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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.

(Sort of) an NSV for me... 15 days post-op, down 18 pounds; 83 total in 5 months. I met a guy on match.com shortly before surgery and today we finally were able to have our first date. (He knows I had surgery but not what kind.) So guess what we did on our "date"... went SWIMMING!!! Yes, I was in a bathing suit on a first date with a guy!!! I was freaked out but he's been so complimentary of me it quickly faded. I can still wear my old bathing suits but it was nice not to have my belly peak out between my top and bottom. And I have complained about my boobs shrinking but now they actually FIT into the top and look perky and round instead of falling out all over the place! Big win for Kelly today!

So..trying to be Wonder Woman.. I hurt my back today. I went to my doc for a medrol dose pck and liquid nasty pain meds so I can walk. Anyway...one of the nurse practioners that helped me during my pre-op stage that had not seen me after my surgery saw and and freaked!!! She said "holy cow you are amazing...I have other patients who have had the sleeve and you are rocking yours!". LoL..teehee for me! And now that I have had a pain shot..and oral pain meds.. Would you believe that I still feel my back??? Oh well..once I get that steroid down it will feel better!

Omg jealoussss. I would LOVE to buy a bra without needing to look for straps that'll hold in my back fat and looking for sizes in the 40's. I'm also super freakin' psyched to buy underwear that isn't elastic to hold in my tummy. Hell maybe even a thong! :3 Ps what is an nsv?

Yeah for you!!!!! That will be one of my NSv also ahhh Victorias secret !

Hi Everyone! Well, I guess I need to set a birthday goal for 7/26, since it is my birthday afterall - lol. I have been one of the slowest losers - sigh. I seem to only lose about 1 lb. a week. I had set a goal of 5 lbs. by my birthday, but with my history, not sure if that will happen. On top of that, I have two (count 'em) 2 vacations planned for the last part of July. I'm going to Hilton Head for 4 days, leaving this Friday. Then go back to work on Tuesday for 2.5 days, then flying to Maine and taking a 10 day road trip back with my daughters and grandchildren. We are totally doing the eastern US touristy thing, stopping in DC (Smithsonian Institute), New York (See Lots of stuff), Vermont (Mt. Vernon), West Virginia (Family visits), then through Gatlinburg, Tennessee and back home to Georgia. That is also my birthday treat for myself. However, 10 days on the road may wreck havoc on trying to eat healthy and drop those 5 lbs. Going to try my best to be very active while doing all of the sight seeing so hoping that will help offset my intake. Congratulations to everyone who has lost so much weight and having all of the NSV's as well. You ladies are my heros and I can't wait to get to onederland - only 15 lbs. away. Seems so close, yet so far away!!

Hi Horsegirl!! Glad all is well! Don't disappear for too long, I start to worry, LOL. That is awesome that you can be more active now. Just really focus on your goals- that's the great thing about the lapband. And I do think that is a great NSV to maintain your weight- I know that before, one "bad day" on a diet was totally my excuse to just blow it totally and forget about it. Now, I have my lapband and I can always correct myself!! Our new goal is 7/26- mine is to have lost 67 lbs by then. Meredith- yes, I think you can be at restriction even with a low fill, it just depends on your own personal innards, LOL. Do wait it out a bit, but don't go too long if you really do need an unfill!!! Chrissy- I hope you're feeling better. It makes sense that you'd be tighter around ttotm. I rarely get mine (yay), so haven't experienced that yet. And LOL on the fondant pronunciation- it bothers me too!!! It would be fun to go to their store, though. Okay everyone- Kymie, Mags, Otaknam, et al- where are you!!!! Post!!! I miss you !!!!!

I am SO happy for you! I cant wait to have my surgery and join you as a VS shopper!! It's the little things like buying a "normal" bra and underware from a name brand store that make this a wonderful adventure! I hope you have many more great nsv's like this!! Hey, you can save that one for me....cause I am sure you'll be losing a lot more...and will need to go down a few more sizes!

So, I've been MIA for the last 10 days or so because I went on a vacation. It was wonderful! I started out by driving to Myrtle Beach, SC to see my son and his girlfriend. We had a terrific time except that my son was totally taken aback by how little I eat. Both told me that I look fantastic, which is always nice to hear! I hit Planet Fitness (my gym) up there 4 times and it was a blast to workout in the "same" gym, even though the layout was a little different than my home facility. For anyone who is interested, it certainly seemed that there were more tourists than "home" members in there every time I went. I left SC to drive to Kentucky, to a cousin's house up there. She lives in a "holler" and her house is 10 miles back into the woods. She's surrounded by 1,000 Amish-owned acres and her nearest neighbors are all Amish families. I met the Amish family from across the street and they were as fascinated by the "Florida woman" as I was by the "Amish people". Beautiful people, literally the salt of the earth and they have a symbiotic relationship with my Kentucky cousin who I was visiting. The Amish provided a good portion of the produce for our family reunion dinner, including wonderfully sweet tomatoes and corn! Yum! Those family members who have seen me in the last few years spent a lot of time complimenting me on my weight loss, although I can still see every ounce that I need to lose. I kept up with everyone else, including my cousin's 20-something son and his wife, plus my cousin's three grandkids under 3 years old. I didn't do much "exercise" while in Kentucky. No branches of my gym in their small coal-mining town, but I did a lot of walking around the property and got to dig through tons of old family pictures. It was a blast to share memories of departed family members with them all. My scale tonight shows that I gained 3 pounds while I was on vacation, but I'm back at the gym and back on my strict plan tomorrow morning. I kept up with my Water and Protein goals while I was gone, but I indulged in biscuits and gravy one morning and I did some drinking Saturday evening with the family. I don't regret one bite or drink or one minute of the time I spent with them all! So, now I'm home, laundry done, clothes put away, car cleaned out and I'm back to work in the morning. I've missed the gym, though, so I'll be there by 7 am. I'm eager to get moving again! Oh, yes, two NSV's on this trip. The first is that I had the energy to drive a grand total of 30 hours without feeling sleepy. The second is that a distant cousin confessed that they have had a crush on me since I was a girl, and that they think I look better now than I did then!

