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At under 300 pounds you shouldn't need to worry that they won't let you fly or will require a second seat. You are making great progress and your internal mental image may not be in synch with your new trimmer body. I'm sure everything will go smoothly and you will be pleasantly surprised at how much you have changed since the last time you flew! Keep up the good work and be prepared for a NSV when you realize how much easier it is to travel at less than 300 pounds! I am flying for the first time post surgery on 9/29 and am hoping I won't need the extender this time! We have to embrace and rejoice in the little victories along the path to a healthy body!

Great topic Gowalking! Through this journey the meaning of success is ever changing for me. At first it was ok I need to loss 50% of my excess weight within one year, then it was I need to get to onederland, then it was to hit my goal weight and now it's like you said it's the desire to sustain where I'm at right now for the rest of my life. It was all the little victories along the way that meant the most to me and motivated me to keep going. The NSVs of going down a size or two, going to the Dr. and having tests done and everything coming back perfect, it's in the smiles on my family's face when they see how happy I am to be able to do something I wasn't able to do one year ago, it's that feeling of self-worth at the end when all is said and done that I set out to do this for myself to become healthy and of course look and feel human and have done just that. It's about being the person I've always been on the inside but at times was hesitant because of my outward apperance. I would like to encourange others through my experiences along this journey to help someone else who is where I was, that is what ULTIMATE success looks like for me. I want to be able to give others hope regardless of their current situation that they can change their life.

Carly, I am almost 2 years out from my sleeve. I started my journey at 304 pounds and am now at 170 pounds. My goal weight is 140 lbs so I am still 30 lbs from goal and I have def been a slow loser ( or at least I feel I have) Most girls I have talked to have reached goal in less than 2 years. But I myself feel that I couldnt of lost 160 lbs in 2 years if I wanted to! I am in no rush to "get to goal." Sometimes its hard to not compare ourselves with others, but I am convinced that slow and steady wins a race. I have been in this darn stall for 6 weeks and am ready to see the numbers moving. But enjoy this journey and all the NSV's along the way. You will do just fine!

Just got to drop my blood pressure meds today! I'm prescription free! Lapband kicks ass!!!

Way to Go Everyone!!! i've chosen to weigh myself only once a week, so i'll report in on monday. i did have an NSV of sorts today, i pulled on a top for work today that used to hug my body a lot and today it was hanging on me. love how that feels!!!

Awsome NSV!!!!! Kim

Best advice I can give it just breath! And don't focus some hon the pounds that you loose as opposed to all the NSV's that you have and inches lost.

Me too @@LipstickLady!! I'm always in the squeezy seat now. I even started to do it myself rather than wait for someone to point me there. That's a big deal because it means I know I'll fit. What a difference after so many years of worrying about not being able to fit somewhere. I never tire of reading about NSV experiences @Daveo. Keep 'em coming!

Awesome nsv! Now can we have a picture of this outfit, please.

woohoo! That is a great NSV if it is really a scale victory, too! Awesome!

An occasional day of rest is required to let our bodies heal when we work out... and you're doing an amazing workout every day that you go without the chair! Don't take the rest days as setback. Instead use them as days to allow your muscles to heal and grow stronger. When we lift weights, we're supposed to give our bodies a day of rest in between. You ARE doing the same with forcing your legs to work... I'm totally thrilled for you and proud of you! You're determined to reach your goal and I have faith that you will reach that goal. I've figured out how you could do a ticker, too. You could either track "days out of the chair", using a 6 or 8 hour "day" and log each one as you complete it. OR you could track how many miles/feet you've walked and pick a destination. I believe Lil Miss (Stronger) Diva did that with her workouts. As she racked up miles she listed how much closer to a specific town she'd come. Maybe you should do something like football fields or the local mall that have specific distances. Even if you don't do a ticker, it's still a HUGE NSV. If you do, maybe it will be motivational for you on days you don't want to walk. You're doing great! Keep up the good work!!

Congratulations on such a wonderful NSV. Keep up the great work :thumbup: I always seem to lose inches even when the scale isn't moving.

I understand your frustration! I think of how MUCH I ate before - and when I stalled at 2 weeks out for 10 DAYS!! - it felt unbearable!! I think we just have to look at the NSV - how do you feel? Look at your water intake and know you ARE doing better than before. I think I am like you, I sometimes can't believe this is ACTUALLY going to work for me....because I failed at everything else concerning my weight! I am TRYING to weigh only once a week, and be thankful for the weight I have lost and how much better I feel.....you will be fine.....good luck!

Yay for NSVs!!! You look fantabulous!! No matter what size, you have a million watt smile! I'm so thrilled you're rocking that sleeve! Lissa

What great NSV's! Congratulations on your progress.

I love your NSV's! Congrats to rockin your sleeve!

