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Looks like fun! Good for you-great NSV!

One of my big major NSV was being able to walk into Kohls and buy stuff right off the rack without having to worry if it would fit... Or when I recently decided to try out a pair of size 36 pants... and they fit. They looked horrible, all my fat and saggy skin was visible, but, I haven't been able to button a pair of 36s in more than 15 years... maybe longer! Such an amazing feeling being able to do "normal" things right!

On the way out, I did not make it through the airport without buying Skittles, but I did manage to keep it to 2 servings. As I ran 12 miles the next day, no real damage was done and I did manage to avoid them altogether on the trip home. I ate too much, overall, this weekend though and am glad to be back in my "safe" environment for a few days. Yes, I saw lots of people at the wedding and got lots of ooohs and aaaahs. The weirdest one was my Uncle Joe. Now this is a man who has known me since I was 5 years old. Granted we only see each other 2-3 times a year, but still -- he's real family. I drove separately to the wedding from my parents because I had plans beforehand. Anyway, I walked up to him and he literally had NO IDEA who I was until I spoke to him. He was super embarassed and I tried to help him get over that (because he felt so bad), but it was ultra weird. You know, people like former work colleagues who have only known me in the last 5-7 years, I get that they don't recognize me -- they never knew me thinner. But it is weird for someone who has known me 30 years to not know who I was. I've been this size before. I don't fault them -- it's just very odd. One of the things I struggle with is that most skinny people, and even some formerly MO people, think this is a really "fun" NSV. It's not at all to me. Not at all. I'm trying to identify why I hate it so much. I know that a component of it is pure sadness. Sadness that I spent my 20s so morbidly obese that I'm not recognizable to family in my 30s. Sadness that they only see the physical changes and have no concept of the emotional burden that has been lifted -- yet there's a different emotional burden in its place. I guess, in many ways, I feel misunderstood. Even by myself. I think part of my anxt is that I'm still in transition. Until I lose these last 20-30 lbs and have my thigh surgery, I feel like I'm never going to be at a constant and, thus, all people ever want to talk about is my weight. That's fine for people who understand (like you guys), but it's a burden with other people. I feel like once they've seen me at the same size 2 or 3 times, surely the topic will change. Of course, my problem is that's probably still a year away. I know, I know, poor pitiful me for being such a lapband success! I almost want to slap myself.

I, too am struggling with what I see in the mirror, or what people say to me. I'm a size 4-6 now... I keep yo-yo-ing too (see my post on my crazy swollen feet!!)...but what's so insane to me is, all of a sudden, being a 6 or, dear God an 8 (gasp!) seems like failure. Why are we so attached to those numbers??? Two years ago I would have laughed if someone told me I could be a size 8. Why can't we be happy with ourselves, with our success? I think sometimes that I've tried to lose weight for so long that if I do accept that I am at goal, then what? What do I do if I don't obsess about my weight? I swear, every time I try on clothes, I think "oh, these must run big... really big... I can't possibly really be this size." Just a few comments on other post comments, which I think hit home, in a make-me-laugh-at-myself kind of way. 1. I wear a size 6 but feel like a 13... not sure why this happens, but I concur. I don't feel that different until I'm walking down the aisle of an airplane, not worrying about hitting anyone. 2. I used to watch every show on tv... for me, it's "I used to watch Food Network" constantly, but now it's "What not to wear" and "Plastic Surgery: before and after" 3. The way that people treat you. My success at work has skyrocketed. I can't help wonder if my increased appearance has helped?? I'd like to think not, but you can't help but wonder. I had a real NSV when a co-worker said, "you have got to take me shopping, you always look so cute"... they have no idea that in your "old" life you'd never have even considered it because you had to shop at the plus-size store, and they didn't. 4. Ever notice how, when you're overweight, people look at you with disdain in a restaurant, and you're so worried that they're going to judge what you've ordered? Now, people push food at me... there have been so many times when the waiter/waitress was all "are you sure you liked it? can I get you something different?" Or, "is that all you're going to eat, here, let me get you something else?" 5. One last observation... ever have someone who doesn't know the "old" you make a comment about someone else's weight because they view you as "non-overweight"? It's like a surreal victory, and sad at the same time. Kudos to all who have succeeded, and those who continue to succeed. So many people have no idea what it takes to get here, but IMO, it's so worth it.