Hi Ladies! It sure has been a while! I have been so busy, but have been keeping up with all the emails LBT sends me I quit my office job, and am now solely working at my parents restaurant, 2 nights a week. We are very blessed to have an extremely busy restaurant, so two nights there, while it is hard work, earns me a great income. This now leaves me 1. not sitting at a desk 2. more time to do things I like to do, like ride my horses 3. opportunity to be more active...you may notice I say it is an opportunity to be more active...cause I haven't really been exercising. I have been riding about 3 times a week, and I ride pretty competitively, so it def burns a ton of calories--both me and my horse are soaked by the end of our rides. Only problem is, the first 2 weeks in July, we close the restaurant so we can enjoy the 4th of July festivities in town, and beat the heat in the kitchen, which gets up to 130 degrees in the summer. So, I haven't been so active...spending a lot of time at the beach and by the pool...and the food choices, as you may imagine, are not always good. I do try to tell myself, at least it is only two weeks, and I am def eating less, even though it may be something bad, than I was a year ago. I am actually looking forward to getting back to a routine after vacation, and getting back to counting my calories, etc. I have been stuck for the past month at the same weight, give or take a few lbs, so I am starting to get worried that I have stopped losing and will be at this weight forever I know it isn't true, and there will be bumps in the road...some bigger than others...but I sometimes get that hopeless feeling. I think tomorrow, even though I am on vacation, I will get up, get some tunes cranking on my ipod, and get on my elliptical for a while....exercise boots my mood and energy...I don't know why I don't do it more often! One NSV, I guess you could call it--within the past few weeks, I have noticed I can do something I haven't been able to do in a while...control my weight....by that I mean...I have a bad day of eating, get on the scale a day or two later, see a higher weight, and adjust over the next few days to drop that pound or two...that may not seem like much to a lot of people, but you all know, that is a huge victory! It will help me through my plateau, and in the future, help me maintain my goal weight. YAY for that! One last thing, I was busy on July 4, did we reset goals? What is our next bandster bday?!

happy birthday natalie! I turned 46 on Friday the 6th... You are half of me! hehehe and soon we will both be half of ourselves! I'm having a really hard time guys.... I did so good until the week before my fill. and my hunger came back with a vengence after not feeling hungry for 5 weeks. I had my fill last thursday. Did liquid thurs and fri.. Saturday night I got stuck! my own fault.. I forgot to eat slow enough (I was famished as I had went 10 hours without eating anything). I knew it had to happen sooner or later and in a way, i'm glad its over so I know how it feels and what the warning signs are. I went back on liquids and soup. Today I tried some meat, and two bites into it, I felt the warning signs. The meat when in the fridge and I grabbed a Jello cup instead. I don't think its because they added too much to my band. I think its because Saturday's incident caused some additional swelling? I don't want to go get anything emptied. I really think it is just me. I chew enough now, but think I need to remember to take smaller bites. I refused to get a toddler fork and spoon as my dietician suggested, but maybe I should! Oh, and I did another dumb thing. I tried to eat breakfast! duh... band is tighter in the mornings! gonna start remembering to have a slim fast for breakfast. I used to eat breakfast, skip lunch and have dinner.. All the little things we gotta change and never thought of. I'm going to keep on soft foods, and by the end of the week, eating smaller bites and chewing and still getting stuck (its only happened two times)... I will call the doc and have them take a little out of my band.. I'm so sad though, because I am hungry, and I was looking forward to the next fill in two weeks.... I honestly think that my band journey is really now beginning, and though i was practicing Portion Control and chewing and healthy foods during post op, i think the fill really put me on the road to learning about my new life and getting my body used to it. At least I'm not struggling in my mind! Finch! Do not fret! and are you able to keep liquids down? what about softs? Maybe you need a tad taken outta your band? I'm worried that they jumped right to the upper GI considering you've been doing sooooooooo good! Do keep us posted. I'm worried about you. If you need anything, you aren't too far, I could drive up there! Natalie.. wtg on the NSV. that is actually one of my goals.. at least now I know I only have about 20 lbs to go! you are such an encouragement. Mom, so glad you are doing good since your fill!

