Search the Community

This is a great post and even though seeing the scale move down it is those NSV that mean much more

That is so awesome for a 5 week NSV! YOu are doing great girl!

Those are awesome NSV's! Congratulations on those and the 50 pounds lost!

I am five weeks out from surgery. I'm losing steadily, and have fortunately not had any stalls that last more than a couple of days. Hope I didn't just jinx myself. Here are some of my NSVs: I had knee caps under all that padding I had to sleep last night with a pillow between my knees (I sleep on my side) because my knee bones were crunching each other. LOL. I walked laps at the hospital where I work today and not once did I feel out of breath My knee arthritis is not hurting me at all right now. Before surgery I was so in pain that I dreaded going up and down the stairs in our house. My seat belt doesn't ride up into my neck because of so much stomach and boob. It stays nicely in place. Getting out of the tub doesn't take 10 minutes anymore. I have a lap for my dogs to sit in. I am down from a 3X to a 1X and even they are starting to get baggy. My bra straps keep sliding down to my elbows (shopping this weekend!!!) I don't want to cry when I go to find clothes. I'm still in the plus size, but I know they will fit now. I used to get so upset and give up when even the 3X clothes felt tight. I'm sure there are more, but these are the things that I was excited about today. This is such a wonderful adventure. Now that I am eating soft foods and tolerating them well, I am starting to feel so much better. It's easier to get Protein in and I'm doing better with fluids. I think I'm going to make it!!! My mid-term goal is to be in regular ladies sizes when I buy a dress for my cousin's wedding in August. Hope you are all having great NSVs too! Lisa

Good job! I love your NSV!

Ok... so if you've read some of my posts recently, I've been complaining about being in a stall or not losing inches or anything. I received some killer advice on this board and took it to heart. I stopped consuming 2-3 Protein shakes a day and decided to get most of my protein in via food, I stopped weighing myself everyday, and I up'd my Water intake by double! So, here I go last week with all my changes and what happens? I get hit with my kids' cold/flu! I've been out of commission since last Thurs and am finally back to work and feeling somewhat normal. The bad news? I havent been able to eat anything substantial since last week and have only been able to finish 1/2 of a Protein shake. I know I'm depriving my body of the nutrients it needs to survive but nothing is going down. I made chorizo and scrambled egg for BF and was only able to eat maybe 3 bites. I have baked chicken for L today and am hoping to get most of the 2oz in but I highly doubt it. Anyway.... on to my scale VICTORY!! I am officially down 30lbs post-op!!! (Ticker to reflect this later) YAY!!!! My "stall" has broken since last week due to all your help and advice!!! and for my NSV.... I fit into my size 14 slacks today!!!! So very excited!!! One more freakin pound and I'll be in ONEDERLAND!!!! Doing the Happy Dance!! Thank you all for your encouragement and advice!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

my 1 year band-iversary is tomorrow (and Thursday) and while i haven't reached my personal goal (not sure if I had one), I have lost over 80 lbs. I originally wanted to hit 140, dr. said that may be an unattainable goal, so i settled on 160 - but I am in a 10/12 and headed for my TT next month... so I have reached a NSV in that I don't shop in the women's department

