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Hey, Bandsters! Now that Memorial Day has passed and we’re well into June, it’s summer time! Why not use the warm weather and casual dress code for motivation to stick to your diet? Of course, the newsletter’s a great way to remind you to be good, too! We keep you updated on what’s going on at LapBandTalk.com, and we’ll jump right into this newsletter with: Alex Brecher, founder of LapBandTalk.com! Kosher bandsters…and way more. These groups are smaller discussion forums for bandsters who have a lot of things in common with you even beyond your lap-band. They may have great solutions to problems that you’re having, and they can be super sympathetic to your situation. You can make close friends on these boards because you already have so much in common, and because you can spend a lot more “one-on-one” time with them. Come on over to the food or recipe. It’s pretty simple. Come up with a new recipe or try a new food that fits on your diet. Tell us about it! Recognize your non-scale victory (NSV): An NSV is something that is an accomplishment during your lap-band journey, but it isn’t based on the number on the scale. It might be something like fitting into a dress you like or being able to keep up with your grandchildren without getting tired. It’s never too late to try the old challenges and write about them. Share what you come up with to brag a little and help out others. The New Challenge: Be an Exercise Buddy! This challenge is great for your health and the health of a lucky new or old friend. Why? Over the next two weeks, your challenge is to do a workout with a new person. Some ideas for the challenge are to: Ask your neighbor to take a walk with you Ask someone at your gym to be your partner while you both lift weights Go for a bike ride with your kids or spouse Take a new exercise class Be creative! The goal is to do something fun and healthy, and maybe make a new friend or two along the way. Don’t forget to post your challenge results in the Challenge Forum. The forum’s also great place to go if you need ideas or have advice for other Bandsters. Good luck! And Finally: We Need Your Help! We’d like to ask you to support us when you can. Hopefully you value LapBandTalk.com and all of its free services. We’d like to remind you to please ask your surgeon and other healthcare providers to post LapBandTalk.com fliers in their offices. The fliers are all ready to be printed in black and white or color. We’re always growing, and you can help. Thank you. That does it for this newsletter. Thanks for reading and for your continued participation on the boards. Take care! Sincerely, Alex ============================================================== If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may unsubscribe by going to your Control Panel and clicking on the Newsletters tab, or clicking on the following link: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/index.php?app=core&module=usercp&tab=newsletter

My NSV goals: To feel comfortable in my own body. To like the way I look in clothing. To be able to run around the soccer field with my son (who is very talented). To be able to buy normal/single digit clothing. To be able to wear sundresses To be able to wear tall socks without them looking like the threads are holding on for dear life. To be able to wear boots To be able to slide into a pair of LA Idol jeans and look amazing! To hear, "You look great, what have you been doing" To avoid all the complications that come with being overweight. To not look like a chunky in my drivers license photo

Yes I know...I'm a little late on posting...I was out of town on my 5 month surgiversary so I am posting now...I will admit, this has been one heck of a ride..Expecially the first month or two...That was the hardest. But it has all been well worth it..I have a ton of NSV's. I feel SOOO much better and my confidence has sky rocketed. I had the worst self esteem ever prior to surgery and I wouldn't say it is great now but it is a heck of a lot better. I am getting frustrated with the hair loss and can't wait for it to stop. My nutritionist says it is the worst between months 3-6. So I am hoping it will slow down soon as I have lost over half. I am currently down 81 pounds..I have went from a size 20 in jeans and a 3x shirt to a size 12 in jeans and a size xl shirt...Hoping to lose 19 more pounds...

NJ2NC...great NSV w/the dress! That's awesome! JDI...I met your birthday goal already. Mine was to hit Onederland by July 4th. YAY! So, I'm setting a new goal of reaching 70-75 lbs lost by 7/4. I'm at 64 now so...either another 6 or another 11 in 2 weeks. I think the 6 is more attainable but...away we go!

Thanks so much to all who replied. I thank you for the compliments and loved seeing NSVs added from others as well. Your responses are so encouraging. To those who are still pre-surgery; it won't be long before you are writing your own NSVs. I was on this board for 6 months or so before having surgery and it was a great resource so I know where you are coming from. RosieSweetie - I loved your NSV about not having to worry about losing luggage since you can shop anywhere now. My husband and I love to cruise and we go on at least two a year. Of course the shops on board probably carry XL at the most. I've never been able to shop in them. We are going on our next cruise in August and, if things continue to go as they have, I should be able to pick up some cute top or something. In fact, now that I think about it I am going to make it a point to do so (even if I think the price is ridiculous which they usually are As we continue this journey together, please continue to share NSVs. I love reading them too! Susie

Little over three months out, and I too am so dang happy that I get on people's nerves! NSV - I am no longer hiding from the camera! 50-ish down, 50-ish to go!!

