Search the Community

so finally after my fourth fill I think I am in the green zone. for the first time I feel restriction when I eat. I am still able to eat any food with out PB, but if I eat too fast or too big of a bite or dont stop soon enough, then I will get stick and that is not comftorable! I am glad to have enough restriction to regulate my portions with out feeling jungry, but still not be so restricted that I have to leave out certain types of foods. I like the fact that I can eat out with people, and aside from eating slower and less, I am just like them on to the NSV!!!! my family spent the week at disney world last week. Talk about HOT and HUMID!!! anyway for the first time in a LONG time i got onto every ride with out wondering if I would meet the seat size requirement I also wore tank tops the whole time with out avoiding pictures because I wasn't worried that my arms looked HUGE. granted they are still bigger then avg size people (they were even big in compairson to the rest of my body when I was heavier) but for the first time they were not the focus of my attention when I looked at pics of myself also no second chin in photos!!!!!!! last but not least I had been holding off on shopping until just before the trip and I am happy to report that I was able to shop in the regular womens department and not the plus size department!!!! I comftorably wore sz 14 or 16 bottoms, large skirts and large shirts!!!! I even got a few xl shirts from the juniors department and a sz medium skirt from old navy (clearly elastic is my friend lol ) I am almost 6 months into this journey, and I am half way to my goal weight, but I am 100% at my goal lifestyle, and that is way more important to me. It feels so good to finally be happy with me and know that I am leading my family in a healthy active lifestyle.

so finally after my fourth fill I think I am in the green zone. for the first time I feel restriction when I eat. I am still able to eat any food with out PB, but if I eat too fast or too big of a bite or dont stop soon enough, then I will get stick and that is not comftorable! I am glad to have enough restriction to regulate my portions with out feeling jungry, but still not be so restricted that I have to leave out certain types of foods. I like the fact that I can eat out with people, and aside from eating slower and less, I am just like them on to the NSV!!!! my family spent the week at disney world last week. Talk about HOT and HUMID!!! anyway for the first time in a LONG time i got onto every ride with out wondering if I would meet the seat size requirement I also wore tank tops the whole time with out avoiding pictures because I wasn't worried that my arms looked HUGE. granted they are still bigger then avg size people (they were even big in compairson to the rest of my body when I was heavier) but for the first time they were not the focus of my attention when I looked at pics of myself also no second chin in photos!!!!!!! last but not least I had been holding off on shopping until just before the trip and I am happy to report that I was able to shop in the regular womens department and not the plus size department!!!! I comftorably wore sz 14 or 16 bottoms, large skirts and large shirts!!!! I even got a few xl shirts from the juniors department and a sz medium skirt from old navy (clearly elastic is my friend lol ) I am almost 6 months into this journey, and I am half way to my goal weight, but I am 100% at my goal lifestyle, and that is way more important to me. It feels so good to finally be happy with me and know that I am leading my family in a healthy active lifestyle.

I wear the shapers that go up to your bra line - and I have these corresett type ones too that help the girls look more perky (went from a 42 D to a 34 But did find a new bra at Pennys this weekend - love it... I can't stand to go w/o a shaper - I am too vain - I hate seeing rolls and if I didn't wear them - the saggy skin causes one - I like looking finish - beauty before comfort as my Mom use to say ;0) That was a great NSV - I don't look anything like my passport picture ;0) I forget how far out are you - your port shouldn't be bothering you that much - have you talked to your doc about it

Isa Bella, welcome!! Join in any time. Sawyer, great NSVs! When I was traveling to FL this month, it was great to sit in the airline seat and not be crammed in it. I had room to spare against the arm rests! So cool. Shad, that Phil is a P-I-T-A! He totally deserved a male name, just like Christie's Steve! So, when I scheduled my fill for Tuesday, they asked if I had gotten the CD of my Upper GI...uh, did you tell me I was supposed to get the CD of my Upper GI? I don't think so! So, then I had to call and request it, and get stuck on hold, and hope it gets done in time! Sheesh.

