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Saw the first photo since starting this journey that i loved this week. I have been really struggling with still seeing myself as fat. I'm now 62.5kg but until seeing this photo, still felt like I was 100kg. I won't post the pic because it has my daughter in it, but thought I'd share my NSV.

Phew .... just caught up on the thread. Great to see all my old friends doing so well. Hi to everyone I haven't met yet. I'm sure you've already realised what a great bunch of people this is. NSV this week. I can do (unassisted) pull up. It's a real milestone in my training. 44 years old and I've never done a strict pull up in my life before. Very happy. Have a great day, Deano

NSV i was able to put on work pants ,tuck my shirt in and where a belt.. no stomach hang over

Thank you Telly - for exercising for me! lol My disabled body would LOVE to do these things -- well - no - my mind would like my disabled body to do these things -- I can't - so I live through those who can -- I DO walk on the treadmill - 15 minutes twice a day - on my good days -- even though it is minimal it is amazing how well that keeps my sugar in check -- I have cut down a lot on diabetes medication and that's a great NSV for me! Sincerely -thank you GFG Club - you are awesome motivators!

Now to share my good news.......... I am finally in Onderland.:biggrin::thumbup: Today was the the third day that it has been under 200, I am soooo excited. Now just 3 more pounds to lose and I will be just overweight ... WAY TO GO, Jenfn !!! Isn't this just great !! I love onderland, it's been a looong time since I've been here and I plan on staying here !!! I got a NSV today and just loved it !!! The only regret I have is that I didn't do this sooner !! Keep up the good work !! WOOO HOOO!!!! AWESOME!!! Congrats on hitting under 200!!!! Not there yet - I have 7 pounds to go, but for right now I'm thrilled to be where I'm at. I can't remember the last time I was this close to onederland. :smile2: Hang in there, Paxie, you'll get here really soon ! It won't be long till you can say " I made it!!!!"

I am almost four months post-op and I have never posted a topic in the Success Stories tab. My Mom says I am my harshest critic but I really haven't felt any noticeable successes though I know they are there. I have lost 53 pounds. Never in my life have I lost that much, I think the most I ever lost was 25lbs. The pants I couldn't begin to pour myself into before surgery are now comfortable. The bras that dug into my back and shoulders now fit nicely. I am wearing the same shirts as before surgery but now they hang as they are meant to. In photos my smile is more prominent than my chins, of which I am down to only 1. Yet, I look in the mirror and only see vague changes. Over 50 pounds gone and I feel like I look the same. When I look at a photo of my face from a year ago and a photo now the contrast is obvious, but a photo of my face taken within days after surgery and taken now, to me looks no different. I know I am impatient, I know it can't happen fast enough for me, I'm sure most of us feel that way. I try to be cognitively aware of the progress, of being appreciative for the now, but I just can't seem to stop myself from counting ahead, doing the sums in my head, trying to gauge when I will hit a certain weight. When will I realize that I am making progress? I try to notice if I fit in office chairs better, but I can't remember what they felt like before anymore. I know that when I am able to fit into an airplane seat and use just the actual seatbelt, and bring the tray down fully, those will be concrete signs of progress, as I was not able to do either of those things prior to surgery. When will I feel/comprehend/recognize the progress? I know some of you long-timer/maintenence achievers have mentioned automatically reaching for larger sizes long after you've stopped wearing them, so clearly the acceptance isn't an overnight thing. I remember, 30 pounds ago, saying to myself that I wouldn't feel like I was progressing until I had lost 50 pounds because that sounded like a legitimate serious amount. I think I knew then though, that I would lose that 50, and come up with another further out number that would instead be legitimate. I must sound like a headcase. People say to document your measurements, that this will show changes even when the scale and mirror do not. So far there has only been maybe an inch change in my hips and no change in my waist or ribcage. Maybe I will see/feel a difference at 75 pounds? Does it make any sense to anybody that I am only now truly beginning to grasp how enormous I was, now that I am losing weight? A photo was taken of me recently and I was startled/saddened to see how really big I still am. Anyway, I've lost 50 pounds so far, looking forward to 115 more.