Moe661, I can sure relate to that. The original "if only I could get down to ..." has morphed into a desire to be lean and fit. Julie, I am 5'6". And to be honest, my weight was at 160 for one day in May, and then the weight started climbing up to 166. So now it took me some time to get back to 161. Like Betty, I leave the ticker alone, unless I LOSE! While my weight looks normal, I delivered my babies in the 160's. My natural frame is a skinny girl with curves. Changing up the diet is a good idea. I have depleted myself, though by not eating enough. The times I lose now are when I drink Protein shakes for two meals. What's up with that?? NSV: Pulled out an old short and tight-fitting skirt just "to see" what it would take to squeeze in. Eyeballing it I thought there was no way to get it over my hips. But it slid right up and zipped with no effort. When I looked in the mirror and turned around, there it was...a huge sagging rear of fabric! HAHAHA! The skirt is now in my "FAT CLOTHES" PILE. cAN YOU BELIEVE IT? And someone mentioned how their body felt when running (I'll find that post, cause I loved it so much). Well, I love how I feel, but also I love to see my shadow. I run in the evening, and my shadow looks really pretty, especially compared to the old one. Oh yeah, and Julie, "WONKY" is one of my favorite adjectives! I laugh every time I say or hear it. haha Have a great week everyone! Good to hear from Jacqui and the newcomers!

First, congrats on the NSV. Your leg crossing description made perfect sense and I'm looking forward to being able to do that again. Sometimes the small things mean alot. Secondly, thanks for the analysis of the binge. You're doing some of the hard work for those of us who still have issues to deal with. It is also a realistic look at the road that lies ahead. You are a wonderful example of what can be achieved and also a wonderful reminder that just getting the weight off is not all there is to it. All our old bad habits won't just magically disappear and even banded we can still try to use food as a sedative or a distraction (i checked my spelling and saw distraction defined as mental distress or derangement - good word) from what's really bothering us. I am so encouraged though by your honesty and willingness to share the good and the bad. I think "doing the numbers" really does help to put things in perspective. Yes, you kind of went off the deep end, but it really is just a minor blip in the big picture and you recognize that and have moved on. That is the big lesson here.

I had such an awesome NSV (non scale victory) the other day. We were at a friends for Fourth of July and someone told me if I could teach them all how to be skinny like me????? I am at 165 now, down from 190 pre surgury and from 240 my all time highest weight. I am going for my 3rd fill next weekend. I have 2.4 cc's in my 4cc band and do not have any restriction. I get stuck occasionally though. I have not really began a good exercise program yet. I have been swimming at least every other day. But I want to start jogging and weight training to tone my arms. My arms and thighs need the most help. But I think because I have lost it slower, my skin didn't suffer. My goal is 145 or so. I think I need to see how I look at 155. I like to look on the curvy side. Thanks for starting this thread!!! Audree:D

My consult today went very well!! This surgeon is one of the top PS in my area. He is reasonably priced too, and I've seen his work in person. My cousin had her augmentation there. He told me that doing lipo on my knees would not have a good outcome. The only thing that will help me is a lift of some kind. I was afraid of that, and very impressed he didn't just go ahead and take my money and do it. He knew I didn't have the funds for any additional surgeries, so he won my confidence right away. So, that said it looks like I look best in the 500cc implants, silicone's. That put me up to a very full D or DD according to him. Ohhh Yeahhh Babyyy!!! :lol: I also want to say that dang those are some rockin' boobs... OMG!!! And here's a little NSV. I even fitted in the Size Small shirt he gave me, even with the implants in!!! YEAHHHHH!!!! I'm still going to get a second opinion on the knees though. I have another consult at Sono Bello who does strictly liposuction. That is their specialty, on Wednesday morning. I'll see what they have to say. Source: My Plastics Journey - My first one (of several)

Last week went well but I could only hit the gym four days. I did cardio 4/4 days and weight training 2/4 days. I was delayed on Friday and Saturday due to the snow/ice/wind storm, but that is really no excuse since I atleast have an elliptical at home. I did have a NSV I thought I would share. I have a pair of jeans that were my favorite, I haven't worn them in over four years but I couldn't part with them. Well three weeks ago they didn't fit but this Saturday I put them on and they fit, a bit tight but that is okay because in three more weeks they will fit perfect. I am so excited this will be 4-5 sizes smaller than what I started at....This is so exciting for me! This week I am shooting for 5/5 cardio workouts. 3/5 complete weight training workouts. Even though Christmas is getting closer, I really want to maintain my work outs. Does it seem harder to anyone else to try and make it to the gym... Stefani congratulations on your size 13! That is rockin! What do you do is spin class Di? It sounds like fun!

Being able to shop in the "normal sizes" stores is a huge NSV - congrats! Even though buying new clothes in each size as we go down isn't practical, it costs nothing to go into stores and try things on just to see what actually DOES fit. It can be amazing to see our bodies that way. Hmmm, think this is good advice for myself, too!

