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What a great NSV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I brought cinnamon buns to our morning meeting where we met our new manager for the first time. She looked at me and said "You're such a little thing! It's always the little ones who bring the food!" Lol If she only knew...

I wish I had taken measurements but I don't have a measuring tape and never think to buy one when I am out shopping. However, I had a NSV today. I fit into a pair of pants that I have not fit into in years...I thought I would just share.

YAY!!, that is a great NSV..I think the NSV threads are the best motivators!! Keep up the GREAT work!!!

I think that a lesson many people need to learn and understand. Calories eaten need to be less than calories burned .. the math is simple but application sometimes is hard .. great nsv tho well done

So today I actually bought my first pair of size 8 pants, and they fit!! I have never worn anything with a single digit size in my life! I was at a 26/28 at my biggest. The pic below is my biggest pants compared to the pair I bought today and the other picture is my 13 year old son and I both in that same biggest pair from the other picture.

Flying for a work conference and had to actually tighten the belt instead of having it fully extended. Woot!!

So, one of my co-morbidities was blood clots and two pulmonary embolisms (emboli?) sitting in my lungs. Went to the pulmonologist today for a quick check up and he cleared me for the clots and the emboli, saying that they should not repeat (because they were caused by being sedentary after having pneumonia) AND, big whoop here, he took me off of coumadin!!! Between him and my surgeon, they told me that I also don't have to take lovinox injections when I go in the 20th to have my blood clot filter removed!!! So, I get to quit taking one med, and avoid taking 14 shots of a drug that leaves me bruised and hurting!! Yippee!! That, along with 33 pounds lost, made my day!!! Oh, and the pulmonologist cleared me for "any exercise the weight loss surgeon approves"!!! I'm a happy camper today. In one week, I get to start lifting weights and I can up my exercise to include the recumbent bike and the elliptical!!! I know, too many exclamation points and smiley faces, but I'm trying to convey how thrilled I am!!!

Participated in our local Walk From Obesity and completed the 2 miles in the middle of the pack. This time last year I would have been out of breath within a quarter mile. So happy I have my sleeve.

seatbelt extender!!

seriously adorable post. I love both of these NSVs....you are on cloud 9...shout it out!

A little over a week ago I saw my primary care physician for a checkup (actually saw the PA but that was fine, it's not like I even know my PCP as I only see her once in a blue moon). Anyhow, I brought along the XRays of my sleeve from Dr. Aceves and told her about the surgery. She didn't even know what VSG was so I had to explain it to her (I never told my PCP I was going to have the procedure before I went to Mexico). She seemed happy with my weight loss and didn't make any negative comments about me going to Mexico (which was good, as that would have really upset me). She ordered a battery of blood tests, which I had done early last week (I hadn't fasted prior to my dr. appt. so needed to come back another time). I got the results on Thursday, and to my delight, everything was within a normal range. In 2009 (last time I had blood tests) I had elevated fasting blood glucose -- not quite high enough to be confirmed for diabetes, but higher than the normal range (normal range tops out at 99, I was 110, diabetes is 125 or higher) -- basically, pre-diabetes. And my blood pressure was higher than normal, too. Well, this time my fasting blood glucose level was 85, right smack dab in the middle of normal! And my blood pressure is normal too (it also had been elevated -- not high enough for meds, but higher than normal; this time it was 118/80). There was not one area where my blood was not within a normal range! I am only halfway to my long term weight loss goal, but one of my major goals/hopes for this surgery was to have my health issues resolved, and I am thrilled that they really are! I feel like I have already added years onto my life. Even if I never lost another lb. (which I don't think will be the case), I consider this surgery to be a success because it has really, measurably, improved my health. I am SO thrilled with my sleeve!!!!

Okay so I haven't seen the scale move much in the last month, so I decided to redo my measurements. My hubby took them the night before surgery and then again today. I have lost quite a bit in inches which is really great for me to see and it helps me know this surgery is working even tho the scale isn't telling me it is. I also am seeing my right side is larger than my left...

Just moved into my new apartment this weekend, one of the teens asked my daughter if her mom was the skinny lady that's always running up and down the stairs! OMG! The skinny lady!

Jazzy NSV with clothes is always great Kudos!!!! i thought "only" size of clothing was Plus Size!!!! there is a regular womens size too?? good for you!! congrats on your plane NSV had to tighten the seat belt!!!! Way to Go!!!!! i also used to "hide" the fact that seat belt wouldn't close busted - flight attendant saw me, and discreetly handed me extender!!! my NSV - flew a couple of weeks ago - i sat in the middle seat - no problem room to spare on each side of my butt Wow - best flight i ever had!!!!

Hi May Sleevers I thought by now everyone sleeved in May would probably have settled into a bit more of a routine or at least gotten past some of the initial surgery questions. I imagine some of us have some great NSV's as well as some challenges. Soo.....I thought I would send up a general question to get a discussion started. I would love to hear how everyone else is doing. I am going to post my progress/thoughts below.

4lbs a week is 2-3 lbs above the recommended amount a person should lose a week. 4lbs a week isn't slow. I know it seems like a lot of people drop SERIOUS weight in the first few weeks but not all of us do. You CANNOT make your body do what it isn't going to do so, in order to NOT go insane, keep your eyes on your own paper. Look at your own history, your own journey, your own success. You're down 13lbs from your surgery date and that's fantastic. I NEVER more than 2 or 3 lbs a week after my first week post op. NEV. ER. But now I am down 102lbs. You will keep losing! You are right on track. Keep your thoughts positive, follow the rules, do the work. your sleeve is WORKING. Also keep in mind you may be dropping inches, and probably from places you don't even realize like ankles, wrists, knees. One of the first things I noticed, 4 days post op is that it no longer hurt like hell to climb the stairs. Start counting your NSV's and relax. It's working.