Hellooo!!! So this morning I decided it's time to do some measurements. I don't do this on any kind of regular basis and it turns out I do this about once a month. I don't usually see a whole lot of changes month to month but the grand totals are really incredible now! I've lost an ENTIRE HUMAN BEING in weight... I mean the inches came from somewhere right??? WOW!!!! I can't even believe it as I type this... I measure my entire body; my neck, bust, waist, hips, upper and fore arm, wrist, thigh, calf and ankle. I only started my measurement records when I was around 300 Lbs. I'd already lost a good 30 lbs at that point so I really don't know my exact inches lost and never will. Anyway in totals I've lost 58" off my entire body!! Wow!!! I'm down nearly 140 Lbs from my peak so I've lost the weight of an entire person!!! WOWOWWOWWWW!!! My female dimensions right now are 36-32-42!! That 42 inch hip is not the lenth, majority of that is booty. I'd like to still lose some of that to at least get it into the 30's. I'd love to be 36-28-38. I'd be super comfy there I'm sure. I'm sooo close!! Of course I know that will make my bust smaller (not a 36 but more a 34) but hey - we can't have it all right??? LOL And that can be fixed once I get the boobage puffed back up. My ribcage is a 34 and honestly my ribs stick out so I don't know how much more I can lose there... it's weird to be this close! My mind really is taking it's time getting used to my new reflection in the mirror. At 300 Lbs my measurements were 44-45-56. Anyway here's the very best part of all of this. The healthy waist measurement for a woman is 32" or less!!! My waist is IN THE HEALTHY RANGE FOR A WOMAN!!! Whhohooooo!!!! This is an AWESOME victory for me!! I knew I was close but wasn't keeping exact tabs, so I decided to look it up and come to find out - I AM THERE NOW!!!! Doing the happy dance!! Today is a happy day for me. I just keep working my sleeve, and it keeps working for me. I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!! It truly has saved my life, and every single day I get closer and closer to my goals. I sooo close and I can hardly stand it!!! I'm within inches of my final goal. Now if I get to 165 Lbs and haven't hit my inches goals I think I'll keep trying to lose more. But I'm thinking it would be pretty close, or if I hit my inches before my weight then I'll not try to lose anymore. Cheers to all on this most successful tool!!!! Newbies be warned... you have all this to look forward too.

Such a great feeling!!! Funny that even your hubby thought they would be too small. What a great NSV!!!

I’m officially one month, two weeks, and two days post op (6 weeks)!!! I got my first fill today (6/6/11). I had 1.8 cc worth of priming fluid in my standard AP 10cc band, the doctor added 3.5cc for an overall total of 5.3cc. This was done under fluoroscopy, so I got to see “Michelangelo” live and in person as I watched the contrast funnel through my pouch. I was advised to do two days of clear liquids, and two days of full liquids before moving back to solid foods. I thought I was special. I read a lot on the forums that a majority of people gained a few pounds back after starting back on solid foods, but I didn’t. I THOUGHT I was special. Well, today I went in and I gained a few pounds (3-4). Now, I’m also experiencing HORRIBLE constipation. I’m not sure if this is due to the band, because again I’ve read where lack of fiber and eating right can cause constipation for bandsters, but my bowels have been fine since surgery. The past couple days, I’ve had horrible pain in my lower abdomen and I can’t **** for NOTHING! Normally I get constipated right before my period comes on, and now that I think about it, we’re about four days away from when my period started last month, and my cycle could also account for the added weight… it could be water weight! So, if my cycle does decide to magically cycle again this month, it’ll be another NSV for me… a reoccurring menstrual! Yay! (who knew I’d be happy about this?!) I’ve been trying to work out, but I really hate working out alone, so I’ve recruited my God Sister to walk with me in the mornings, and we go exercise together. We both openly admitted that if it weren’t for the other, we wouldn’t be doing half as much exercising or for even 30 minutes. It’s easy to give up when no one is holding you accountable. I know some people can go and work out and do it everyday. I don’t know what it is, but I need someone to be there with me, not necessarily yelling in my ear, but it’s like we both motivate each other. It’s not a competition, and I’m not looking at her saying “Damn she’s going faster/slower than me” I’m looking at her and saying “Damnit, I’m not the only one tired and sweating! Let’s keep going!” A funny story: So, I tried to incorporate jumping jacks as a daily exercise by doing as many jumping jacks as you can do within 10 minutes. I THOUGHT my boobs had shrunk, and granted they have because my bras aren’t fitting me like they used to, but these babies are still HEAVY! I thought I was about to die doing jumping jacks… needless to say I didn’t get through 10 minutes… I have to admit it’s been harder than I thought sticking to a low carb/no carb diet. But I’m constantly looking up low carb meals and snacks. Now to put them to use!!!! I’ve solved my “clean-the-plate” syndrome a while back before surgery, but now my eyes are bigger than my stomach. I’ve been catching myself making plates like I used to or maybe not AS big but still bigger than I can stomach and I’m left with a half full plate, which is not a bad thing, but for some reason I feel like it is. So, I need to start using my baby plate that I bought a while back just so I can get used to smaller portion sizes. When I do then I can move on to putting those smaller portions on the big plates without over doing it. Well, I’m not sure if I have much more updating to do right now. I’m happy with my band. And I don’t see it yet (I feel it sometimes) but I know I’m losing weight. People are noticing and always commenting. My family and friends see it in my arms, neck, face, breasts. ALL OVER! So I can’t wait to see this for myself!

