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NSV~ Clothes falling off - had to make an emergency trip to Target for new jeans /shirts almost passed out when I had to get a medium shirt and size 14 jeans! Down from 20! The scale is not moving but I am loosing lots of inches which must be from working out so much! Woo Hoo!!

I went to the doctors on thursday to see my PCP and my blood pressure was 123/81. Never in my adult life have I had a normal bp reading. I was so use to hearing 140 or higher over whatever that it took me a little time to realize that it was normal lol. He still has me on 2 medications but I'll take that since I started out taking 4 medications before surgery and I'm also on half the dose that I was on starting out. My next NSV is I wore a 5 inch pair of heels to my co-workers wedding last week. I now wake up at 4:30 on the days that I have to work to do a hour of yoga which I would have never done before surgery. Everyday I notice that I do more without even thinking about it, before I would never take the steps over the elevator but now I just do it. I'm so in love with my sleeve

I'm not very active on this site, so I hope I am adding these pictures correctly, but I was so excited by a recent NSV that I had to share! First pics are immediately post-op and then the other day in a TJ Maxx dressing room, lol. I am just over 6 months out and about 88 lbs down. I recently fit into and bought a size Large Calvin Klein top for $7.00!!! I was excited that I fit into a regular size (I've been in plus sizes FOREVER and am still a 16W or 18R on the bottom). It blows my mind that if I could just go down one more pant size that I will be done with plus size shopping for good! Thanks! Lindsey

I was sleeved back on 3/1/11 and have had better than average results, I could not be happier with this surgery. The results I have had are due to the surgery, plus that fact that I have been working out very hard, going to the gym 4 days a week, and CrossFit 3 days a week, not to mention the daily walking. I am down a little over 100 lbs at this point, and could not be happier, but a few weeks ago I hit a stall, and was stuck there in spite of how hard I worked out, and how perfect I ate. So at the end of last week the scale did finally start to move again, wow was I happy, but that's not the victory I'm taking about, but its the lead in to it. Yesterday after leaving CrossFit, I was driving down a busy four lane rd, I was whooped, my whole body physically shaking from the workout, I was covered in sweat, I mean my shirt was soaked, and I was burnt out I could hardly process information(This is how I feel each time I leave CrossFit). As I am driving down the rd out of the corner of my eye I see a silver car that keep pulling up next to me, then dropping back, and pulling up next to me again. Being so wiped out form my workout I wasn't paying much attention at all. Being that it was a awesome summer evening I had all the windows in the car down for some fresh air. I came up to red light and get in the turn only lane, the silver car pulls up next to me, and of course I'm still not paying attention, after a few seconds I hear soemone scream "HEY!" really loud, so loud it kinda scared me at first. I look over and in the silver car there are two chicks, maybe in there late twenty's, hard for me to really tell how old they were. Anyways as I look over the passenger points to the driver who is hiding her face in her hands, and looking embarrassed, and says, "she thinks you're really cute!". I was shocked, this is like the kind of stuff that goes on in high school, and I am 42 years old, I was at a loss for words, no clue at all as to what to say. I'm such a geek I all I could think to say was "thanks" then the damn green arrow came on, and the cars behind me were beeping so I had to drive away. In hindsight I should have asked for her number, but I was so shocked that It was all I could do to even get the word thanks out of my mouth. I was smiling the rest of the ride home, all the way though dinner, when I went to sleep, and I'm still smiling right now! That was exactly the type of motivation I needed to keep me moving forward on my journey! I cant even explain what a HUGE boost of confidence it was, especaily after just breaking through a two week stall. I honestly think from this day forward I will remember that few seconds at that traffic light as the Hell Yeah moment in post surgery life!