Yey sleeve sisters... I love it!!! You are doing amazing, your starting weight is pretty much, give or take a pound, where I am now... and I have to be honest that I am desperate to get into the onderland zone!!! However, I did have a NSV today, as I bought a pair of jeans that are a size smaller, thinking 'oh I will wear these in a week or two'. I had to try them on, and they fit!! Ok, so they are a little tight, but I think that is because all my other stuff is so loose!! I posted on your other thread... I really think a hobby is a great idea... do you work? Since I have started back to work, I know that things are a hundred miles an hour now.. but so far I am not as tired as I normal and I haven't had a nanna nap, yet! I have been exercising too and that is a great feeling; to do some cardio and not feel like a baby elephant is sat on my chest!! One other thing that has been on my mind is my ToTM.... I haven't seen anything since 14th July and I am wondering if the old hormone thing is playing around with my weight too... dunno, might just be me being paraniod and desperate to see the scale move in a more modest way!!! x

@@igotthis98 Way to go!!! Just keep that enthusiasm high, I love that your best friend is going with you just don't make it a competition or comparison contest OK? It can happen too easily and then it goes from motivating to defeating. Keep each other honest, and on task but each do what you can for YOU and don't worry that she can lift more your can run faster etc. For many many years when I was young I used to work out all the time. I was a dancer and practiced ballet nearly 4 hours a day every day with dance teachers and competition coaches. When I stopped I really stopped and there are days now when my motivation to get my butt to the gym and push myself into that familiar soreness that I remember all too well is not only lacking but it's just down right resistance!!! I feel 100 times better when I get there and I get it done, but I fight it every step of the way. I have a trainer and I have been working with him since July and I told him DON"T let me cancel on you!! Some days I have to pull the plug because I am ill or hurt, but I can all too easily get into a pattern and just stop. He's pretty good at keeping me accountable to myself and getting my there and getting it moving once I get there without shaming me or making me feel guilty when I need to take a break. This is most definitely a wonderful NSV got get 'em girl!!!

I think jeans are one of the best NSV's. A great fitting pair look and feel great... Well done...

I flew to San Antonio this morning, and I could buckle the seat belt, AND had 3 inches of extra strap! It felt so good! I'm not having many scale victories, but am sure noticing some NSV's! Congratulations to all of you on yours! Cindy

I don't think that's silly. Gotta appreciate the little NSV's too! I was happy when I could put down the armrest on my chair!

Thanks Anwyn, I'm glad that I've been able to help! I think it is so important to track all the changes in your life. Not only the physical ones, but hopefully the changes we make so that we don't need to be fat any more. And the best way I know of to track these changes is to keep a list of all your NSVs. Besides, when you are invited to be a guest on the Oprah show, you have to have something to show besides what the scale says, right? Right!

Hi Everyone, I'm a newbie here and was wondering what "NSV" stands for. I tried to figure it out all on my own, but haven't had any luck yet. Best Wishes to ALL of You!

@@Pinkgirl1234 - I agree with you but NOT all women are catty, but some of us are VERY catty - and especially when it comes to weight gain or weight loss. just sayin' @@ididit34 - NSVs like wearing smaller pants are THE best and I remind myself a lot that even though the scale isn't showing huge loses the pants/shirts are getting smaller

What fun nsvs! You can go incognito! Lol

So today I took my Experimental Psych final and was kind of nervous about climbing into the seats. Our lecture halls have smallish seats and no space to crawl over people if you come in late. A year ago, in the same hall, I actually had to stay and wait for everyone to finish in my row so I could crawl out without literally squishing someone. Not to mention that I couldn't put the desk down all the way - my thighs were too big -- and it dug into my tummy and I was squeezed on both sides from teh arm rests. WELL! Today, I fit nicely in the seats, WITH EXTRA SPACE! My desk went down all the way and I was able to slither my way out of the row when I finished my exam without any embarrassment. I have never felt so happy to fit into a damn seat. I was beaming through my whole exam .

