Search the Community

Yeah, I'm thinking of opening the waistband of a couple of my elastic waist pants and pulling the elastic tighter to try and stretch out (in!!!) my wardrobe a little longer. But I know I'll feel great when I go into a store and buy a pair of size 24 (or less?) pants. I don't think I'm there yet, but probably in another 20 pounds, when I imagine nothing I can do will keep my pants on me, lol. One of my NSVs would be to be able to buy from a regular catalog. I don't care if it's in the plus-size range, but I'd love to be able to order from Land's End or LL Bean instead of Making it Big and Junonia (though I really appreciate the latter two retailers for clothing me for the last 12 years).

Congratulations on your weight loss and happy birthday for next week. I love NSVs. They are so motivating & rewarding.

ROFL! Fantastic NSV! Buy new pants!

OMG! What a hysterical nsv! Time to get some new pants!

Woo-hoo! That is an awesome NSV! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Today while at the gym the receptionist stopped me to see my ID card. When he saw my pic on the screen where you swipe your key card he didn't believe I was the same girl. My pic they took 3 months ago looks nothing like the girl I am today. 34 pounds lighter and down 2 sizes!! I am so happy and grateful for my sleeve. I almost hugged that guy.

All amazing points made, @@gowalking The more insidious things have to be pointed out to you, and yes, this site focusing way more on sudden NSVs than gradual ones. For example, HR told me today that I needed new pants and that I was starting to look like a bum because they are too big and so is my belt. I was mortified, and wondered if I should even have categorized it as an NSV. However, the incident got me thinking about how people now actually stop and chat at my desk (not just about weight loss) now and ask to go grab lunch and ask me to be in pictures at work functions. My relationship with food isn't different, in full disclosure. I can just feed it less. But while some things in our non-food lives still have to be address on their own, this aspect is truly different. Thank you for pointing it out.

@@gowalking, thank you for one of the most fun, exciting and moving messages ever in the world of surgery. You've created a new NSV: Speaking unself-consciously in an unremarkable moment that once would have stiffened the spine, ready to run for cover. "So this is what it's like to feel relaxed."

My personal goal is 145. My PCP would be very happy if I was 180. I've got a ways to go to get to ONEderland. I weighed in at 222 this morning and I only lost 3 lbs this month. I'm frustrated over the slow weight loss but at least I'm losing. My PCP does not think I'm losing enough per month but my surgeon feels I'm doing well. My vitals are all excellent not just good but excellent. My cholesterol count is in ONEderland, it used to be 215, my sugar is good and even got taken off of diabetic medicine. My heart rate is 70 and my BP is like 113/70, so my health has improved immensely. So that's a NSV I'm proud of. Now if I could just get in ONEderland with my weight lol!

When I read your post I felt empathy for you. I am a slow looser. My total weight lost thus far is 27 lbs. That includes the 15 lbs I lost during the pre-op diet. So, after being banded I have lost 12 lbs. The disappointment is very real. I thought my expectations were realistic, so when the scale was not moving a harsh reality set in. I have had 3 fills. With this last fill, I can say I have a decent level of restriction. I would not go as far to say it is my "sweet spot" but at least I know the band is there. Yay for the tool! I need it for help and support so I can be a healthier me! If you are anything like myself, I build momentum from success. The more I loose, the more I want to do good to loose. When I am not seeing any results, well I have a different approach. Not saying this is the right attitude, but lets face it, it's the truth. So I get what you are saying and feel your skeptisism. I have plenty of NSV that are keeping me smiling and helping me to have a positive outlook. I have mini goals, I focus on 10 lbs at a time. Since I am 252 I am nearing 2 of my mini goals. First being out of the 250's, second hitting the 30lbs mark. Do yourself a favor, and don't give up before you actually hit a good level of restiction. Keep going for fills, get them under floro if at all posible. Talk to the Dr about how you are feeling. Focus on Proteins first. Get your H20 in and set a few goals. Remember why you had the surgery. You can do this!!! I tried on my wedding ring again this morning. I am getting closer to being able to wear it again. I haven't worn it since I was preggers with my son, who is 21 months old. That is a bigger goal. I am able to wear my first engagment ring, so that is another victory! We are in this together and you are not alone. It's hard at times to see the awesome success of others when we are not sharing the same success. It will come! Hang in there!

