Search the Community

Take a deeep breath:-) You're doing fantastic!! 40lbs. in 5 months is amazing! My doctor always told me that an average 6-8lbs monthly loss was amazing! It's been 5 months since your surgery which means you're averaging an 8lb loss every month which is the highest end of the average. This is all just my opinion but when I read your post, I almost feel like you're trying to prepare yourself for failure so that you wouldn't experience disappointment. Trust me, been there done that, but like you said this is a lifestyle change, not a diet where you do anything and everything to dump as much as you can as fast as you can. Everyone loses at a different rate, and your weight loss rate is great. I'm not sure but are you worrying so much about weight and food that you're dealing with head hunger vs. real hunger and are unable to tell the difference? If you're stressing out alot about it, that will also give you a hungry feeling, so try and relax and listen to your band, not your head:-) Just because the scale isn't moving doesn't mean you're not losing weight, if your clothes are fitting better than you're losing inches vs. lbs. Your body goes through these cycles of lbs lost vs inches lost to keep up with itself so what seems to be a stall on the scale is acutally your body catching up and sheading inches, which to me is a hell of alot more important than the # on the scale! Don't get down on yourself, you're not a failure. If you stay the course and communicate properly with your doctor, follow his or her instructions to the T, eat as healthy and as clean as you can, exercise and get your Protein and Water in, YOU WILL LOSE WEIGHT. There really isn't another option. Yes, there will be times when the scale stalls but during those times look for as many non-scale victories (NSV) as you can to keep yourself positive and motivated!! You're going to be just fine!!

my husband does his own laundry too. he too is a military man, and even folds all his shirts in 6" squares and makes the bed super tight. Congrats on the NSV!

Great NSV! and you do laundry. hahahaha I'm glad for you, can't wait til my rings just fall off! :whoo::clap2::whoo::clap2::whoo::clap2::whoo::clap2::whoo::clap2:

You are still on liquids; it is pretty normal. You will probably plateau for awhile, or lose slower once you start eating. Once you start excersing again, your clothes might get looser before you show scale loss! Good luck, Karen...We call that NSV, non-scale victories.

I saw a friend a few days ago whom I hadn't seen in a couple of months. She was going on about how much weight I've lost. When we were leaving, she said, "You need new pants, yours look loose." I was laughing, because all of my slacks had been falling off so I had just gone and bought 2 pairs of new ones the day before and I was wearing one of them. I guess I should have gone down another size? LOL. I'm going to exchange the second pair for the next size down instead of wearing them. Actually I don't think they would fit quite yet, but hopefully soon!! I'm down 4 pants sizes since surgery in Feb! Down in tops and undergarments also.

MelAnne, welcome to LBT My PcP and I chose the band over GBP for the very reason you state here: it is a slow process, it did not take 1 month for me to put on this weight, nor do I expect a miracle and it all suddenly drop off in a month. Rny patients have problems as well as Lap Band patients. You are only going to succeed as far as you let yourself go - you have the ability and tools now to do whatever you wish if you have the strength to do it. Please do not compare yourself to your sister, each of us have our own strengths and weaknesses. I do not even have my band yet, due to medical complications, but I am chugging along. When I made the decision to get banded and change my lifestyle, I did changed everything ~~ My eating habits (for the most part) my exercising and my way of thinking. I will not stop until I reach my goal. It might take me a year or 5 years, but with support such as LBT it can be done. Do things that make you happen, chart your progress and make daily notes of your NSV's - this all has helped me stay on track and somewhat sane.

Congratulations! These are all great SV's And NSV's. You are doing great!

