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Well, I made it to my "goal" weight that I had set for when we went to Vegas last month. Yeah!! Plus, this was the first time in MANY years, that I did not need a seat belt extender for the flights! Yeah x 2!!! But, I have not done well since. With Vegas, Christmas, and a convention all last week, I haven't lost anything since then due to all the going and excellent restaurants we have eaten at. I HAVE NOT gained, but haven't lost either. I MUST get back on track, as we have moved up our South Africa trip from next year to this summer....so I desperately need to lose another 50 pounds (minimum) before then...that's my personal goal. So, starting today, I have gone back to drinking my shakes, and logging my intake....as I was pre-Vegas. I have also got to get back to exercising. We have one last deer hunt starting this Friday (which consumes ALOT of time), so I am hoping on Sunday/Monday, I will be back in full swing of things again. I have even thought about doing the liquid diet again for a week to get a jump start on things. I am now 3 months out and am noticing that I can consume a bit more than a month ago. Anyone else with the same??? I know that all the swelling and such is gone by this point...just wish I was that "tight" again!!! So, even though I was somewhat victorious, I need to be scolded to get back on track!!!!!

I posted on here a couple weeks ago about my worries with traveling. I'm back from my trip to California and pleased to say I didn't have any troubles at all! For the first time in my adult life, I didn't need seat belt extenders on any of the flights. We walked and hiked up mountains and I was able to do it. I look at pictures and am not appalled. This surgery is the best thing that could have happened to me. On the scale, I haven't lost since Christmas. But thinking more positively, I can't think of the last time I went throughout the holiday season and on a vacation without gaining a ton of weight. So here's to committing myself to exercise and eating better in the new year. But right now, I am pretty darn happy! )

Well, I made it to my "goal" weight that I had set for when we went to Vegas last month. Yeah!! Plus, this was the first time in MANY years, that I did not need a seat belt extender for the flights! Yeah x 2!!! But, I have not done well since. With Vegas, Christmas, and a convention all last week, I haven't lost anything since then due to all the going and excellent restaurants we have eaten at. I HAVE NOT gained, but haven't lost either. I MUST get back on track, as we have moved up our South Africa trip from next year to this summer....so I desperately need to lose another 50 pounds (minimum) before then...that's my personal goal. So, starting today, I have gone back to drinking my shakes, and logging my intake....as I was pre-Vegas. I have also got to get back to exercising. We have one last deer hunt starting this Friday (which consumes ALOT of time), so I am hoping on Sunday/Monday, I will be back in full swing of things again. I have even thought about doing the liquid diet again for a week to get a jump start on things. I am now 3 months out and am noticing that I can consume a bit more than a month ago. Anyone else with the same??? I know that all the swelling and such is gone by this point...just wish I was that "tight" again!!! So, even though I was somewhat victorious, I need to be scolded to get back on track!!!!!

Next week I will celebrate my 6 month surgiversary. Brassiere: 42G (and truthfully uncomfortable and spilling out) to a 38DD. Pants: 24 and uncomfortable, to 18 and perfectly loose (16s still too snug for real comfort). But the real NSV that I had recently, can only be appreciated by my peeps who have Been There: It was really cold the other day and I had left my jacket in the office. A colleague offered me her windbreaker. She's kinda chunky-fat and if I were to guess her pant size I might say ... near mine I guess, 16-18. But Before Surgery I just would have insisted through my blue chattering lips that I wasn't cold at all, just to avoid the embarrassment of a jacket that didn't fit. This time I accepted the jacket, put it on, and it engulfed me. Too big. =) =) =)

Brian, what an incredible moment that must have been for you!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I do love reading NSV's like this. There is always SO MUCH to celebrate!!!!

