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Yeah.. I think I'm throwing the scale away lol.. I need a lot more NSVs so I can start really seeing the change..like I personally notice some small things that seem different about my body like 'rolls' in the wrong place or moved or smaller lmao.. but would be nice if the scale could just confirm, give me a thumbs up or something that I'm doing good...is that too much to ask for? lol

These are some of the Abbreviations commonly used on this site. ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AGB = Adjustable gastric banding 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 Biliary Pancreatic Diversion 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 DDD = degenerative disc disease 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 MFP = my fitness pal 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 OA = Overeaters Anonymous omw = on my way 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 PB = Productive Burps PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCP = Primary Care Physician PM = private message (email) PMS = premenstrual syndrome POSE = Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal 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 RH = reactive hypoglycemia RN = registered nurse RNY = Roux-en-Y RTD = ready to drink RYGB = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass SADI-S = single anastomosis duodeno–ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy s/f or sf = sugar free SG = Sleeve gastrectomy SIPS = stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery smh = shaking my head, scratching my head SO = significant other SOB = shortness of breath sw = weight at surgery tmi = too much information TPN = total parenteral nutrition TT = tummy tuck TTC = trying to conceive Ty = Thank you. [but according to the urban dictionary “Ty” is also an abbreviation for “a total stud with a massive carrot”.] u = You UGI = Upper Gastrointestinal VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vit = Vitamin wks = weeks WLS = Weight Loss Surgery WOD = Workout of the Day w/o = without wt = weight

I’m coining a new phrase here on LBT. Because I’m going to need it. Soon. How many threads, posts, and blogs have you seen here about LB’ers who are getting close to goal (usually starting about 30 lbs. out from goal, depending on their BMI) and are facing a whole new set of challenges. Their BMI is lower, as is their weight. Although they’re at their Sweet Spot the amount of food they can eat and still lose weight is no longer working for them. The same goes for exercise. Yeah, they’ve hit plateaus before, but that doesn’t even come close to this…it’s much worse…the weight loss stalls and slows down to a painful crawl…a death march even. I’m paying more attention to all those ‘30 and Goal’ posts (sounds like a football commentary, doesn’t it?). They feel guilty for complaining or even asking for support here…How can they not feel guilty for even seeking support when they’ve lost a ton of weight and are now in clothes sizes they haven’t seen in years…for some, since grade school? How can they justify needing support when others are struggling just to start losing their weight? After all, they’re so close to goal…and look at all the newbies here just starting their 6 mo. diet…or those that are now in ‘Bandster Hell’ and are just trying so hard to maintain and wait for those fills. What right do they have to complain? They’d look like FOOLS for complaining! They’ve lost a ton of weight…they’re almost at goal…they look better…they feel better…they are so happy with their weight loss…I’m with you…WHAT THE HECK DO THEY HAVE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT? Except…now…I’m almost there… These Banders get that. They feel the same way…they feel happy and frustrated at the same time…they’re happy with how far they’ve come, but they’re frustrated with their slow progress getting those last 30 or so pounds off. Should they feel happy or sad? They don’t even know how to feel about it…and it‘s not like the NSV’s are still pouring in to make them feel good as they‘ve now been this weight for awhile. Maybe they even feel a little like a failure and as though they’ve let others or themselves down with their slow weight loss. These Banders feel like they have to apologize for even complaining. Over and over they feel like they had to justify why they had a right to be frustrated at all. So how do you go about explaining how horrible it feels being so close to goal and for your weight loss to stall. You lost the bulk of the weight at least somewhat steadily, but now the scale is barely moving and at this rate it might/is taking years to get to goal. Those people generally get sympathy from others who are in the same position they are, or others that have already been through it (and we know there not as many ‘old-timers’ here…maybe this is why some disappear even?). Don’t we all give great sympathy to those going through ‘Bandster Hell’? It’s because we’ve all been there. I kept thinking…heck, when I was going through that period after banding and before restriction and I was feeling down and needed support all I had to say was ‘I’m going through Bandster Hell’ and I’d get all kinds of support…‘Oh, I’ve been there too’… ‘This is normal’ … ‘Don’t worry it will end soon’ … ‘Try this…’ Mention just two words ‘Bandster Hell’ and you need not have to explain any further…we get it…we sympathize. Here’s the thing…I’ve decided I’ll need an acronym or at least a term for this period in my Band journey. If I can say PB, Slime, Stuck, or Bandster Hell and I don’t need to explain or justify these terms and my being there, then why isn’t there one for this tough, usually longest phase in the Band journey? I looked on several sites and there isn’t one. I need a term so that I can talk about this without having to give a lengthy explanation and justification each time…something like ‘Bandster Hell’. I figure the best time to come up with this is even before I start into this phase. I don’t need your support yet for this, because I’m not there yet, but I will be soon. I looked at words and I found one that really struck home…LIMBO, in limbo: a state of uncertainty or of being kept waiting; a state of oblivion or neglect; a condition of uneasiness or aprehension; a state or place of profound anxiety brought on by the unknown; indeterminate state; a condition of unknowable outcome. Well that works. So I’m coining a new phrase for myself (and anyone else) here so I won’t have to explain or justify why I need support. I’ll soon be 30 lbs. or less from goal and I’m sure I’ll need to continue getting support here. You’ll read this phase name and you’ll just nod your head and know exactly what I’m talking about and hopefully give me the support I’ll still need (because if your not there yet, you know you soon will be). You’ll understand that I have the right to be frustrated or upset because this phase of the journey brings its own set of challenges and it’s own set of emotional issues. I’ll need the same support you give all of us at any point in this journey. You see, I’m headed into that last phase of Weight Loss…and I may be there a LOOONG time so I’ll need your patience and understanding. I’m headed into ‘Goal Limbo’.