Happy Sleeversary to me I can't believe that it has been 12 months since I had the surgery. For those of you who don't know me here are my stats: Starting weight was 173kg/ 382 Pounds and my current weight is 87kg/ 190 Pounds. Before surgery I hadn't slept lying down in a bed (comfortably) in over 7 years. I had chronic asthma, everything hurt all of the time (although I denied it back then) and it was just a struggle to move around. I had the surgery on September 3 2012. Things went badly. I got a leak. It took several surgeries and many months in ICU/ Surgical Ward before I could get the all clear to leave. That was November 2012. I didn't go back to work full time until the end of January 2013. Since then, well heck, things have just been getting better and better. The weight loss has been amazing. I've lost 86 kg/ 189.5 pounds - so tantalisingly close to half way lol. No fudging though - pesky 0.5kg The NSV's have been even better - the CLOTHES, shoes, movement, I am a "runner" now (on week 3 of the Couch to 5 K and am running in a 5K obstacle course at the end of the year), energy, clarity in thinking, enjoyment in life, exciting opportunities, flying without the embarrassment of asking for an extension seat belt, people looking you in the eye, not being "invisible" anymore, shop assistants are helpful and attentive, men FLIRT (okay, so maybe I do too - just a little), I've had a significant promotion, looking to travel OS next year, am planning for a future THAT I WANT not just settling for what I think I can have. For anyone considering this surgery know that there are real risks involved. For a while, the first few months in fact, I had really thought I had stuffed up and ruined my life by having the surgery. This was due to the complications and difficult recovery that I had during this time. Looking back now, whilst I would never want to be back in that place, I am so grateful for where I am now that I truly believe this to be the most wonderful, life changing – life SAVING – thing I could have done for me, for my family and to secure my future. Where to from here? Well I want to lose about 14kg more which will mean an overall loss of 100kg and my weight will be around 73kg. I am quite tall so I would look quite thin at this weight. Not sure if I will get there or will want to, but at the least, I would like to lose another 10kg hopefully by Christmas. I am loving my new active life, the way that food has become fuel and though still enjoyable, it’s no longer the driving force in my life. I wish you all the same happiness and success in your own journey’s! I have put in some comparison photo's for you guy's to see the transformation Best wishes to you all! Cheers, Liss

Well, it may not seem that big of a deal but yesterday was the last day that I had to take Ursodiol (used to prevent gall stones). I am so happy that there is now one less pill (tablet) that I have to take everyday.

My surgery was 9/6/12. Down 77 so far and loving my sleeve. No real issues but still on some meds for diabetes (even tho doc says I can stop my a1c was 5.0!) More energy and today I got up off the floor without touching anything! NSV! I hope we both continue to do well. I plan to be at goal by one year surgiversary! God bless, liz

Not sure why you are so surprised! I knew you would make it. I have watched you throughout your journey my friend and from the beginning I saw the strength and determination you had to reach your goal. The NSV's you posted along the way showed how happy and healthy you were getting. You haved encouraged and inspired everyone around you as well. So thank YOU and congratulations on everything. *inserts Rocky sound track and starts to do the happy dance for Pasquini* Good thing this is a computer because me dancing could be a little scary LOL

hey tex, your success doesn't sound silly at all shopping/new sizes is one of the greatest NSV's you/me/we all have nothing like going into a store (ie JC Penny's) and buying "normal" size clothes not having to buy plus sizes (where i used to live ) you're soooooooo close to onderland i'm getting goose bumps for you keep up the good job kathy congrats

those are great goals and fabulous NSVs! congrats!!

So today was the day Patty and I had set aside to do our Christmas shopping. Well, HER Christmas shopping. I don't have any family to speak of, so all I buy for is her. But she has lots of family, and they are on their best behaviour right now, too. Her family gives presents that are to die for. We were out shopping, her in her Amigo thing with a basket, and me walking beside her. We have division of labor, she tells me what to get and then I put it in the cart. It's her job to decide what we're buying for her side, and while we're in the stores I pick up necessities. I bought dog food. Got a great deal on fifty pounds. When we got home I had to carry all this stuff in the house. Sure was a lot of stuff! I carried the fifty pound bag of dogfood in last. About halfway up the steps I realized this is about the same amount of weight as I had lost. Hmmmmmm. Boy was it HEAVY! I realized I still have a couple more of those bags around my middle. No wonder I was tired, no wonder my knees hurt. No wonder I couldn't sleep. That sure put things into perspective for me. So try this the next time you're worried that it's not coming off fast enough, get something that weighs about what you've lost and carry it around for awhile. You will develop a healthy respect for what you've already accomplished. Now, I've gotta go rest. The stores are murder this time of year.

(continuing the thread I started ealier under Suggestions, feedback section) The link started is here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=9537 Today's post: Well we got some good responses so far from you all. How about we do follow up on this thread with each other? Weekly sign-ins would be great although a daily thread would be fine withe me too as I need daily and sometimes hourly encouragement.... At my highest weight I needed to loose 170 pounds and have lost 130 of it so far. I have hit a plateau for a while now. I know I need to increase exercise and decrease snacking between meals. Any more suggestions? I am gonna sit down real soon and make out a list of all the NSV and maybe that will help motivate me and others too. Glad to meet all you other 100 pounds + fellow bandsters, to all you who have lost 100+ Congratulations Way to go..... For all you who still need to lost 100+ - you can do it!! Let us encourage one another. Hope to hear back from all you 100+ club members really soon! __________________