What a feeling! I stood on the scale at about midnight Saturday and yelled for my fiance. He jumped out of bed thinking something was wrong! Poor guy was sound asleep...but this was BIG! I was giggly and happy and bouncy (not enough to make the scale not read though...lol) I was 199. BETTER even...I made him stand on it and he was 200!!! I FINALLY WEIGH LESS!!! Today I was 198 and I'm hoping for 197 tomorrow! Woo hoo. I like this 1/2 pound a day speed...I'm just afraid it will end soon and I'll hit that wall...the stall...and be sooo sad! I will enjoy this and worry about a stall when it happens...I hope I get a few more weeks of this though...yippie!!!! Oh and NSV. Pt says to my practices other nurse, "I just love this office. Everyone is so wonderful. I was taken care of by the best 2 nurses...(about her) you're just so nice and she (about me) is so sweet and so pretty! ME>>>she called me pretty. Its silly but it really was a nice feeling! SLEEVED April 12th - 242 lbs 1st goal ONEderland - HIT IT!!!!! June 5th 199lbs Next goal - 4th of July challange hope to be 185lbs (still have 13lbs to lose...will I make it???)

Forget the dinner! How bout that for an NSV???? I am so happy for you!

Yay Horray COOPS!! I did that the other day with a pair of jeans. Thought no way in hell are those going on my fat butt! Put them on and they were almost too big!! That is a great NSV!! Keep rocking that sleeve!! kelly

Tomorrow afternoon I will be interviewing for a chance at a GIGANTIC promotion. Although I am totally qualified for the position, I wouldn't have dreamed of throwing my name in the hat 3 months ago. The weight-loss and ability to control my eating has given me that much confidence. Part of me is terrified but another part is so grateful that I've found the confidence to pursue these opportunities I've let pass for too long. Getting the call that I made it to the interview stage is one NSV, actually facing the THIRTEEN member interview panel will be another. Actually getting the job? Beyond my wildest expectations! To those contemplating this surgery, I would say that the greatest benefit to this surgery beyond the weight loss is the confidence and self assurance you find on the other side.

Lower clothes sizes are the best NSVs!!! Congrats!!!

That is great to hear! I am happy that you were able to fit in the chair too!! Good NSV! Good idea on ordering the box with your meal, that way, you don't eat too much! SMART! I look forward to the day when I can go out to eat again too! Kelly

Wow! Now That is a NSV! I too have gone cold turkey on chocolate Desserts and anything sugary. I do not crave it anymore. I know that day will come when I will have a bite..thanks for the inspiration - it doesn't have to be the whole cake to enjoy!

These are great NSVs. Mine are two seperate ones within the last month, but hey, I'll take 'em! A few weeks ago, I sat in my car to drive to work and noticed a funny feelilng around the sides of my thighs. When I looked down, I realized that 1) I could see the sides of my seat on both sides as I sat and 2) those edges were molding to my thighs and hips. The second one happened last night. I took my DH out to eat for his B-Day. When it came to dessert time, I had a scoop of sorbet...then they brought a chocolate cake....(my down fall is chocolate)...It has been 9 months since I had a bite of chocolate....I took a bite and thought I had died and gone to heaven! However, when I opened my eyes, there was my DH with this wild panic look in his eyes...He thought that I was going to dive back into the cake and was trying to think of how he could get the cake off of the table without me diving in after it...I put my fork down and thanked him for the taste....started laughing and told him that I would not be needing anymore. He then proceeded to tell me how proud he was that I could control myself around chocolate. Nice to be able to laugh through the course rather than fight inner cravings.

~NSV~ Ran a 5K this morning - for the first time in 6 years - super slow - but I made it! Now, to do some speed work and shave off some minutes before the race in July!