Congratulations on your weight loss and your fantastic NSV!! Meg

Hey everyone, So today was my 5 week post op check up and I am Feeling pretty darn good! I can now eat anything I like as long as I take my time and chew chew chew! I have lost 26lb and I am so pleased. I have also lost 6 inches from my waist and 7 from my hips! My mum is also doing great and has been cleaning out her walldrobe an passing stuff on to me. I get a new bundle every two weeks which is fab! My biggest NSV so far has been my 5 year old nephew telling me ' Faye Faye you are getting skinny' man I love that boy! Life is good I love my sleeve! Hope you are all doing good too! Mwah x x x

So today I set a goal for myself to walk 10 miles. I left my house at 7 and returned at 10. I did it. I walked the 10 miles. Along the way I discovered something awesome. My thighs don't rub together anymore. For a while they would just be stuck together and my legs would move when I walked. Over the last few months as I've been losing weight they started to rub. Now, both my legs move independently of each other. No more rubbing. The dark chaiffing that I've had for ever is finally starting to fade, too! On another note, I'm noticing the closer I get to my goal the harder it is for me to stay away from crap I know I shouldn't eat. But, I'm going to keep pushing on and take each craving one at a time. I love my sleeve!

Thank you for sharing your story. I am very happy for you.. I love your NSV. Best of luck to you, Toyia

Hello everyone! One month ago, on May 17, I went into the operating room and received my brand new sleeve. And what a month it has been! The first two days were the worst - I underestimated both the gas pain and how tired I would be. Had it not been for the gas pain, I would have felt great, but it really hit me hard. However, come the day I was released from the hospital, it was all gone and I felt like myself again. I have to say, I feel like my recovery has been a lot easier and quicker than some I've read on here. I have not touched my pain or nausea medicine at all, I've had no heartburn, no depression, no fatigue, everything I've eaten has gone down just fine, and I can eat more than the one or two tablespoons some people talk about on here so I guess my swelling is gone. I've only thrown up once, and it wasn't food related; oh no, I learned the hard way that when your ursodiol (gallstone prevention medication) says for you to take it with food, you do as it says and bottled water is not a substitute. I have really small bouts of nausea here and there, but it's usually when I take my vitamins or in-between my meals. They quickly pass over, and don't happen often. Before surgery, I was able to lose 140 pounds, and post-op I have so far lost 21, bringing me to a total of 161 pounds. But, I weigh today, and I hope I've lost more! I go swimming and walking everyday for my exercise (I bought a shakeweight for men too but it wears me out really quick!). So here I am, one month out and doing very well. I'm not sure what size bougie my surgeon used on me, so I'm going to ask him when I go back. I go to see him on June 30, and I believe this is the day he will place me back on solid foods. I have noticed I get some weird cravings - I want a burrito from Taco Bell, and I never ate there before, for instance. I am missing solid food and can't wait to start eating normally again; I want to feel how this sleeve really works. I haven't weighed what I do now in years, and I'm amazed. I hope to post on here again, as I'm not done yet and have much more work to do. But before I finish, I do have an NSV I'd like to share. As several of you know, I love anything to do with trains and railroading (I think my name and avatar give that away). If you search the internet, you'll find online train stores that sell t-shirts with all sorts of railroad logos and artwork on them. However, they don't make most shirts like these beyond 3x sizes, so I was once left in the cold from wearing any of these awesome shirts. But yesterday, in the mail came a shirt I ordered from one these sites in a 3x size. I put it on, and it fit great! Finally, I have a railroad shirt to show off to the world. I just might post a pic, but I'm some what leery of doing that. But when you once wore a 6x size shirt and can suddenly fit into a 3x shirt, it makes a world of difference.

So I went to Fitness Kick Boxing tonight. This is the first time in over a year that I have stepped foot in the dojo. I got there a little early to see the advanced class in Martial Arts in action. While I was standing there watching some grappling I said "Hi Guys" Sho-Sempai (name for a student teacher) looks up smiles and says "Look who got skinny!" Tommy looks up when he says that and his eyes go wide and Sho-Sempai proceeded to take him by surprise nailed him to the mat. I laughed my ass off at that it was too funny. You have to see the visual, Sho-Sempai is 17 tall and super skinny, lanky kid, Tommy is about 40, tall, heavy set with muscles and some chunk. It was the funniest thing to see. The welcome I got from all the kids there was second to none other. They all came up to me and gave me a hug and said how great I looked. It truly warmed my heart.

Cindy, How was the TT and the pain? How much did you lose after all swelling and such was over? I did have a NSV yesterday - I got "measured" at Victoria's Secret and I am down to a 36DD - I was quite excited This last 20 is def a killer - but I just started using a hula-hoop so I am hoping that helps some too

Congrats! Take each NSV proudly! You deserve it!