The following are some of the abbreviations used on this website: ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit) BB = belly button bc = because BCBS = Blue Cross/Blue Shield BED = Binge Eating Disorder bf = best friend BM = bowel movement BMI = Body Mass Index bp = blood pressure BPD = Borderline Personality Disorder or Biliopancreatic Diversion (Scopinaro procedure) bs = blood sugar btw = by the way CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy CC = common channel c diff = clostridium difficile cos or cuz = because CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure CRNP = certified registered nurse practitioners cw = current weight CXR = Chest X-Ray Dr. = doctor DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EKG = Electrocardiography ff = fat free GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease GI = gastrointestinal GNC = General Nutrition Corporation store GP = general practitioner or family doctor HBP = high blood pressure hr = heart rate hw = highest weight ICU = Intensive Care Unit Idk = I don’t know IMHO = in my humble (honest) opinion IMO = in my opinion IUI = Intrauterine insemination LAP Band = Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band lol = laughing out loud LSG = Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy med = medicine msg = message NASH = Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis nf = non fat NG = Nasogastric NP = nurse practitioner NSAIDS = Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSV = non-scale victory (“scale” means “weight scale”) NUT = nutritionist Onederland = a magical place or destination for those trying to lose weight. It might correspond to attaining a weight in the hundreds or losing a hundred pounds. op = operation OSA = Obstructive sleep Apnea Oz = Australia PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCP = Primary Care Physician PM = private message (email) PMS = premenstrual syndrome postop or post–op = post-operation or post-surgery PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitors ppl = people preop or pre-op = pre-operation or pre-surgery PTSD = Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PVC = Premature ventricular contractions RA = Rheumatoid arthritis RTD = ready to drink RN = registered nurse RNY = Roux-en-Y s/f or sf = sugar free smh = shaking my head, scratching my head SOB = shortness of breath sw = weight at surgery tmi = too much information TPN = total parenteral nutrition TT = tummy tuck u = You VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vit = Vitamin wks = weeks WLS = Weight Loss Surgery WOD = Workout of the Day w/o = without wt = weight or :-) = ☺ = smiley face or :-( = ☹ = sad face

I had lost 17 pounds in 12 weeks (also following my plan perfectly) I'm now sitting 12 pounds below goal and have been for over 1 1/2 years. The rate that you lose has absolutely nothing to do with your ultimate success. Just stick on plan, sit back and enjoy the NSVs. And stay off the scale if it upsets you so much. I would so love an NSV!!! Still not one yet.

You should check out a post I put up on the Post-Op board. Everyone posted their recent NSVs (non-scale victories). There are so many that are just like the things you are looking forward to happening! So, you have a lot to look forward to! :frown: Best wishes, Catherine

Was thinking about non scale victories the other day while on my thinking chair...yup, the toilet and it dawned on me. My best NSV so far is fitting in a regular stall... No more having to use the handicap stalls for me. I can "think" like the regular folks in the tiny stalls that are everywhere. No longer do I have to wait just because someone else is in the big stall. It's the little pleasures like this that make me thankful for making the decision I did. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

Great NSV. "It's the little things in life..." like your butt now .

Shoe size just marginal but I lost from a D width to a B, so that's a NSV for ME!

What a good thread! Well it's not Sunday, but I wanted to post if it's ok I'm on my lunch break at work hee hee :ph34r: I'm happy to have lost 20 lbs in one month. I've NEVER been able to say I've lost that much weight ever. My husband hugged me this morning and said "you're getting so small, my arms wrap so far around you when I hug you now!" that was a great NSV. Also sleeping comfortably again has been a relief for me! I still have a way to go before goal but I know I will get there. So thankful for my sleeve! Good luck to everyone and keep the good vibes coming!

Congrats on the skirt fitting!!! Stupid question... What does NSV stand for??

Okay, so this weekend I decided to try on a formal pencil dress. they didn't have my size, so I tried on one size smaller. Guess what! It fit!!!!!!! I didn't even need to unzip it! I just slipped it right on. I was just window shopping, so I didn't buy it, but I might go back and get it because I have a wedding to go to in 2 weeks. The second one was that I was sitting at a restaurant eating, and thought to myself, " gee, I think my stomach is shrinking!" LMAO!!!!

wait, you only gained 5 pound from being on a cruise? ONLY 5 POUNDS???? That is WONDERFUL!!! And you had a F-A-B time too from the sounds of it. WOOT! Sounds like a Double NSV to me. Jenn, Baby-doll, this is not a set back. Really it's not. Let's put some perspective on this. Preband how much would you have gained? 15 pounds? I mean, seriously without your band, how much would you have gained? I've never been on a cruise, but I've seen pictures of the buffets, of the spreads.... lottsa food, right? You've lost 60-plus pounds with your band. This is no time to freak out. You just need some perspective. Now, just think how much fun you will have next time you go on cruise after you are that much closer to your goal. Strength and Courage!