I flew for the first time this weekend since having the surgery in July. Wow! What a difference. I used to be able to put the seatbelt on, but it would be snug and stretched out to the max length. When I put it on this time around, I pulled a good 6-10 inches of seatbelt to make it fit properly. The scale hasn't moved in a month or more, but things like this are keeping me going!

Are you doing measurements too? I gained weight last week, although I know it wasn't really a gain, and then did lose 1.4 lbs when all was said & done this week. However, I've lost 5 inches this week! We need to be patient as our bodies adjust to everything! Major surgery, different kinds of food, different activities - our bodies need time to adjust! I've written a few posts on my blog about this recently & about looking at the NSVs too. Stressing about it doesn't help weight loss either, so it's important just to let our bodies take the time they need to adjust. :-)

Tabatha - I was banded on April 10, 2009 and weighed 300 lbs at my heaviest. I am now at 146.5 lbs with an "ultimate" goal of 145. The lapband has been very very good to me. I do not do low carb, but I do focus more on Protein and Fiber. My weight loss has been steady since banding with a few bumps along the way while it took my body time to adjust. What has worked for me is adjusting the band to fit my lifestyle and needs and....yes EXERCISE. I'm not hungry in the mornings and usually in a hurry so I mix myself up a Protein shake with skim milk and drink that. Mid morning a few teaspoons of high fiber/high protein granola. At lunch, I try to eat sensibly and keep my calories under 400 for the meal. Late afternoon I usually have a yogurt with granola topping and then dont' eat dinner until around 7:30 - 8:00 pm. This helps me to stave off the munchies late at night. I don't eat alot of red meat anymore...more chicken, fish and pork. I also don't drink anything with caffeine or carbonation (although I have to admit that once in awhile I just crave a Coke, but rarely have a sip). Hubby and I also do some sort of daily exercise, mostly walking and hiking. If the weather is crappy, we go to the YMCA. Strength equipment really has helped to tone my arms and I will say that I have pretty darned good shoulders. It also has helped to tone up my lower body which used to be way bigger than my top, but I'm now the same size. I can eat anything, but usually reserve treats for the weekends/special occasions. I don't eat alot of Pasta, bread, potatoes, or rice, but they are not eliminated from my diet either. I just find that pasta, pizza, rice, potatoes tend to lead to a short term weight gain for a day or two because of the carbs. I don't keep alot of Snacks in the house that are tempting to me. The best advice I can give is find what works for you. If you're not hungry in the mornings, have a shake. If you get the late night munchies, eat dinner later. If it's a long time between lunch and dinner, have a small snack to tie you over. Incorporate some activity into your daily life. Drink plenty of fluids, focus on Proteins and fiber - they help keep you fuller longer. My life has changed alot in a year and a half. I have more self esteem. More energy. My thighs don't rub together. My feel don't hurt when I wear heels all day. I look good in clothes. I have a more positive attitude and handle stress better. My joints don't hurt (very often). My bloodwork is phenomenal. One NSV I had last weekend is from my postal carrier. I went outside to get a package from her and she asked if I was visiting. I said "no, I live here". She didn't recognize me. Couldn't believe I was the same person. That's a big change in such a short time. I really wish you the best. I feel so blessed and grateful to have the life I have now. It's what I wanted my whole adult life - to feel like I fit in and am "normal". I want the same for all.

When i started i was in a very tight 24 ... even had one pair of 26... I have not really changed sizes or tried to except for a couple pairs of scrubs even though my clothes have been getting looser. Today i tried on a pair of 20 jeans in my closet been there since i lost weight (only to gain it right back) 2 yrs ago. And they fit!!!! I did not have to even lay down to zip them. They are still a bit tight but they FIT!!!!!!!!!!! Also if anyone remembers i said i was going to do a pandora charm for each 20 lbs. I have decided to do every 10 lbs instead . Today i found the perfect bead.. Its a Turtle!!!! cant wait to add it to the braclet.

LOL!! I am hoping later down the road to be able to see my collarbones... I swear I have never seen them, ever. That is going to be a huge NSV for me if it happens.

Go shopping, buy yourself something pretty. Get your nails and toes done. I know for me when I was feeling blue I would go shop and shop in the "normal " size department, no longer in the "plus " size department, that always made me feel better. Also instead of focusing only on what the numbers on the scale say and how many pounds you have lost, sit down a write a list of all of the good things in your life that have changed since your band and the 77lbs lost, for example, more enegry, no aches and pains in your feet or back, more people notice me and comment me on my weight loss, more social etc..you get my drift. Do not let the scale dictate your success with your band NSV"s are just as important. Hang in there. :huggie:

Hmm I can't seem to figure out which forum this fits in best so I guess I'll post it here. I put on a pair of 20 jeans! AND then bent over and tired my shoes without turning blue in the process. I did the happy dance!!!!! Last week the 20's were still a bit snug.

I fit in to my size 18 jeans. They are a little tight, but.......they don't look 1/2 bad HUbby said that he thought they looked good. So... I was happy!! Keri :tongue_smilie: