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Hi all my fellow sleevers, Like most sleevers, when I had my VSG procedure I set some weight loss progress goals so my ultimate weight loss goal (99 lbs.) didn't seem quite so impossible. Aside from my ultimate weight loss goal, the one goal that I really, really wanted to achieve was to weigh less than my husband ... and finally, today was the day! WOOT!?! I saw 170.4 on the scale and knew I was really close to his weight, so I called DH to hop on the scale. He obliged, and the scale said he weighed 172.8 -- more than 2 lbs. more than I weigh. This is a sweet NSV! We are having our 15th anniversary on Wednesday, and for most of our marriage, I have weighed more than DH. But not this year! This is the best anniversary present I can think of! I still have nearly 40 lbs. to lose to hit my ultimate goal, so my weight loss journey still has a quite a ways to go ... but today I am pretty darn happy!

So far, that has been one of my favorite NSV!

I have 16 more days til my VSG in Mexico with Dr. Elias Ortiz. I am beyond excited! I took some time today to really dig deep and think of some non-scale victories. I think they are so beneficial because for my this journey is more than the number on the scale. Its about how I want to feel and the woman I want to be again. Im 31 yrs old and I feel as though I have lost years of my life yoyo dieting. I think a list of NSV's if not only motivating while losing but especially when maintaining so I can remind myself why i dont wanna go backwards. I had a coworker tell me that I dont need to have the surgery and I was highly offended. She is much smaller than me and has never battled with her weight. She does not know my stryggle and will never understand. Anywho... such is life... I'm sharing mine and I would love to read yours.

PJTP...again! Having a weird couple of days...was home with a general "sick" feeling yesterday. Lightheaded, body aches, no fever, but everything else felt like the flu... Today, a little more energy, but started the day with almost NO voice - it's so funny when I, the motormouth, cannot talk. My DH and DD make gentle fun of me and then tell me to Shhh when I try to talk! :thumbup: ***Major NSV Alert*** Just came in from jean-shopping. I am "growing" into my true figure I think...pretty straight up and down, not a big difference between waist and hip, so traditional women's jeans are baggy in the butt area - just where I don't need them to be (at least until I do a few thousand more squats!). Ended up buying two pair of "slim fit" (boy that was fun to type) "Cowboy Cut" Wranglers - men's jeans - iin a size 36 x 34 and a 36 x 36 (need the length 'cause I'm tall). My DH kept encouraging me to go smaller...:w00t: I tried on several pairs of women's jeans, and the best fit was a size - are you ready for it - 12!:w00t::w00t::w00t: I think it's because they have some stretch in them, and they were a 'relaxed fit' which meant there was more room in the seat and thighs. I was actually pretty happy with the size 14's (considering I just started wearing 16's a short time ago) but the dedication to my workouts is definately paying off. The pounds aren't moving as fast as I'd like, but the inches are leaving, so that's cool too. :tongue: I didn't get the size 12's because they were too short - just not enough length in the legs, even in a "long" inseam model...I'm just tickled to wear a smaller size...:seeya: Going to go put them on and try them over my cowboy boots - gotta make sure they fit over the boots, ya know! Next time my DH wants to go line dancing, I've got the perfect pair of jeans to wear! :scared2:

A belated Thank You Ed, yeah I hope I do make it there, only 27 more years, after all. Woke up,with my upper arm paining. I hope my,ortho can get it fixed up by removing my hardware that's been there for 9 years since I broke it at work, and Workmans Comp wheels grind very slow, especially when it,is against an self- insured ex- employer. They can be in No Hurry to settle. Suspect,they may have been saying,novena for my early,demise, but fooled them- I kept on living! But this arm is impinging on my Life quality, had to pop a Norco so I could sleep at 3 AM. Got myself a special heating pad from Sunbeam with Velcro straps, I does help a lot, takes the pain down to a dull roar but you aren't allowed to sleep with one on! And chrissymcm08, I take 60 mg of Dexilent each AM before good. Omeprazole WAS NOT GASTROPROTECTIVE for me, ulcerated under therapy,from my gastroenterologist in late 2017, when they put me on it again post- surgery I developed 2 in my brand- New pouch, and a string of them down my jejunem(second section,of small intestine) and that war is finally being solved when they permitted me to revert,to Dexilent in November. I am the exception to their rule, and I doubt,i ever will be able,to stop this PPI. My firm feelings since I went into this with a history of gastritis and Hector, my then sleeping small Gastric Ulcer, I should have been on Carafate also from the very beginning, never was started until 6 weeks in and we are STILL playing catch-up. That may be why they say Doctors practice, there is always a patient who teaches them One Size does not fit all. Goody my Norco has kicked in, the arm pain is letting up some, do not abuse them, this is still from my Going-home prescription last September. And besides if I were to depend on them like I had to post my last knee replacement in February 2017, I would have gone into ostipation, that's constipation to the INTH degree! Had to call out major laxatives to get relief from THAT! Feared, at the time, a stick of dynamite was next----- KABOOM KABOOM!💩 But you live-- you learn---and you learn to play the cards you're given in the Game of Life. And I still call my surgery Day the 5th greatest blessing after marriage💍 and the birth of my 3 babies👶. It has been a Life with a lot if Joys, I do have my NSVs, different than some but then we each have an individualized road to ✌ Victory. And yeah with a RnY I was and am GERD -free, And all the rest, it's bottom- line Good after All.😝