Cheri, I've thought the same thing, I really think DD's MIL doesn't care if she weakens the marriage as she didn't want it in the first place. First and foremost the MIL wants to be proven right. Forgot to mention in my original post, she accused DD of faking the contractions and that it is just gas. AS for my MIL, DH has sat down with her in the past and drew some very good boundaries, since that time she has been good. However, am nervous to see how she responds this time and if she crosses that boundary, I know DH will pounce. I think she knows it to, but time has a way of making one forget or want to retest those boundaries. Thanks for your input, it's always so insightful. As for an update, lets see if I can remember. We've had some ill mothers, Phyl's mom is better and Arlenes mom went to rehab today. Meredith passed her math test and lost 9 lbs! WOO HOO Meredith. Apples left 2 days ago and checked in the first day from KS but didn't check in yesterday so not sure where she made it to. Phyl is trying to take some control back from Earl in the kitchen and jokes if her 46 yr marriage can make it to 50. LOL She also got in trouble for taking the cart and Zoey and visiting a neighbor and Earl not knowing where she was. Janet is probably at the gym. LOL Linda's DSD may be reported to the authorities as a drug user and lose custody of her child. LauraK, had a good time at a singles dance and we are wanting to know if Mr Filet Mignon was there. LOL Kelly checked in and is down 50 lbs. TX checked in and is doing well and getting ready for fill number 2, he also had a great NSV Eva, is doing yard work and got work at home work from her friend. She's also having a hard time with the senseless shooting in Tuscon. I know there's more but that's all I remember now. Someone else fill in the gaps??? oh and we have not heard from Julie and are missing her

Loving the fact that you can actually fit sweats under you 16's that's a NSV! I'm in a bad mood, very hormaonal (TOM) haven't lost anything w my lowcarb 5 day pouch(granted i cheated but still way less carbs than usual) Well i'm back to my higher carbs, that obviosly works for me!

Oh man,.. the Peanut Butter was gooooooood!!!! Only managed a slice and a half of the wholemeal toast, and that took me 20 mins or so... the pouch test might have done NSV though!!! x

Watched the KC Chiefs get slaughtered this afternoon. Oh well........ Light snow on the ground and much more coming - 4 to 8 inches overnight. Have consultation with trainer tomorrow to set up my plan. Knee is more comfortable when I do NOTHING. But, I can't let that stand in my way. Surgeon confirmed it is fine to work out. Chris - congrats on NSV. Arlene - I agree with Janet and Lori - one program that works for you. You are so dedicated. Nice to hear your mom realizes that it is time for assisted living Linda - sending hugs. Others have expressed how I feel too. You are a strong lady, and have faced challenges and shown love for Aylah, and will continue throughout her life - for your daughter, as well, but her demons are hers to chase away.

Oh no, I think Janet just called me a pig! LOL I love costco samples. LOL Don't get them often but love to try the new things. DH and I always cruise through when there to check them all out, I only partake if it's something I am interested in though. But have been known to get one anyway to give to DH LOL We have sunshine today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And it's even melting a little of the snow. They say we may even get above freezing tomorrow I think it is. We've not been above freezing since Dec 29th they said. I don't care so much about that, but we have sun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gotta watch my Packers play this afternoon. They have to win so maybe they can play PHyl's Seahawks next and Phyl and I can cheer our teams on and have a little rivalry. LOL Phyl, I love Angry Birds. i completed all levels on my ITouch but have it now on my Droid Phone and this time I am not advancing levels until I get all 3 stars, much harder that way! I also downloaded the holiday version. TX, congrats on the NSV!!! It's amazing how many things we notice getting easier. Linda, so sorry about your struggles with you DSD I pray she gets the help she needs for real this time. It's one thing when we do things to mess up our own lives but when it affects others especially children so hard to take. Arlene, how was your DH able to eat the muffin? I thought with bypass they dumped on things like that? Does he not have problems with the dumping? Congrats to him on losing 100 lbs!!

