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The other day I went to Lane Bryant in search of a new pair of shorts for summer. The smallest size I owned previously was a 20, which I've been wearing in my last couple of progress photos, but of course they are much too big now. I grabbed an 18 and a 16 to take into the dressing room with me. I felt optimistic so I tried the 16's first.To my shock and amazement, they were too big. I changed and went to grab a size 14, figuring they would be too tight and I'd be in between the two sizes. To my even greater shock and amazement, they fit perfectly. Size 14. Fit. Perfectly. I cried in the dressing room. After collecting myself I decided to buy some new jeans too. The 14's seemed a bit snug so I bought 16, but they are actually kind of baggy so with those I think I'm right in between. But still... walking out with a 16 and a 14, I felt like I was walking on air. Even though LB sizes run generous, the important thing is when I started, I was wearing size 28 from that store. I've gone from their biggest size to their smallest size!!!!!!!! It still amazes me how much has changed. Today, I went grocery shopping and I had to pick up some items we were asked to bring to a party this weekend. chips and soda... two things I haven't bought in almost a year. Just walking down those two aisles of the store was a strangely foreign experience. They were so unfamiliar and I couldn't believe how weird it felt. That was a good reminder... things HAVE changed, so much. That even though lately I have struggled with some of my food choices... I have still come a very long way and there are TONS of things I do not even TOUCH anymore such as chips, soda, most fried foods and most fast food, that pretty much used to make up my ENTIRE diet. This makes me feel good. However, that's the bright side and I do need to look at the not so bright side also. My eating in Chicago wasn't great... I did as well as I could for the most part, but I had way too many sweets and Desserts. When I got home I had gained 3 lbs... not too shabby for a vacation. Since I did a 5K while I was there and got a great workout at the waterpark, I'm sure that helped me not to gain even more. But then I was only home 1 day and went up to our timeshare with my husband. We took all kinds of good food with us, planning only to eat out for our favorite sushi a couple times and eat everything else at home. Unfortunately we both went into pig-out vacation mode and we ate candy, popcorn and sweets. Night before last as we were going to bed, I exploded, telling him how awful I felt about how we were eating. He felt the same way. We realize there are both ups and downs when it comes to going through this together - we like to be bad together. But we can also talk about it and pull ourselves out of it together. When we got up the next morning, we threw away all the remaining candy, popcorn and junk (hello s'mores!) that we still had. I told him what scares me the most is not gaining a couple pounds - I know that is temporary and easy to get rid of. What scares me is the lack of control I have been feeling over this behavior. It's wayyyy to familiar, and i know exactly where it will take me. I swore I'd never say no to anything... but I think at least for a while, I have to say no to sweets. I need to get them out of my system. Other than my Starbucks twice per week, no other sweets. No candy, no chocolate, no desserts, no Cookies, etc. And also watching my carbs more again. I am planning to be very strict about this at least until our one year appointment (which we are moving to June, at Ian's one year). Once I have all the junk out of my system, then I can decide when and IF to bring any back in. I used to be okay with a little here and there and I hope I can do that again. But right now, I can't... so I need to abstain. I never thought I would do this... but for now it is necessary. If I have it around I go nuts with it and can't stop myself. Somewhere along the way I have lost that. I think part of it is physical - when it's in your system you want more more more. Part of it is mental, and I had that part good so I think the physical of having it in my system is what is making it a lot harder. So for now... out of my system. I've now been eating "right" for two days and I already feel so much better. This is how it SHOULD be. This is how it WILL be. I'm not beating myself up, but rather picking myself up and moving forward to live the life I want to live I have more changes to make, more pounds to lose and more life to live! Whoo!

Love this post! Here are my NSV's so far: 1. I fit into an xl in the ladies department. No more plus size for me! 2. I feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin. I finally am starting to look on the outside the way I feel on the inside 3. My bedroom life with hubby is much better because I am more confident and more willing. 4. I don't eat fast food on a daily basis 5. My rings and watch are too big now! 6. I can tie my shoes, cross my legs and clip my toenails without a big belly in the way 7. Have not had soda, bread or Pasta in 2 months; and I don't miss it at all!

I think I was so unhappy with myself that it did put a strain on my marrige. Like most couples we still have all the same issues IE money , teenager, hard work evrey day on and on. But I feel so much better about myself now that I am much happier in my marrige and life style. One of my main reason for getting the Lap Band, was to be able to participate more in my own life. I can now walk with my hubby and daughter and keep up and go ahead sometimes intead of sitting on the couch with a glass of wine I go to Zumba. I love that every day is a new NSV. I still have a long ways to go but I know I will make it in time. So I think it has made my relationship with my husband and daughter soooo much better. When the times get hard I can handle it so much better now. I have a new inner strength. This helps me deal and cope so much better than before. On that note I will say it aint easy LOL. Good luck on the 15th.