Just before Christmas, I had the most marvelous experience. For the past 20 years, I have had to buy clothes in the BIG&TALL section, or in the era of on-line shopping, would have to pay up for larger sizes for Lee or Levi jeans. Would cost anywhere from $35-$50. Last week, I actually was able to buy Wrangler Jeans at a Walmart store right from the shelf, for $17. Its a wonderful thing! Happy New Year out there ... -RC-

I had rny on Nov 9th and as of today(yesterday actually) my pants that were a laughing stock and wouldn't go over my knees are now on my waist and closed! I tried them on last week and I could get them up but not closed and this week, they are closed! So excited! I changed out all of my clothes in my closet too and bagged and tagged the old stuff that is too big for the Goodwill! I have lost 1 pant size and 2 top sizes now! It's starting to get exciting!!! ☺️

So, I haven't seen my PCP since July and had a maintenance check up for my labs. When I arrived at the office she was getting on the elevator just ahead of me and I was headed for the stairs, but I smiled and said hello. She kind of half smiled back and turned into the elevator. Five minutes later she entered my room and and her jaw hit the floor! Apparently she didn't recognize me downstairs and thought I was just being polite when I said hello. I have seen her every 3-4 months for the past 7 years!!! Made me feel great. Now on to the funny ... I was commenting to a coworker about how I need to buy new clothes, again, specifically underwear as I am starting to get the "saggy butt" feeling and it drives me nuts when I feel like my panties are just hanging between my legs. She gave me a REALLY weird look. I guess she wasn't sure WHAT was "hanging between my legs" but says to me "GEEEEEZ Girl! I didn't think you'd have THAAAAT much extra skin down there!!!!" I just about cried I laughed so hard!

Practicing my positive attitude! Week 5 Update HW: 273 SW: 250 LW: 232.8 CW: 233.8 (+1) Up one this week due to f**k ass trick ass mark ass Moms Nature. She should be showing up sometime this next week, taking this pound and some others with her so yes. NSV’s— all my buttons button. HUZZAH! I am getting lots of compliments at work because the loss is obvious now. They say they see it in my face and my thinning profile. Yay, that’s nice to hear. I’ve walked 7 of the 10 mile goal I set on the 15th. I plan to overshoot that so I should be close to 20 miles in January. FUN! I think I am going to push myself to walk two miles a day… the ONE mile thing doesn't even get me breathing hard unless I kind of jog it.

This is a dream of mine. Even mentioned my desire to do a mud run at my psych eval. Fortunately, even that didn't make me seem too crazy for surgery. Congrats on your super awesome NSV!!

Awesome!!! Love NSV

ok.. here it is..... It Won't last forever- and it will be OK! You're doing good- just stay hydrated! continue to work on your Protein, just don't let it consume your every thought. Lots here say stalls are common- I had soooo much to lose that I didn't stall until about 7 months out. But plenty here stallled after a fe weeks. You're walking everyyday-try to increase it by 5 or 10 minutes- And good NSV about the sweets- don't go to them- I did and it was a major mistake- I never even use to like them- Now I DO!

patty119- a nsv means "non scale victory", and its anything that is a victory over something you coudnt or didnt have before, not a number on the scale. a compliment, pants that are too loose, walking upstairs without hurting..... you get the picture. hope you have lots and lots, because they sure make you feel good when the scale isnt moving !!

My daughter left for France the day after my surgery with her HS French club. While waiting for her arrival today, I was standing with parents whom I've known since she was in Kindergarten. They watched me ballon from 140 to 280. They've known my struggles with meds and having rheumatoid arthritis. The steroids, the pain, the chemo drugs to try and control it. A friend took one look at me today and said " Omg Lisa! You look wonderful. Amazing. Your face looks like the old you!" Ok. Well maybe it doesn't completely yet- but it's been 9 years! Lol. None know I had the surgery. But I will tell you- it felt SO DAMN GOOD to get that kind of welcome instead of the sad faces " how're you feeling these days" I'm so used to hearing. Yay gastric bypass!!! 15 lbs since surgery- 25 since starting!!!

i recently just fit back into my engagement and wedding rings! Awesome nsv. I won't lie I cried. I am looking forward to going zip lining and doing outdoor activities with my 3 year old and husband that I was just too embarrassed to try. I also want to be able to run a marathon, but that is months from now...maybe even a year.

My greatest NSV is the new-found confidence I have in myself. I haven't lost much since the surgery, but I'm down 30 pounds overall and I have never felt better. Oh, and I'm pulling stuff out of my closet that I haven't fit into in a few months. AND I'm back into most of my pre-pregnancy jeans!!

