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Hi Gang... I have been away for a couple of weeks too.. with good things happening.. I don't know how much weight I lost since my last "current" because I don't get on the scale.. I have a doc appointment on the 26th for a third fill so I will know then... however, a NSV... my pants and skirts are getting longer:):thumbup: I have found a need for some belts in the closet... the weight loss isn't huge but it is noticeable and clothes are getting rotated and I am wearing things I couldn't wear in two years...so that is great:) I have had a few 'stuck' moments.. or slow going through.. or , "oh my gosh that has to come up for me to feel better".... everytime I have one of those situations I am glad actually... it reminds me to not eat something, eat slower, or eat better.....so my Buddy Aid (my band name:) is helping me when I forget to help myself... Hang in there everyone.. keep those updates coming.. this is a changing year for all of us and I love seeing the success stories... Jen

Great NSVs! Last week I went to a spa and the girl handed me the standard robe NOT the Super Size one and it fit! No spa treatment could be better then the feeling I got from that.

Thank you everyone for posting these. I am so happy for all of you. It is now 6 days until I joint to ranks of all you successful bandsters. On my blog months ago I posted my "wish list" of NSVs. I thought I would let the LBT community see what I am aiming for: 1) Walking into a regular clothing store and finding a new outfit for work (Big & Tall clothes are so expensive and they are cheaply made) 2) Traveling in Coach (It is great to fly Business Class but very expensive just because I cannot fit in a coach seat) 3) Riding roller coasters (I love thrill rides but often find myself waiting in line only to not have the restraint not fit my body) 4) Riding a bike (without worry of breaking it or running out of breath) 5) Not fearing the table at a restaurant (I never know if I will fit in the seat or booth. And if I do fit, I have to be careful not to break the chair when I move.) 6) Taking off my shirt when I go to the beach (It takes a long time to dry when you wear a shirt in the Water. And its hard to tan something that is covered up.) 7) A cheaper food bill (Not overindulging means cheaper food bills. When I go out I cannot wait to order from the children's menu and actually be satisfied.) 8) Not being afraid to exercise (As I mentioned above it is rough to put your body through its paces and then have it break because it cannot handle basic cardio and strength training.) 9) Riding a motorcycle (I want to be able to ride my own bike with my partner but most of them have weight limits of 400 lbs.)

Going off my diebetes meds. was a huge NSV. Imade an appt. to get some bloodwork done. Maybe I can go off the blood pressure and cholesterol too! Clothes fitting that haven't fit in years is a great one too. I haven't needed to buy any clothes yet, despite a 67 pound weight reduction, since I had so many sizes in my closet.

It's good to think about NSVs ... I am so with you galiardi, I feel young again too!! It's great! I went to the doc yesterday and this is the first time in years that my bp has been in the normal range! I was so excited! I am wearing hand me down clothing that were too too small when they were given to me and now they are getting too big ... I was a size 26 when I started this journey and now I am wearing 18s that are getting too big! I put on a pair of pants this morning to wear to work and said "these pants weren't too long the last time I put them on" ... my hips are SHRINKING! It's amazing watching my pants get longer ... wow! I was wearing a 46DDD bra when I started this journey and now my 42DDs are getting too big! Even my feet are getting smaller! I park my car farther from the store entrance ON PURPOSE, so I can get more exercise. I ran into a friend that is taking night classes at the same college I am and we were walking to our cars one night. She said "I'm parked right here", I said I park up the stairs so I can get more exercise". She looked at me like I was crazy and we both laughed! We have known each other a long time so she KNOWS that is totally out of character for me. She was very happy for me though. NSVs are great. Thanks for starting this thread. I have more to be thankful for than just numbers on a scale.

What the heck is a NSV???? Is that some sort of woman thing??

Awesome NSVs so far! Keep 'em coming! :ohmy: I think buying smaller clothes is always a good one! And, feeling like you have a handle on food and won't go crazy - that's a BIGGIE, too!

My favorite recent NSV - I just bought a pair of WHITE crop pants. Now for those of you "triangles" out there who always looked good in white pants - congrats. But for us pears, this was a huge leap. My first pair of white pants since...oh I don't know, grade school? My favorite NSV - feeling like I fit in and am "normal". People aren't looking or judging the fat girl anymore. And I have to say that the fact that food doesn't seem to have as much of a hold over me anymore is a great reliever. The feeling of having some sort of control of my food issues has been very liberating.

