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Great NSV'S!!! I was called "tiny" the other day by a girl I work with!! TINY??? I am far from "Tiny" but it was still an ego boost!! I guess from 354 pounds to 173 it is smaller!! LOL

Woot! I haven't been on in awhile, but congrats on all of those great NSVs! :thumbup: I graduated from college this past Saturday, and at our graduation practice, I had two classmates (neither of whom has seen me since at least December, and I got sleeved in Jan.) make comments. And this was with my gown on. One said, "Wow, Randi! You look amazing! How much weight have you lost?!" And I just said "a lot." :lol0: And the other girl (a SKINNY girl) said "Holy crap, Randi! You're like half the size you were before. You look awesome! How are you doing that? Just eating better?" And I said..."yep" hahaha. :001_tt2: I love when other people notice. Makes it all feel much more real.

This is so awesome.. it sounds like we are all right on target... I too went from 18 to 14 since Jan 26:):thumbup: LOVE IT.... Yesterday I didn't iron my normal skirts for teaching and had to throw on my 16's.... the fun NSV was that I could get it on and off without unzipping and tugging over the hips.. annnnnddd I had to roll the top so they would fall down when I walked...:) Now I am also putting stuff to the side for goodwill.. the only problem, I really like some of my skirts so now I am flirting with the idea of do I get new ones or get these altered.... I like this problem....:biggrin: I will tell you that I do have to focus on cooking my proteins ahead of time so they are ready to eat fast when I am on the run.. like my chicken.. cook it up and keep it in the fridge for quick protein food. I have tried those protein shots and they are not too taskty so I think I have to force myself to drink them... Keep posting everyone.. you are motivating me... Jennifer

NSV ALERT: I can run 3 min. without stopping. More than once! Its not running a 5K but its a start. When I started this 14 days ago, I could barely run for 60 seconds. We have a 5k "turkey trot" on Thanksgiving day, I am thinking about winning it. :thumbup: __________________ Congratulations Leigha - I remember when I took my "Learn to Run" clinic, and how scared I was (had never ran even a few steps in my life) But yes, where you have to run 3 minutes without stopping by week 3. The ultimate goal was a 5k run and it was one of the best things I ever did. I was so proud. So good luck to you, you'll love it and it will become addictive. Well I had my very first NSV today. I haven't worn my wedding and anniversary rings in well, well over a year. And I just couldn't bring myself to have them resized. And today they fit. I was thrilled!! Might even get a manicure to celebrate. Hope everyones week started well, and Bobbie how was day 1 on the new job. I'm so excited for you!!!! Katie

Hi all! I was banded 4/20/10. 4 wks post op tomorrow. I'm trying different foods. Still haven't tried bread or rice. So far everything has gone down well. However, I'm having trouble with the not drinking with meals and being hungry about 2 hrs after eating. My first fill is 6/7 when I return from vacation. I've lost about 27 lbs since my first dr. appt on 2/2. I'm down a shirt size and my pants are looser so the NSV are a nice side effect! I'm glad to see all the posts here so I know I'm not the only one wondering if all this is "normal". Still burping a lot but no pain around the port area and all systems seem to be working ok! Thanks for starting the thread. I'd like to keep in touch.:thumbup:

Great News! That counts as a big NSV for you!

The NSV... I went to my nephew's brass band concert last night. It was held in the auditorium of my high school alma mater. This auditorium is pretty much like most high school auditoriums across America... not too comfy, nor too roomy. I not only was able to sit in the seat with room to spare, but I could even sit with my legs crossed! :thumbup: The catty comment... Since my nephew has been in this brass band, I have found out that a girl I went to kindergarten thru hs with also has a daughter in the same band. I have not seen her since we graduated from hs (1988 :frown:). Pretty much since the 4th grade, she has made nasty remarks about not only my weight, but my mother's weight as well (ie. call xxx-xxxx and ask for "FAT A$$"). Well... I do believe that she has gained the 80+ pounds that I have lost since being banded. Unfortunately, she arrived after the concert had started so I couldn't go up and say hi to her. ISN'T KHARMA A BEE-OTCH!

Okay I finally have another NSV moment! So My sister and brother in law were in town for a few days, and I had not seen my brother in law in about 8 months. We sat around visiting for awhile, then I excused myself to use the restroom. My brother in law says to my sister "WOW she is skinny" So of course my sister tell me as soon as I got back from the restroom, I went straight across the room and gave my brother in law a kiss!!! I sure love that man!!! Made my whole day, week, month!! Have a great day!