Good Morning Gang... Linda sounds like you had a good day - OMG I don't think I could live in that cold ;0) - Trader Joe's are always crowded -we have 3 one in Palm Springs (20 miles) Palm Desert (10 miles) La Quinta (5 miles) I have never been to Palm Springs store Palm Desert Store in a strip mall - not super big and neither is the LQ store - they are out of my way - I rarely go.. I get some of my dog/cat food at Petco (halo) but the little ceazer I get at Target cuz it's cheaper - Ya unfortunate that SD is an addict - That's a tough one - So Sad - Hugs & Love and glad you are seeing some one... That she's lost one child and can lose another - so very sad and the damage that she did by using while p.g. - but that's an addict - So very hard to understand - we understand addiction - but ours (food) only hurt us.. Your dinner sounds good... Yep it was me and costco - OMG the pigs in those stores act like they have never eaten - let us know how it is - it's always nice to have something on hand when you haven't taken anything out - That happens every now and then - mostly on the weekends when I am busy doing something (out and about) come home and nothing to fix for dinner - Chris - WTG on your NSV (being on your feet) Once you get back to work - things will get better - too much togetherness ;0) Charlene - GF this is what I have been preaching since day one - find what works for you that you can live with for the rest of your life - quit treating this as a diet - it's not - it's about eating healthy - smaller portions - exercise.. 0h ya - next time you go out to bf don't take the muffin home - leave it on the plate no one needs it - Well Not much to report - Had dinner - Fish - Spinach - Rice - SF Ice Cream - Took my vitimans & Calcium (omg that stuff is like alli to my system in the morning tmi :0) Watched tv that I recorded... Up at 6:30 - on 2nd cup of coffee - gym at 10 the normal Sunday Target shopping home -- That's my exciting day :0) CBL

Janet, your right! I went off the rails in October when I started following too many plans at one time. I am going to continue to do pts/calories. I have been through so many plans over my life I need to do what is best for me. TX, Awesome about the NSV! I know what you are talking about. If I get up your way I would like to meet you and your DW. My DH has had gastric bypass so he can relate to weight struggles. He lost 100lb and has remained the same weight for almost a year. Even the weight training has not changed his weight, but he is getting muscles back. He really feels great. I am glad you dad is doing well.....keep us posted. Lori, Thanks for affirming Janet's suggestion. No matter what, I will weigh on Tuesday. I am going to try to get my mother into the nursing home tomorrow. She told me this morning that she thinks she will be ready for assisted living. Staying in the hospital this time has been her A-ha moment. I haven't even talked to her about the oncologist. We will deal with that when she is stronger. Eva.....Prayers and Hugs for you today. Everyone in your city is connected in one way or another, and we are connected to you. This tragedy brought back memories of JFK (I was 11 then), Bobby Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan. We come together in these times as a nation and look to God for healing. I am not going to church this morning. The front is blowing in with thunderstorms. Today we are honoring our state champion 5A football team. The coach goes to our church. There will be about 200 extra people there so I know I won't be missed. When the rain clears I am going to the hospital. Julie......where are you????