Woo Hoo! That's a fantabulous NSV! Size 4- jees that must feel wonderful- I can't imagine putting on a size that small. Enjoy wearing your 4's!

Mine just happened today... I finally got to exercising and did the treadmill for over and hour today...AND did 100 crunches. Just so psyched that I got myself to do it!

I have had this box of clothes in the bottom of my closet since before surgery (June 21 2010) I couldnt even get the pants in this box over my hips then.... Well since I hit 199 this week I said what the hey lets try these clothes on.... and THEY FIT!!!! not to mention some of them are toooooooooo big!!!!! Guess I should have tried them on earlier!!!!!!!!!! Now I have a nice "new" outfit to wear to work tomorrow that actually fits instead of having my clothes fall off of me!!!! I love this band!!!

How is everyone doing? And NSV? Are you more excited about this summer coming up? I love the sun and I'm super happy to see it. Already got a sun burn on my chest from one day. I've been getting some great deals on smaller sizes and need to get rid of larger clothes. Post an update on how your doing.

That is a really AWESOME NSV!!!!!!!! Good for you.

That really is a great NSV!!! Congratulations!

I love this thread; I'm glad you started it. These are just as important as any other victory that can come out of this process. My NSV: I know that I'm an emotional eater. I know that I'll need long-term counselling to work my way through it. Yesterday, I had a bit of a meltdown. Just a small one, but my go-to solution would have been to eat until the bad feeling would have been replaced by a full feeling, to be replaced later on by a bad feeling again (for the emotional upheaval AND for having overeaten). So I was feeling anxioud about a bunch of things, and feeling blue too - the weather outside was dismal, and it was just one of those days. And I felt lost because I couldn't turn to food. My husband and I sat together, and I talked it out. For a while I actually grieved that food wouldn't be my best friend anymore. And then my wonderful husband helped me make some intelligent food choices (I ate some cut fruit) and I felt just fine after. So I guess that at the end, this WILL affect the scale in a positive way, but at the time, the victoria was all about my head and my support system.

I'm officially wearing a size 8!!! Picked up a pair yesterday and they fit with some room in the waist! This is a GREAT day, haven't worn this size since Jr high!!! I'm so amazed at how fast the sizes are going down!! I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!!! Patti

Here it is! The April 2011 NSV! A place to brag on yourself and share achievements that have nothing to do with the scale. Anything from ~ "I just walked a mile without sucking wind" to "I climbed Mt. Everest with 1 arm tied behind my back" or even "I no longer have to take medicine for diabetes" So Go on and share your victories!

How wonderful for you! That is an awesome NSV! When I lost weight before I loved kayaking- but have felt too big to do it the last few years. It is fun and peaceful too- can't wait to be doing it again- hopefully next year. Enjoy your kayaking time! I think that you should totally zipline! That is something I want to do too - and in Hawaii- what a beautiful place to zip line at! Anxious to hear about all you NSV's in Hawaii!

Awesome NSV! Who knew shopping could be so much fun

Wow this is soo awesome.. I haven't realized how much inches that I have lost. I went from 4x shirts to 2x shirts. I went from 54-56 inch jeans to 44-46. How freaking awesome is that.. I am so excited I have been singing from the roof tops for days. It just is soo awesome.. I went shopping saturday and I shopped in places that never had anything that I could wear.. I went in them store and bought from all of the stores, and it gave me such a high. Now I am truely dedicated to spend all of my money on clothes..lol It nsv's like this that keep you pushing on keeps you on the path that is worth staying on the rest of your life...

Awesome..It feels so wonderful to have nsv don't it..

I just noticed that a regular sized bath towel fits around me with no gaping!!!! In my 8 months since surgery, this is the one NSV I have been waiting on!!!! Doing a happy dance!!!!!! :Banane02:

Awesome NSV!!!! I too used to love kayaking and can not wait to get back into the water without sinking the darn thing. I love your photos looks like a fun time!

Hey Sarah, that is an awesome NSV!!! Sounds like you had an amazing time, so really seriously - CONGRATS on all you have accomplished so far. From, your cheering section!!!

Stalls are when you stop losing weight for a few weeks. It's usually due to your body readjusting and recomping. A lot of people stall when they move to normal foods, which is usually due to your body getting used to normal food intake again. Stalls can last a week or a few weeks. Your best bet is to wait it out, play around with your calories/exercise, and focus on the NSVs, such as losing inches. Nothing you can do to avoid it. It's all part of the weight loss journey. Weight loss is not and will never be linear nor constant. Some weeks you'll lose nothing, some you'll lose 1/2lb, some weeks you'll lose 3lbs; it is never the same.