This last week was a whirlwind. We had the Security Forces ball on Friday, and it was awesome. I was complimented on my dress by a lot of strangers, and my husband's face just lit up every time someone told us what a great looking couple we were. I don't think I've ever felt so fabulous. It was my first ball, my first formal since my senior year prom. Least to say, it was emotional, and fun all rolled into one. Saturday we headed out with some friends on their boat. We fished, swam, saw dolphins, and had a great time. I did buy a swimsuit, and felt amazing in it. I did buy a cover up, but it's just this lacy thing with sleeves. I felt confident walking into the shoppette on base just wearing that, and didn't think twice about anyone else seeing me. For the first time since 8th grade, that's 19yrs for those counting LOL, that I haven't been self conscious. Not to mention, this is the first time since 8th grade that I've owned a swimsuit. It was all new territory for me. But, I met the mental challenge head on, and conquered it. I couldn't believe that I wasn't worried about what people were thinking. I just let everything go, and I feel like a huge weight (no pun intended) has been lifted off of me. I am just living life for the first time, and you know what, it feels amazing. We were busy all weekend. The husband got sunburnt and looks like a lobster, the kiddo told me how beautiful I looked in my gown, and I had an amazing time without all the worries, and self-doubt. That's huge milestone in my journey. I don't get many NSVs anymore, I'm just living, and that alone is the biggest NSV thus far. I had to realize that I was taking all the little things for granted. Like, not huffing and puffing after lugging groceries in from the truck, my knees not screaming at me after walking around the mall for 2-3 hours (sometimes more if I hit other stores when I'm in the shopping mood), all the things that made me miserable when I was fat are gone. Physically and mentally I'm stronger and healthier than I have ever been. That's not to say, that I don't have a bad day here and there, we all do, and I've learned that it's okay to have a bad day. I am still critical of myself, and my flaws. I want to not fret over the wrinkly skin, and for the most part, it doesn't bother me. Some days are just tougher than others, and I have to remind myself of where I came from, and look to the future. The sleeve has given me a life I never had before, and I can't wait to live each day to the fullest.

What great NSV's! Congratulations!

I didn't know there were pink Hummingbirds, see you do learn something here everyday! Fancy dress up tea party sounds so fun. I wish my baby still did stuff like that, I guess I am going to have to wait for the next generation. NSV ALERT: I can run 3 min. without stopping. More than once! Its not running a 5K but its a start. When I started this 14 days ago, I could barely run for 60 seconds. We have a 5k "turkey trot" on Thanksgiving day, I am thinking about winning it.

Okay all! It's been a while since I posted. Life has been taking too much time. Anyway, I have two NSV's that happened to me recently. 1. I had a size 10 dress from my wedding - I wore this dress as we left our wedding reception on the way to our Honeymoon. Cute little ivory thing - loved it but only wore it once cause it was getting a little tight. I wore this dress easily for my son's First Holy Communion last weekend. I've been able to wear it for a couple months but didn't have a reason until last weekend. I promised myself I would wear it more than once. TaDa!!! I posted picture in my album. 2. My favorite NSV recently happened last night. My husband has a group of guys that have played Texas Hold'Em for years. They rotate whose home, etc. Anyway, last night, this guy I've known for years but haven't seen in almost 11 months, Reggie, comes in and doesn't really say much to me as he proceeds upstairs to the gameroom. This morning my husband told me that Reggie asked him, "who was that women answering the door, where's your wife?" Apparently, Reggie thought we either split up or Patrick was having a scandalous affair - he didn't recognize me. I loved it!!! :tongue_smilie::thumbup:

I'm doing well. My energy is back and even a bit of the endurance, which really took a hit immediately post-op. The scale continues to move down, but this week was only 1/2 lb...had to fight the irrational panic that this is a failure too...so, I have to accept the NSV of wearing a dress, with room to spare, to a party yesterday that I couldn't fit into for a wedding the week before surgery. When I got home a reflected on the party, I was amazed that food was not the primary focus for me, and that I enjoyed myself tremendously. I've started back at Curves, slow..but doing my routine. Still not eating more than 1/3 at any time..not really interested in food, so no fill scheduled yet. Journaling a lot and trying to deal with some of the emotional issues including friends who are clearly not dealing well with my changes. I've been reading Confessions of a Former Fat Girl...good read, lots of food for thought. Still settling into the new eating patterns, finding something that will work is a bit tricky as I go out for lunch as part of my professional comittments, but it just keeps getting easier to make the right choices.