OK--8 weeks out, dropping from 22/24 jeans to everything fitting well in a 16!!!!. Not limited to the plus size dept! Lost enough tummy size that my boobs enter the room before my stomach does! So, so, so, happy to have done this and just want to hug Dr. Jawad every day! BMI down from 40 to 33 as of today--two categories of fat down, two to go. Thanks for letting me brag a bit. Have had several week + long stalls, but just waited them out. 40 lbs. since starting the preop clearances, a little over 30 since surgery 8 weeks ago. Why didn't I do this sooner?

For the first time I have NSV's to report. I have moved down to a size 16 pants and I am jogging 20 consecutive minutes on the treadmill. I am so happy to finally have somethin to share. Now I am working towards ONEderland before 4th of July and under my pre-pregnancy weight with my daughter before my 30th Birthday (15lbs)

Hi juzme, what you are feeling is completely normal. I'd be surprised to find a handful of folks who didn't feel even a little nervous going into surgery. It's a scary thing! Especially since all of us have chosen to do this ourselves - not because the Dr's told us we had to or else. Which in my opinion it should be the case. The sleeve has quite literally saved my life! Knowing this, It's just my opinion that I HAD to have this done. Do your best to keep your mind occupied on other things. Maybe bury yourself in a good book to get your mind going off in a completely different direction. Then when you get out of surgery and are lying around wondering what you will do with all your time, you can finish up the story.. LOL Also, maybe you can go clothing shopping online or in the store. Buy yourself a goal outfit!! Then one day when you fit into it and you realize it was sooner than you expected, you will have a really nice NSV to come here and tell us about. I know it's fun because I did this!! I had to go back out and buy the same pants two sizes smaller for a new set of goal pants. Wishing you well on your upcoming surgery!!!

Hi ABSGirl! Sorry it took me so long to respond to your post. I was in the hospital for 3 days following my sleeve surgery. I would have liked to go home after two days but they are overly cautious at NYU Medical Center. When I got out I did stay at a friends apartment mostly because I live in a walk-up and well we thought we'd see how I felt after a couple of days. I think you could go home to your little girl. You are going to be sore -- my abdomen felt like I did 1000 crunches. You can't lift anything over 10 pounds for 6 weeks. But I was able to do most things. No I wasn't going to be changing linens and dragging the vacuum up the stairs but I could cook, wash dishes, etc. You tire easily until you figure out how to get some protein and you must drink water, vitamin water, suck sugar free ice pops whatever. But staying hydrated is the most important thing that first week home. 2 weeks out and my water drinking is slipping. I have never been able to get in 5 protein shakes -- even pre surgery. I try. Get ones with higher protein counts and then you don't have to drink so many. Unjury chicken soup is great when the sweet shakes are making you gag. Take it easy in the beginning . Even though they just poked holes into your abdomen doesn't mean having most of your stomach removed is like getting a teeth cleaning. Also it is important to get enough rest while you are healing up. If staying with someone is going to allow someone to help you with your parenting responsibilities try it out for a few days. It helps to have help. 14 days and I have no regrets. I was down 30 pounds on 6/10 when I lasted was on a scale. Won't be back to the doctor until 6/23 and I only want to weigh in over there -- same scale and less chance of getting obsessed. Every NSV is a good thing too -- maybe even a better thing! Good luck....your surgery date comes very quickly and your recovery is quick too.

Those are good ones! Congratulations on the NSV.

Wow, I think you look fantastic!! Congratulations--and YEAH, count it as an NSV!!! Meg