Good Morning Everyone. Good to hear from you Chris and wtg on your back and knees not hurting as bad as they would have prior to surgery-- yes that definitely counts as a NSV and a big one. You're progressing nicely - especially since you had the shoulder surgery at the same time -- and you were so limited in your physical activity - 38 pounds is a huge deal -- that's about 4 sizes -- they say every 10 pounds is a size. Isn't it great to feel so much better and be able to be so much more active? WTG, keep up the good work. I am in shock about this shooting incident - what a terrible tragedy -- just unbeliveable violence -- really scares me that we have so much violence. Arlene, I agree with Janet and Great. I think stress makes you weigh more -- I do think it has something to do with it. Just relax, try to eat healthy every day. Hey, at least you are more aware of your eating now and that's a good thing. We had an absolutely perfect day yesterday in Des Moines. Katie was feeling better and had her brother stay with her and help her with Aylah so we didn't have to take her with us. We wouldn't have minded, but had a lot of stops to make and it's such a pain to drag her in and out of her car seat especially in this cold weather -- was a high of 12 here yesterday. We dropped my Kitchen Aid mixer off to be repaired -- the entire assembly that holds the beater in place fell out last time I used it -- they have to order the new part, wonder how much that will cost me. Really disappointed in this as I bought the "professional" one cause I use it so much for heavy duty stuff. I really haven't used it all that much -- have only had it 3 years. Oh well, hopefully it won't be too terrible. Then we went to Sam's to get stocked up on all our paper products and a few other things -- I was disappointed however that they were out of rotissere chickens -- the next batch wasn't due to be out for almost an hour and we didn't want to wait. The place was an absolute zoo -- and yes, the people crowding around the tasting booths really irritated me this time -- I think it was Janet who said she noticed it at costco last time she went -- they all just rush from booth to booth and grab food and stand there and eat it, blocking the way, etc. They had a stand for tasting the frozen parmesean tilapia but alas, I missed out -- by the time I got close enough the plate was empty and she said it would take 10 mins. until the next batch was done. She looked at me and said, "oh honey, you'll really like it, go ahead and buy it anyway." LOL. So I bought a bag of it for nights when I'm tired and just throwing something in the oven is necessary -- it has 230 calories and 10 grams of fat per each 4 oz. fillet. Looked decent -- will let you know how it is. Have any of you ever bought it? It will be one of those "special" treats for me. I thought it was ironic that the ONE thing I wanted to taste I couldn't taste. Went to Petco for dog food and treats, stopped at Starbucks (I just had a reguular coffee), and then went to Trader Joe's. OMG - I thought for sure they had a radio dj inside giving something away -- the people were just pouring into the store -- I actually said to my dH "they must be giving money away in here" -- it was unbelieveable. Once inside, you couldn't really even move - it was just wall to wall people all jammed in this tiny store. We got a few items - hummus and apricot chutney and left -- had to stand in line about 15 mins. just to buy that. We shopped at Trader Joe's in southern california and the stores were about 3 times the size of the one here -- but it's been open since last fall, so not sure why it was so crowded. The sales clerk said it's like that all time -- no matter when you shop it's always jammed with people. I said, "well, they need to open another one". SO maybe they will since it's been such a big hit here. But alas, my DH was disappointed cause he was hoping to get his "Italian" olives that they had in So. Cal. and they didn't have them in this store. I'll have to see if I can order them on line. Probably. Then we went to our Bonefish Grill for dinner and had a fabulous dinner. I had longfin tilapia which is one of their specialities. I splurged and had the one that is topped with lump crab, shrimp and scallops and drizzled with lemon caper butter. OMG it is to die for. Able to eat about half. I usually have plan fish grilled but decided to have a special treat. Also had one crab cake which are very very good -- hand made there out of lump crab as well. They give you two sides with your meal and they have two sides that are very band friendly -- so I had steamed broccoli and steamed mixed veggies for my sides -- and they were perfect. It's nice that a restaurant offers healthy choices for their sides. Again, I just can't say enough good things about this restaurant, I just love it. Apples, so happy you made it as far as you did -- hopefully after today you'll have great weather. Janet, glad to hear you got your energy back -- sounds like a good/busy day - feels good to get that kind of stuff done -- I'm lucky that my DH doesn't work and does the vacuuming, etc. But I have plenty to do with keeping kitchen and bathrooms clean and all the dusting. I do miss having cleaning people, but half the time they were missing so much I still had to do some of it, so why spend the money? Now that I've lost the weight I breeze through it. Melissa, haven't heard from you - hope you are doing okay. Thinking of you. Julie, same to you. Hope you get some relief and soon. Janet, yes, Katie had a son who is now 7 -- she lived in Oregon at the time -- they took him away at birth as he was a crack baby -- then gave her an opportunity to go to a rehab WITH him and if she made it through the rehab would have been able to keep him, but alas, she couldn't get through it without breaking rules -- and about 3 weeks before she would have graduated they caught her off grounds with a guy and tossed her out and her baby was adopted by the family who had fostered him at birth. It's an open adoption and she does get pics and a note once a year. He's autistic and has multiple problems and it 's heartbreaking to us as we know her drug use caused these problems. We are so grateful that Aylah doesn't have these kinds of issues and we want to make sure she is raised in a loving environment. If that means we will have to do it ourselves, we will. Katie's going to have to make some tough choices in the very near future. You'd think her near death experience in August would have changed her -- well, it changed her for about 6 weeks -- after that it was back to the same old same old. She's had years and years of counseling, been in at least 12 rehabs -- she's kinda like Lindsay Lohan I guess - just refuses to stop. Well, I need to get going here -- it's 8:30 -- time to go work out - think I'll do step here at home -- that way I don't have to deal with being out in the 9 degree weather. But, the sun is out -- so that's great!!! Drive safely Apples and DH! Love you all. Linda

Congrats! Time well spend interacting with our children has to be the best NSV yet!