Stacie, love the pics! You look great! Leigha, you are one hot mama! So proud of you! Christie, you are snarky and I like it! Melody, I'm so very sorry for your great loss. Thinking of you. Karen, I feel like we're on the South Jersey Frustration Express. I relate to so much of what you're saying. You are doing so well, and little road bumps present themselves just to keep us from getting complacent. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it! I'm at 50% today! My fifth fill (two weeks ago) feels like it's kicking in (yay!), and now I have to really battle the demons of liquid calories. Trying to stick to my diet decaf 4C iced tea powder in Water and that's it! Dunkin' Donuts Coolatas and tasty custard stand milkshakes be damned! I'm trying to balance the stress of my summer (seems like life never stands still, never a break from a new happening to deal with) and my food choices. Seeing 157 on the scale today sure did help to motivate me to keep up the good fight! And some NSVs -- the bathing suit I got in June is reaching the end of its usefulness! The bottoms try to fall off when I'm in the ocean waves (!!), and the whole suit is just otherwise too stretchy! Also, I went to Clementon Park (amusement park) last weekend. This was the site of my "Holy Crap, I'm fat!" realization last summer. It was nice to go on the rides this summer, forty pounds lighter. :thumbup:

I was banded on 7/31/07. In the first 13 months that i had my band I rapidly dropped weight losing 130 pounds in the first 13 months. Then I went for another fill, that I was hoping would land me at goal. It was done under fluro, but even still I was far too tight. I stayed with it for months being stubborn & foolishly ignoring the discomfort and other signs of a problem. Finally when I couldn't take it anymore I was unfilled and because I had hurt my stomach in the process ALL of my fill was removed. I regained about forty pounds before I was filled back up to my sweet spot again so I had to re-lose that weight. I learned my lesson and have been very careful with how tight I am. The pounds no longer melt off so I exercise even more then I had previously 6 days a week either doing cardio, elliptical, belly dancing, zumba or yoga. This past April I completed my first half marathon. :thumbup: I've had many NSVs, but landing in Onderland feels incredible!!! Goal here I come !!!

Thanks for the encouragement on the childcare issue. I have just seen some bad things. I have seen good too so I should tryi to focus on that. I use to be a nanny myself. I was totally in love with the children. There must be people out there who do a great job. I called the ymca and they don't have a program that will work. I did answer a few ads today. We shall see. I understand some of what your daugter is going through. I have been in there myself. It takes alot of want to from a person. If she admitted herself that is a great sign that she has it. I hope she will take the time to focus on herself and what it takes to get better. A lot of drama in those places but you can learn alot. Congrats on being hit on. What a NSV. LOL My uniforms arrived today and they are slightly big. I measured before I ordered them but I can take them in a bit. I will probably be doing that alot.

Don't get down. The weight loss has been slow for me, too, but you know what? It's a LOSS. That is the best NSV if nothing else. Plus, when you have less to lose (less than 100 lbs in your case) it's not going to come off as fast. I had the same problem. I have about 100 lbs to lose and I will sometimes look at other profiles and they had their surgery around the same time I did but I've lost less, but in the grand scheme of percentages, we're about equal. So, don't let it get you down. I recently started to really push myself to exercise more and I think that it's making a big difference, too. It's hard to work out constantly if you work, have a family, etc. but just small little changes can all add up. You're doing great. Don't get discouraged!