I had a rough weekend, followed by a NSV. So, I thought I'd share. In terms of roughness I am struggling a little with boundaries regarding the mushies phase of the diet. I probably ate something that were pushing it in terms of nutritional value. I chewed them pretty thoroughly 25-30 times a bite, but I knew they were things I shouldn't be eating yet or at all and still did. On the whole did I do myself any major harm in what I did? Probably not. Although it didn't feel great and although it wasn't a stuck food episode, my band definitely told me "hey! stop that! you can't eat like that!" I didn't eat a huge amount or really even stuff my face like I might have done in the past. My only real regret is that I should be more careful right now because I am healing still. And I don't want to strech my pouch or do anything that could cause me harm or affect my longterm success. My NSV is a nice one. I woke up this morning and had forgotten to put in a wash last night. So, I thought I'd check my closet for old clothes that might fit now. I grabbed a pair of pants that I haven't worn for almost 10 years. They fit! I ironed them and put them on, confirming that I have lost 4 inches off my waist and although I am not yet in my 40's.....my pant size is. That's a race I thought I would lose. I'm getting closer to being able to once again walk into a regular store and buy clothing. I haven't been able to do that in years.

Banded 12/20 down 21 since surgery for a total of 35. Great NSV yesterday, a Co-worker who doesn't know about my banding came up to me and said "I noticed you've done a great job sticking to your diet and have a lot of determination to do it over the holidays. Is there any advice you can give me a really need to loose weight too." It was such a confidence boost and I told her id be happy to help her and be a motivator to/for her. Hope all of you are doing just as well. Saw this pic and thought I should share. Happy Thursday to all [ATTACH]25630[/ATTACH]

Thanks so much Mary I love my gold anklet! It fits!! MAJOR NSV.

I'm ba-a-a-ack! I have tonight and tomorrow to get to 16 workouts. I won't make the goal either, Julie. That is why I think we should have a few levels of achievement, bronze, silver and gold!! Then we won't feel like "losers" if we only fit in 16 workouts. So I have been looking forward to this little jaunt to Mexico as I have not had a fill in nearly 7 months. Over the weekend I ate candy, ice cream, and prepared for total deprivation. There was NO way I would run in the snowstorm, so when I gingerly lifted the other leg onto the scale I winced at what number would be my fate. I actually lost .5 a pound. NOT RIGHT!! In Mexico, I got only .2 cc additional fill. So I'm at 1.6. The doctor knows I am conservative and terrified of a slip from PB's. So he gave the most minute amount. I don't even feel it. Oh, please let it tighten over the next week! I warned him that I am ravenous 30 minutes after eating. He told me that it is caused from the exercise. One NSV is that the nutritionist was sharing with me that she could walk/run 5K in 45:00. "YES!!" I pumped my fist and bragged that four months ago I ran it in under 34:00. hahaha! I hope to beat that time next week.... Blue, you might be too weak to post, but we are all thinking of you just the same. Julie, I'm so glad you are back from your trip and moving ahead with the surgery! We'll all see how you do, then follow....Hey, isn't that what we have been doing all along?? Thank you for being our pacesetter, even though you couldn't fit it in. We are all working through stuff this month! Hugs to ALL!!!!

Thanks Neenagh, My first NSV was that I came off of one of my hypertensive medications and that was only 20 lbs!!! I'm hoping that I will be able to come off of the other. My second was that I was able to fit in a pair of jeans that I couldn't before the surgery

:canada: Lets keep this thread alive, fellow Canucks!!!:canada: My recent NSV......My husband says I no longer snore!!!:biggrin1:

That is good news on the arthritis meds Anne, good for you. My Dr. is been very cautious on my blood pressure medicine, he cut the dosage but does want to take me off them yet. Good NSV. Maria

That's a fine bunch o NSVs ya got there, grrl! Congratulations from Green.

Hi guys, I finally got my 2/13 date and I am doing quite a bit of self talk! Im reviewing some nsvs that will come shortly after the surgery, reminding myself of why Im doing this and telling myself I will be back on solids in several weeks. I CAN AND WILL DO THIS! Losers bench all the way!!!