We have a store in Jersey caled Trader' Joe's - it's a quirky store with fresh unique organic type items. Wegman's is another place that has yummy choices. I feel renewed engery buying some interesting foods. I ordered a Bento Lunchbox as seen on : http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ It wasn't cheap, but I thought it could make packing a lunch fun!! Some things I bought at Trader Joes:' A tub of Greek yogurt/dressing the kind they put on Gyros. (it had low calories) I picked up a lonnng skinny cucumber that I plan on chopping up and mixing with some organic tomatoes for a cucumber/tomato salad. I bought a fish stew-had it for dinner-yummy. I bought an Eggplant and Garlic spread that I can using for dipping or mixing with something. I bought mozz balls in olive oil and spices (I know I can ony have 1 or 2 of these do to calories, but they will go good in my Bento box! So hopefully this will make eating a little more interesting by trying new things. If you are stuck in a rut try going to one of these stores and experiment with different foods. Go to eggface's website to get some ideas. I had to really watch the calories because a lot of the things in the store are healthy, but not necessarily ow in calories. On a separate note , I had my very first NSV today!! Even though the scale hasn't budged in 2 weeks, I feel thinner and I notice it when I wear tops. Today a secretary at my job looked stunned and said "You are losing weight!!" I said "Yep, I lost a little" of course she asked what I was doing and I said watching what I am eating. So that felt good!!

Lol, yeah it is a NSV! You are amazing.

You look GREAT Leslieh! Your hard work is most definatly paid off and I think wearing a tank top is a great NSV...I can't do that....YET:)

So at the start of my journey a year ago I weighed 309 lbs. At the day of surgery I was 251 and today I'm down to 170.2. Yes I am an addict to my scale. I mean so damn bad that the battery died and I swear I went into convulsions. It's hard to believe that this is my body and I do take pics almost everyday so it will register in my head that yes I am thinner and not the 300lb blob that I still see myself as. I'm not to comfortable in my saggy skin just yet but hey heres what I look like in my first tank top since I had surgery. My hard work is starting to pay off I would think. If you are undecided still, do it and you will not regret anything at all. My hubby has even decided to have the surgery after he was against it

You know, NSV's don't happen to often for me anymore. Of course, last summer was my first swimsuit purchase and wearing in 20 years, and now here I am 5 months pregnant, rocking the bump, rocking the wrinkly thigh skin, and you know what I could give 2 poops what anyone else thinks of me. I've gained a whopping 10lbs with the pregnancy, and it's all belly. My butt is getting a little rounder, but really, I'm so grateful to be able to live the life I have today ! ! ! I can't count how many messages I receive about loose, wrinkly skin ! ! ! My answer is always the same " YEP, I got it, and you know what , I wouldn't change it for the back fat, and looking like can of Grand's biscuits busting at the seam! ! !" Honestly, who gives a **** about excess skin, and wrinklyness when you aren't slowly dying from obesity. I'm just as vain as the next woman, but let's be realistic, My boobs are deflated, my thighs look like I got beat with a bag of nickels, but I'm healthy, growing another human, and I feel amazing ! ! ! For all of those out there wondering if you should have the sleeve, or what your body is going to look like after surgery, it's a concern, I get it, but it's either live with some loose, wrinkly, flabby skin, or end up in a wooden box from obesity related diseases and conditions. Yeah I live here, it rocks ! ! ! Ohhhhhhh and the big bump ! ! ! I might look like a beached whale to everyone else, but who the hell cares ! ! ! I'm pregnant, wearing a medium regular swimsuit with bikini bottoms ! ! ! NOT a maternity suit either. . . So, ya know what, I'll enjoy every minute of it. I do have to cover up somewhat due to risk of melanoma and must use 50-70 SPF sunscreen so yeah I wear a little netting cover up because I've been picked and prodded so much for skin cancer, and have had more moles removed and sent for path reports than I care to count! ! !

It's so normal to have doubts and second-guess yourself as your surgery date gets closer. Don't stress about it too much. What I did, that I found really helpful, was to write out a pro/con list of all the reasons I wanted to have the surgery and the reasons I was afraid to do it. In retrospect, my "cons" didn't turn out to be a big deal at all, but the pros were all true. Here's a LINK to my list, in case you want to check it out (it's the second post.. just wanted you to see the Post Op Plan for Success too -- could be helpful). My other advice to you is to take a bunch of "before" photos today if you haven't done it already, and to take -- and write down -- your measurements. You will definitely want this information later! I hope that helps -- and, CONGRATULATIONS!! You have so much to look forward to in the next year especially -- lots of good changes and NSVs (non-scale victories) and SVs are heading your way! Best wishes, Catherine

WOOHOO!!! Those are some AWESOME NSVs!!