Hi Guys, I have committed to so many things in life and most often don't finish them. Since having the lapband, I have really started to live. I have been jogging since January--very slowly. I signed up for the race a few months ago and found excuse after excuse of why I shouldn't do it. My feet hurt, its too hot, I am too old, I am not at goal etc. I decided to Just Do the Best that I Could. It took over 3 1/2 hrs. I ran most of the first 8-9 miles and walk/ran the rest. But, I finished. I will post pictures soon. I want to post a few before and after wls pictures too. I am down 56-58 lbs. So, I am around 165. My goal is 150. I keep fluctuating. Stay encouraged all. Brigette

Got my second Fill Today, I am almost 2 months post Op. I have been getting lots of exercise and activities. Dusted off my Bike, etc. I have only lost 2 pounds the last 2 weeks. I started at 305 and I am hanging out at 280. My first fill was only .5 CC, got a 1.5 CC today for a total of 2 CC. I feel and look like I have lost more weight than the scale says, but it definately has me bummed out a bit. I do crave Sugar. I am hoping that I put on muscle. I'm wondering if more people know there Body Fat Percentage. I wonder if this is a good and accurate "NSV". I am down from a whopping 41% of 305 which is 125 Pounds of Fat to 35% of 280 (which is 98 pounds). Wondering if anyone else thinks about it in this way?

Just popping in to say "hi". I haven't done a lot of chatting here, but I do follow everyone. I was banded by Dr. K on July 22 2009. My start weight was 284 but I weighed 270 on the day of banding. I'm proud to report I've lost nearly 99 pounds since I started this process. (I've also lost my gall bladder, but that's another story.) I've had five fills (and one partial unfill tweak). I haven't been to see Dr. K since May when I traveled to Denver twice in 5 days (once for a fill, once for a partial unfill). I'm at great restriction right now. I have about another 30 pounds to go and am confident that they will come off even though it is slow going now. Here's a picture of me at 284 at a wedding in May of 2009 (I'm in orange). Here's me two weeks ago in a dress that I'm planning on wearing to a wedding on Saturday. Other NSVs, I can climb into my ambulance with ease now; I've gotten a new jumpsuit for my EMS duties (when folks from other departments were teasing me about my clown suit, the Fire Chief thought it was time for me to size down... from a men's XL to a men's medium). I tend to my garden with ease. I walk everywhere. I fit into size 16 jeans; regular size L tops. I'm just thrilled with my progress.

Leigha-you look AWESOME! I personally don't think anyone needs to be a 2. I forgot to tell you all of my NSV and you reminded me. I went shopping this weekend and decided for shits and giggles that I would see how far I was from a size 12 jeans....and they FIT! Not even the too tight gonna have to zip them with pliers :thumbup:. Denise-chinese does that to me every time! Must be all the salt or something

KCG--How many calories are on this diet your on? Astrasmom-- Yay for only 10 pounds! I think your Dr is right, about the exercise. I personally think that is why the band statistics are like they are, the band helps with about half and exercise does the rest. Txcloverangel-- My twin! 91 pounds is great! Major NSV yesterday. I technically have 5 pounds to go but when I had the surgery in my mind I thought: If I can get to and stay a size 10 I will be satisfied, if I can be a size 8 I would be happy, if I could get to a size 6 I would be thrilled. I thought a size 6 would be best case scenario. Yesterday I bought 2 pair of size 4 Levi's. I cant believe it. I have not worn a size 4 since I was 19 or maybe 20. (I will be 41 next month) I was scared to try on the size 6's because I knew I would be disappointed if they didn't fit, then they were too big! Unbelievable. I am going to get my husband to take a picture of me later today wearing them and post it. :thumbup: No matter what you do, do not underestimate the power of exercise. During the last 10 years I have lost down to this weight with diet pills and Adkins but I was never even close to this size.

I am still here March Bandsters. i do not log in because its summer at the Jersey shore. My husband and I celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary July 25th. He works 6 days a week all closing shifts so I barely see him at night. By the time he gets home I am ready for bed because I spend the day with a 2 year old. I was banded at 209 lbs. I lost 16 right there that first week post op. I have then since steadily lost weight. I currently have 7cc's in a 10 cc band. My surgeon did not fill that last appointment and that was july 1st. I am about 173 now. I have alot of NSV's even as of last week. I still no longer eat carbs and such no bread, pasta or rice.Im usually out and about the whole day which leaves little room for exercise. I am guilty that I have been in a rut but I am constantly losing still.

PHYL - You are still our tech QUEEN - Cheri is the tech queen on how our body burns foods - carbs fat Protein etc ;0) Ya Bella was running playing w/Sheba - Lucky Sheba does like Bella - but HATED Ryder - ya her collar was $10 - a waste - hell she couldn't sniff to pee w/it on - and she has left her stiches alone - goes back in 10 to get them taken out You are going to have to get a seat belt for her - she's going to jump out or cause you to get in an accident. Yep Coach at the outlet in LV ;0). Great - Glad you got your purse - I want a B Marcowsky (sp) but he had dark interior and I like the lighter ones - easier to find your stuff - 111111 Julie - Getting ready for wedding already... 300 pple - omg - I thought it was going to be a small one - You are doing this all by yourself ???? Linda - The last 3 days have been my days off exercise - but I go in the morning :0) and I did walk the mall today and tried on tons of clothes - my legs hurt Julie Hugs on your shoulder I bet you are sick and tired of being sick and tired. [QUOTE=peascorps;1505759]Hi guys~ Thanks for well wishes. We leave tomorrow morning early. I have to be creative with packing since we are going in small plane. Have to pack in small duffels and has to be light. (tricky) Mom's bday is the 17th and I got lots of useful stuff at Bed, bath and Beyond. (things that were getting worn out, but are expensive and we all drag our feet to replace.) A lot of their tablecloths and placemats are 50% off. They had a Williamsburg- reversible placemats and matching tablecloth one that is usually $8/each $3- got her 12. She will appreciate a gift that gets used. Dad gets her Chanel #5 every occasion (the only perfume she uses). She is really hard to buy for. She has gained some weight this last year with Dad sick, ~ 50 lbs and I know clothes is a touchy subject for her. So don't want to go there. DH took Nels to TKD this morning. Acted like he needed a gold medal or something- urrrghhhhh. He has NO idea what i do every day to get that kid ready and to and fro. I just wanted ONE morning alone- that's ALL i asked for. And... I got him up, got him Breakfast, got him to brush teeth and get dressed. All he had to do was drive there! Men. Just don't get it sometimes. I got my way, and in the end... that's all that matters. :party: Janet, yeah, I will be one of 3 classroom moms. I "adopted" the class ($200) and that goes to supplies the teacher needs. They put a little note on the wall is all. I will be able to help when I can. I don't want work full time, just PT will be enough. Not sure I will find it. I live in a SMALL town. There is no bariatric "program" at the hospital (though that would be a dream job). Just two surgeons who happen to do a few RNY and bands every once in a while. Really sad- very poor follow up here. (which is why I went to a different city for my surgery) I don't want a job with a lot of management responsibility- I like to be a NP, take care of patients, but have no desire to run an office. (which is why I won't open up my own private practice). Insurance these days is a NIGHTMARE to deal with. I want to go to 20 hours in an ER or urgent care or family practice. But not take my job home with me every day. I better go pack- need to hide the toys I got before someone sees them! Will CBL. Hugs to you all- will write more later. <having a hot flash> laura Laura - Ya why is it when men watch their kids it's called babysitting ??? They don't call it babysitting when we take care of the kids... Great Idea for Mom's Bday Presents ;0) - She will love them Safe trip tomorrow ... GREAT - Ya isn't is so great to be able to do stuff that we use to couldn't do !!! WTG NSV Melissa - Glad you weren't hurt - would have love to seen it ;0) [QUOTE=ocotillo;1505858]Sorry about the bruise, but I am glad to hear you are doing well. It's good to hear you up beat. Hope the movie was really good! Phyl, I'm sorry to hear you are still having trouble with your back. Hope that improves soon. Sounds like the therapy is helping. Zoey is young one and they do tend to act up now and then. She is so cute, it's hard to resist letting them get away with everything. Do you harness her in the basket? Lori, I've been to Park City and yep, it's hilly. It's very pretty there and I really liked it better than SLC becauce SLC was socked in and had snow and fog. Park City was sunny and clear. It was one of those inversion things. Yes, I will be in Vegas. Laura, why don't you ship the bulky stuff to your mom. It will get there and you won't have to worry about stuffing it all in a