Hello everyone,I'm a married mom of 4. I'm 260 pounds 5'7. Dealing with weight issues since I was 18. I started my journey on 7/28 when I went in for my initial consult and was told I was a good candidate for wls. My bmi is 40.5. So process started, I went through psych eval, support group, endoscopy, sleep study, exercise classes, blood work, nutrition appt. All of these appointments done by end of August. On 9/1 was my follow up appointment to make sure all of my criteria has been met. Everything was met, and they said next step would be them calling with a date. On 9/5, I'm scheduled for surgery on 9/25 (now I'm panicking, and nervous) on 9/7 I meet the doctor for a presurgery visit, it was going over what to expect pre/post. On 9/11 I have to go to hospital for preop EKG, and blood work, a long with my $500 copay I have bcbswny. Also I start my 2 week liver reduction diet. On 9/12 I go to primary to get medical clearance. Then it's just a waiting game until 9/25 @1pm. I'm excited, anxious, and nervous all at the same time. Anyone have any suggestions for pre surgery jitters would be great. Congratulations to everyone, especially the nsv I've been reading about[emoji1] Sent from my SM-N920T using BariatricPal mobile app

Good Evening sleevers!!! Today I am exactly 4 months post op. I was sleeved by Dr. Alberto Aceves in Mexicali Mexico and he took my lap band out at the same time. (Yeahhh!!!) Well my averages are slowing down but ya know... I'm still losing. I went through a pretty long stall, and maybe partially it was my own fault. I was grazing too much now I realize, as I've taken back up to logging my intake 100% of the time. I even log my supplements. Yes, I do. Maybe that is a little neurotic - but I had to do something. I needed to find out where I was missing and I'm glad to know where I was going wrong. I'm now eating anywhere from 900-1200 calories per day and doing 50% Protein, 25% Fats and 25% GOOD Carbs. NO MORE SNACKING BETWEEN MEALS, and everything that hits my lips is completely healthy and good for my body. I will continue with this regimen until I hit goal. It's so easy to fall off the right track, BUT the main thing is to realize it, pick back up and keep it moving!! On my workout days I add in one extra EAS CarbAdvantage Protein shake, and I'll allow one handfull of peanuts in the evening but that's it. I tried the sunflower seeds but I was blown away to find out it's got a lot of calories... LOL!! Good thing I was low on calories for that day. I won't do that again though. I love peanuts and I might try some pistachios too - however I'm at my limit for today, so maybe tomorrow. Also, I've taken on a new eating plan which gets me more veggies, fruits and whole grain power foods. I feel so wholesome right now. I have more energy right now than I think I've felt in my entire life!!! That is NO JOKE!!! I've been able to rock out my workouts like no one's business and I feel so incredible when they are over. :D I can tell my stamina in increasing every single day. I'M A HAPPY GIRL!!!! Anyway, my stall I do believe is over now that I've gotten myself back on track and revving like a sports car. My metabolism is through the roof - and I can tell this because I just feel it all over my body. My clothes suddenly feel like they are swimming on me. Soon I will not have any clothes left to wear... LOL And THAT is not a bad thing!!! Ok so, to finish as this is long enough I want to type out some NSV's that I've noticed up to this point. Pre-surgery - these were not even Considered!!! When I wake up in the morning and I flip my legs over the side of my bed I'm startled every time that these are actually my legs!!! They look like someone else's... haaa!! When I'm on my Spinner I can actually see parts of the bike seat as I'm riding it. Now that one was pretty cool. It's funny how you don't even realize how much room you take up until you don't take up much anymore. My Wedding Rings can literally fall off my hand without my help! My Size 6 is starting to get a little too loose for my liking even. I have bones in my hands and on my collar. Who knew? I do not wake up sore in the morning anymore from being so heavy it's hard to maneuver in my sleep. When I'm getting dressed in the morning and I'm picking out my clothes, I can hardly even believe I can fit the smaller sizes that I'm wearing now. Some are even getting baggy! Speaking of this, I'm wearing a pair of pajama pants that I couldn't even fit before surgery. I think they are ready to hit the Goodwill bag now because I can't even keep them on anymore. I can jog on my treadmill and NOT have sore knees during or after!!! I can jog a 5K now. I can move around in areas that are tight and I fit quite easily. Before I'd be afraid of bumping into people or furniture! I see a woman's shape when I look in the mirror getting dressed. I love this one!!! Here's a really big one: I have not needed to take any Aleve daily as I used to. I probably have used it once a day for a total of 5 days in the LAST MONTH!!! Whoohooo!!! Pain is going away!! My shoes are feeling really loose too. Hopefully I can even go down a size one day! People at work are already telling me I'm looking "thin"!! Wow, I feel so jazzed!! I still have a bit to go, but THAT is a huge motivator... I am feeling more like being social. For a minute I just was feeling really introverted. Not anymore!! I think that's enough for now. I'm sure I could go on all day with so many things. Life's Good!!! (LG!!!) Sorry for the no body shots, didn't have time - but I did try to get one of them where you can see to my middle. The Blue dress is me right before pre-op diet, the pink shirt is around 300 Lbs and the brown sweater is me at my heaviest. It's the only known photo of me at that size.

