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I just had to share this one! So, I was being bratty last night and teasing my hubby, pushing and poking him and daring him to do something about it. The next thing I know I am hanging upside down over his shoulder and he runs in to the front room and I'm laughing and yelling, "you just think your cool cuz you can throw your wife around now"! My 23 y/o son who was visiting said, "that's what you get for being so skinny". Me? Skinny? Really? I am having so much fun with the new me and apparently hubby is enjoying the ride as well! I just had to share with my VST family! Love you all! Shell

Your post me made smile at the end of a particulary stressful day. Congrats on your awesome NSV! WTG Smallbird!!!

Great NSVs! Also sounds like you have some great, supportive friends - that's so important.

I'm so thankful for this site to be able to hear about everyone else's progress and experiences. It has definitely helped me though a lot of times especially in the first couple of weeks after surgery. I'm just over 2 months out from my surgery. I have those moments when I wonder if I've made enough progress or if I'm not doing well enough. There's no real guidebook to having weight loss surgery. I keep reminding myself to look at the positive changes since surgery. Yesterday I had an exciting NSV when I got to buy a plain XL shirt and some skinny jeans. Those moments are so exciting and always seem to catch me by surprise. I find a lot of times I don't really see the changes in my body when I look in the mirror. Looking at pictures makes a big difference. I have my first set of progress pics attached. The picture on the right was just taken in December 2016. I was wearing a size 24 pant and 3XL shirt. The picture on the right was taken yesterday. I had on size 18 jeans and XL shirt.

Awesome NSVs!

Hey Ladies... Just wanted to report that I had my 1st non-drug induced monthly cycle.. Sept 1-6... A little crampy early on.. but nothing severe enough to require meds... Didn't bleed like a slaughtered pig (though the regular tampons didn't quite work too well day 2 and 3) TMI.. sorry... but, I'm excited and hopefully, my gyn will tell me that I can get my IUD.... I was diagnosed w/ PCOS 10 years ago... I usually have to do a 5-10 cycle of Provera to bleed.. Got a Mirena Feb 2011... didn't have any more periods until this one.. Gyn wanted me to do Provera again, didn't want to .. just prayed and I think my body if finally trying to act normally... Kind of stuck at 305... but, I'm down another size.. wore a size 20/22 dress from Target yesterday!!!

hi all! had a really great day yesterday and wanted to share it with you all I LOVE theme parks. one of the things I used to look forward to most each year was going to six flags. I haven't gone in years though because when I was 18, one of the most humiliating things of my fat life happened--I got kicked off 3 different coasters because I was too big for the harnesses. talk about a reality check. so I've been too scared to go back until now. I went yesterday (with my new boyfriend, which is also a cool thing that happened the day before we went) and was so nervous it would happen again, especially in front of him on our first date being "official" without him being super aware of my weight history yet, that I almost canceled at the last minute. I'm proud to say that not only did I fit on every single coaster we rode (including all 3 I was kicked off of last time!), but I comfortably fit without the embarrassing thigh spillover or being practically on top of the person next to me it sounds like such a normal thing but I'm so proud of the progress I've made. ^ also, dug out an old t-shirt I bought at my previous lowest adult weight which at the time was a perfect fit. now its a bit loose and I can wear this hoodie I bought when I was 13 with it

Surgery is August 8th for me! Some NSV I'm looking forward to in the future..... Being able to cross my legs again, and sit like a lady!! Have my husband put his arms around me and not feel awful about him feeling all my fat rolls! Going to my daughters practices and not being the largest person there!! Having my daughters hug me and being able to for their arms around mommy! Being able to buy clothes in the regular size dept! (I love Targets cute clothes, and I look forward to the day I don't have to shop in their 4'x4' plus size section) I could go on and on........ Have a wonderful day! Kim

Your body is wired to freak out at such a low caloric intake and hold onto everything it can for self preservation. It's biology... Or chemistry. Or both. Ride the wave. Switch things up. Track your intake. Made sure you're fueling yourself well. Btw, huge difference in your fave already 4 weeks out. Celebrate you NSV's.