small place. Your mom will really appreciate you being there and helping out. And I agree, most men don't get how much work we do to make their lives easier. Some days I want to rebel and just lay around all day. Of course, then nothing gets done. Julie, is this your DD's wedding? I forgot what date it was. I can't even imagine 300 people at a wedding let along trying to make that amount of food for them. If I was already retired, I'd come help. You talk about me being busy, you stay pretty busy yourself. Jessica, a test on the first day? Is that so they can judge what levels you are already? Janet, or should I say coach Janet. Didn't do formal exercise on Thursday, but I worked with some hand weights while I was reading posts, Friday I did my pilates machine (can't do a full session yet, but did get on it and worked out about 20 minutes). I also did 6 flights of stairs at work and thought my legs had turned to spaghetti. Today DH and I walked 3 miles (1 hours) over to my sisters. All of my muscles are sore from the work outs to various parts. I guess I'm finally getting started on getting off my butt and doing something. But as usual, the tingly foot thing has started but I'm not going to let it stop me. I have to be in better shape for Argentina and I've got 2 months to get there. I think I need a nap...it is Saturday and I can nap if I want, right? Laundry is started and watering is happening. I need to go to the store, but that can wait a while. Okay, nap sounds good. See Julie, I do take it easy now and then. Later Eva Eva You might not get formal exercise - but girl all that you do does count some.. Yep you can nap - you are a grown up - I wanted to - but Bella kept kissing me.. [QUOTE=ifyourstomachoffendsyou;1505875]Walked an hr this morning and have been working in yard ever since. (7:15am-1pm). Just stopped to eat and check LBT. Janet, the fiber and soluble fiber are supposed to help with cholesterol. This is going to be gross. Consider yourself warned. For most people Fiber helps them have BMs. All I can say is I have to drink unbelievable amounts of liquid to wash it through and now I'm constantly on edge to see if I plugged the toilet. Fiber expands and so do my intestines. It can also create gas. I had such bad gas yesterday I had to lay down in hot water to relieve the pain. One side of my stomach was actually sticking up (not the side with the band) and I could literally push it in like pushing on a balloon and watching the air bulge out elsewhere. My husband started following me around with the Lysol air freshener. If I didn't use the Miralax, I'd be backed up to my throat. My body will adjust somewhat (I hope). Especially before school starts. Nothing like gassing out my students. I think I'll pay a child to take the blame. Laura, have a great trip. Lori, sounds like a fun time shopping, and plenty of exercise. Gotta get back out and finish watering plants. We had a huge rain early this week and none since and we're supposed to be moving into a 90 degree week with abolutely no rain. Gotta get my flowers prepared. Cheri Cheri - too funny about the gas ;0) Try some gas x strips ;0) Charlene - Hugs on your carb attach - I got a tiganello small cross body (tan) $34 from Marshalls last week - Like I told Great - I really do want B Marcowsky bag - love the cell phone pocket - but don't like his interiors - Did you see the camoflage bag on QVC tonite - loved it - but it would only go w/a couple outfits - didn't get it - I've had QVC on all day - got some of those women in control pants .. Joyce - yep some days we just twitter :0) Cheri I have heard that Inception was a good movie but you gotta pay attention and see it more than once Well gang - I am typing this in word ;0) don't want to lose it ;0) Had hair cut this morning - I now have bangs ;0) my face as gotten so long - she cut shorter side bangs - but when I came home I made them in to full bangs - can wear them both ways. Went to Macy's (had 20% coupons) Saved $50 ;0) got 2 pair on INC pants that fit like a glove - one in peities to wear w/flats and one regular to wear w/heals - Oh ya got a pair of Tiharri (sp) pants - size 0 and they are lose ;0) These were on the clearance rack a Karen Kane blouse gray w/sequines on the front these were on clearance too - then went to the shoe department - I want ballerina flats but most make my 10's look so big and fat - found some Stan Weissman for like $150 (NOPE) - found a pair of Joan & David $92 for $27 ... and they look good on my feet.. Got 2 bra's at Penny's and then came home - That's been my day ;0)