I've been doing the 5 day pouch test(finished yesterday) and haven't lost any weight, not even 1/2 a pound,granted it's TOM as well, so I'm not beating myself over it (last night, my last day i gave in to a glass of Rose and a piece of homemade wholemeal bread, the crusty bit dipped in aromatic olive oil ) So that wasn't a success for me, my own fault Yesterday afternoon however, we all went to the park, husband and 3 girls, and we had a blast! For the first time ever, I put my jogging bottoms on a sweatshirt, my trainers (sneakers) and felt really good about myself(I actually felt quite "cool" as opposed to fat, forty and frumpy) and I went on loads of "rides" with the girls. I've never done this before cause I always felt to old, fat, ugly . Yesterday I felt so young and carefree. My husband pointed out that I always used to just sit on a bench while they palyed. This is probably one of the best NSV in these five months since surgery. I am so happy (even though I cheated on my pouch test last night )

Another positive NSV... I had a bath tonight... ok so that isn't unusual... well, for me it is cos I don't normally have a bath, I tend to shower... less time to see my self naked...lol Anyway, the last time I had a bath was way before my sleeve... I couldn't believe how much room was in there!!! I have definately shrunk in width... and my tummy was almost all under the water too....yey!!! Love this NSV!!! As Irene said you lost a pound even though it's that TOM, I'm sure a few pounds will come off in the next couple of days, can't wait to see pics!!

Evening all, OMG I don't remember the last time I was this tired and sore. Debbie and I worked the National Cheerleader Association thing today at the Dallas Convention Center. We worked a food stand. We are doing this as part of a group we belong to called No Walker Left Behind. This is the group we are doing the Susan G. Koman 3 day breast cancer walk with. The company that handles all the food service for the center is paying us a portion of proceeds for our voulenteer work. This is the first real strenuous thing I have done post surgery. We got there at 8 am and didn't leave there till 8pm. This was the first time we have done this. We used this as a training period before we do the NFL experience the end of the month. The convention center is hosting a 9 day Superbowl party. We will be working our butts off those days. I am actually not that physically tired as much as my feet hurt. BUT before you think I am just hitching I have some good news about it. Not sure if this would be called a NSV or not but I spent 12 hrs standing running a cash drawer and my back never got tired or starting hurting. B4 Lapband I would have been hurting by noon with all that standing and my knees would have been aching. Not so today Sorry about the post last night. Just have alot on my plate right now. This being off this long has caused some problems. Nothing we won't be able to get through just need to go back to work full time. This 1/3 pay sucks. Shoulder is getting better though. Been able to sleep in the bed since Christmas, not sleeping through the night but am getting more rest than I was. Physical therapy is moving along great. Finally started adding some weight to my workouts. It's been a slow process as there have been some movements that were restricted till last week. My PT thinks mid feb. I hlpe so. Dad is doing good. He started his treetments this week. Right know he is doing them manually which meens 4 treTments a day. He will start the machine treatments next week. We are going up there on thursday evening for the weekind. As far as the band goes, it's progressing slow. I have cut back on my portions a lot. Still eating more than I like but it is getting better. I go for another fill this week so hopefully that will help some. Karen, Be careful through OK and TX panhandle. We are supposed to be getting winter storm as far south as Dallas. I know the winter crap you ate used too is not near as bad as generally get here but the panhandle can get bad. Have a safe trip and if you guys decide to come a more southerly route than let me know. As fas as the Chicago get together. I don't think there is anyway Debbie and I could do it this year. Maybe, better yet more than likely, meeting somewhere next year would be great. Hugs and Love to you all Chris