Just got on the airplane (after an 8 hour delay) ...anyway.... I have on my seatbelt without an extender!!! I could cry eight now!! I've ALWAYS had to use an extender since I started flying 18 years ago!!

Nice!!!! That's an awesome NSV!!!

Thanks so much Breakfast - 5oz yogurt lunch - 1/4 turkey wrap with light ranch, 1 piece of strawberry, 1/2 pickle spear dinner - 1/2 of a chicken taco snack - 10oz mango raspberry smoothie from Ben & Jerrys. I asked for half size so it was only 125 cals vs 250. Was my treat of the week. Lots of Water Walked for a couple hours Today I had a NSV. I went to a THEME Park!!! First time in probably 4 years, and better yet I was able to fit on every single ride. I was careful not to go on rides that put pressure on my port area. I am so happy. Will make a post about this with pictures tomorrow. Thank you all for the encouragement and I hope you all had good weekends

Plateaus are a normal part of the weight loss journey. You may find that mixing up your diet and/or exercise routine will get your scales moving again. In the meantime, take a moment to notice whether your clothes are feeling looser, or maybe your knees ache less than before, or perhaps you are climbing that flight of stairs without getting puffed. These are NSVs (non-scale victories) and they are just as important as seeing the numbers move on the scales.

Such an AWESOME NSV!!! I went to disney in 2005 (2 weeks after gallbladder surgery LOL) and It was my first time and I had SO MUCH FUN! We are going back I think in September, my little brother will be 12 when we go(he was 6 when we went last) and this will be the most fun ever! I'm really hoping to go to Universal too this time. I should be ok about 2 months post op to ride Right?

Thanks Everyone! I just noticed I said love me sleeve 'lol - do love myself but meant to say my 'lol Last year we did Universal but I couldn't click the Harry Potter seat at the entrance to the ride so I didn't try it - we didn't make it over there this trip but one day I will go back & ride it!!!! That will be another great NSV day!

I'm 6 months out & just got back from a really great trip to Disney. At 60 lbs down (halfway to goal) it was so much easier to walk. Last year I had to stop a lot to catch my breath & this year I led the family! The highlight was riding the teacups with my kids. Last year I could hardly get in the teacup (had to basically step over the doorway cause I couldn't fit through it - and my stomach cut into the bar so my kids could not really turn it. This year I had no trouble just walking in, sitting down, & had about 8 inches to spare with the bar. My youngest shouted out "Mama I am so proud of you - your tummy won't slow us down anymore!" and I said "You are so right baby it won't slow us down ever again." Btw I also "released" 3 lbs on this trip! (I don't say lost because I don't want to find it!) I guess from all the walking & extra water! Love me sleeve & changing body!

Thanks guys I definitely have several NSV's... Joined soccer again after not playing for 5 years due to my weight. I fit into the dress I wore to Grade 8 graduation (when I was fairly thin) I have done a 5k walk, when I couldn't even walk around the corner without having my feet kill me. This is a weird one, but I had trouble finding comfortable shoes, I was a size 8 and sometimes had to go to 9 or 10 for the width. No I am a size 7 and shoes fit amazing! I took anxiety medications before and could not ride public transit alone. Now I am medication free and have no problem taking a bus or a train. But by far the biggest NSV I have had is being able to walk down the street and hold my head high, not worry what people think about me, and not being paranoid that everyone laughing is laughing at me. As I have shed the weight, I fell in love with myself again (let me be clear it wasn't only because the weight loss, it was because my mentality changed as well). It is the best feeling in the world to build yourself back up to feeling like you have worth. Every time I worked out, I would tell myself it is because I am worth it, and that is how I gained some confidence. I do still have moments where I am insecure, that will always be there, but the difference is astonishing. As for extra skin - Yes, I do have extra skin on the boobs, stomach, butt and arms. But it isn't that bad, I will probably need surgery purely for cosmetic reasons, but not bothering until after I have kids. It isn't enough skin to cause any discomfort or hygiene issues.

Congratulations!!! Everyone talks a lot about NSV's on this site (which are great) but there's something about seeing those numbers! (Maybe because I'm a math teacher!) lol I'm 17 pounds away and can't wait to join the century club with you!!!

Congratulations on this amazing achievement and thanks for keeping the rest of us inspired! Any NSVs you 'd care to share?

Congratulations! That's definitely a NSV for both you and your husband. A longer healthier life! That's awesome. Thanks for sharing!

My husband and were both sleeved in April. I had no health issues. My husband has diabetes, HBP, high everything! Well.... He went for his bloodwork last Saturday. His doctor called him around 6pm personally to tell him that all his numbers were PERFECT!!' he said they were better than his own!! Doc took him off of two meds now, and after three months another round of bloodwork to see what else he can come off of. We're so thrilled for this. LOVE OUR SLEEVES!!!!!!

I will finally get a chance to go to the mall today and do my Victorias Seceret NSV! I get the free panty coupon card in the mail where I shop there for gifts and lotion, etc...and for the first time I will not be giving it away, I will be getting the free undies for myself, lol... lol

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.