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Waaaaaaa.... I'm so technology illiterate that I can't figure out how to find your photos or post my own!!!! But I know you're Beautiful... I can tell by your caring and sharing with us... Betsy: Prayers for yu and Mark... Cocoa: Hi, how are you doing this week? Bob: Whoop Whoop you made it... You had such high expectations for pain and trauma from our stories... Hehe... We all fooled you... Our reverse pyscology worked... Oh Hell, I really spelled that wrong.... Haha... Guess you have a higher pain tolerance... Leigha: Glad you are able to eat better and thats a great weight loss considering you were starving your body and it was trying to hoard the weight... Gloria: You are an inspiration and I did figure out how to get to your blog... (Since it has a little click on me link) Hehe.... To Everyone: HAPPY HUMP DAY! Have a lovely day, the week will be half way over by lunch time.... Oh and I have a NSV today... The Jeans I bought with hopes of fitting in nicely by Easter.... Well I decided to pull them on today and see just how "STUFFED" like a sausage I looked in them and they FIT perfectly.... Snug like a normal snug should be without a camel toe!!!!! (Oppps, did I say that out loud....) By Easter, I will need the NEXT size down.... WOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!

Thanks y'all for the responses!!! So, I was talking to him tonight and he seems to be coming around, maybe, lol. He said, "I don't know baby, part of me wants to tell you to go for it because I know it's what you really want to do but the other part of me is still thinking about how crazy having 85% of your stomach cut out seems." It's an improvement y'all! LOL Bless his heart. As far as not wanting someone else to make this decision for me, I understand those sentiments. But, I also know that when I really want to do something, even though I seek the Lord's guidance for everything, I sometimes mistake my fleshly desires and reasons as His answer. In our marriage, when it comes to things that will affect not just the one person but the whole family, we both make sure and pray for God's answer, not ours. So, when I said that if my husband felt like he was led by the Lord to not be for this, I would have to really take that seriously. I know this may not make much sense to some, lol. But, I just wanted y'all to know I'm not married to some control freak or anything, lol. He's an amazing man who I trust with my life and who I know seeks the Lord's guidance in everything too and if he felt to his core that God was not giving him peace about this, I would have to listen because I trust him and know him well enough to know that he wouldn't just say that to keep me from doing something, it would be, literally, the God's honest truth. Trust me, I'm spoiled ROTTEN and he would bend heaven and earth to give me anything I ask for and has, 'til now:wink0: And will with this too if we are both given the green light from Above. :thumbup: Ok, so obviously, y'all know more about me now. Hope ya didn't mind that little marriage bio there, lol. Thanks again for all the replies! I really hope to get to know y'all alot better! You ladies are some amazing and strong women!! I spent an hour or so reading over the NSV's thread. SO inspiring, heartwarming and funny!!! Oh I PRAY that I get to be posting on there soon with my little ticker in my signature!! Hey, maybe my hubby's quote up there at the top of this post could be considered my first little NSV huh? LOL Have an awesome night ladies and fellas!! God Bless y'all! Krystal

I had a shocking revelation today. I was able to use my lap for a laptop. I have never done this before. Then it dawned on me, I have been fat since before there were laptops…ouch. I really should not be surprised, but I am. I believe this qualifies as one of those NSVs, but it was still somewhat disturbing that I have been fat longer than laptops have existed. I do travel almost every week for my job and I have over 3,000,000 miles on American Airlines alone, and about that many on United and other airlines. I even bought my roll-aboard suitcase because it made a good table for my laptop when I was on the road. OK…probably not the most earth-shattering event ever, but very helpful anyway.

I had a shocking revelation today. I was able to use my lap for a laptop. I have never done this before. Then it dawned on me, I have been fat since before there were laptops…ouch. I really should not be surprised, but I am. I believe this qualifies as one of those NSVs, but it was still somewhat disturbing that I have been fat longer than laptops have existed. I do travel almost every week for my job and I have over 3,000,000 miles on American Airlines alone, and about that many on United and other airlines. I even bought my roll-aboard suitcase because it made a good table for my laptop when I was on the road. OK…probably not the most earth-shattering event ever, but very helpful anyway.