@@bayougirlmrsc This is a big change for any marriage. An option is couples counselling. I have been with my hubby for 26 years. We have a solid relationship before and after surgery. He was very supportive. A few things happened. I do many things without him. I go to the gym, hang out with friends. I go to the coffee shop by myself as a little treat for me. He was feeling left behind. (1) I learned to invite him to come to the gym. Even if he says no. (2) We have date night. (3) When I hit a certain weight, We made couples goal reward . ( I took him to Victoria secret. Walked out with size small panties. NSV!) I went from invisible to men giving me attention. I realized my husband was also adjusting to my physical change. His fear was I going to leave him. This sounded so ridiculous to me. I would never leave him...But he needed reassurance. Having myself back. Healthy mentally and physically has improved our relationship. The sex is all for the better! lol ( you will see that topic from male and female patients) wish you the best,

When I was at my lowest weight, I used to LOVE laying down and feeling my hips and rib bones, lol. Right now, I'm only about 20 lbs heavier than my lowest weight, it's amazing how that 20lbs makes it harder to feel those bones! Looking forward to those NSVs again after my revision.

That actually looks to big for you now awesome nsv. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

@@CowgirlJane - certainly, if it was a friend razzing me for looking silly with baggy pants that's one thing. But it was the way he said it (with disgust and annoyance) and the volume he said it at (made sure plenty of other people would notice my sagging butt). Whether your customer dresses in sizes too large or too small for their body is not something one should comment on. Yes, I suppose I need to invest in a belt but I HATE belts the buckle digs in to my belly when I sit down. Any recommendations for a softer type of belt?? And indeed, it is a NSV I'm proud of! I want these big ol' pants to get TOO big so I no longer have to pay the premium plus sized cost and enjoy shopping in the normal section of the store! But at the same time, I don't think I deserve to be mocked while dealing with the awkward in-between.

I laughed....I had this notion he was going to grab you and hug you tightly..... So glad about your NSV...Write them down so that you can remember them Keep them coming!

NSV!!! Jogged 2 miles straight on the treadmill tonight! It felt wonderful, 6 weeks out 30 lbs lighter:) what a great feeling.

This is too cute!!!!! Even your parachute is smiling. I parasailed on my honeymoon at my lowest adult weight. That will be a great goal to have again. Congratulations on your anniversary and your NSV!!!!

Checking in in everyone . August going so fast almost that dreaded back to school time. Life is happening so fast and enjoying every minute of it despite my slight weightloss stall /plateau. I know I'll get through it just cont to make the right choices first stall in 13 months can't complain . Despite what the scale says I had done funny NSV a friends mother in law stopped at my sisters house and I was not expected to be there. She never met my sis before but knew me and was. Picking something up for my friend. I answered the door she introduced herself and said you look so much like so-so. I said I sure hope so because I am her!!! After we all laughed she said I wasn't kidding I didn't recognize you. Then last night I went to a party and I thought it was odd my friends bro in law who rarely talks to people he doesn't know ( I have known the family for 4 years) was a little cold to me barely replied to my hello. The next day she said you know my bro in law had no idea who you are she said idk ur still the same person just a smaller size lol

That was too Funny Kat - such a a great NSV...

