT going to gain again! You should see how much I pulled out of that closet. Not wasting anytime it all goes to the Goodwill tomorrow! I am getting rid of the excess...weight and clothes! I am loving this!

Celebrate all NSV!

That is an awesome NSV, congratulations!

I love reading everyones NSV....so sharing one more of mine...for the past 20 yrs when ever useing public restrooms I always wait to use the Handicapped stall.....reason being in a normal size stall my body touched the walls if I wasnt careful when moving.....well yesterday first time I used a reg stall ( the handicapped one was being used) and OMYGOODNESS i felt small in there...and crazy as it sounds...I just stood in there and moved and smiled....even laughing out loud a lil.......Lifes good !

Great NSV!!!!

Congratulations! What a wonderful outcome. Best NSV ever!

Hey guys! 4/24 was my date. I haven't been on here in a while.....I got a little off track but I'm back on now :-) Something happened to me today that was amazing......I bought a pair of Jeans from the regular ladies sizes! A 15/16...... I think I could've worn a 13/14. I may go back and try them on. :-) No more plus sizes for me! Yay! I am so excited. I had another NSV about 3 weeks ago......I entered onederland! Yay! I have gone from 276 to 187! Awesome! I am feeling so great and I have finally started getting my protein in. Yay me! Its about time! I hope everyone else is doing well!

Yes this is a life changing post!!! Your life is changing! And that is sooooo awesome. Congrats! Love those nsv!

Happy Birthday Enjoy your NSV and that pretty red dress!

Happy Birthday! My NSV is I was able to wear jeans yesterday that I couldn't get over my butt in July. Also I am not in pain when I get out of bed in the morning.

Wow, pretty dress. My NSV is I can wear bra's from Victoria Secret again. I lost my back fat first!

Today is my Birthday and today my NSV is this dress I'm wearing what's yours?

Yea! I can actually feel my ribs! Now, granted, I have to be laying flat on my back .. But there they are! Three weeks from my sleeve! A great NSV!