Ok - so I'm still fairly early in this journey and had my first fill yesterday but I thought it would be good for us to list NSVs as inspiration for everyone. I haven't lost a large amount of weight, yet, but am already noticing some things. 1) My wedding band goes on and off without issues. It used to be so tight, I'd have to soap it up to get it off. LOL! 2) I had to fly this weekend and FIT in the seat decently and didn't have to suck in to get the seat belt to click. My butt didn't lift up the armrest between me and the next guy. :ohmy: 3) I have on pants today that are fitting comfortably and they were too tight just weeks ago. I was also able to get on a pair of jeans that I haven't worn since last year. And they zipped and I could BREATHE. 4) When I sit down, I don't feel this big stomach resting on my thighs. I know - terrible, right? I used to feel my big belly on my legs and now it's not as noticeable. 5) Had some "fun" with the hubby and didn't have any problems "reaching" because my belly wasn't in the way.

hi everyone, i was banded 3/30/07 by dr spivak. getting the lapband was the best decision i ever made. it is one tool of many we need to lose weight. i am still a work in progress trying to maintain. enjoy the ride. it is exciting when you have the NSV's in addition to the scale victories. such as getting into a smaller size, seeing my collar bones for the first time in years (this was big for me), not shopping in lane bryant. i lived until recently in Katy. since beeing banded i met a great guy and we are getting married in october. the best gift of the band is to get my self respect back... anyway best of luck to all my texas sisters and brothers. there are alo of us on the site which is nice... josie

Yesterday I went shopping, and walked right past an angel food cake, and went and got a protein bar instead!!!

Wanted to share a NSV...went bike riding yesterday for the first time in 6 years! I was a little wobbly at first, but really enjoyed myself once I got going.