Yay for NSV's!! That's progress ; )

Congrats !!!! I'm SO looking forward to boots. I've ALWAYS wanted a pair of " Horse Riding Boots" , you know, up to the knee, barely a heel. I cant get my foot into anything like that - for one thing, my feet have gone flat over the years with the weight , and secondly , my calves are too fat also. But the day I can get into them ?? I use them as my Dangling Carrot, so to speak :-) I also had an NSV of my own a few nights ago. I sat on the edge of the bed, getting my bf up for work, and i was able to ....... ( drum roll .... ) Cross my legs!!! I know it seems so trivial to most, but i havent been able to cross my legs since my early college years ! I was just talking to him, and i realized "my legs are crossed" ! Who can i share this with ??? LOL :ohmy: NSV's are the best, aren't they ??

Oh how l would love to have a goal of being able to walk or run without knee pain. I don't know if that is possible with my knees, but I'm hoping it is. I also like what joatsaint said about "The reward is in the doing and reaching the goal.". I think that is basically how I think also, but I love hearing about other people's goals. I do have some non scale victory (NSV) goals. If I were ever to reach my goal weight, I'd love to take my kids to Disney World and walk everywhere without having to stop for a "knee break". I'd love to fit in all the roller coaster rides. I'd love to fit in a swimsuit without struggling to get it on, or thinking that this particular suit must be made for someone short-waisted, since it appears that the bust is somewhere around my waist...can't stand that! I also watch the scale and feel great when I lose 10 pounds. Every 10 pounds is a victory, and is a reward in and of itself.

I guess this could have waited until after my 1st post-op appt... anyway.... I'm feeling great!! A little light headed and weak due to the lack of calories and stuff... I'm only allowed bariatric clears... (Is there something I can have that will help me not feel some "out of it"??).. I easy get in all of my liquids.. (Thank God!!) I'm almost pain free, until I forget that I have staples and that I HAD surgery a week ago... and I try to pick something up off the floor or turn a certain way... I'm still overwhelmed and feeling so blessed by the support I've been receiving from you guys, my family and friends... Although, one of my good friends is MIA... I have a feeling we gonna have to have a 'come to Jesus' meeting really soon... but, it's OK.. she'll be fine!!! I've really been wanting some cream of potato Soup for the last 2 days.. so HOPEFULLY (fingers crossed), I'll be ok to go to full liquids and pureed foods tomorrow!!! I haven't been hungry as normal, but I think that little empty feeling in my middle may be my signal for now.. I'm okay w/ that.. Oh, NSV.... got out of the shower this am, I was able to give myself a little foot massage as I lotioned up!! HA!!! That's huge for me!! As I have left side nerve damage due to some herniated discs in my back, thus lifting my left foot has never been this easy since my injury!!! That made me smile!!! I hope everyone is having a greatly favored and awesomely blessed day!!! Love and Hugs Tina

karen my vice are Protein bars sure they are good for you full of protein but..........way too many carbs and i eat them like they were candy bars others also mention that eating Protein Bars is an addiction like have heroin i have way too many so i stopped buying them that actually is a big NSV for me there i said it!!!! ahhhhh i feel so much better now hands out of the cookie jar!! good luck i can see you will do much better in your future good luck kathy

Love these posts! Arlene, let's go dancing! Gay clubs were such a a great dance outlet for me in the eighties. Fun times. In the last year we made friends with people who host monthly dance parties in a town not far from here. We've been to two and that's another NSV for me: dancing! We are definitely then oldest people but I can still tear it up. Thanks to my band and losing the two cinder blocks worth of fat.......

Thinking of you, Julie. We have a joke in our house, Ice is our friend." Have no idea what plastics protocol involves but boy do I love ice packs for joint pain. You should see our freezer, lol. Did a little retail therapy today, at the local job lots. Coldwater Creek and JJill for ten bucks per. I now have three pair of pants as next NSVs -- two nice linen pants in a purple and a red. Fancy! And another pair of red dress pants. All size ten a and all too. I can zip 'em but that's it. Need to lose some more gut. But then my my, the pants I will have. So much fun to buy off the rack. It's been twenty years for me to be able to enjoy shopping again. Said goodbye to a loved one today -- I am so glad he got to see me lose weight, choose myself and get healthy. He was a doctor. My godfather. Never said a word but I watched his delight this last year as I slimmed down. He had some dementia but was always so delighted to see me. I will miss him but 90 years is a long time. Dying is hard. Glad to have extended my life by choosing to work on my physical body.