I LOVE reading NSV's !!!!! they are since inspiring and motivational....keep 'em coming! Great job, all of you!

Wow, I love hearing stories like this. I am only 2 weeks out and I had my first real nsv on Sunday. We went to my parents and my son had my car so I had to ride in my husband's truck for the first time since last fall. It was very hard to get up and into because of surgery, but when I did my husband handed me a tummy pillow and then I panicked because I realized it didn't have the seat belt extender. However, I was actually able to use the pillow and put the seat belt on and for the first time I was able to connect it myself and there was room between me and the seat belt. Normally my husband would have to get in the truck and then click the seat belt in for me. Also when he shut the door I braced because normally the door would hit my hip and leg and it didn't. I lost weight previous to the surgery as I followed the low carb high Protein plan for pre-approval, but I had not been in the truck since before i started and I didn't even realize how I would brace for getting hit by the door, or how I would panic over not having the seat belt extender we always had to use. It was a great feeling.

I love NSV's, especially ones that really reaffirm why we made this decision! Congrats to you for rocking your sleeve AND your clothes!

Great NSVs! It's always great to have something unexpected happen which makes you feel wonderful . Here are some of mine, -getting in the car, after my slim daughter drove it, and fitting without having to move the seat (I used to have to move the seat before I could even get into the car!) -being able to fit in a student desk (I am a high school teacher) -going to a restaurant and ME being able to choose to sit in either a table or booth -putting my seat belt on and thinking "wow- this is pretty long now" -no more seat belt extenders -seeing a dress in BJs and buying it without trying it on- when I got it home, it not only fit but it actually looked good! -going on vacation and realizing that I no longer have to panic if my luggage gets Iost since I can now shop anywhere) -being EXCITED about getting dressed for my husband's business parties because I have a cute dress to wear and I am actually PROUD of the way I look! - feeling my collar bones! -wearing a necklace without an extender ! -stepping on a scale at the regular Dr.s office and being congratulated -not scolded- about the number I was a size 28 or 30 dress- now I am a 14. (EVERY 14 actually fits now!). (btw I was sleeved 12/11 but I also was on a high Protein diet for many mos. pre-op) The sleeve is the BEST thing I ever did for me. It has forced me to take care of myself and put myself first.-which has made me happier, and those around me happier!I have more energy to take better care of my family.

Thanks. I hope others will join me with their pictures. I'm half way to goal and can not imagine what those NSV pictures will look like.

I'm on a business trip - the 2nd one I've taken since surgery and losing almost 67 lbs. - When I went to pack my suitcase I found that the majority of my suits no longer fit; fortunately I had two that fit nicely - looser than I ever remember being able to wear them. One of them has always been my favorite. - Wore a favorite suit today that, as best I can remember, I have not worn in 8+ years. Felt great just walking around in it and when I looked at myself in the mirror from the side I saw nice curves - instead of bulges - Before I left I realized it was time to buy new underwear - two sizes smaller - let alone a new smaller slip too. Both fit nicely, thank you very much - went out to eat and my napkin did not fall off my lap! Seriously this is huge to me. I've got to believe others can relate to this. Before I would go through numerous napkins when going out to eat. It was especially embarassing when with a group. My napkin would fall off my lap very shortly after placing it there; then I couldn't reach down to pick it up. So I'd ask for another or take an extra from the table only to have the same thing happen again. Of course, no one ever said anything and I tried to act like nothing was wrong but this really bothered me. I guess I finally have a lap again - am enjoying compliments from many people who I haven't seen in a month or so and who can't get over how much weight I've lost - it's just so great to be able to sit on the plane and not use an extender belt. I even bought my own years ago since I was always embarrassed to ask for one. - caught myself just naturally crossing my legs the other night; whoa didn't even know I could do that again I hope you guys don't mind me sharing these with you. I always enjoy reading everyone else's and 'm looking forward to lots more to come. Susie

I'm not sleeved yet, buy I love your NSVs. Congrats. I think I'm looking forward to my feet shrinking the most. Sent from my iPad using VST

Okay, so I thought it would be fun to post pictures of NSV's. Pictures motivate me so I thought it would be fun to post all kinds of them showing an NSV. I have posted 5 examples, but they can be anything, like a seatbelt that is too big, extra room in a seat, 2 people in your old pants, etc. Funny or serious, no feat too small pictures can help us through our stalls (hey, that rhymed). We can use these pictures to reflect back on the progress by SEEING our NSVs. Surgery Date: 3/13/12 SW: 243.6 CW: 193.6 5'5" 1st picture: my watch was tight when I went in for surgery 2nd picture: my feet shrunk and now my shoes are too big 3rd picture: my size 18w can be pulled down without unbuttoning 4th picture: I can't wear my wedding rings-they fall off 5th picture: I can cross my legs Please post yours!!!!