Since being banded I have discovered that I love cycling. I commute to work twice a week, 60km round trip, and recently bought my first road bike. Two days after my purchase, a work colleague passed away as a result of cancer. His last weeks at home were made possible by the wonderful support of our local palliative care service. So when I heard that there was a bike ride to raise funds for this great service, I was very quick to sign up, along with my husband. We're not sure what possessed us, but for some crazy reason we signed up for the 120km ride (about 75 miles, I believe)! Husband also bought a road bike and with just a few weeks, we really ramped up the training on them. We both have hybrids and have done plenty of riding, but road bikes are a whole new ball game. Between buying our bikes and today's ride, we have had to learn how to ride road bikes, tried several saddles and worked hard to get some kilometres under our belts. We set off at 8am this morning with the slow 120km riders. There were later start times for the fast 120km, slow and fast 60km riders. The sun shone beautifully all day as we made our way around the first 60km circuit. We quickly fell behind most of the other riders, primarily because my husband still isn't confident going downhill. Initially I was a bit unhappy at such a slow pace (we had agreed to ride together so we could support each other the whole way). I made sure I was drinking regularly, eating frequently, including bananas and cycling power gels. We also got in a nice coffee at the half way mark! Many of the slow 120km group was still at the half way mark when we arrived and the organisers encouraged us all to start our second circuit with the fast 60km group. I'm pleased to say that husband and I held our ground well with this group of fresh riders right up until we had to come down a big hill and again, my husband slowed right down. Although I was initially annoyed by having to slow down to stay with my husband, I quickly realised that he was, in fact, doing me a huge favor, because it meant we were able to pace ourselves and reach the end. Without him, I would almost certainly have gone out too hard and burned out before reaching the end. The last 10km were a bit of a struggle but the exhileration and sense of achievement as we rode across the finish line together was incredible. And we had played our small part in a great event which raised more than $25,000 for our local palliative care service. 18 months ago I struggled to ride five kilometres around town. Now, minus 63kg and with a whole lot more confidence and fitness, the sky is the limit! Pic is of me immediately after we finished.

Great post! I stalled for 2 weeks 2 weeks post-op. I came to find that was common, but still it was frustrating. I'm noticing so many little NSVs here and there that even though the scale isn't always moving (thankfully right now, it is), I'm still making progress.

You may have provided excellent motivation for others to attend your class!!! I know if I came into the room and saw someone whose pants wouldn't stay up, I would be "dang, I want to do what she's doing!" And yeah, sorry, but I'm laughing my fanny off here, too, just thinking about it. But WITH you, not AT you!!! Congratulations on a great NSV!!!

Let me start this thread by first apologizing if it is too straight forward. I know we all need support including myself and we are all here for support, to get to know one another, and to be there to pick one another up when we fall. Gastric Surgery is a life changing surgery! It will change the rest of your life for the rest of your life. It is a physical change to your inner workings of your body.. and ONLY your body. It does not change how we deal with food. It does not change how we choose to eat. A choice is a choice that solely rests on our shoulders. Our stomach was changed on the inside to restrict the amount of food we can consume at one time. That is it!! The rest is up to us. Please do your research before having the surgery. I have seen so many posts on here where people think because the stomach was altered the weight is going to magically drop off over night. Magic is found at Disney Only :). The hard work,exercise, controlled eating, limiting carbs avoiding junk food. Making the right choices when it comes to fueling our bodies is solely our responsibility! Let me add here.. i am far from perfect! I have struggled time and time again, hence why i am a part of these boards! Read the boards before surgery from newbies! And what they have experienced immediately following surgery. Every experience is different but you will know what you can expect, and if it does not happen to you.. Guess what? You are one of the Lucky ones!!! Count your blessings! Each and every one of them! Each day is a new day and a chance to put in a little extra effort to meet your end goals. Speaking of Goals! Have some! NSV ones, Scale Ones, Measurement Ones... We all have something we look forward to on this journey. Make lemonade out of lemons! Have fun with your new tool. Take advantage of it and baby it at the same time. Follow your doctors orders! We are not all doctors here! This is a major procedure. There are reasons the doctor puts us on the food plan that he does. It is not to punish us. It is to make sure we don't put a whole in the new stomach that is still stapled and healing. Seek out a therapist if you are struggling with emotional eating. The folks on the boards can give tips, but you really need to get to the root of that, and that may require a doctor visit. Yes Accountability is a great factor to have on the boards, and it is great to vent, but if you are truly struggling with emotional eating, then you truly need to seek a provider in your area to help you get through it. There is so much information, tips, and advice on the boards! Take advantage of it. Take time to read them! Be a part of the community and respond to others that may be having a down day.. It is expected! But please please before you take the plunge on this life changing surgery know what to expect. Know what might happen and be prepared for it along the way. Rant over! If you made it this far.. Thanks for reading. I just wish some folks would read up on something they are investing in and all the pros and complication possibilities so they know exactly how things may play out. With all my love and a Merry Christmas to all.. Jazzy