Hi all ! I was banded 4/20/10 and have lost 40 lbs since /2/10. NSV is my A1C for my diabetes went from 7.3 in Feb down to 5.9 which is in the normal range. My meds went from 2000 mg to 500 mg and expect to be off diabetes meds in a few months. Blood pressure was even in the low range. I'm off the other 3 meds I was on. I'm excited. Sounds like we're all progressing at our own pace. Keep up the good work everyone.

Congrats! Just had a big NSV.. My Hemoglobin A1C for my diabetes went from 7.3 in Feb down to 5.9 which is in the normal range. My doc lowered my diabetes meds from 2000 mg to 500 mg.

I'm glad you are feeling more like yourself now... what a great loss so far, especially those inches!! Amazing!! And congrats on you NSV today too!

NSV is non scale victory- PB is productive burp- I have never actually done it- but from these boards I gather that it is how some peoples bodies deal with being stuck- causes wrong foods, too much food, food not chewed enough etc...

Thanks mama but I have a question...What are NSV's..Im sure when you tell me Im gonna feel really dumb so while Im feeling so can you explain what does PBing stand for and why am I doing it so often. I hope to learn what im doing wrong so I can stop. Thanks

Thanks for starting this post... I too start my morning with a Protein shake- EAS low carb is my favorite. Grandma- I eat salad as well because I feel icky when I don't get my veggies in- I sneak protein in them with Beans or tuna or chicken (no mayo)- for dressing I use balsamic vinegar and some oregano. I'm not a superstar in the weight loss but I have been slow and steady and even though my scale isn't showing it I recently dropped another pant size and notice such changes in things like the way I fit in seats- so remember to look for NSVs too!

NSV is exactly what I need. Thanks!

:thumbup:Hey everyone! Wow, it's been a long time since I've updated on here. Of course, I didn't really have much to update, since I hit a lovely 3 month plateau:scared2: I was stuck at 240 for the longest time. I did figure out taht there was a couple different reasons for my plateau-1. I was expecting one after 50lbs down and 2. I had to stop taking my thyroid meds because I couldn't afford them. I started back on my meds a couple weeks ago, and lo aand behold, the scale started moving again. I hit my 70lb mark which had me ecstatic a couple days ago:party: I also just did my measurments for the first time since January 25:eek: I totally have been slacking on that; I planned to do them once a month. But I got some great NSV's from doing them today. I've gone from a solid size 26 to a comfortable 18(in most brands), and since I've been banded I have lost: 1 1/2 inches off my arms 5 inches off my thighs 9 inches off my waist!! 5 1/2 inches off my bust 3 inches off my chest 6 1/2 inches off my stomach 2 3/4 inches of my calves 6 1/2 inches off my hips and i've brought my bra size from a 44G to a 38DDD which means 6 inches that is a grand total of.......45 3/4 inches lost!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbup: :tongue2::thumbup:

It's taken 2 months but it seems things are finally settling down. Just the past few days I have felt more energetic and focused. Hopefully I am on the mend for good this time. I lost 12 lbs pre-op and post op I have lost 34.4 lbs and 39 1/2 inches. I had a really cool NSV today. I tried on the jeans I wore the day before my surgery. The last time I had them on, I had to suck in my gut to zip them. I put them on today so easily that when it was time to take them off, I just had to slide them down, and they were still zipped and buttoned.

What does NSV stand for? Thanks!