Hi, y'all! Whew! I have a lot of catching up to do. I've been reading when I can, but was so, so overwhelmed with work and life last week. I'm sorry! I think about you all all the time. Things are okay here--just busy. I just finished doctoring a manuscript, and now am back with just my usual workload....whee! I feel free! Weight-wise, I juggled the same 1.8 pounds from my last fill (3 weeks ago) until this past weekend, when it finally started going DOWN. I'm not at the sweet spot yet, but getting close enough that I have to listen to my band much more carefully. Talk about a learning curve! I have not yet fully mastered it! Now I'll go back, read, and re-read so I can properly post ETA: Okay, here goes: Amy--Congratulations on your excellent loss so far! You are doing so, so well! Regarding fills, every time I’ve had a fill, the doctor has used fluoroscopy to assess restriction. For safety purposes, he won’t go beyond a certain level---but that level does provide restriction. The caveat is that it provides restriction right then and there; that means that, two days hence, I may not have it. Chances are, even being taken to the brink of sweet spot at Filling #1 will be ephemeral---you may enjoy restriction for a while, though. Especially since you still have enough to slime (congratulations! LOL) I think it’s kind of a misconception, though, that we have a great deal of input for the first fill. Certainly, we give feedback to the doctor about what we are feeling. But we can’t specify, “I’d like you to fill ‘er up,” or “Take it easy today, doc.” I would wager you’ll go in, and see a line of 100 syringes, all filled with exactly the same amount of saline. For my doctor, that’s 4 ccs. For the first fill, all patients get around that much---or a little less, depending on what fluoro shows. Denise-- I’m so impressed that your diabetes is being nipped in the bud! In terms of future health predictors, this is the biggest big deal I can think of! Congratulations! Your most recent illness sounds horrendous. I’m glad you’re finally on the road to recovery. What a lousy way to lose weight! You mentioned a baby sweater. Are you a knitter? (ETA: Okay, I just saw the frog hat, so I have the answer to that question---TOO CUTE!) I am aching to learn how to knit; I can do the very basics (cast on, knit, purl, cast off), but have never acquired the skills to actually make something. Would you say that the best way to learn is to take classes at a knitting shop? I wonder if there are any in this area---my aunt had one with marvelous, gorgeous, sumptuous wools. Hm. Maybe that will be my career in my dotage. Re: potassium and blood pressure--there’s a complicated cell action-potential explanation I’ll skip (unless you want it!). But potassium is critical to maintaining heart function and blood pressure. Christie--congrats on your great loss! Under 250---awesome!! I’m so sorry you’re sad about your brother’s impending deployment. It must be so hard for you. What is your brother’s name---I’d like to keep him in my prayers. Also, I am an excellent care-package maker---if you ever get the sense he needs a boost, let me know and I will send him goodies. My daughter’s lobster is deploying to Afghanistan soon, too. Abby is crushed and so, so scared. When he enlisted, his mother was beside herself. She’s very, very proud of him, but there is such ambivalence. Those men and women sacrifice so, so much for us. Bob--Are you tired of Farmville yet? Leigha-- Yes, I do think so. I think that the real, hard, using-your-whole-body physical labor can be a better workout than many gym regimens. My body agrees with me, this morning, too! Take your vitamins! They are not like processed food (whatever that means lol)! If they are good-quality bariatric vitamins, they are made to be readily used by the body. Green smoothies are fine, but they address only a portion of the micronutrients we need. (Track on Fitday.com for a while---you’ll be surprised to see what you’re missing out on, even with a good multi! I take my bariatric multi, cal-mag, biotin, selenium, pantothenic acid, CoQ-10, and vitamin D. Why? Because over time, I noticed that even with my multi, and upping veggies, etc, I was missing out on those nutrients. When you reorder protein, consider Bariatric Eating’s PURE unflavored protein. IMO, it “disappears” better than Unjury, and it’s less expensive, too J It’s a bit of both, myth and fact. In most people, the body does an exquisite job of maintaining blood sugar within very tight parameters. If you eat sugar--or foods easily broken down into sugars---the pancreas responds by producing insulin. Insulin “ushers” sugar molecules from the bloodstream into cells, where it is used for energy. In most people this is seamless, and blood sugar is brought back to within normal limits very rapidly. Some people experience reactive hypoglycemia, though. Instead of going back to “normal,” they crash. And that does, indeed set up cravings. For MOST of us, the craving that follows sugar or simple carb consumption is NOT physical---it’s just in our minds. We like the stuff. We miss it when we’re not eating it. Simple as that. Re: your fill decision. I’d hold off, if you think it might make you too tight. It may be a “free” fill, but I bet the Unfill won’t be free! I just moved out of the free-fill zone, too--thank goodness I only have a $30 copay--my doctor charges $250 with fluoro. Bobbie--I’m so sorry you’re on the rollercoaster. Job loss is so stressful; we’ve been there more than once, and it can be so hard to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I hope you get GOOD news very soon! In the meantime, I am so glad you’re making use of resources available to you. Re: calories. I do think their source matters, particularly when stomach space is finite. Right now, I concentrate on protein--because I’m still figuring out how much real estate I have in there, and it’s the most important for cell maintenance and repair. But when I reach goal, I plan to eat a balance of lean protein, veggies, heart-healthy fat, legumes, whole grains, and fruits (the latter two in more moderation than many people, based on my own peculiarities of metabolism). While there are as many opinions about the proper mix of macronutrients as there are people with opinions, I do think the general consensus is that the foods going in should be nutrient-dense rather than junky. (At least most of the time.) Anne--I’ll trade you beautiful New England for Illinois pollen and farm dust. (I live in an area that was, until recently, exurban. Out my front window is a farm; behind me (though not visible) is the usual Generica: Home Depots, Applebees, WalMart, etc. No wonder I have an identity crisis. Congratulations on your losses! You are going to be in SUCH a good place when you have surgery! Hummingbird--I am laughing so hard at your NSV. Hammered shit! That’s the best expression I’ve heard in a long, long time. I totally understand getting the warm fuzzies from other people’s deterioration in appearance. Count me in with the mean-spirited bunch, but there have been times when about all I’ve had going for me is the good genetics that keep me looking younger than many of my peers. (Of course, there IS the fear that it’s just that the fat is plumping out the wrinkles, and I, too, will look like hammered shit when all is said and done LOL! This is why I am already researching plastic surgeons.) Dottie--I think we’re in much the same place, fill-wise. I have days when I think I’m (almost) there, and days when I’m sure I’m not! I hope your fill tomorrow gets you where you need to go. Stacie--I’m so sorry you’re experiencing so much stress. It’s good you’re seeing your doctor on Thursday. I bet you’ll find that as your anxiety diminishes, so does your need to scale-hop as much. Compulsive stuff like that tends to be tied to anxiety… It will get better (((Hugs)))) Karen--it definitely sounds like you need a fill! And TWENTY pounds from goal--you must be ecstatic. Or frustrated, depending on the day! I wonder: I see that you’re very focused on restriction (as we all are!), but also referring to foods you “can” eat. Is it possible that you could substitute others, and reach your goal in a less-frustrating (and maybe more comfortable) manner? I mean, just ‘cause you can eat bread and pizza doesn’t mean you should. Don’t get me wrong--I think all of our lives have room for those foods. But if you’re really pushing to reach goal, maybe they should be reserved for further down the road? Just a thought---worth the paper it (wasn’t) written on! Jacki! OMG--LOOK at you! Awesome. Congratulations on your running! You must be SO proud of yourself! I am in the market for a new bike, too. Lee Anne--welcome! I’m glad you’re joining us! Whew! We're a prolific bunch! Have a great Monday, everyone!

