Search the Community

There was a time I would think to myself, women who wear heels all day at work, to the mall (of all places), had serious confidence issues to bare such agony. 7 months ago, I could wear heels for 1 hour max and I would have to change into flats, 70 lbs lighter and I now see the light. This has been one of the ultimate NSV's for me. I can wear my heels all day run up & down stairs & not break a sweat. I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!!!!!!!! Thank you GOD for allowing me this 2nd chance!

I know it's hard to stay positive, especially reading posts by people who have lost 60+lbs in like 3 months. Just remember, like others mentioned, realistically we should only be losing 1-2lbs a week. Anymore is an added bonus. You all sound like you are on track; I'm in month 5 and still am hovering around the 40lbs mark (grr). However, I have lost over 35 inches, have more stamina, and a new found confidence; while the number on the scale is a motivator don't forget about your NSV's! This is a journey for all of us, and slow and steady is not a bad thing. Pat yourself on the back for doing something good for yourself, and just be patient; we're all still learning...

sorry to hear about the suckey day but the nsv were awesome wasn't they.

Great job!!! I havent weigh this weight I am now since I was 18.....yeah....20 years ago...and heres another NSV that happened awhile ago, but was great all the same.....my wedding dress is too big!!!! Yep, too big....it is a size 20...I was not small when I got married. I am smaller now that I have ever been since my hubby has known me....and let me tell you, he likes it:tt1:

power is back on!!!! NSV............jeans that are fitted and button, and are levi's.....I cant believe I was in a size 30/32 at the begining of 2007...wow.....I love new jeans.......they make me want to work harder.....yippyyyy

Um, so EXACTLY where is this restaurant? . . . . . LOL What a GREAT NSV! Congratulations you skinny, er, HEALTHY girl!

I was out with a friend and I excused myself to the ladies room. I saw myself in a full length mirrow for the first time in over a year. There was a thin woman staring back at me with her jaw dropped open. I can't believe how much my body has changed. I have gone from MO to normal in 12 months!!!! Huge NSV for me, also huge mental step, I saw what was really there. I was starting to think I would need counseling to see what everyone else was seeing. I saw it yesterday. WooHoo for me. No point really just wanted to share. ~Mandy P.S. I asked if I could buy that mirror just in case it was the mirror and not really my body. They said no ~M

What great NSV's! You must feel great! Way to go! Those last pounds will be gone in no time!

OK, so I am having a stall again, the scale has not moved since before easter, BUT the last 3 days have been amazing for NSVs, so I'll bask in those a little instead! Monday - (sorry this is reapeated form another thread) - I put on my work trousers only to find they don't touch ANYWHERE, not the waist, not the bum, not the thighs, I let go and they hit the floor, and they are not old trousers. My 7 year old thinks this is hillarious, so much so that she tells everyone who will listen about it (I'm flattered, but gosh i hope she doesn't tell people every time I try something on and its too small!!) Then I go to do the pick up from the childminders, and she greets me with "hello skinny" Tuesday - I see my mum for the first time in 2 weeks, and she says "Claire you look amazing, you look really well, and you are getting so skinny!" (that strange word again!) I then go to work, and am also told by my boss that I'm getting "Skinny" (thats 3 times in 2 days!) Today - I try on old trousers that were painfully small a couple of weeks ago - hey presto perfect fit, I team them with a top which I normally only wear with tummy control underwear, and the top just kind of floats around me without the use of any hidden support! I get to work and a colleague stops me in the corridoor and just starts pointing at me (I thought she was having some sort of breakdown), I asked what was wrong and she says "My god Claire, where has your stomach gone??? Its dissappeared!" I did resist the temptation to say it was in my surgeone's rubbish bin. Finally I get home and change into my pyjamas, and realise that the only way they are staying up is with a belt - so here I sit in my comfy pj's and a fetching flourescent belt!!! So with another 37lb to goal and a long long way from what I consider to be a normal weight, things are still pretty damn good!