Hi everyone - here I am again with even more apologies for not posting for so long....! :nervous :nervous :nervous Things are really busy for me and I never seem to get two seconds to spend on the computer - last few times I logged on, I have been perusing all the Vegas photos which took me ages - wow you all had a brilliant time - I was sick with jealousy - I thought of you all on that weekend as it was my sister's 30th birthday and we had a huge surprise party for her - she was absolutely thrilled so it was (nearly! :cool: ) worth missing the bash for her! Well anyway - my big news is - I am finally getting a fill! Two weeks from my one year bandiversary! For those who don't know, I have a 9cc Inamed band, which was filled to 4cc during surgery, and have never had a fill. I have some restriction but not much - I have a problem with some breads but that's about it! So rather than go back to France to my french surgeon, I sourced a really good band doc in the UK - a belgian guy who has fluent english (unlike my surgeon!) who can answer my questions and most importantly of all - GIVE ME A FILL! I am a bit apprehensive, and wished I had paid more attention when y'all were talking about fills - now what was it you all were saying again???? :nervous :nervous :nervous - I am coming up to my one year anniversary, and wish I'd lost more than 70lbs in the year, but hopefully I'll get a lot more off in the next year - I am 80lbs down from my highest weight so I guess I shouldn't be whining... The other big news is, I decided to go back to school! It has been so long since I have felt depressed and unable to cope with life so I peeped outside my rabbit burrow, and decided to get back into the world! I rummaged in the back of the cupboards, found my brain and headed out into the world of acadaemia! I am doing a university certificate in Psycology, and am hoping to get into college next year to do a degree as a mature student. I am loving the course so far - and my new found knowledge will really come in handy with my bonkers family! This is my NSV - there is no earthly way I could have concieved doing anything like this in my old body. I feel so focused and energetic, it seems like a miracle.... Last week, we walked to the nearby village, during the lunch break of our lecture - I was smiling to myself as I walked with everyone else - I wouldn't have been able to "stroll to the village", over half a mile, a year ago. The whole day was a triumph for me - my concentration, my confidence, and I walked!!! Wow! Anyway just wanted to say hi to everyone - i'll try to be around more xx

I myself can now buckle my seat belt without any problems and the biggest one so far I can now tie my own shoelaces and my DH does not need to do it for me when we are out in public. And the funniest when I would stand straight up and try to look down at my toes before I would have to try and move everything else out of the way or moosh it down to see but no more I can see just fine. I love my new self so many new NSV's everyday that I am so amazed and I thank the Lord for this new chance to just be me.

Nancy, I confess to being a very sloppy eater preband. My NSV is that I haven't had a stain on the front of my shirt for a long time (used to happen daily.) I was so fat I couldn't find my mouth, but I'd sure try. All sorts of little things for me, like I bent down in the hallway at work to tie my shoe. UNHEARD of pre-band (I used have to sit and yank my foot up to tie it closer to eye-level.) Here's another good one: Co-worker brought hommade eggrolls Monday and told me to bring some home to hubby. I forgot Monday. I forgot Tuesday, and I forgot Wednesday. Pre-band, there wouldn't be any leftovers for hubby. And if there was an abundance, I'd have notes everywhere and computer alerts popping up to remind me to bring food home. And I'd leave a message on home machine for hubby to call and remind me. Lisa B. actually forgot about eggrolls. I talk about eggrolls a lot. Can you tell how I feel about them?

I'm sitting at my desk in downtown Houston. (19th floor, but by a window.) I am nibbling on a broccoli/raisin salad and browsing this site waiting for customers to call in. I do not converse much on this sight, but sign in at least every hour while at work just to see what's a going on. P'Nut, you right about this being a great place for friendship. I've never met any of you face-to-face, but I feel a bond and closeness to each of you because of our band. I want to know how you are doing, what you are feeling, trials you are having and victories you've accomplished. I guess it's the maternal instinct in me...... or maybe just down-right nosey-ness. It's a safe haven I can voice my concerns, share my disappointments and shout my NSV's. Thanks to all for being here. I love you all. Here's to everyone a very BIG HUG!

I can totally relate to that! I went out to eat awhile back and had to ask for a table because I couldn't fit in the booth. It was so embarrassing! All of the other customers just stared at me and I heard some laugh. I wanted to crawl under that table & disappear! I still have some issues with booths, I'm always afraid I won't fit even though I do now. That is an awesome NSV!!

Tomorrow will be five weeks since I’ve been banded. I haven’t really written much lately because I’ve been in a contemplative mood I suppose. Trying to figure out what is going on with me and my new symbiote. A couple of days ago, I moved to solid food and feel like I can eat anything, even a cheeseburger. I haven’t had a single PB or a sliming event, so yay! for me. I haven’t attempted a cheeseburger yet, but I’m not anticipating any problems. I’ve had ground beef, and have had no issues with it. Mike can’t do any form of ground beef, except taco meat texture. People have been talking a lot about mourning food, and Jessie suggested that was what I was doing. I’m honestly not mourning food. I did that when I was on the 20/20 program, and I’m not doing that now. I suppose that part of it is because I see everything that Mike eats, and I know that I’ll probably not have difficulty eating either. One of the benefits I gained from the 20/20 program is knowing what foods I’m sensitive too, and another benefit was getting off breads and carb-loading. I used to eat a lot of carbohydrates, but after the program, I understood how bread really messes with my fibromailgia. I know a lot of bandsters are not as fortunate as I am, in that they don’t have someone who is just a head of them in their journey. Mike has done a great job of breaking the way for me, but he does a great job of that at company functions! LBT is great because it provides such great support, but it just isn’t the same as having a local person as opposed to a virtual person. I suppose that is why support groups are so very vital—there are people in all stages of their journey. Because I don’t have access to a meatspace support group, Mike is so important. I’ve come to terms with my lower calories, but since I’m breaking 1K everyday, I feel much better than when I was only at 800 calories a day. After a month of 800 calories, I was starting to feel weak and a bit out of sorts. I’ve also given myself permission to have ice cream when I just can’t get my calories up past 800. Not a huge bowl mind you, but a sensible 4 ounces. It isn’t that I feel hungry on 800 calories, but I’m worried that I’ll shut down my metabolism. Mike and Jessie are convinced that I’m obsessed with counting calories. I suppose at some level I am, but not in the way they think I am. I am not trying to limit my intake, I’m trying to figure out how to increase it in a healthy way. I track my calories on the Cereal with peaches. This snack would help me get up to the target calories, it was yummy, gave me all the Fiber I needed, and as an extra bonus, my sweat smelled like peaches! I find I am having a heck of a time getting my fiber and my Calcium in, so this would probably be just what the doctor ordered. Here are my assorted and collected NSVs: This is a gi-normous NSV. I haven't used my inhaler in 25 whole days! My starting BMI was 47 and it is now 41.6! This is so exciting! I can run up a flight of stairs with my 20 pound book bag on my back and not even be winded when I reach the next floor . It doesn't hurt to stand at the sink when I do the dishes anymore. I believe it is because I can get closer to the sink because my tummy is smaller. My old "Chick shirts" fit One of the women in my math class wanted to know how much weight I’ve lost. “You’re looking good! How much have you lost?” My purple robe fits me! My jeans slide off my butt!