Here is my list of NSV. I love this. 1. I am out of size 20 and 22. I actually put on a pair of regular 14 pants the other day. They buttoned and zipped....still too tight to wear but I got them on! 2. I was out to eat with my bf and I were sharing a plate. I ate a very small amount and it felt like a HUGE amount to me. He actually said, "You really aren't done are you?" 3. I was walking down the hallway in my school and a fellow teacher stopped me and said I looked beautiful. 4. I was riding in the care with my bf and we were stopped at the light. I turned my head to talk to him and he said "wow! I thought you were beautiful before but you look amazing". That was the best one of all. To me my weight seems to be coming off slowly but I need to stop and thing about these NSV more often so I don't get discouraged.

I know advice from a preop probably isn't helpful, but maybe now is a time to focus on all the NSV and stay off the scale until you can see some victories else where as well. I've been tracking your progress and I admire you! Its great that you being proactive, but you will get there. Thanks for posting.

Laura, HAPPY BANDIVERSARY!! 90 pounds is amazing. I'm very proud of you. Charlene, very interesting about the planned diet. Yes, let us know when this starts. I have no doubt it will work, anything works if you stick with it completely. And learning how to eat differently is what this journey is all about. Although my weight loss is very slow and goes is spurts, what I'm noticing is I will lose weight and then slow down and not lose for a while. My body does still look the same and then a few weeks later, although my body still looks the same (and I knew it would) it's getting smaller. Suddenly I can fit in a size smaller and my butt is smaller and my fat gut is smaller. I have 3 new pairs of size 20 pants that fit...they fit really well. I haven't been in a size 20 since at least 1995 or 96 maybe....it's been a very long time. I'm not doing killer exercise, but whatever I'm doing, it's working. Guess this is a NSV for me. Okay, gotta go to work. Later ladies, have a great day!! Eva

This is such a great thread! I'm so glad you started it, Leigha. Your episode yesterday sounds miserable. I'm so glad Dr. Kim's nurse is meeting you today for a little unfill. I love hearing about good doctors---there are few enough of them that kudos are warranted. Everyone deserves a good doctor; I wish everyone had them. Awesome job with the weightlifting--and lost weight and inches! Ada, exercise is key for me, too. I hope the next fill's the charm for you. I'm one step behind you, just about to get my 2nd fill on Wednesday--with my 3rd already scheduled. It feels good to be moving toward it Heather, 48 pounds! Phenomenal! My doctor is a 4 oz. protein/3x day kind of guy, too. (Well, he works UP to 3-5 ounces; I'm still at 2.5.) It can leave a little extra room, no? :laugh: Still, it does the trick, weight-wise--and with restriction, it will be wonderful. Speaking of restriction, sorry you had to unfill a bit, but hopefully you are now in a better place. Illuminationlady, I'm SO glad you've reached the not-hungries! Your progress really gives me hope. Hummingbird, I hope your tight fill modifies itself to sweet spot fast. TJ--salt + no BP meds will add up to a gain every time. (Hm. Maybe soon, those meds will be a thing of the past; I'm pretty sure mine are on the way out...) That gain will be gone in no time. In the meantime, you're experiencing AWESOME NSVs! BT--How many hours now? I'm much like you; I can lose weight just fine (though being old and female makes it a bit slower going than you've experienced). It's keeping it off that I really suck at. The band is going to be an amazing tool for you. Have people really said that your opinions and advice don't matter because you're not yet banded? Dumbasses. Your advice has always been really solid, IMO. I am procrastinating--I really need to be working. I have a publisher's deadline on Wednesday, and I'm being bratty about it. I hate working through weekends, and this assignment was timed in a way that ensured I'd have to work straight through this one. (Got it on Thursday.) Of course, my protest is only going to shoot ME in the foot...but I still seem to be having a petulant temper tantrum. (I will buckle down and get it done in a few minutes...) I just wanted to add my NSV du jour: I teach Sunday school to first and second graders. I alternate with another teacher, and because of my surgery, have not seen the kids since before our very long winter recess. The first little girl who came in this looked at me really funny. I asked her if she remembered me---and after looking at me for a few minutes, I reminded her that my name is Betsy. She looked at me a minute more, and said, "I know. But you look completely different!" THAT felt mighty good! Have a great Sunday! Off to work. :biggrin:

Great NSV, I can hear you smiling all the way in SC!!!!! Mimi

I had a great NSV yesterday and couldn't wait to share. I hope to post pics soon, too. (I forgot my camera, so I'll have to wait to get the pics from our cousin.) Yesterday was our cousin's daughter's seventh birthday party. It was at a place called Bounce House in Knoxville. For those who may not know, this is a place with huge inflatable slides, obstacle courses, and bouncy rooms where kids (and adults) can play. We took my 5yr. old nephew, and since he didn't know any kids there except for the birthday girl (who was spread thin among all her friends) I was who he wanted to play with. Surprisingly, I was under the weight limit (by three pounds) and was able to play on the toys with him. What's more is that I had the energy to play with him! I climbed, slid, jumped, and bounced like a kid. It was great fun and a great workout. I definitely had my heart rate up for the entire hour. Had I not lost those 61 pounds, I would not have been able to participate. I was able to keep up with the kids, and I wasn't the adult in the corner who couldn't keep up. It was awesome!

Wonderful to see all my positive friends here.... Great idea for a fun thread. BT. Welcome to the club and not for one minute have you not really belonged. You are MY true inspiration. (maybe if I had had a heart problem I would have been as motivated as you). You are doing AWESOME!!!! Be ready for the surgery pain. GAS, Bloating and weird head for 2 days. By Friday you will feel good and be off to the races. Enjoy that loaf of bread!!!! I had a weird week. After hitting 299, the scale went up 9 pounds. (Water retention??) I had salty Peanut Butter pretzels this week, and salty buffalo chicken nuggets and forgot my BP meds for a few days. But this morning, it showed 300.2 before going to the gym so I am back to even. (I think I was dehydrated at the 299 day, as I had just gone to the gym and worked out for an hour then sat in a steam room). Best NSV's: I now wear XL tee shirts, and 46 jeans, but I can actually button and zip 44 size Levi's and bought them at Kohl's not Casual Male... I keep having to put new holes in my favorite belts. I had to buy a leather hole puncher. I can wear a pair of size 12 Nikes that used to be too small. Funny how your feet shrink too. I noticed I sit a lot farther back from the steering wheel in my car. Funny huh... I am flying tomorrow, and despite not being upgraded yet (I fly so much I have top status) I selected an exit row seat that has more leg room. I usually could not, as I had to use a belt extender. Not anymore!!! I stopped counting calories and exercise cause I have figured it out in my head how to live without having to be anal about it. I still watch calories and exercise a lot (45 min to an hour on an eliptical, six days a week) I can eat out, and do so often. I have had 2 fills and feel some restriction and feel close to PB if I eat too fast. I don't have head hunger often, and when I do, I have figured out substitutes (sugar free Jello, pudding and popsicles) that work for me. Best of all, I eat real food. Had a steak last night. 7 oz filet instead of a 22 oz ribeye. I alway eat on a small plate and cut food small and eat slow. I have had ribs, chicken, mexican, and a just about every other type food. Just a lot less. The band has changed me. All for the good. I read this site everyday and love the positive posts. I angst sometimes over the drama posts and the needy people, but sorry, that may be a guy thing. You guys are all terrific cause ALL of you have made a choice to change your life. We are really a small minority of the obese, overweight America (and other countries) that have chosen to fight our issues. We are the people that will succeed. OK, we need supportive people around to help and also to validate. But we will all live longer, more fun lives because we are here doing this. You guys and girls are awesome... Keep it up!! TJ

I had the best NSV yesterday. I was trying on coats at a department store. I tried on the blue one and went for a black one. This tiny little women then asks me if the blue jacket is a medium, because that's what she's looking for. I can't believe that anyone thought I might be trying on a MEDIUM. Granted the coat I was trying on was a Large, but, you know just last year it was a 1x and 2 years ago it was a mighty tight 3x. Who knows maybe I will be a medium soon! I love my band. Cindy

yeah for you Barbara. I think the biggest NSV is recognizing all the wonderful things this surgery is providing you. Congratulations!