LAPBANDIT Great idea, BOO! What is your "Bandiversary" goal? To get into Onderland! 21 pounds to go til Onderland...wish me luck! What have you learned this past year? food should remain a source of fuel, not a source of entertainment. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Shopping for clothes in the regular section...I have NEVER done this, honestly. Even as a kid I had to wear "Pretty Plus" size from Sears! What is your biggest challenge? Social eating-DEFINATELY! I still haven't mastered this yet. I still get carried away when I'm at parties/social functions. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Eat, just eat good, healthy foods. What is your greatest fear? Never affording the plastic surgery I need to get rid of this excess skin. What goals do you have for the future? To hit my goal weight, of course! How has your life changed? In every possible way. Mainly, I've learned to take care of myself and set priorities to make my health a no-compromise concept! Has living with the band met up to your expectations? Yes and no. I'm proud of my success but this idea of "restriction" still hasn't set in and I have never experienced it for any extended period of time. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? I'd say "You're doing the right thing...stick with the band and not the bypass." And, I'd throw in..."You need to excerise even more because it'll pay off!" HAPPY BANDIVERSARY CLASS OF '06!! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ Starting Weight February 2006: 392 Current Weight: 220 Total Lost Since February 2006: -172 Banded April 2006 <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>LapBandit</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to LapBandit</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to LapBandit</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 419212 popup menu --><!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419212 --><!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419212 --><!-- post #419243 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #419243 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post419243 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 3 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-18-2007, 07:05 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_419243", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_419243><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Lapbandit, WOW!!! You have accomplished so much this year! I am also learning to take care of myself. Great advice given! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 419243 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Boo to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 419243 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419243 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419243 --><!-- post #419443 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #419443 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post419443 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 4 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-18-2007, 10:56 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>waterlily1072 <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_419443", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Apr 2006 Age: 34 Posts: 579 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_419443><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->What is your "Bandiversary" goal? Originally it was to lose 100lbs in my first year, but that isn't gonna happen. Now my goal is to get as close to that as I can! What have you learned this past year? I have learned that without the support of fellow bandsters this is a difficult road. Lifting up and encouraging others is what makes us all stronger together. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Most rewarding is that my back and knees are in so much less pain, in fact most days I don't even notice them anymore. When I started I couldn't push a vacuum without crumbling to the floor in tears from pain. What is your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge has been to try to learn to deal with life's ups and downs without turning to food. I never could have known how hard that would be. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? 1 - Stick together and take care of each other. 2 - Get fills when you need them and when in doubt ask your fill professional their opinion on whether or not you need one! 3 - Participate in a support group with other banded people like this one! What is your greatest fear? That I won't know who I am without my padding What goals do you have for the future? To live, to run, to laugh How has your life changed? I am healthier, I can now see me reaching my goal. I always could picture myself thin but not how I got there, now I can see the way to get there. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? Yes and no. I really thought that because I started at a higher BMI that I would lose faster in the beginning. On the other hand, I am totally moving steadily towards my goal weight now that I have good restriction and the band is now helping me, finally. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? Don't feel like other peoples numbers affect you personally. You are an individual and your adjustments are individual to you! You are not like anyboy else, no one is. Some people lose 10lbs in there first year and others lose 150lbs, the good news is that it's ok to be an individual, we all are losing (barring any medical conditions that prevent it) and that is what matters. We can all reach our goal if we are willing to put forth the effort to work with our band and not around it. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ ~ Molly ~ Banded 4/11/2006 - VG 10cc 6/5/2006 - 4.5cc's 6/19/2006 - 6.5cc's 7/17/2006 - 7.5cc's 8/28/2006 - 8.5cc's 2/13/2007 - 9.5cc's <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 419443 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>waterlily1072</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to waterlily1072</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by waterlily1072</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add waterlily1072 to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 419443 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419443 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419443 --><!-- post #420165 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #420165 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post420165 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 5 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-19-2007, 04:14 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_420165", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_420165><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->I agree! It is not a race to lose. And each of us is an individual with unique weight-loss issues. After surgery I wrote in my journal to appreciate whatever loss I had at one year because I will have not gained! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 420165 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Boo to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 420165 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420165 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420165 --><!-- post #420437 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #420437 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post420437 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 6 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-19-2007, 09:24 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap>Irish Girl <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_420437", true); </SCRIPT> RedHeads Rock!! </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 174 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_420437><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->What is your "Bandiversary" goal? I would love to be at my goal weight of 135. It is looming so close. What have you learned this past year? That I can succeed at weight loss...all I needed was some help. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? There are so many. I have found the self confidence that I thought I lost, no more cholesterol medication, the restless leg syndrome is gone, bye bye sleep apnea, hugs from my son because he can get his arms around me, shopping in normal sized stores, enjoying shopping because I can find things that fit, mowing the yard without getting winded in the first five minutes.....the list goes on and on and on. What is your biggest challenge? Trying to keep eating the "bandster" way. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Make good food choices, but don't deprive yourself of a small treat once in while (this is for your sanity). Drink lots of Water (dehydration is a bad thing.....kidney stones are not your friend). Don't be afraid to ask questions. The best people to get banded information from is from another bandster. What is your greatest fear? Slipping up, eating too much, and falling into the same bad habits that got me to where I was in the first place. What goals do you have for the future? My biggest short term goal is to participate in the Danskin triathlon in Seattle in August of this year. How has your life changed? I am definately more active and outgoing. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? I didn't really have major expectations to begin with. I read so much about only losing a portion of the weight will be lost. But I truly believe the weight you lose will depend on you. I am so happy I did this and I would do it again in a second. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? To not be so afraid about doing something for myself. Be a hero to yourself as this will be a life changing experience. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ Irish Girl Banded April 28, 2006 (BMI of 39 - morbidly obese) 1st fill 6/8/06 - 2.25cc 2nd fill 07/11/06 - 3.25cc 3rd fill 8/15/06 - 3.50cc (BMI of 30 - overweight) 4th fill 9/26/06 - 4.25cc No fill - 11/9/06 (BMI of 28) No fill - 12/7/06 (BMI of 25.9 - Almost Normal) No fill - 1/8/07 (BMI of 25.8 - Almost Normal) 5th fill - 3/6/07 - 4.45cc (BMI of 25.5 - Still Almost Normal) <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 420437 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Irish Girl</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Irish Girl</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Irish Girl</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Irish Girl to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 420437 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420437 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420437 --><!-- post #420489 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #420489 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post420489 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 7 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-19-2007, 11:14 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_420489", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_420489><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Wow! Irish Girl, you are amazing and an inspiration. I have been stuck at the same weight for over two months. It is time for me to get tough. I can't imagine getting to 135, but I need to start seeing it! That is where I want to be. Good luck on the Triathalon. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 420489 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 420489 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420489 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420489 --><!-- post #420490 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #420490 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post420490 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 8 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-19-2007, 11:16 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_420490", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_420490>Irish Girl, what size is your band? Mine is unfilled at the present time, but was filled to 1.4 cc. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 420490 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 420490 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420490 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420490 --><!-- post #421123 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #421123 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post421123 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 9 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-20-2007, 02:54 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>JulieNYC <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_421123", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 643 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_421123><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->This is a cool idea for a thread. Thank you, Boo! What is your "Bandiversary" goal? To be recovered from my tummy tuck and breast lift (March 28th) enough to schedule my flight home (to actually be home is a stretch). What have you learned this past year? I've learned that it's better to head off a binge than to fight it. It's like turning a boat. You might not be able to turn on a dime, but if you plan, you can still get the boat turned. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Flying without a seatbelt extender. Walking anywhere in the City just because and not worrying about breaking out in a sweat even in the cold. What is your biggest challenge? Learning how to not act like an adolescent in my new body. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Measure your food, at least some of the time. It keeps you accountable. Also, if you're not losing as quickly as you'd like, consider counting calories at least for a few days. It'll let you see where you can make adjustments to meet your goals. What is your greatest fear? Regaining the weight. I know it's not likely, but I still fear it. What goals do you have for the future? To figure out what goal weight is and reach it. To run a 10K. To run an average mile in under 10 minutes. How has your life changed? Oh my gosh, what a question! I fit into life again. I don't worry about finding the "right" seat on the bus or whether a folding chair will break under my weight. I can shop anywhere. I care about my appearance. People treat me with more respect, even just walking down the street -- it shouldn't be that way but it is. I got a new job making triple salary. Triple! Men hit on me. I'm excited about tomorrow. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? It's far exceeded my expectations. I expected to be about 250 or 275 now. Instead, I'm in the 190s. All I expected from the band was to get back to Twoterville. Actual day-to-day life, the band exceeds my expectations as well. I thought I'd have way more limitations on the types of food I'd be able to eat. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? I'd say be kind to yourself. You're a pretty cool person and even though you don't like yourself a lot right now, you've got the potential to love yourself. I'd also say, self, since you've got this ability to talk to yourself a year ago, try to see if you can talk to yourself 5 years ago and get a band then. Don't waste time trying to find another option. You're going to exhaust them all and still wind up 350+ and banded. Save yourself the emotional and physical trauma. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ ________________ Julie-NYC banded 4/10/06, NYU, Dr. Fielding April Bandits' March Challenge: Seventeen 40 minute sessions completed. <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 421123 popup menu --> <!-- / post 421123 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421123 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421123 --><!-- post #421381 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #421381 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post421381 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 10 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-20-2007, 07:20 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>TracyinKS <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_421381", true); </SCRIPT> Ready! Set! BAND ME! </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 37 Posts: 888 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_421381><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->From an April 07 bandster............ THANK YOU FOR THIS THREAD!!!!!!! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ 267/267/160ish Surgery Scheduled 4/26/2007 APROVED BCBS on 1/30/07 Dr. Malley, Mission, Kansas I Look forward to finally having a HEALTHY relationship with food, instead of the obsessive stalker I seem to be right now. http://www.myspace.com/lowcarbbandster <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 421381 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 421381 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421381 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421381 --><!-- post #421396 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #421396 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post421396 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 11 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-20-2007, 07:28 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_421396", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_421396><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Julie, that is beautiful! I loved reading your thoughts! Thanks, Tracy! I hope this thread will help the April '06 bandsters to reflect on our journey, and to clarify new goals. All of you newbies and upcoming bandsters, see what you have to look forward to!! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 421396 popup menu --> <!-- / post 421396 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421396 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421396 --><!-- post #422300 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422300 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422300 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 12 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 05:45 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap>amourette <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422300", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Mar 2006 Age: 36 Posts: 266 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422300><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- icon and title -->will also answer <HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->Buthope our new chicklings in the Apri