The weight loss surgery journey is all about chasing and achieving goals for weight loss, healthy eating, new activities, and tons of other NSVs at every stage of the journey. When you set new goals, do you share them with other people? With whom? And do you update them on your progress so you can get support? Or do you prefer to keep your goals personal until you hit them so you can focus on the goal?

Some but not all. There are ones that I will share with family/friends like wanting to run a 5K, and I've even asked them to help me think up some NSVs. There are others that I feel are too embarrassing/personal that I would keep to myself, I mean at least until it happens maybe.

My latest NSV was really a Negative NSV! :-P I found a shirt I really wanted BAD! It was the only one in purple they had. And it was 3 sizes too BIG! I was too thin to wear it. :-) Get my free eBook - The Top 10 WLS Fears and How to Kick Their Butt!

I'm so happy for you, OP! I had a similar embarrassing experience at Universal studios and have never been back since (I live in Orlando, and it breaks my heart to not be able to go anywhere but plus size-friendly Disney). I'm still too big for the coasters, but not for much longer, so I hope to experience the same NSV soon!

Congratulations Happy Bandiversary and Great Job on the lifestyle changes.:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Look at your before pictures and look at you now. I'm sure you will find your NSV's. Here is a June post you wrote. New NSV for ME! I about messed my britches a little while ago when I fit in my Mom's size 12 pants! I was able to snap and zip!!!! OMG, I am the happiest thing on this earth right now. I told my mom the other night that I wanted to be in a 12 by this time and low and behold what happened??? My Mom said "Angie you look smaller than me lets try on these pants." I tried them on and they fit. I jumped like tigger all throughout the house I was sooo happy!!!!! This lapband has done wonders for my spirit and my happiness. I was so unhappy and so unhealthy the way that I was. Life is looking up girls!! WOOT!

Finally. I have a new, positive thing to post about. I went to my dr for my blood update and they called me to come in for the results. Usually, i get them over the phone, so I was kinda worried this time. When I got there, my dr told me my total cholesterol was down quite a bit and he wanted me to re-do the test to make sure it was right. It went down to 56!!!!!! After a re-do, the test was correct. Now, I need to just get my good cholesterol up and I will be right on track. I just love getting off these meds and am happy with each one I stop. So far, its been BP meds, Triglyceride meds, High cholesterol meds gone, not to mention the sleep apnea going away...Sorry, but I just had to celebrate:thumbup::wink2::thumbup:

Jerra, I'm so excited for you! :wub: I can't wait to start having some nsv's myself, but I guess I'll be happy with the scale moving for now.