I have been canoeing before, years ago, but never have been in a kayak. About 2-3 years ago, my sister and brother each bought a kayak. Over those years, it always depressed me that I could never enjoy it with them.... it looked like so much fun! Well, today, I DID IT!!!!!!!!! I went to the lake down the street from me, and Kayaked with my sister!!!!!! We were on the lake for probably 2 hours. I am SO fair skinned and white right now, I used 110SPF sunscreen, LOL! Anyway, it was so awesome!!!!! I still felt big in the kayak, but I could fit and not sink it!!!! WOOOHOOOO! This is one awesome NSV!!!! I am finally getting my life back! I am down 115 pounds now from my highest, so I can't imagine how it will feel at goal! I leave for Hawaii in like 3 weeks, so I am sure I will have many more fun experiences there! The zip line weight limit is 260 pounds... I am at 253 today..... not sure if I would do it because I am afraid of heights, and kinda too close to the limit, but at least I am under it! Maybe I will jump off this cliff with my brother and sister, who knows! We went around the lake, a few miles, and it was so windy that there were small waves. I got soaked, but thats ok! Oh man, it was a BLAST!!!! I have attached some pictures! In the first one I look like a HUGE dork, LOL. It was when we first got started and I was getting use to it, and it was so windy and making waves I thought I was going to tip or get soaked, LOL! Next time, my sister is going to take me to the river. She said the river is actually easier than what we did on the lake today, but we will see!!!

Erm, not sure... but... that sounds like a MASSIVE NSV from where I am standing, well sitting...lol!! Congrats on the new shrinking you! =]

I went to Orlando this week on a business trip and while I was on my trip I hit my 3 month surgiversary. I actually lost 1 lb. this week, which is awesome, considering I was eating out every meal (but on the other hand, I was doing a lot of walking around in the evenings, which I think helped offset the extra calories). I was really, really happy to be walking around with other people who are not obese and able to keep up with them pretty well -- something I could never do pre-surgery! As of today I am 188.8 lbs. I had set an ambitious Easter goal to be at 180 by Easter and I am sure I won't make it ... I am thinking I will be lucky to be below 185 by that date. But heck, that is still great! DH just went out for breakfast ... he is going to our local, amazing donut shop called Legendary Donuts (and they are incredibly great donuts). I passed on the trip (yay for me, little NSV right there!) -- I am having crackers with sunflower seed butter instead (not exactly the best breakfast, but way way better than a donut!). Fortunately, the idea of a donut is not nearly as tempting to me now as it used to be. My appetite for sweets still is nowhere near what it used to be prior to surgery. I do enjoy a bite or two of dessert on a periodic basis, but usually 2 bites is totally fine and I don't want or need any more. I saw a friend yesterday whom I hadn't seen since before surgery. The first thing she said to me was, "You've lost weight, haven't you? I can really notice! You look great!" That made me feel really great. I told her I had been sleeved and she surprised me and said her mom had the same procedure, and she was very supportive. I have been very open about telling people about getting sleeved and so far I have not had one negative comment. I know my friends and family were truly concerned about my weight before surgery, and they are really happy that I am losing weight. I figured if I ever get a snide comment about having surgery, I'll know that person really doesn't have my best interests at heart and I should be wary of them going forward. Other than that, there's not much to tell this week. Oh, one last thing ... I did splurge and spend $60 at Sephora yesterday and bought replacement Bare Escentuals makeup kit (the last time I bought some was at least 2 years ago and I was thinking it needed to be replaced). I do wear makeup now most days, and I have to admit it does make me feel like I look better. I don't mess with eye shadow but do use foundation, blush, and lipstick, and if I'm feeling very into it I'll put on eyeliner and a little mascara. I've been shopping a few times and am already coveting some of the really pretty spring dresses that are for sale. I think I may end up being a real girly-girl once I get into regular sizes again!

I have a lapband victory this week haha (not a NSV I guess). Random.. but I went to American Idol on Thursday. I had breakfast around 9, then i had a banana at around 12. Then I didn't eat anything till about 9pm (from waiting inline, and the taping and all that) and I wasn't hungry. it's so weird! I even said to my friend in the car, it's the strangest thing, I should be hungry! Oh yea I know mentally I think I'm eating this perfect diet. But I know I'm not. I know sometimes I go over my calories but I justify it. If the scale doesn't move I go back to journaling to see where I miss stepped.. Yea, I haven't had after care either. I could bother them.. haha but I don't feel the need. I really don't need another fill. 41 pounds is perfect! I'm at 48lbs. 1-2lbs is totally normal (if you average it out, that's 10lbs a month!). Maybe just check up on your diet and make sure you are eating 1000 calories and not you "think" you are eating 1000 calories... up the exercise.. vary your diet, eat a little more.. or a little less.. sometimes I think the body just gets stuck in a rut.

NSVs are the best aren't they? off blood pressure meds and anti-cholesterol meds down from size 32 to a size 16 (have not been in a 16 since the early 70's) needed to readjust my car seat so I could reach the steering wheel due to all the room that is there now Flew and did not require a seat belt extender, the tray came down without resting on my stomach my hip, knee, and ankle pain is gone! I can take 5 flights of stairs without thinking about it I have so much higher levels of energy the list goes on....