Today I "unsubscribed" from Lane Bryant emails! Although they served me very well through the years, no more plus sizes for me. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

Tonight, I was just explaining to my mom what a NSV was. I have had several but my newest is being able to wear my high heels again and I'm now able to wear them all day long. Prior to surgery, I was known for carrying two pairs of shoes and swapping to flats after every business meeting. Now I plan to carry an extra pair of shoes but it's gonna be running shoes so I can exercise during lunch!

When taking a bath you divide the tub into two separate ponds, like you can pull the plug, but until you get up the water behind you doesn't move.... nsv: My @$$ no longer touches both sides!! Water can actually swirl all the way around me!

I am still excited beyond all belief about this. I have been shopping at Lane Bryant or in the "woman's" section of clothing stores for twenty plus years now. We all know that in regular department stores, the selection for plus size clothing is very, very limited. Yesterday I took my daughter back to school shopping. We went into Kohl's. All of my clothes are absolutely huge on me, and I really need some new clothes for work. I had already made plans to hit Lane Bryant later in the day. But, as long as we were already there, I begrudgingly made my way back to their teeny, tiny "woman's" department. As I made my way there, I was looking at all the really, really cute clothes along the way in the normal sizes sections and hoping that one day I will be able to wear those cute clothes. So, I get to the Woman's section. I had to guess my size, because it had been a while since I clothes shopped. I got to the dressing room, and the clothes were too big. I couldn't believe it. So, I went the next size down, and then the next until I was at the smallest size they offered in the woman's section, and they were still too big!! I couldn't believe it. So, I thought, dare I venture into the regular people's section where all the really cute clothes are. I thought, no, I am just going to be out of luck because there is no way nothing there will fit me. But, I decided what the heck, it wouldn't be the first time in my life I was disappointed so I may as well give it a try. I grabbed several items that I thought were incredibly cute and made my way back to the dressing rooms. You won't believe what happened... THEY FIT!! I was so excited and happy you wouldn't believe it. It was crazy, but a whole wave of emotions came over me and I sat down on the bench in the fitting room and started crying. Then, I had to run and find my daughter and share the exciting news with her. I had to call my husband and my mom, she called her brother. I have to say, this is the best NSV I have ever experienced. And, today, just to see if it worked in other stores, I tried clothes on at Dillards and Coldwater Creek, and I was able to fit in regular sizes there too! I am so blessed to have been given this wonderful opportunity to be sleeved. It is truly the best thing to ever have happened to me!