@@AllisonK1986 wonderful news can we say NSV??? speedy recovery good luck

Disclaimer: I am not bragging, I'm celebrating the changes in my life and giving newbies a couple of things to look forward to. I had no idea 50lbs and 3.5 months would make such a difference. I just got the news that I'm being promoted and have a FAT salary increase (after 9 years and very hard work that has gone unnoticed/unappreciated) and I'm trying to decide who to date. I know my promotion has a lot to do with the weightloss. I work in a male-dominated industry (oil and gas) and only attractive women seem to get good breaks in the office environment - just being honest, I am NOT bragging because I think I'm just regular!!! It also seems that I meet a new guy every other day and while it's easy to weed many of them out, I have three excellent prospects and I wish I could hang on to all of them. :wub: I am fully aware that two of them would not have given me a second look before I lost this weight and this will likely have some bearing on my final decision. But, it feels great to be more attractive again and to feel people staring at you from a distance...and you know why. It's also nice to hear "you're the perfect size now...don't lose anymore weight". I'm still going for 19 more pounds and hope to get there by the end of the year.

Last night I went roller skating. (That in itself is an Nsv) some friends wanted pictures for Facebook. When I looked at the pics, my first response was "Holy crap! When did I get a normal-sized face?!" I now have a visible neck and a slimmer face! I love this band!!

Until I had the surgery,until I lost 42 pounds when I did laundry I had three piles, darks mostly black, whites mostly towels and sheets. Today when I did laundry I had four piles darks mostly blues as in blue jeans sizes 14 -16s thank you very much, then colors such is purples and greens and blues and pinks. And of course towels and sheets. I never really thought about how much black I wore until I saw three items in that dark pile that were black and I was surprised. I looked at old pictures of myself from last summer, the very few I was actually in, All I used to wear was black. I love colors!

1. Blood sugar is EXCELLENT! 2. Reduced diabetes meds...less expensive meds:) 3. Cholesterol ALMOST normal 4. Wearing 18W pants (used to squeeze into a 28 at my highest) 5. 14W dress!!! 6. Love crossing my legs 7. Can paint my own toes without suffering oxygen deprivation!!! 8. Comfortable in theatre seats 9. Holding my 3 year old son on my hip and feeling him wrap his legs around me... Wasn't possible with a big round belly, didn't have the "shelf" of my hip to sit on, if that makes since 10. I don't mind having my picture taken one bit 11. Renewed self confidence 12. Improved sleep 13. Sleep through the night without needing to get up to pee 14. Less aches and pains 15. Learning to jog 16. Working out at gym without feeling so self-conscious 17. Love the feeling of putting my self and my health first, knowing it will ultimately make me a better person, wife, and mother 18. Bedroom...bow chica wow wow;) lol 19. High heels don't hurt anymore! 20. I had to buy a cheapo fake wedding set since my real one is too big. I will have it sized when I reach my goal! I could go on and on but I will stop! Thanks for letting me share. This forum is a great place to share with others who understand and won't interpret this list as arrogant! I thank God everyday for the lapband and the opportunity to have the surgery. I hope this post will encourage others to push through the difficult days of the journey!

Today I did two things that I am going to feel in the morning. Last winter my daughters and I picked up ice skating, which was a HUGE NSV for me and one of the dreams I'd hoped to realize after losing weight. After taking the entire summer and fall off, we started up again today. Well, 45 minutes of that and I was seriously hurting. The love is still there, though, and I didn't fall once! Then this evening I headed to the gym for a nice, quite ride on a bike (after having been with the kids all day, this was my reward). When I got there I met a friend who talked me into checking out the open volleyball which was just starting. Now, I used to play volleyball, pretty seriously, but stopped before my older daughter was born. The last time I played I probably weighed 310 or so, and lord knows I wasn't any good at that weight. So I haven't played, AT ALL, in about 8 or 9 years, and for 10 years before that I wasn't playing with any kind of energy or skill. In spite of feeling completely rusty, I let my friend talk me into it. Ho. Ly. Cow!! It was so much fun, and rather than feeling like I did the last time I played, I felt like I did when I played IN HIGH SCHOOL (when I weighed about what I weigh now). It was SO MUCH FUN and I can't wait to do it again!! I'm on a high right now from this experience, that was both familiar and beloved and also completely new and exciting. But I am going to feel this big time tomorrow. It's a good kind of hurt, of course, and I am stoked!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

This morning I'm not actually as sore as I thought I'd be. Another great NSV! Of course, sitting at my desk all day won't help matters any I'm sure. Kathy, there's no question the right clothes make a big difference. Go get yourself a ski bib! I found a pair of pants one last year ON THE RACK that fit me well--they were a 16 and only one of many that were there. Depending on the ski area, you may even be able to get on-site babysitting. You just reminded me that I actually have a pair of x-country skis in the attic; they were a present from my husband back in our unmarried-and-adventurous days. If we get enough snow this winter I'm going to dig them out and cross some country!!