I went to Knotts berry Farm on Friday. I had not been for 2 years because I was a millimeter from not being able to fit into the rides. This time there was room to spare! I couldn't even get the bar over my stomach in the bumper cars and there was plenty of room to spare. I ran everywhere and only had enough when the temp reached 105 and I had gone on Xcelerator twice. I went into Goodwill and found size medium tops and size 10 jeans and shorts. They now almost fit. The pants I mean. I am wearing medium tops. I went into target and got this cute little dress off the rack and it fit beautifully. It was the first time I have worn a dress in AGES. We went grocery shopping after church and the girl at the deli counter looks at me and says, "Have you lost weight? You look incredible!" That made my day and I told her so. I didn't even think she remembered me from week to week.

Today is my one year surgiversary. I have lost 115 pounds and no longer on cpap, bp meds, and my A1c is normal. I would have never realized that have normal body fat at 22%. I went from a 48 waist down to a 34. This journey has been awesome. Yes, I had some "panic" moments where my weight went up a few pounds but was able to continue the weight loss and made my goal weight in about 6 months. Being on Maintenance is a bit harder that when in the loosing phase. My goal weight was 195 and this week I am holding at 182 - 184. I am looking forward to many more NSV's.

that is an awesome NSV!!!!!

A big YES. I had high BP, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, shortness of breath, high resting heart rate, nasty eczema, sweat like a trooper constantly and had no stanima. Alsmost two years out with 2 full physicals behind me and it's all in the past. BP is npw typically 110/70, cholsterol is 133 / 64 trig., resting heart rate is about 70, eczema is cleared up and a LOT more energy. I now swim 2-4 hours a week and bike about 100 miles a week. The best part is I no longer sweat much. This effect was immediate without the weight loss and I can't explain it. I have a theory that it's due to the cutting of the tail end of the vagas nerve but this does not make sense, regardless it is one of the BEST NSV's I have had. I used to sweat even as a skinny little kid si it was not due entirly to my weight.

I had a bmi of Obesity (Class 2) pre op and now on week 14 post op i have an Overweight bmi and this makes me so happy! I'm feel so close to a normal bmi and to my goal weight that it seems unreal, my clothes don't fit anymore, i love that but at the same time i hate it, because i had tons and now i'm left with just a few options and i don't want to shop for clothes that i will just wear once. An amazing NSV i wore a shirt that i got 3 years ago when i lost weight and i couldn't wear all this years because of course i gained back, and it was a little losse that felt so good, i didn't think i will fit, i guess i don't see myself that different but i am.

PhotoAge is a neat application I found for the iPhone a few weeks ago. Initially, the application analyzed my face and said I was 39. I thought, that's not too far off as I am 36. I tried it again today and it said I was 32? Yay! This is a little NSV that made my day. Try it out for yourself. You might be pleasantly surprised. Just for grins, I tried it out on my dog and it said "face not recognized" Lol! I am not sure how this app works, but it must be doing some analysis of measurements and other facial artifacts like wrinkles. Not sure!

So I am only 11 days post op but have had 2 great things happen today. I put on a pair of shorts that haven't fit in over a year and they are perfect! And I bent over and tied my shoe in the middle and didn't have to pull my foot up to my knee to do it!! And my scale victory is that I am down 24 pounds!!!

I am stuck between 189-194. I keep bouncing back and forth these 5 lbs... yesterday I tried on a size 11 and....they buttoned! I can comfortably wear a 13-14 if it's not juniours size. I wear a 14 skinny jeans with some waist room to spare. but size 11, ohhh it's been a while!

Congratulations on that NSV Michelle. That was really a nice story to hear. Very uplifting. Keep up the good work, Teresa:)

Had a mammogram today. Ladies, you know those little half-gowns they make you wear for that? In the past I always felt like I was busting out and had to hold the darn thing together with my hands. Today I could actually tie the ties and everything was very well covered! Hooray! Hey, sometimes we have to take the NSV's we can get!