Hey y'all! I just scheduled my VSG for November 14th with Dr. Garcia in Mexico. I was wondering, what you're looking forward to or if you've had the surgery what the best nsv you've had is?? I'm looking forward to having kiddos! That's the main reason for getting this done! I'm also looking forward to smaller clothes(right now I'm a 28 pant), I'm looking forward to being lighter than my husband hes 240lbs I'm 350 :-( ), running in my companies annual race for awareness 5k, buying cute panties/bras, having my husband pick me up(he does it now but I'm always afraid I'm going to crush him), the list goes on and on! :-)

This was posted by someone way back in 2015, but is one of the best responses Ive seen about stall concerns: It seems that at least 50% of the posts on BariatriPal are bemoaning a stall. Daily, and sometimes hourly, I am reading about how someone ONLY lost x number of pounds and now the scale hasn't moved in ___ [fill in the blank] days/months, etc. Oh no, they write, I am a failure/unique/my surgery didn't work/life is not fair, ... Why am I in a stall? I know I am exaggerating but I think you get the idea. Guess what? STALLS are a NORMAL part of the PROCESS of losing weight. If you want to lose weight, you will stall. Not just once, but over and over. And, guess what? A stall is where your body actually does the hard work of becoming smaller. It takes a lot of work and energy to dismantle a structure that has been holding up, in some cases, hundreds of pounds. For those who think they have to DO something to somehow "break a stall" (in my opinion, you do not break a stall, you just ride them out), here is my response: What can you do to "break" a stall? 1) STAY OFF THE SCALE Relax and stay off the scale if it bothers you so much. Weigh no more than once a week, or even less often. Weighing only at your doctor's appointments early in the process is a good strategy if your mood and self-worth are dictated by the numbers on the scale. 2) PICK UP A TAPE MEASURE In addition to using the numbers on the scale to measure your progress, take your measurements. Inches lost are also a great way to see physical progress when the scale isn't moving. Most people see the biggest physical changes in their body when the scale seems stuck. 3) TRACK YOUR Protein AND Water AND MEET OR EXCEED YOUR PROTEIN AND WATER GOAL EVERY DAY As long as you are getting in all your protein and water and following your NUT and surgeon's instructions, you are doing what you are supposed to do. If you aren't getting in all your protein and water, then increasing your protein and water is something you can do (and should be doing anyway whether or not you are in a stall). 4) EXERCISE If you aren't exercising, then you can exercise (and should be whether or not you are in a stall). You can start slowly by walking or even moving more around the house. Exercising will help you feel better, tone your skin and build fat-burning muscle. 5) MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR NUT If you are unsure or unclear about what you are supposed to be, or should not be eating, then make an appointment with your NUT (which you should be doing whether or not you are in a stall). 6) REASSESS AND REEVALUATE About the only good result I see that comes from complaining about a stall is when you take an honest look at what you are doing and realign with the program recommended by your NUT and surgeon. Have you started eating more outside of your plan? Are you restricting calories? Are you eating enough carbs and protein for your exercise? Are you taking your Vitamins? Are you eating often enough? Are you eating slowly with protein first? Sometimes, all you need to DO is go back to basics. 7) JOURNAL One of the biggest things I have noticed from the various posts is how anxious and out-of-control some people feel when they notice a stall. Journaling can help you gain some perspective and deal with some of the emotional turmoil. -- Write about how you are feeling about the stall and your weight loss, and surgery in general. -- Write about why you had the surgery in the first place. -- Write about what life was like before surgery. -- Write about what you hope and dream about accomplishing in the future. -- Write about your fears. -- Write about your NSVs. -- Make a gratitude list. -- Make a bucket list. -- Write a letter to your old self; write a letter to your new self. Just write. 😎 SEEK HELP Stalls are when too many people seem to revert to old, counterproductive dieting behaviors (restricting calories, over exercising, bingeing, etc.). If this is you, then another thing you can DO is to talk to a counselor or therapist or consider joining a bariatric support group or a twelve-step group like Overeater's Anonymous. The discomfort of being in a stall can also drive people to develop new, unhealthy coping habits or even transfer addictions. This is where you want to marshall all the resources you have available to you and use them. The last, and most important thing you can DO is: 9) EMBRACE THE STALL Stalls are a normal and natural part of the process. Our bodies are complex systems and not simple machines. Stalls go hand-in-hand with weight loss. If you had Weight Loss Surgery, then you probably want to lose a significant amount of weight. So, get ready to embrace the many stalls you will experience as your body is transformed. It will be worth it.

How about everyone share their latest NSV (non-scale victory) in one spot. I love reading about all the steps that make up the journey, so please share!

And great NSV everybody. Keep them coming!😝