6 Months Post Op… Wow! Wow, I’m officially 6 months post op lap band and I’ve had more ups than downs and I’m still currently working my tool and happy. I don’t know where to begin?! Well, I went to my 6mo check up on Monday (10/10/11) and everything was good. I hadn’t lost any weight since I last weighed myself (251lbs), but I’d lost 5 pounds since seeing him, so he was pleased; he took into consideration that I lost 10 the last time… I didn’t get a fill, because at this time I feel I have good restriction and he said he didn’t want me TOO tight, which I agree. I’ve had the band only 6 months, PB’d just ONCE, so I feel I’m doing good. I still find myself making plates or sitting down to eat thinking “I can eat all this” and then after half the meal I’m pushing food around my plate. So, I know when to stop! I’m still trying to stay as close to no carbs as possible. I can’t lie, it’s been tough and I’ve slacked up a little, as far as a couple of chips (like when I went out for my sister’s birthday dinner and for appetizers we had chips and spinach dip—which was delicious) here and there. Still no bread, no rice… I LOVE mashed potatoes, so I definitely had some of those, though I wish I hadn’t, but it’s all good… ALL in moderation! I think I need to incorporate some type of fiber supplement or more fiber in my diet, because for the past few of days I’ve been constipated and I’m unsure as to why. I normally get constipated around that time of the month, but currently it’s NOT that time so I’m wondering what the EFF if going on! I haven’t resulted to a form of laxative just yet because I’m still trying to narrow down the problem. When I first started the no carb diet I had no issues with the restroom. I think I was even urinating MORE, so now I’m kinda confused as to what’s the issue. So I’m gonna try more fiber, maybe I’m not drinking enough water, then I’ll try that laxative as a last resort. Exercise is really become hard for me to get in. I know I’m the blame for this. I said I was going to at least TRY for 30 minutes a day EVERY day, but it’s turned into 30min every three days or whenever! I’m really not too happy with myself, I’m not even sure where I fell off the wagon (maybe all my NSVs?)… But I know that I won’t see that weight I was hoping to see come October 31st… But I’m happy I haven’t gained any weight… and my clothes are still falling off so…. MORE EXERCISE!!! Okay, now to the exciting stuff!!! So, my mom got me a new bra! It’s the Butterfly Bra by Jill Scott (LOVE her) which is sold at Ashley Stewart or online. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bra and let me tell you why! I have back fat… I think besides my arms this is the one thing on my body I could do with out… honestly if they said I’ll take away two things so long as you stay fat, I’d say ok, make my arms look awesome and take away my back fat and you got a deal! I’d keep the stomach flabby thighs ALL day to get rid of this HEINOUS back fat!...SO these WONDERFUL bras make my back fat disappear!!!! I LOVE it! Whoever invented it, I want to hug them and cry on there shoulders! I mean I don’t remember when the last time was that I looked in a mirror and wasn’t disgusted that my shirt showed off my back fat! If I was wearing any other bra and pulled it down to cover my back rolls, then the fat under my arms would poke out, if I tried to tuck that in then the back fat came back out, it was a never ending battle with the bra strap! But I’m soooo happy I have this bra… if I could wear it EVERY day I would, but since I can’t (I only have one) I’m in the process of ordering another bra offline (all Ashley Stewarts are closed in my local area). Anyway other than the bra making my back look EFFING amazing! I’m also wearing a smaller size!!! So here’s the story. My mom was bragging about this Butterfly bra and told me to try hers on. So I try it on and I love it. Come to find out, it was like a 42D…. I have been wearing 44DD from Lane Bryant, was about to move into the 46’s because of the back fat, and here I am wearing a 42D and the cup is almost too big! So when I order another one, my mom is insisting I order a 38. And I’m like no way… I can’t fit a 38, but then I realize I’m in a 42 now… but I just don’t see it… I told her to order a 40.. But this was my first NSV of the month… I was so shocked, I mean I knew my boobies were getting smaller because I can see the loose skin when I’m laying in bed, but to actually put on this bra that I knew I would’ve been itching to get out of because it was too tight 6 months ago, amazes me! NEXT!!! I posted pictures showing my weight loss in my face. So hears the story… (LoL) … I was going through my phone and I saw a picture I took of myself back in March of this year (2011) and I have a touch screen phone, so I was just flicking through and I saw the picture, but then I saw one I took at the end of September (2011) and again I was flabbergasted! I could finally see what everyone else had been seeing! My cheeks were uber pudgy like no bodies business! And I couldn’t stop myself from flipping back and forth, like WOAH! Look at my damn cheeks! I have CHEEKBONES! So I posted four pictures, one from 2006, one from 2009, one from March the month before surgery and one from September… WOW… is all I can say! NEXT!!! So, not sure if you know this or not, but my pre-lapband self was all about JEANS. I LOVE my jeans, sweatpants, any kinda pants, I want to wear them, because I hate my fat legs, so I gots plenty of jeans! Welp, my 24s are definitely TOO big, my 22s make me look like I have no booty (which by the way is making it’s way out into the world), and my 20s are now getting loose as well! I wore a pair of jeans to my sister’s birthday dinner and my Dad mentions: Jeeze those jeans are about to fall off of you! I put on a pair of size 20 jeans shorts for a block party I was going to, and Mom says: Those look horrible on you, you look like you have no but at all! Needless to say I went home and changed… into my NEXT NSV!!! So, when I went home I put on a jean dress I bought before going out of town for my family reunion back in July. Now, when I wore it up in Atlanta I wore it with a girdle… I think it’s a size 20 or 22, but when I put it on this day I said, “it’s hot, I’m not wearing a girdle, I’m about to be outside so f*** it!”