So, I've not had a change in the scale since March 26th. Grr. I have my third fill on Thursday, so I'm hoping to see a change SOON. In times of struggle, I have to reach down/reach out to find something GOOD somewhere. So... NSV! Yesterday I ran my second 5K, and I beat my previous time. I felt so strong and powerful! My new record is 43:05, and I am so thrilled. I'm planning on a 5K every month to keep myself motivated and training. My next is May 8th. Three weeks! I also bought a bike yesterday (yay, tax refund!) so that I can commute to work (4 miles each way). My running buddy talked me into a 64.6 mile Bike-A-Thon in July also. Egads! Getting busy training NOW!

I LOVE THIS THREAD! alright so i was just banded march 10th, but have already had some awesome NSV. i officially can't fit into any of my old pants. my friend the othere day grabbed the back of my pants and told me i had to get a smaller size bc of the butt baggage. the best part was that they were my TIGHTEST jeans pre-op! i had to switch them all with 'skinny pants' drawer i used to only dream of wearing. i'm wearing jeans now i haven't fit in since i was a sophomore in high school! plus yesterday i was in a restaurant my family friend owns and his daughter came up and said 'i just had to walk over here and tell you, you look so good!' it definitely made my day :thumbup:

HB-I love the NSV! Totally rocks, in a mean spirited way. (I never said I was nice!) I am so glad it's Friday. This week has just sucked. Work is, well, work. My older brother came back to Arkansas for 2 weeks before his official deployment started, so today they had the big send off as the entire unit headed off to Wisconsin before heading to Afghanistan. It's the last time we'll see him until next April. I had to work but my parents and son went up to say goodbye and random people kept calling to tell me to tell him thanks for his service...and every time someone says anything I cry....It just sucks. I found myself yesterday craving, well, everything. I haven't done that in a LONG time. However today is much better on the fat front. I'm not starving, but have not exercised at all this week and am willing to bet the scales aren't nice to me on Monday morning. (but that's okay, 1 week of no weight loss isn't really a big deal in the long run, we'll get back on track this weekend) Okay, enough whining, given what Bobbie has been handling I need to shut up and suck it up (btw, Bobbie you rock, it amazes me how you are handling all of this). So, just glad it's Friday! Have a good one!

I have a great NSV!! It may be a little mean spirited, but if you only knew......... Lately I have been feeling those negative mid-life crisis feelings. The ones like I still look bad and I hate getting old.........Well, last night my son showed me some pics of his dad (my ex of many years ago, very bad marriage) The pics were on my ex's step-daughter's web page and were taken this last x-mas. OMG! The man looks like hammered shit! The years have not been kind to him at all! I know it may be a little mean, but I know I have weathered better and that makes me feel so much better!!!!!

Sorry I've been gone so long, guys. I have really been having a tough week this week. Of course, I am getting tons of freaking cardio and stuff in, but the scale isn't moving! I do find it interesting that I am now miraculously able to eat bread and am hungry every 1.5 to 2 hours after eating. THANK GOD I have an appointment for a fill next week (one week from today to be exact). How frustrating! I haven't felt hopeless like this in awhile, and I should be freaking happy as hell--I'm 20 lbs away from goal! I'm such a freaking whiner, I know. I think I've caught up, but apologizing in advance if I forgot anyone. Leigha--my girl. You just continue to amaze me. You are just an inspiration with your weight loss, nsvs and general outlook altogether. I always enjoy reading your posts. Congrats on your additional loss and not being able to get that shovel down all the way, Miss Skinny Butt Amy--25 lbs post op? Awesome! So sorry you had a sliming issue. I must say those aren't fun. I haven't had one in almost 2 weeks, which to me is just another indicator that I need a fill LOL HB--Congrats on getting to a M. HUGE nsv! Doing the happy dance in your honor! Bobbie- #@$!% What a jerk! I am glad you're able to get some assistance. I'm praying that you find something soon WITH benefits and a decent boss!!!! ((HUGS)) Cocoa-- How are you feeling? Glad you were able to get a workout in by taking a shower. You poor thing. I hope you're okay. Betsy--I've seen you around on the board, but wanted to check in and see how Mark is doing? My prayers have been with you this whole time, sister! Anne--1 pound! Nothing to sneeze at, since we're working hard at each one. Throw a 1 lb loss my way, chica ! Stacie--I completely understand how you feel about work-induced anxiety. It's all around me too (and some days even my Zoloft isn't even enough LOL) Hang in there! Hoping time flies so you can get in to see your PCP. Christie-- Yeah! Under 250! Woooohoooo! That's so awesome!! I bet you're so psyched! You will be in onederland before you know it. Congrats! Bob- I'm convinced that farmville has literally sucked you into the vortex and you're happily living there with your animals and plants (or whatever the heck else you're farming LOL--can you tell I don't play?) Hope everyone is doing well. I'll take whatever hope you guys can give me that after my fill next week, I'll be on track because, even though I'm going home to do my cardio and fat burning stuff, I am going to have me a big fat slice of pizza tomorrow night with the kids! Sad thing is, I'll be able to get it down and still be hungry :-(! Me, miss poster child for cheese sticks and protein pudding :-( I am going with tomorrow is a new weekbecause each day this week has been horrible. Thanks for letting me vent, guys and for letting me be a part of this thread. I am so happy to read everything you share on here. Blessings and continued success to all of you!