I'm down 5 lbs this week !! I just finished my TOM, so I'm sure that helped. I only exercised two days, though, so I'll have to get in an extra one this week! Love those NSVs! I had one last night. I have a very cushy, pillow-top mattress. I realized last night that I can roll over without sort of lifting myself up out of the dip! That's kinda hard to explain, but it meant a lot to me. gonnabethin, Happy Birthday! Hope your best gift is a nice drop next week! (edit) I just cancelled my fill appointment for tomorrow. I'm very happy with where I am right now, and as long as I continue to lose, I'm gonna stay here. I even tested 'er out with steak yesterday, with no problem. Tami 1/6 No exercise B: 1 c. Kashi; 1/2 c. 1% milk; coffee w/LF Creamora and S&L L: Jim & Nicks: 3 oz. (or so) BBQ chicken, dark; 1/4 c. collards; 1/4 c. pintos D: Classic Joes: 3-4 oz. Tilapia; 1/4 c. asparagus; 2-3 bites cheese grits; 3 gl. white wine S: Starbucks grande SF, NF latte 1/7 No exercise B: 1 c. Kashi; 1/2 c. 1% milk; coffee w/LF Creamora and S&L L: 3 oz. steak, 1/2 sm. sweet potato; 1/4 c. or so Caesar salad; 1/2 c. split pea soup; 2-3 bites cheese cake D: 1/4 c. Caesar salad; 3/4 c. split pea soup S: NF, SF yogurt

jm---I did it! Week 1 of Couch to 5k. I actually RAN! or Jogged! Major NSV for me. Wasnt that bad either. Jelly legs afterwards. Then did 50 mins swiming 42 laps.

Kittylover: I think whatever helps is great. Good luck with TOPS! I had a NSV victory this week. My massage therapist is into the YOU on A Diet, Dr. Oz book and wanted me to measure her waist and she measured mine. My waist measured 33 inches! When I measured 2 months ago it was 38 inches. So, I think that the Water aerobics must really be helping. Now, below the waist is another story, but I'll take my NSV when I can. I lost 1 pound this week, but the scale is going back and forth. Up one, down one. Don't know if I should count it. I need all of your opinions. I go to see my doctor on Monday. The question is whether I should ask him to give me a fill. My doctor is leaving the state at the end of the month. There office is still not sure if they have another doctor coming to replace him. I have a contract for a year's support with fills, nutritionist support, etc. I may have to find another doctor to continue my care (outside of my current doctor's office). I know that my appetite is picking up, but some foods are difficult for me to eat, ie. meat, bread, anything that isn't chewed well. I think that if I could use, I would get a fill in another 2-3 weeks. But, with my doctor leaving, I feel that I should get it while, I can. I only hesititate because I am going on a week long trip with my DH at the end of next week. If I get a fill, I will be on liquids, then mushies, etc. and would only be trying regular food when it was time to leave on the trip. I don't know what I would do if I was too filled. It sucks that my doctor is leaving. What would you do?

I just had to share this.... Since my surgery, I have lost 15 points on my BMI!! That is a great NSV for me. I only have 3 more to step out of the stage 3 of Morbid Obesity! That is wonderful to know. In 9 months I went from 331 pounds down to 246! This is a very proud moment. I can't wait to get under the 200's!!

I had a NSV this weekend. We live in Houston....home of the Houston Texans Football Team. Well we had an invite to go tailgating this weekend. My husband has a Texans Jersey, my son has a Texans Jersey. Well my daughter (age 6) and myself did not and we wanted all to represent!!!LOL!! So we stopped at Walmart....the adult womens jersey all they had was a size Small pink Texans Jersey so my daughter go that...it was big but it looked cute on her. They had no mens jersey's so I wan bummed that I was not going to get one. Well we happen to go by the boys section. They had jersey's....My DH said try on the boys XL. I said that is not going to fit.....well to my surprise it did. Perfect...so at the Texans tailgate Sunday I was wearing a little boys Jersey!!! LOL!!! My kids and husband were sooooo tickled....my DH kept saying you look sooooo good! My son said I am sooo jealous...I cant fit those...I had to get a mens!!! LOL Sandra 255h/242s/194c/165g