Thank you all sooooo MUCH!!!!!!!! Tiff I miss being in here too, yet with my work schedule, and finding out I like to get out more now, not enough hours in the day!! I'm doing things I hadn't done in years!! My job performance has improved tremendously- and even my store manager has commented on it! ( that's always a PLUS when it come to evaluation time!! ) I'm getting out and meeting new people and running into old people that don't even reconize me!! ( such a NSV!!!) I've been out to a few clubs, and have men come up and talk to me!! Wooooooo Hooooooo!! I've even been out dancing!! OMG...... didn't know if I still knew how to dance hehehe!! Pumpkin- I thought I read someone had my surgersary date- and all I can say... is if I can do it so can you and anyone else!! I just follow the "rules"- yet I found out I don't like red meat anymore- but thats ok- My cholestrol prior to surgery was 350- it is now 118, so I don't need the red meat. He wants the # under 100. I think I would have made goal if I exercised, but shame on me, I havn't found a good routine for me. That is my next goal to get back to exercising. I met a friend that wants to work out together- I have a home gym and still don't work like I should at it. And this year I will quit smoking...... just not promising when, but I am ready to put them down... just have to get my head in the right place. I forgot to update my ticker!! Look at the BMI!!! I'm almost "normal"!!!:wink0:

Let's call it metamorphosis - the closest thing I can liken it to is a caterpillar cocooning and turning into a buttterfly. Except my cocoon has mirrors and I allow the occasional visitor. I'm definitely undergoing a transformation, my fill is working, I'm rarely hungry and when I am I eat small portions. I'm officially a size 22 dress which is for me a BIG deal, even though I've been a size 22, 20, even an 18 in jeans, I haven't gotten below a 24 top. So my dresses were always in the size 24-28 range depending on the cut and store. Officially a size 22 which is for ME a HUGE deal, I feel GREAT.. I feel fantastic.. I feel....FABULOUS! I'm definitely in the middle and midst of something great and I can't wait for it to continue. NSV this week - Down from a size 48D to 40DDD - yes they actually got BIGGER! lol.. Down from a 24/26 dresss to a 22 Double chin has almost vanished completely! Taught myself how to do "professional" looking makeup. Rocked absolutely everything I wore... And then ran into an old friend who just CHEESED when he saw me and couldn't get over or stop saying how great I look. That was just amazing (especially since he's the best friend of an ex boyfriend lol) this is absolutely 100% the BEST thing I ever did for myself.. I know I'm experience God results and my change is rapid and I'm SO thankful for it. Praise Him!

Let's call it metamorphosis - the closest thing I can liken it to is a caterpillar cocooning and turning into a buttterfly. Except my cocoon has mirrors and I allow the occasional visitor. I'm definitely undergoing a transformation, my fill is working, I'm rarely hungry and when I am I eat small portions. I'm officially a size 22 dress which is for me a BIG deal, even though I've been a size 22, 20, even an 18 in jeans, I haven't gotten below a 24 top. So my dresses were always in the size 24-28 range depending on the cut and store. Officially a size 22 which is for ME a HUGE deal, I feel GREAT.. I feel fantastic.. I feel....FABULOUS! I'm definitely in the middle and midst of something great and I can't wait for it to continue. NSV this week - Down from a size 48D to 40DDD - yes they actually got BIGGER! lol.. Down from a 24/26 dresss to a 22 Double chin has almost vanished completely! Taught myself how to do "professional" looking makeup. Rocked absolutely everything I wore... And then ran into an old friend who just CHEESED when he saw me and couldn't get over or stop saying how great I look. That was just amazing (especially since he's the best friend of an ex boyfriend lol) this is absolutely 100% the BEST thing I ever did for myself.. I know I'm experience God results and my change is rapid and I'm SO thankful for it. Praise Him!