My first NSV is, today I am wearing a pair of Scrub pants that i couldnt wear cause they were so tight,when i would sit, i swear they cut my circulation off to my legs hehe.. Not anymore.. They are even a little loose..

Starzie, YEAH for you!!!! I'm so proud of you! It's kind of like you did it for all of us 2009 June Journeys--look what one our own accomplished! So glad that your son could be your cheerleader, too! Good for you--enjoy your BIG NSV! :thumbup: Willowcat

You are doing so well, congratulations!!!! I loved your story and indeed, what a NSV it is!!!! Mimi

Just had to share this... So, my husband has been teasing me lately and telling me that I'm shrinking. Now having been morbidly obese my whole life, I can see the numbers go down on the scale and feel it in my clothes, however, I still don't really "see" a change. I know that'll come with time I'm sure. Lately, I've been finding that even my tightest bras are getting looser and my undies are getting baggier. I didn't realize how baggy until a few days ago. I got up, exercised, took a shower and headed to the store to do some shopping. To my surprise, I kept feeling my underwear sliding down my butt...so I sneak into an aisle and hike those babies up good. Well, about 10 steps later, they do the same thing, so I hide in another aisle and pick them up again (I must have mortified the little girl and her dad that happened to run into the aisle JUST as I was doing this). The bathroom is on the other side of the store...I know I can't make it there...by this time, my undies have fallen again and the only thing keeping them up is the fat in between my thighs! Now most people would have just taken them off at that point, but I decided to waddle myself on out of there, hanging panties and all! Keep in mind that about 6 weeks ago, they were snug. I had my second post op (1st fill appointment) today. I shared this story with the doctor and I swear, I can still hear them laughing a whole city away. I figured that I should share this with you all in case someone needed a laugh. With that said, I've lost 10.5 lbs to the day from my first post op appt. (a week after surgery) a month ago. (35 lbs all together) Dr. said that I'm doing great and my lab work came back perfectly, except for a deficiency of Vitamin D, which I was told is pretty normal. On top of exercise and monitoring my portions, just having the band placed is offering some sufficient restriction (my band was empty). So 1.25cc's was added because the doctor (and myself) think that I'm knocking on the door to my sweet spot. Sorry for the long post...I'm so proud of myself and felt like sharing today! :thumbup: Start of Pre-Op Diet (2/15):345 lbs Day of Surgery (3/2): 330 lbs Post Surgery Appt (3/11): 320 lbs Follow up/First Fill appt: 309.5 lbs!...1.25 cc's

I have spent years avoiding the rides at Kings Dominion because I either could not fit or thought my spleen was going to bust. I went saturday with my son and guess what we rode?? Everything!!!! I fit comfortably on all of the roller coasters and other rides. What a great feeling. Greg

I've got a couple of NSV's... the main one I have to say was going to 5 parks in Orlando, FL I fitting comfortably in every single ride! And this past weekend at church I actually had someone ask me if I had plastic surgery!?!?!?! I couldn't be happier with my band and I thank God for giving me the strength and courage I needed to go on with surgery when I was terrified! LOVE MY BAND!!!

Good Morning!! Well, I am hoping that this will be my last week of 200's!!! I am staring Onederland hard in the face and couldn't be more delighted. Today, I am at 201 and change - less than three months post op! I am looking forward to introducing a few more carbs into my diet - someday this year! :biggrin2: The NSV's are vast but primarily, I feel like a million bucks - I can easily ride my mtn bike 25 miles and kick my hubbies butt while doing so - we ride 3-4 times per week and wow has it made a difference! It's fun again instead of "ohmygodimgoingtodie"! So looking forward to reporting in next week UNDER 200!!! You guys are my heros!! Carol