…. well I put that jean dress on and OMG it fit perfectly! It was loose in ALL the right places and it comes with a belt and I was able to tie the belt and STILL have a little slack in it… AGAIN I was amazed! Just a month ago, this dress was barely fitting I kept having to pull it down in the back (you know when your but makes everything ride up in the back) but this day the dress was PERFECT! MORE? Yes I have MORE! Soooo back in June (2011) I went to a luncheon with my grandmother and I wore a dress my mom gave me (size 20)… again I wore it with a girdle and it looked nice… it wasn’t tight to begin with, but I wore the girdle to smooth out my bumps and rolls… well I wore the same dress again in September with OUT a girdle and what do you know… it fit PERFECTLY!!! I had more than enough room… Again I was just amazed!!! Last clothing NSV I promise! J … I posted another “collage” of me in a black shirt. Now, here’s the story! (LoL) I bought this black shirt about two years ago (2009) and when I bought it… it was TIGHT. I remember my mom saying to me in the store… that’s gonna be tight. And I was like oh it’s ok, when I put my girdle on it’ll suck me in and even though the top buttons near the bust area won’t button, it’s ok cause I want my boobies out…. And BOY were there ever out there! So the last time I wore this shirt was in 2009 at my family reunion… I just remember always having to wear a girdle with it because the buttons would gape open in the front, I mean I even have safety pins in between buttons just to keep it closed! I sorta remember the day I threw the shirt to the side… I was going out and I put it on and just said “this is ridiculous I can’t wear this shirt with it bulging open like this and my girdle is dirty” so, I don’t know when, how, or where but I found this black shirt that I had basically thrown under the bus and forgot about completely because in my mind I couldn’t fit it anymore and I was embarrassed that I kept trying to wear it…. Well I put it on for my sister’s birthday dinner and I couldn’t believe how loose the shirt was on me! NO GIRDLE needed and the buttons at the top in the boob area that I couldn’t button when I FIRST bought the shirt…. I could button those now! I was just so shocked. I couldn’t believe it! I could even pull this shirt down over my butt now and before I remember wearing it with the girdle trying to keep pulling my shirt down because it was riding up and I didn’t want anyone to see the girdle, and now this shirt pulls past my butt almost!!! I sat in the car and told my friend about this, because believe it or not this was my favorite NSV… I loved that shirt even when it was too tight when I first bought it. I loved it because it showcased my best assets at the time which were my boobies…. And when I couldn’t wear it anymore, that’s when I knew I had really let myself go. I told her how I just stood in the mirror and couldn’t believe how f*cking huge I was. I just couldn’t believe I was walking around and no one said anything to me about how wide I was! I told her this and she laughed because I was smiling, but I’m very dramatic when telling a story in person (LoL) but she just smiled and said “ I’m so proud of you, you’re doing so good and you look great” but she just thought I was hilarious when I said that… but it was the truth… I could not believe how huge I was! I wish I had a picture of me in the shirt just to show how it didn’t cover my boobies AT ALL and to show how far down I was able to pull it.. I remember because I physically had to wear it, and just sitting here typing this I feel like I’m rambling and saying the same **** over and over again, but I was AMAZED it really blew me away… I wanted this month to be the month I got to a specific weight, but I’ve had so much more going on and so many NSVs that it makes up for it… This month, I also, cut my hair AGAIN… I love it! I told the people who asked me why I would cut my hair after it had grown out so well… I told them “cutting my hair is orgasmic” for me anyway… lol… I just love cutting it! And growing it back out! I also took some pictures with a photographer friend of mine… He had been asking to take picture of me since before surgery and I was like “NAH” cause I wanna look awesome, well after I cut my hair, I started feeling myself… maybe it was the short hair, or the weight loss, the loose fitting clothes, or the skinny face, but I decided to go ahead and do some pictures with the dude who’d been begging me since forever (I think he has a crush, lol) …. I’m SO happy with how the pictures turned out… I look like such a model if I can say so myself! LoL… I’ll post a couple of those… Did I miss anything? I had some SJP (Sarah Jessica Parker) Skinny Leg “Bitten” jeans in my closet (size 20) that I haven’t been able to wear since my mom gave them to me… these jeans are NOT stretch jeans and have NO slack in them! But they fit me NOW!!! NO GIRDLE!! WooHoo!! What else? …all of my 2x shirts (sleep shirts or just lounging) are getting too big! WooHoo! What else? My $140 pair of Dansko work shoes are getting big! I wore them to work the other day and they were flopping off my feet! CRAZY right?! My scrubs are getting way big like to the point I don’t even wanna wear them to work. But this is GOOD! Well, I think I’ve rambled for FAR too long… I didn’t drop weight on the scale, but I have much much much more to be happy about! I’m so proud of me and I can’t wait to move forward on my journey! I’m SO IN LOVE with Michaelangelo! I’ll never leave him and I don’t think I’ll let him leave me either!