Good Afternoon, my friends! I'm smiling like crazy today :-) I feel great, the sun is shining here, and I've lost the 4 pounds I gained! Soooo, where to start ... Christie - I'm so sorry you're feeling blue. I don't have children, so I can't honestly say I know how you feel. However, for those of us with fur babies, we DO understand that day we realize our babies arent kittens, or puppies any longer. When did they get so big? When did they grow up? I realize its not exactly the same, but the feeling of Loss, so to speak, is the same. ((HUGS)) oh, rabid pack of chickens? LOL I almost peed myself when i read that !! :laugh: HB - a size 14 ??? SWEET !!!! I'm SO looking forward to wearing a 14. Because then you can shop anywhere! They're the biggest size in a regular store, and the smallest size in a plus store - the best of BOTH worlds... Congrats! :redface: Leigha - DON"T give up the wine! It's your one and only real splurge. Life should be enjoyed. So ENJOY it! I agree that it will just take a bit longer. But this is a lifestyle, remember? You shouldnt pressure yourself with dates, and deadlines... But i doubt you're looking much like a man!! LOL I think you look amazing! :w00t: Hey Bets - how many calories did you end up burning before nightfall?? LOL I had a great image in my head of you - chanding clothes as fast as you can, and literally running around the house, the block, cleaning, yard work, whatever you could muster up to do - all in fast forward motion! It made me giggle outloud ... :smile2: All you BB people - thats so awesome that you all got it and like it. I've been on the fence ever since MIA BOB mentioned it a few months back. I don't have the funds, but i think the tool would be invaluable if used ( for me , USED would be the key word lol ) So i ordered a Fitbit... its the same principle, but less expensive < Fitbit > its smaller also. So, we'll see :-) I'll let you know how it is once i get it. they're on back order until june 15. :wink2: And once again, a big hello and welcome to all the newbies that have joined us !! Where have all the oldtimers gone???? HELLO??? And a big WOOHOO to all the NSV's out there ! I also had one at my scrapbooking retreat. I wore an outfit i wore there just last October, and i swam in it! I didnt realize i had lost 35 pounds since then! And all the gals noticed it :-) it was sooo great for my ego at this time to have some possitive feedback! :tt2: I start my new job on monday ! I've been a grazer the past few months, and really need to get back to the 3 Squares a day ... working 8-5, m-f should be a HUGE help in that department. I'm not one to drink my meals, so I need to ask - is it ok to eat a couple / few hours after i wake up for my first meal? I know we're supposed to eat w/in an hour or so, right? But I just can't have much besides coffee. I was thinking cottage cheese or yougurt around 10 am. Would this throw everything off? I assume lunch will be around 12 or so, and i'll be eating supper between 530 - 630. I'm hoping this will work for me, and Onderland and I will become fast friends :tt1: I'd give anything if we all could meet for a weekend. Find a central spot, and spend a weekend laughing, crying, chatting, sharing and supporting ... just a pipe dream , i guess... :crying: I need to fly to tthe store, Any suggestions on portable breakfast and lunch ideas are welcome HUGS to all today !!!!!! :wub:

chancie which dating sites are you using? That is a great NSV!

it took 50 pounds for me to see the difference unless I look at photos --then I can see the difference on a monthly basis. A few days ago I saw my self naked and I had to double take---it's a NSV to notice it on yourself.

Yaay, Betsy! Congrats on the NSV! Woohoo! I can't believe the man in brown hasn't shown up yet. I am trying to will him to get there so you get your new toy LOL

Hey everyone. I am on I40 heading for Kingman, AZ. Yesterday was interesting Got stuck on a croissant. I know, not the most band friendly, slimed and urped for an hour. Ugh. So today feeling very tight. But my pressure was 104/70!!! A record for me lately! I will be meeting up with my sister and her husband in Sedona later today, yay! Karen, you will get iPad before I get BB. I live in ignorant bliss of my lack of calories burned. And there are far too many iPad accessories I NEED! Like a 12 volt charger for use on the road!!! Congrats on breaking the plateau!!!! OH!! NSV Alert!!! I caught sight of myself in a mirror yesterday when I wasn't really expecting it and was surprised to see the skinny chick looking back at meI I think this latest issue has caused either more loss or a redistribution, because I looked different. Anyway, sorry for typos, still adjusting to this keyboard! Take care everyone!!