OMG! Isn't it awesome to be successful? Love the NSV'S!

NJ2NC....what a great NSV! I know its easy to get discouraged...I get there at least once a week myself. But we just take it one day at a time. Have you tried upping your cardio while maintaining your strength/weight training?

I stopped at a local store last night that has really good prices on canned goods and, as always, time was tight. I got to the right aisle and what I needed was on the the bottom shelf..waaay in the back. No way I could just bend from the waist and reach the cans. My choices were get on the floor or find some nice young and limber stock person to help; I decided to risk the floor. I carefully bent one knee and was able to reach all the way to the back of the shelf and then I STOOD UP. I didn't have to lever myself up using the shelf or the cart; I didn't have to push myself up with my hands and my legs splayed out behind me. It amazing! Maybe not a marathon, but I cannot remember the last time I just stood up from the floor without help or extremely ungraceful contortions. Not sleeved yet, but I am making progress even without any weight loss. Robbie

Hi everyone! I've managed to stay in Onederland since Friday...so I guess I'm on my way (as long as I keep doing what I'm doing). I'm over halfway there. The scale is a great victory, but I thought I'd share a couple of NSVs as well. One of my co-workers told me the other day that I don't look like I need to lose another 48 pounds! (I love that guy! LOL). I finally can look at myself in the mirror and say, "you know what ChrissyLu...you're getting thinner!" I've weeded out so many "too big" clothes from my closet, that I actually have room to hang things like t-shirts and shorts. LOL. ReadyForMyJourneyToBe..just stay focused and don't compare yourself to others. This is a different journey for each of us. Make sure you are getting your water and your protein in every day. "JustDoIt" (I think) gave me the idea to alternate high/low calorie days to kind of shake my body up a bit. You can do that with your workouts to. Some days increase your cardio a bit more than the day before. I must say that for me, increasing my exercise has been key. But you can do this!! And no...you are not alone. Erica...congrats on those 3 pounds. Just keep at it...one day at a time. JDI...welcome back from vacation! Hope the beach was wonderful! I hope I can get there soon but I'm not counting my chickens. Nicole...good for you on managing that end-of-year stress! How are things going on the homefront? Hope all is well. And to everyone else: Hello and have a great rest-of-the-day!

I am glad to hear you are okay, and your NSV, very funny!!! Karen

Wow. Hit by big earthquake tonight. 5.2 magnitude. Epicentre under our town. NSV - whole house was shaking for 45 secs or more but no jelly belly for me!

I haven't done great this week. Being pre-op, I'm fining it harder than ever to not just eat everything in site! I did have a bit of a NSV: we went to a Chinese buffet and I ate half as much as I would have originally. That was a big deal for me. SW:310 Pre-surgery W: 292 Surgery Weight:? Current weight: 298 So I've gained 4 lbs. this week. Meh.

Since ive lost some weight i have lots more self confidence because i look and feel better. the compliments dont hurt either, especially from men ! ( Im married , not dead !) The cuter clothes are in a smaller size, i have more energy , im sleeping better and am able to run a little. Im wearing a belt ! A cute one ! etc. One day after i had lost about 30 lbs i had an unexpected nsv. I sat down on the couch to paint my toenails, and i very easily pulled my heel up to my rear where i could easily reach my feet . i had not been able to paint my own toenails comfortably in many , many years because my big ol' stomach had been in the way ! Not anymore ! So im looking forward to hiking, riding a horse , being a runner, dropping more weight, having my pants get too big again, getting rid of my sleep apnea machine, climbing in to our fishing boat without rocking it, etc................im saving money because i eat less, so i spend it at Goodwill on clothes that will fit my shrinking body !

Totally Excited..I was able to start wearing 1X shirts this week. Seeing as I started at 3X only 2 months ago.. I am SUPER happy!! yay for a great NSV!!!

Way cool! Great nsv