OK Jenna NSV = Non scale Victory!! Get that or do I need to explain it more. LOL!! It is like putting on a pair of pants you saved from your skinnier days and they are TOO big. LOL!! Welcome aboard Tuffenuff: Isn't this site the grandest thing ever?

Well it has been three months since my last blog (6 months from surgery) and I'm happy to say I've lost another 30 lbs for a total of 90 lbs lost!! Current weight- 274. Whoo-hoo!! I think this is the first time ever that I've lost weight during the holidays. I've been averaging a loss of 10 lbs a month. Very happy with that. I've been getting very small fills. In fact I've only got 3 cc's in my 10 cc band. I still don't have alot of restriction but I count my calories, exercise and follow the rules. We've had a very cold winter so instead of doing my walking outside I've been doing low impact cardio workouts. My two favorite being Shapely Girl and the Biggest Loser Power Walk. I'm looking forward to warm weather and today I signed up for the Blue and You fitness challenge. This is something I did last year and it's basically just making a commitment to exercise 3 days a week for at least 30 minutes. Now what I'm really excited about is that I signed up for my first 5K!! It is May 3rd and I have the option to walk but I would love to run as much as possible. I know I can easily walk 3 miles but I haven't even attempted to run. I have wanted to try running but I don't want anyone seeing me. I know this is something I need to get over but when I go to the walking trails the only people I see running are already really fit and skinny. Ugh!! Well time to get over it because starting this week (wait it's snowing) ok next week I'm going to start training for this 5K. So besides all that my band seems to being doing well. I have had some pain in my left shoulder for about 3 months now. At first I thought I had injured it but then I realized that the way the pain would come and go, hurt when I would bend over for any length of time (cleaning) and when first laying down in bed that it seemed to be a nerve issue. I did some research and found that it is not uncommon for bandsters to have this pain. It is caused by a nerve- phrenic nerve- that runs through the diaphragm. It hurts everyday but luckily not ALL day so I can handle that. Other than that I haven't had any problems really. There is nothing I have found that I can't eat (but alot I choose not to!!) Oh yeah, I had a pretty sweet NSV this morning. I was chatting with a co-worker this morning and looked down and realized that I had my legs crossed. Wow! It's been a long time since I could do that.