16% body fat is awesome bud. My goal is go get below 15% and I will be a happy man. I think my sleeve is a little bigger then most. I have no issues eating 4-6oz of chicken or steak if I keep it moist when cooking. I find BBQing my protein, slow indirect heat, keeps my protein moist and tender. If I quickly grill it over direct heat I can`t eat nearly as much. I am now eating over 200g protein daily rather easily. I just started doing this about 3 weeks ago and it help break a stall I was in. What I do now is take 1.5 scoops of whey isolate per shake instead of 1 scoop. That`s 45g protein twice a day from shakes. I drink one shake about an hour before working out and the second one when I get home from my workout about 2 hours later. In the evening about an hour before bed I drink a single scoop of casein worth another 24g protein. So in shakes daily I am getting 114g protein. I actually like drinking shakes because I make so many different types and still look forward to drinking them. I use to eat at least 4-5 meals a day but since upping the shakes I eat about 3 meals and a snack or two if it fits within my macros. In each of my meals I make sure to have 4oz of protein for either chicken breast, top sirloin or salmon. For example I would take 1 8oz chicken breast and split it into two 4oz portions and that`s good for 2 of my 3 meals. 4oz of chicken breast is 26g of protein so that`s another 52g protein added to the shakes. With another 4oz serving of salmon of steak its around another 25g protein. That`s 191g of protein and I usually bring that up over 200g with a hard boiled egg, high protein kashi cereal or greek yogurt based salad dressing. I have actually upped my allowed carbs to 100g daily and am still losing. The biggest NSV for me is I am now over 1800calories a day and still losing. It took me about 6 weeks but I finally have gotten my metabolism back on track. Its a nice feeling eating this much and still losing. .

It is great to have all of you on here who are experiencing the same things and we are all about the place in our new lifestyle. I have had two recent times where I got sick from food that I thought was OK. In both cases it was grilled! I had grilled fish and a grilled burger. I think I have discovered that the food was just too dry. Almost after the first few bites I felt nauseous and actually got the "foamies" and was sick to my stomach several times over the course of a few hours. I was determined to try the burger again and this time I put melted cheese on it, lots of condiments and cut it into little bites and it went down fine. The grilled fish was at a restaurant and I wasn't brave enough to try it again so I fed it to the cat. LOL. Claire - I'm glad you are home safe again in the UK. Thank for the encouragement on my NSV's. KimR - I hope you are feeling better now and didn't buy that many of that brand of protein bars Tammy - I still can barely walk to my car so you are an inspiration to me JannetH - you are such an inspiration and supportive. Glad you are in this forum Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Carol

Very nice ladies!! I did have a small NSV yesterday myself. The shirt I was wearing in my Avatar pic now looks like a sack on me. It was kinda my favorite shirt, but that's ok. I'm sure I can find a new favorite shirt in a smaller size just fine, thank you! Kristin

Cool NSV, Heather.

So yesterday I went ahead an joined Lifetime Fitness! Best decision I've made this week! I will be starting a T.E.A.M. Training bootcamp class next week for a couple months @ 3x's a week with a personal trainer with a small group of other members who have some of the same fitness goals as myself. I will also be attending Aqua-Zumba on Sunday mornings. So excited about Aqua-Zumba!!! I can't wait. The best part about Lifetime Fitness is that it's 24/7 & it's literally less than 7mins from my house. U can't be that!!! They have rock climbing, aquatics, aerobics, hip-hop, volleyball, sauna, full beauty spa, yoga, & open swim with water slides and many activities for kids. Also a healthy restaurant inside the gym. And the best part of it all is it was not too expensive & I got a couple discounts because they have open house going on right now. Yay!!! I'm also excited about the fact that they are 24/7, so by me working nights I can go to the gym right afterwork instead of going home first and having to wait for other exercise options. ♥ So this morning I went to Aqua-Zumba... 60mins of Aqua-Zumba, 20mins in the hot-tub, 20mins of walking laps in the pool & 5mins in the steam room = over 700calories burned & a relaxed body ready for a LONG NAP!!! I enjoyed my first day at Lifetime Fitness!!! ♥ Back tomorrow morning for another 8am aquatic class!!! I have done pretty good the past few weeks. I gained 2#'s after Thanksgiving but the turned around and lost 4.8#'s and the another 4.9#'s this past Friday. Before I joined Lifetime Fitness, I was simply playing games on the Wii, attending Jazzercise, and walking away the pounds with Leslie Sansone. I plan on switching things up in my exercise routine to keep my body guessing. Hopefully this helps. I have had a couple NSV, first fitting a jacket I couldn't even close about 3months ago... My work pants are literally falling off me without a belt... I can see my collarbones... I have some restriction. I am staying under 1400 calories a day and I am satisfied for 3-4hours after eating. So as long as I continue to drop weight, I'm not going in for a fill. I hope everyone else is doing pretty good. Hope everyone has a great Christmas & New Year!!! 2012 is our year!!!