Had my 6 month post op appt on Wednesday. Went FANTASTIC, but still in this stupid stall. Officially 3 weeks on Wednesday. So so annoying. Really ready to have it break so I can get on with it. Have to get bloodwork done, but all vitals and stats look excellent. Happy with my progress and my NSVs and my improved health. My dietician told me to keep my calories between 1100 - 1200 per day and add 2 days of weight training to my workout routine. I was doing light weights and cardio 5 days per week and she said to add the weight training to the 2 days I'm not working out. She said my diet and drinks and Snacks are all good, the amount and frequency I'm eating are good. So hopefully this will help. Today was my first day doing it. This stall is just driving me nuts. She also said if I get to 5 weeks, it's considered a plateau at that point and not a stall anymore. And then there's different things I would need to do if I'm in a plateau. Hope it doesn't get to that. I know stalls are normal, but I haven't even lost 100 pounds yet, and I'm nowhere near my goal, so slowing down this much at this point is really frustrating. Just gonna keep on keepin on until the stall breaks and the scale makes me happy again.

On March 31, 2006 (I turned 39), I started a lifestyle change plan. I started exercising 4-5 times weekly on April 2nd along with high protein, low carb eating. I usually have: Breakfast: coffee and 1 EAS drink Snack: pork rinds or fruits/veggies Lunch: a chicken salad with cheese and dressing at lunch or South Beach Diet Wraps with salad Snack: cheese & crackers or 1 EAS drink if I get hungry before dinner Dinner with the family - just smaller portions and very limited carbs plus a salad Snack - after dinner if I get snack hungry its another EAS drink or pork rinds. 4/2 ~~ until 4/17 -- Started out at 3 min @ 1.1 ugh! Im so out of shape, then adding 2 min a day and .1 4/18 ~~ I finally worked up to where I can run YES RUN on my treadmill 2 min at 2.7mp; throughout my 25 min workout, I did 5 times of running! 4/19~~ I walked/ran on the treadmill for 27min 4/20 ~~ I walked/ran on the treadmill for 30 min - 2 min running @ 3.0, walk 5 - 7 min @ 2.5/2.7, 1.33 min running and crashed and burned :hurt from the shin splints in my left leg, walked 3-5 min then ran again 2 min walked the rest of the time. 4/21 ~~ had a major allergic reaction to Barium sulfate last night so I have been sick all night so no exercising today and no CT SCAN ugh 4/22 ~~ woke up feeling totally better from the allergic reaction. Going shopping/walking at the mall with family. Do I get an extra point for buying all things for kids new rooms 1/2 price at Disney store? :eek: walked 1 -2 hours then walked 1 hour more @ grocery store 4/23 ~~ was supposed to go to the Zoo but 40% chance of rain. We went to JCPenney's madhouse friends and family day LOL my daughter works there and I got an extra 20% off we must have walked the store 4 or 5 times - then went to Sam's club /flex weight trained while pushing 2 kids that weigh 100lbs total and 4 bags of 50lb pool salt! lol 4/24 ~~I walked/ran on the treadmill for 24 min - 2 min running @ 3.1, walk 5 - 7 min @ 2.5/2.7, 1 min running, walked 3-5 min then ran again 2 min walked the rest of the time. Shin splints in my left leg still bothering me. 4/25 ~~ 4/26 ~~ 4/27 ~~ I walked/ran on the treadmill for 27 min - walk 12 min @ 2.7; 2 min running @ 3.3, walked 3-5 min then ran again 2 min walked the rest of the time. Loading up with water before and wrapping my left leg helped some. 4/28 ~~ Had to do bookkeeping - no exercise 4/29 ~~ Walked 2 hours at the zoo, trailing behind a 3 & 5 year old running LOL 4/30 ~~ Walked in Sam's and Publix pushing 100 lbs extra in the buggy with kids - Sams added 4 bags of 50 lb salt! ugh May 1 ~~ Sick kids May 7 ~~ Pushed the kids around WD - had to go out even with them sick but getting well May 8 ~~ Started walking at 2.4 mph to warm up - hmm maybe the week off helped, I did 2.9 mph for 27 min and no pain or shin splints or maybe my legs are just getting stronger? 161 calories burned and 1.15 mi walked May 9 ~~ 0 May 10 ~~ 29 min @ 2.9 180 cals/1.20 mile May 11 ~~ 30 min @ 2.0-2.3 155 cals/1.06 mile - taking it easy today May 12 ~~ May 13 ~~ May 14 ~~

We have had our ups and down but I am 116 pounds down (6 below goal), I feel amazing. It's still a learning experience everyday. I celebrated with an a awesome NSV!! I was able to go on a ride without worrying if I could fit in the seat. I was actually a little scared because I was moving around so much from the extra room I had

Nice NSV. Good job. Happy birthday.

I have no experience with revision, but a lot of people on here do. All I can say is be kind to yourself and let yourself heal! You aren’t even a month out yet. Look for NSV’s, stick to your plan and what has worked for you so far. I’m sure others with more experience will be able to offer you some practical advice. Hang in there… you can do this.