Congratulations, Tracy! That is so great to hear. And not bragging at all. Hell fire, girl, you EARNED it! I can totally relate. One of my personal goals with all this has been a desire to be able to buy clothes in the regular stores, not places like Casual Male XL, the male version of Lane Bryant. The other day I was walking through costco, and saw a sale on lightweight jackets. As usual, Costco's sizes run from Small to 2XL. I've been a 3XL or more for as long as I can remember, and have had to pass things up in so many stores because I was just too big. Just for the heck of it, I picked up a 2XL jacket and tried it on. Not only did it fit, but it fit RIGHT. I was able to easily zip it up without anything being "forced." I about did a backflip (there's a visual for you...) right there in the store. I wore the jacket to visit a friend today, and I got a "Nice jacket!" compliment. I don't need to tell you how good that felt. It's been years since anyone complimented me on my clothes. Keep celebrating those NSVs! They're sometimes more rewarding that a pound or two off the scale. Well, maybe... Dave

NSV = Non scale Victory

I've probably had close to a dozen fills (and one unfill, same process, just in reverse) in the 22 months I've been banded. The only one that was really uncomfortable was the first one. And that was likely due to that I was still rather tender over my port area.. and the tenderness due to my being stubborn enough to try to continue to sleep on that side, even while still healing. Even though it was really uncomfy, it wasn't bad at all. I don't get a numbing shot (I don't see the point.. it's an extra needle and the fill doesn't hurt that much). The doctor or nurse uses ultrasound to locate the port, they do a quick stick, pull back to see how much saline is in the band (this is good practice to check Fluid level each time) and then push it all back in with the additional of what they planned to add. Then the needle removed and bandaid applied. All this is done while lying down. Then they sit me up and give me Water to drink. If it goes down OK, then I'm free to continue on my merry way. Water has always gone down fine, but if it didn't, they'd probably want to remove some of the saline just installed. My post fill diet is liquids till that evening, soft or mushie foods (the one time I let myself have mashed potatoes) and back to regular as tolerated the next day. If anything gives me trouble to back down to liquids and advance diet a little more slowly. I've had the nurse not be able to find the port right off the bat a time or two. It's not a stick over and over, they move the needle just a tad while still in your skin. It doesn't hurt, just feels strange. If they use ultrasound or fluoro, it shouldn't be an issue at all. They don't use either on me now as I've lost so much. a NSV for sure!! And I totally understand being anxious. I was asking everyone and everybody about skin numbing preparations.. lol. I was plain out scared! It will likely be a lot easier than you can imagine. Hope this helps a little. P.S. I LOVE answering questions from newbs, oldsters & inbetweens. I learn from everyone and every question.

Congratulations!! How great it must feel to receive those compliments AND to get a new pair of jeans! I can't wait! By the way what is NSV?

Now that really IS an NSV!

awesome NSV! Keep it coming off!

I went to Dress Barn today for some Yoga/Sweat pants. I was on the "Woman" side of the store, where I always go and picked up a pair of 1x. Tried them on Way too big! Standing there puzzled as to what to do and then I dared wander on the "Normal" size side. I picked a pair of XL and L. The L fits perfectly... I almost started screaming aloud. THEN I tried on 14W jeans and the skinny minnie sales girl said those are too big and brought me a regular 14. The fit like glove. I was so excited....... I really am excited by this. I have not been a 14 in about 20 years........WOO HOO Then the guy who does my lawn came to collect the money. It was the father of the company, who speaks very little English. I paid him and wished him aHappy New Year. He said you too and then said, "You look....." and made a motion holding his hands close together. . "Bery, Bery nice." LOL LOL He is about 65, but it was definitely a male "bery nice"...LOL

Ok so, this is the end of day 5 of the pouch test. I weighed this morning - (desperate and therefore almost naked!) - my offical weigh day.... and I am.... *drum roll* down a POUND!!! All that for a pound...oh and my monthly visitor turned up... hmph! OK, positive slant... a pound is a pound is a pound... that is better than nothing or a gain ... new slow losers mantra!!! I really want to get 186lb -now currently at 190 - as this would be my half way goal... grrrrr C'mon body, work with me here!!! Another positive NSV... I had a bath tonight... ok so that isn't unusual... well, for me it is cos I don't normally have a bath, I tend to shower... less time to see my self naked...lol Anyway, the last time I had a bath was way before my sleeve... I couldn't believe how much room was in there!!! I have definately shrunk in width... and my tummy was almost all under the Water too....yey!!!