I have felt like I'm losing very slowly since surgery, but I have to realize that my age, and the fact that I haven't been exercising much has a lot to do with it. I know it's a journey that takes time, but it's in my nature to be impatient. lol I had two NSV's (None Scale Victories) this week. The first was being able to scoot the seat up in our jeep and actually reach the pedals. Normally my belly prevented me from being ablet to scoot up far enough to push the clutch down to the floor. Now I can!! woohooo. The second was that I tried a pair of 18 jeans on today and they fit!!! I haven't worn a size 18 in a long time. I've dropped 2 - 3 sizes since surgery. Makes me feel wonderful. To anyone questioning whether this will work or not...I does!!! Trust me. Happy Thursday all! :w00t:

NSVs are great! It gets so much easier to reach your toes to cut your toenails or toenail polish too!

I had my first NSV today!!!! I don't use my hubbys Jeep very often but decided to drive it back to work after having lunch at home. He's much taller than me so I always move the seat up first thing. I always move it up until my belly touches the steering wheel and then I can still barely reach the pedals! (I'm only 5'2) And even after doing that I normally can only push the clutch about half way down. Today I got in, moved the seat up until my belly touched the steering wheel and pushed the clutch in to start the jeep....and I was able to push the clutch down to the floor!!! OMG...I did it about 20 x's, I'm just so excited. heheeh *snickering*

I have only lost 40 so far but I can really feel a difference in crossing my legs and my arms!My best NSV is that this is the longest I have ever gone without dieting or gaining weight back!!

Being new to all of this I am slowly learning the terminology & abbreviations. Found out today was NSV stands for and I thought I'd share one of mine.... The one that stands out the most is silly but significant (to me anyway). I sat down one day to put on my socks and shoes to get ready for work and I crossed my right leg over my left knee... and it stayed up there!!! I was so very excited. I can't remember the last time I was able to put on socks & shoes that way. I make it a point to do it every time I'm getting ready now just to make sure the skill hasn't left me as quickly as it arrived. Silly I know, but I LOVE it. Small victories keep me moving:thumbup: I find it easy to get discouraged, especially when you're uber aware of family & friends around you and it feels like they have these expectations for you to be successful...quickly. But I have to remember to stay positive. I'm always encouraging others to stay positive - I need to learn to practice what I preach :rolleyes2:

Being new to all of this I am slowly learning the terminology & abbreviations. Found out today was NSV stands for and I thought I'd share one of mine.... The one that stands out the most is silly but significant (to me anyway). I sat down one day to put on my socks and shoes to get ready for work and I crossed my right leg over my left knee... and it stayed up there!!! I was so very excited. I can't remember the last time I was able to put on socks & shoes that way. I make it a point to do it every time I'm getting ready now just to make sure the skill hasn't left me as quickly as it arrived. Silly I know, but I LOVE it. Small victories keep me moving:thumbup: I find it easy to get discouraged, especially when you're uber aware of family & friends around you and it feels like they have these expectations for you to be successful...quickly. But I have to remember to stay positive. I'm always encouraging others to stay positive - I need to learn to practice what I preach :tongue_smilie:

Fantastic, thats a great NSV (non scale victory)!And Barbara, what a generous thought to give the belt to someone to spare their feelings at having to ask! Maybe write the url for this website on the back of it!

Aw...that is great! Love the NSVs. :tongue_smilie:

I'm still maintaining which is sooo discouraging and yet I need to be happy I haven't gained. Two NSV to report: I am back in my size 18 jeans! 2 people today asked me if I was losing weight. I really can't wait to go back to the doctor and get another fill. Does anyone else have a super dry throat or feel like something is just sitting back there? I am still having this issue....it comes and goes