Okay! The 17th it is!!! Anyone else available? Please join us! WE have to get a in touch with Snowgator! I hope she can come too!!! This is great news! I wondered if those tiny ones had arrived yet! Please tell Grandpa that I send my best wishes and I hope he gets his fill of hugs and smoochies from those sweet babies!!! Congrats on that NSV! :thumbup:I know how that is! I find it so frustrating that almost every pair of pants is a different size! Today I went to an interview wearing a size 16 and I had to keep pulling them up! IT was ugly! I am still hoping that it wasn't too obvious! BUT then I try on jeans and I have to buy a size 20! My thighs are huge and that is what makes jeans almost impossible to wear! I hate my thighs! :biggrin: Does Kohl's have nice dress pants?

So I had a great NSV today! I was trying on slacks at Kohl's and tried a 24 which was huge (I am normally a 22 now but slacks can run small) And then I tried on a 20 because it was the only other size and I wanted to see how close I was. IT FIT!!!!! I officially bought a size 20 because it fit!! YAY!!!!!

I am 2 days out from 2 months and am down 40 pounds! I am amazed! Went shopping and was able to buy 12's yesterday! What a great NSV! Saw some people I haven't seen in a month or so and they were shocked. It wasn't until I took my monthly pictures that I saw the difference! I am so glad I took the pictures to document my progress! To anyone thinking of doing the surgery, DO IT!!!

NSV for today is the pleasure of eating healthy food that I grew in my own garden! The week before I decided to have VSG, I had "directed" the planting of a vegetable garden in my back yard. My children and grandchildren had to do most of the work because my feet hurt too bad to walk and my belly was so big that I couldn't squat or lean over. The neighbors must have gotten quite a show, as I practically had to lie down in the dirt to help my grandson plant a seed. Anyway, since my surgery, I have been tending our little garden and just watching everyone else enjoy eating our beautiful vegies as they have started to ripen (because I was on full liquids/pureed food). Anyway...tonight I cooked fresh carrots, broccoli and yellow squash from the garden. I had a big fat tomato that I was going to give away because I can't eat raw vegies yet--but instead, I peeled it and strained out all the seeds and made a fresh puree for the top of my chicken. What a blast to be able to eat a small meal of fresh foods and feel so completely satisfied!

One of the reasons I joined this forum in Dec '09 after my VSG was to understand all about stalls and how to break them (live with them !). After almost 6 months I have realized that stalls are inevitable, they way they react is unpredictable but finally breakable. My longest stall was 9 weeks, not only was it a stall, I had actually gained weight. To all friends who come here to seek answers on stall - you will win ! There are many NSVs also, I am fully off diabetes medication, sleep well (no snoring), walk and run 4 miles a day, trouser size down from 55 to 38, shirt from 46 to 42. The best decision I ever made was to go for VSG. Keep the spirits high. The wonderful people of this forum helped me remain sane when confusion prevailed. Thank you all.

My NSV... I'm on a few dating sites, and just met a guy last week... he said.. how old is the pictures you posted? and I told him they are from Feb. ( were my one year pics) he said.. why did you put down a few extra pounds??? You're slim! SHOCK!! LOL

NSVs are hard to come by these days for me, but yesterday it happened. I did 4 hours of yard work. We have about 1.5 acres, and it's been over 3 weeks since we were able to mow (damn rainy weekends in Florida). Anyways, I mowed, trimmed hedges, trimmed our large tree in the front yard, and cleaned out the mulch so I could replace it this year. We have a riding lawn mower and it only takes me about 1.5 hours to mow so that was a breeze. But, all the other stuff was pretty intense. The tree I trimmed was a boogar, and then I drug all the big branches into the bon fire pile. Some of those branches were 4-6 inches in diameter & some of them were about 8-9 feet long, and I trimmed them with a hand saw. The tree was growing into some power lines, and it had to be trimmed before the power company gave us notice. I raked the front yard, and cleaned up all the mulch. The husband got home, and was shocked that I was able to get so much done. He thought I had paid someone to come do everything. I just laughed at him, and told him that I did it all. NSV came when I realized that I was not dying from exhaustion, I wasn't sore from all of the work, and I felt so good that I showered, and went to John's softball game. Pre-op I would have never done all of that without taking several breaks, and being absolutely worn out. I didn't stop for those 4 hours, and was hellbent on getting it all done.