Congrats to each of you for your 100 lb mark. What an accomplisment. Can't wait for you to get to Onederland. I don't ever want to go back to the 200's again. I have another NSV to share: Last night I baby sat for 3 of my grand-daughers. When their parents came home my DD and DS were sitting around talking. I got up to leave and my DS, says, wow are you little!! He said your backside is almost nonexistant and your belly is gone. Then he hugged me. What does the boy want from me, because right about now, I'd give him anything! Thanks for letting me share, and if I get on your nerves just tell me to shut the flap, but honestly, I love nonsolicited compliments.

What the heck is NSV???? I ran through all sorts of possible acronyms and can't figure it out!

Congratulations...I maybe would have cried too if it were a NSV for me! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

When I first attended a bariatric surgery support group meeting, I almost decided to not have the surgery. Almost everyone in the group recited horror story after horror story. Then I reasoned that the main reason for this is that either the people attending the support group meeting are pre surgery or they are the individuals that are experiencing severe post surgery problems. The individuals that are free of any complications just do not feel a need to attend support group meetings. That is not the case now. The whole flavor of our support group is different. But the tone of the meetings is very important. I think it is important to first identify the general goals of the meeting: Provide advice to those who are about to undergo the process. Help those that have undergone surgery and experienced complications to resolve their problems. Share information Discuss individual success stories both in terms of weight loss and NSVs. I like to bring in something for show and tell at each meeting. People get excited about show and tell. Sharing a before and after picture is a good visual for the success of the surgery.

I think the NSVs are the most wonderful stories! That is so great you are doing awesome! [emoji4]

Great news! I have some NSV's to share 1. my replacement wedding band no longer fits, but I'm still holding out for the big one, so this will have to do for now 2. My BMI dropped from 42 to 39.5. I'm still Morbidly obese, but hey, at least its coming down! 3. My fasting blood sugar usually runs 100-110. It's been 89! 4. I kinda sorta in a way can see my waist now! Thats always exciting! 5. I have so much more energy!! It's 3 AM and I'm up and ready for the day. Insomnia you say? Maybe, but at least I'm energetic!! I've discovered a strength this week that I didn't know I had. I'm learning patience, perserverance, but most of all I'm learning to step outside of myself. I read Holly's blog (300 pounds gone, check it out, I love her writing) a couple of weeks ago, and she challenged her readers to help themselves by helping others. I may have paraphrased that all wrong, but that is the message I got out of it. Each of us is so caught up in the scale, the NSV's, our pain and suffering, that our focus is internal. I'm working on remembering to pull myself out of my own head and reach out to others. It's been fulfilling to give encouragement without expecting any in return This surgery is not only good for the physical aspect of ourselves, but also the mental and spiritual. Then again, it is what you make it. Have a great week everyone!!

I finally broke my stall today - it wasn't much of a loss .9 lb - But I'll take it. For me personally this week I changed things up - I slowed down on protein drinks and added more natural protein foods into my diet and increased my total daily calories (they fluctuate day to day) and today it finally brought me down. Mind you it probably helped that I had 2 BMs yesterday (I'm almost at 1 a-day)... But I'll take whatever loss. My BF reminded me this morning that he's proud of how strong my resistance has been to not going back to old habits and that slow and steady wins the long-term race every time. He reminds me that I just need to "work the program" and stay true. Add my NSV - while the scale wasn't moving for almost two weeks, my clothes are definitely fitting better. If fit into a size 14 jean capri's (but and legs are baggy) this morning and China size xxl sweater. My mom also commented that although the scale hadn't budged for me, I shouldn't fret because my body is transforming it's becoming more "shapely" - I'll take that.... A lot of our vets on this site say that all the time, I'm a newbie to WLS and 4 weeks in and having experienced most of what each of you have reminds me we can do this! Our will and support for one another is stronger than any stall.

Hey FindingMe - thanks!! I kept a lot of old clothes from way back 20 years ago. Levi's are my absolute favorite jeans - no doubt about it. I have some super cute Levi's that I outgrew those 20 years ago and I always wanted to get back into them. Some are size 13's and some are 14's. I'm just now starting to fit into them, and those are such an achievement... I seriously started to think I'd never be able to again. Now these are back in the day before random and vanity sizing - so it's quite the accomplishment!!! Hi Knee, welcome to the BEST support website you will find for the VSG! An NSV = Non scale Victory - for all the wonderful things that accompany weight loss, that is not defined by the scale. HTH