I LOVE this thread! I've had a few NSV's... Day 5 post op: cleaned out my closet...GOT RID OF ALL the clothes i was holding onto...but wait, it gets better...i thought i had one or two pairs of smaller pants that i kept..you know, those "oh i'll get into that again" clothes...well i kept more than I thought! I have 2 pair of jean capri's, one pair of white capri's, one pair of white bermuda dress shorts, 3 pairs of jeans, and about 20 tops that just before surgery didn't fit..and they all either fit well or almost fit..and they range in sizes of 16-18!!! I was wearing a 22/24...Plus, my shirts were all shirts that i would wear UNDER a sweater or zip up hoodie because they looked bad alone..now i can wear them alone...AND my jean skirt (that's still "in") that I havn't worn in 5 years..the last time i was this size...is loose! Day 7 post op: went to TJ Maxx...i'm now officially a shoe whore! And i went right to the size 8-8 1/2...nope! I'm inbetween a 7-7 1/2 now...so the shoes will have to wait a little more, but I forgot that your feet shrink LOL Day 8 post op: stopped into one of my jobs...a PT job at..well lets call it a beauty/cosmetic/superficial store (lol)...EVERYONE was going crazy..."omg your cheekbones" "omg you already look so small!"..and when I went in the back and tried on my very unfashionable, yet required, jacket that i used to have to suck in to zip...well it zipped and i could roll it in like 2 inches! :smile: I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy I chose this surgery! Can't wait to hear about other people's NSV's...and to keep posting mine! Barbie (and now I feel like i'll actually start LOOKING like my given nickname)

I have been sharing with close friends that I had finally made it into the 100's and a few of them were shocked! They assumed I weighed more like 160lbs!!! (I'm only 5'4'') Wow, I didn't believe the first one but then 3 more people said the same..... Wow and I thought I looked more like 220ish in my brain. :-) this has made my weekend!!! I would rather weigh more and look good than weigh less and look bad!

Hey, hey, hey...everyone! This is the only place I can post this and someone will totally understand why I'm so happy. Today the hubs and I decided to make it a movie night. We had a busy afternoon, therefore this evening we just wanted to chill. My hubby decided that he would order pizza for dinner. Now in my last post I explained how pizza is my kryptonite, so when he said pizza my mouth immediately started to Water. Anywho, the pizza arrived smelling supa (my version of super) delicious and I couldn't focus for a few minutes! However I am ecstatic to report that I didn't have a single slice!!! I'm doing my happy dance as I'm typing this. I'm even more excited because this triumph comes on the eve of my fist fill. Woot, woot! I had to share this because my biggest battle with weight loss happens between my ears. Tonight was a major victory for me. And on that note, have a splendid evening everyone.

These are great NSV's ... continued success to everyone!!

I have a funny NSV, or it may be TMI but I'll share it anyway. When I sit in the toilet, my belly no longer blocks my view into it. LOL I was also banded in March. I have some of the same as you all: 1. No longer drink diet coke like it's Water. Replaced with water & ice tea. 2. My clothes that I could barely fasten and that left me with a gigantic muffin top, now are loose and comfy. 3. Bought a couple new workout pants and had to go down to a size "L" instead of the "XL" i've been wearing for as long as I can remember. 4. I have a ton of energy and go on multiple playdates and outings a day with my two small children (1yrs & 3yrs). 5. When I went back to the gym for the first time since surgery, I was able to type my weight into the elliptical program and it began with a "1..". I'm sure there's more. I'm just a really much happier person in general! Congratulations to all of you on your NSV's as well!!

NSV's??? What is that? I am measuring consistently. I feel I am losing inches as my pants are fitting looser and I have dropped a bra size already...that is all good. I am keeping the positive attitude!!!! Thank you!

I'm doing my best to not focus on my weight so today I have been thinking about the non scale victories that I have achieved over the past month (just banded in March 2011). 1. I NO longer drink Diet Dr. Pepper (all day long habit) & or coffee. I've replaced them both with water! 2. I NO longer have to take medicine for acne & my complexion, after 2 yrs of oral acne medication, has never been better! (thank you water!) 3. My clothes are loose. 4. I'm not craving sweets. 5. I have not had a headache in 21 days. I was having them at least every other day - caffeine? poor food choices? I don't know! I don't care, they're gone!! That's what I've got after 35 days when I started my 2 week pre -op Optifast & 21 days of band living. For me, all of this is huge. I'd love to hear all of your NSV's....(from anytime, not just from March/April 2011!)