Thanks guys! MissBliss - I took the opportunity to buy a new one yesterday LOL so nyah on him! Shanny- I know it's not a race and I know slow & steady WINS the race... I just got so used to seeing 5 lbs a week go and now it seems like frozen dogpoop moving uphill in a snowstorm slow. LOL The few days during the week when the scale doesn't move puts me in a grumpy mood. Even a few ounces would make me happy! LOL Disney- Thank you. It is a ton of weight in 4 months isn't it. By my calculations (and my calculations are NEVER to be trusted) I should be about 150 by then if my loss keeps going at this rate. I can't wait to get to WDW and be able to buy whatever I want. I'm so going to hit TrenD too. I have my eye on the monorail spiel tshirt too! Beadingnurse- I know... lol intellectually it makes sense but dammit! I've cut out part of my stomach and dropped an insane amount of weight! LOL You'd think I'd get more of a reaction than "hey you look good" (my brother in law) or a shady side eye (friends) to no comment at all (friends). What drives me nuts is since my husband started his new job late December, he's dropped a TON of weight naturally and he's still eating like normal. I mean a TON! Our friends always end up fawning over how much he's lost! I'm like "uh hello!!!" It drives him nuts too. My other brother in law is getting married in September so that's something. There will definitely be pictures taken there. I've also got a mental NSV too. His fiancee invited MIL & I to the shower up in Houston. Pre surgery? I wouldn't have considered going. No way in monkey hello. Now? I don't mind... I'll go. I'm not so embarassed over myself and not hiding out like a hermit with a tamale hanging out of my mouth anymore. I might post some pictures soon. I need to see if I cant find the cord to my camera.

That's a big NSV I still have knees and feet that hurt. It will be a great day when I can run around Sam's Club and haul everything home without wanting to lay down and die!

I totally relate to the clothes NSV but the biggie for me has been able to get through a rock and roll dance class with my husband and not moan about how much my knees hurt. Soon I'll be able to keep up with him al night long at dances.

that's so cool to hear. I'm actually going for ALL NSVs. scales are unreliable at best...and unlike many others, I don't rely on numbers to see my progress. For me, my NSVs will be decrease in pants size and ease of mobility. Since I can't get on a weight scale, I'll have to keep track of progress pictures. Congrats!!

Today has been a GREAT day! Total NSV day I had my 2nd fill today, and got yelled at by Dr. K a little bit because I didn't come in when I knew I had lost restriction. So now I'm going every two weeks until we are sure I'm at restriction, which I thought was awesome. But here's the NSV... I've been going back to my bad habits and last night talked to Hubby about it. Basically I think because I've wanted to make sure that my surgery didn't impact him, I've still been making dinner and then eating with him, in front of the TV (very bad for me) and after 7pm, sometimes as late as 9pm, which we all know is a no no. So I really haven't been losing much weight. So I told him last night this is it, you have to fend for yourself, I need to get back on track and right now it's all about me, sorry He's fine with it and told me that since I was stopping by the mall to pick up my glasses today after my doctor's appointment, I should go into Lane Bryant and get a new outfit to Celebrate the fact that I've lost 28 lbs. I wasn't going to do it, because even though my clothes are loose right now it didn't feel like I went down a size. But anyway, I went and got my glasses and thought what the heck. Went into Lane Bryant, which I have not been able to buy clothes from for over 10 years because they only go up to 28 and I've been a 30/32 for a long time. They had just opened, and two of the salesgirls said hi, so I told them I'd had surgery and how I hadn't been able to shop there in lots of years. So they get excited too, and help me choose a pair of black dress pants and a pretty blue blouse. The pants were a 28 and the blouse was a 26/28. I went into the dressing room, pulled on the pants, and literally shrieked. I could not believe it....they were TOO BIG! I pull on the top....TOO BIG. I run out of the dressing room and the two girls are jumping up and down with me, and I had the biggest grin on my face...I look in the mirror and I'm just floored. The waist of the pants is not even touching me and the hips are too big. The blouse is falling off my shoulder. So the girls each go get a smaller size of each one - 26 pants and a 22/24 shirt. I change...and they fit. I can't even tell you how big of a deal this is for me. It was pure motivation, total justification for my surgery, real proof that I can do this <happy sigh>