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!!

Ha ha, I remember the first time I looked down in the shower and saw my own feet, I cried like a baby. Just one of many great NSV's you will experience in the coming months, enjoy them! Sent from my iPad using VST

My NSV is I wore my swimsuit in public without a coverup in S.Padre....BTW nothin like a waterpark to make you feel better about your own body lol.

In Massachusetts, they put your AGE on your driver's license. My NSV from this morning is my BMI is 29.9. I've gone from obese to overweight!

Had a great NSV today. My spa has normal/plus size robes for us ladies. Today the tech led me over to the lockers with the normal size robes. Could hardly believe it!

I'm a bander and a female but it's the cook part of me that can't resist posting on this thread. I LOVE to cook and that has not stopped since getting weight loss surgery. I can't do a straight-up burger, however. That's a thing of the past. For grilling I need tenderloin or a filet mignon and it needs to be cooked perfectly. Dense Protein is what works well for me. We use only grass-fed organic now. For burger, I cook it down in a hot skillet with garlic and spices for chili. Trick is to cook the meat and then cover over with a good quality organic stock and let it simmer for a very long time. Delicious, and soft -- not gristly, which does not work for my band. So that's my two cents! Good luck on your upcoming surgery. You're going to do great. And PS, one of my favorite NSVs (non-scale victories) is being able to tie my apron double around my waist. OMG, I just love that. And a glass of wine. Like some others, the red kicks off reflux for me now so I have to have cheese with it -- and I drink mostly Savignon Blancs now or tequila.

Great Job KLM3hrt! You have done a wonderful job and have had great success. Can you tell us what your top 3 NSV are? Congrats and continue the good work.

What a great dialogue this thread stimulated! A myriad of things come to mind when I think about my ongoing weight loss journey. Tonight I am going to the Hollywood Bowl for a summer concert under the stars, to see Smokey Robinson. I am looking forward to the music of course, and hanging out with my girlfriends - but I am also looking forward to being able to walk that hill without feeling like I am going to pass out. Last year, I went to the same concert with some friends, and I used to huff and puff up the little hill that takes you into the venue site - I would always ask to stop at the restrooms at the mid-way point, even if I didn't have to use the restroom - I just needed to catch my breath! I would then get a few paper towels and moisten them to be able to cool myself off by the time we would get to our box seats. You know how it is or used to be, when you would stop walking - the heat in your body would just build up...and sweating was soon to follow. I can easily walk for miles now and I am nearly 75 pounds lighter than last summer...this is a milestone in my journey - oh how I used to wish I didn't have to go through the shame of being so overweight and out of shape! Well this is my little victory walk tonight! That's a NSV (non scale victory)! I was also thinking about the mechanics of the post-op hormonal changes that take place, one the decrease of the hormone ghrelin, but also what I think may be a change in our natural reward centers revolving around the eating process and the release of dopamine and serotonin - our natural feel good chemicals, many of which are released during the eating process. The process of eating pre-op without limitation offerred us more than the reward of just getting full, the "feel good" hormones were soon to follow, and that reward kept us coming back over and over. Feeling bad, lonely, frustrated....bring on the food. Feeling joyful, elated, excited...bring on the food. What I have noticed without the food binge opportunity, is that my reward isn't the same, whether it is because we are comsuming so much less, or whether the balance of hormones has changed, it is different. I think this is why so many say that eating is more of a chore than a pleasure. Also, once you experience a negative side effect of eating something you cannot tolerate, it sends the body a powerful aversion to that behavior which is held in our memory bank. This stuff is all probably instinctive, to prevent humans from consuming things that were toxic. But, hey...it works! The other side of this is that "feel good" hormones are coming from different strategies for me now. Feeling like I have a "can do" attitude makes me soar. Feeling good in my clothes is a secret little joy. Having control over my eating makes me proud of myself. I still enjoy cooking and I still enjoy food - I mean we need it to survive...but I don't turn to it first to make me HAPPY anymore. I get out more, I can do more physically, and I just keep feeling better and better about this decision I made ! Good luck DeterminedGirl !!