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So, yesterday I had my monthy check up with the PA. While discussing my goal weight, she mentioned they had a computer program to help out with that. I had stated I am looking for 240 with a maintainence level btwn 235 and 250. She was unable to get the program to work, so she went out and got Barb to come in and get it going. Barb came in and got it going immediately. She said they like to advise people to shoot for 75% of excess body weight from the initial appt. Then said ideal for someone 6'3" is 172. But, maybe somewhere btwn would be good. So, around 195. I stared at her and the PA and started laughing. Both said this was unrealistic as I appear to lift weights and body fat is a better indicator in that case. Here's the best part, Barb asked "May I?" and proceeded to grab my biceps, my pecs and my thighs. Then said, "Yup, you work out quite a bit apparently". It then dawned on me that I had just been felt up by a woman admiring my physique.:w00t: I guess this goes down as a major NSV.:thumbs_up: I now am able to woo older ladies by selling them tickets to my "gun show".:thumbs_up:

Great NSV's Darcey.. and it t only gets better from here:)

I saw this on another forum and thought it worthy to share as it has all the great information and advice we all need for the journey! it is written by Mellissa Gangi and what I had wished I had been told from the very beginning. Sleeve Tips: I'm 10 months post op today and along this journey, so far, I've seen a lot of the same questions or concerns from many. I thought these tips could help! 1. Take preop photos... you'll want them! 2. Protein shakes...I used isopure protein powder and scooped it into 2 oz. of water (u can add ice and blend too) to drink in my immediate postop period. It was much less to drink at a sitting and you still got in your protein. It would take me over an hour to drink each one, but way easier to me. Plus, isopure has multiple flavors and it was reasonably priced. I bought off Amazon. Also, Genepro is an unflavored protein powder that is very popular. It can be added to pretty much anything. The scoop is tiny and it gives 30g of protein per scoop. I use it daily in my morning coffee but if adding it to hot liquids you have to add creamer 1st to cool it down or it will clump up or dissolve in a little warm water 1st then add... the directions are on the bag. It is not completely unflavored and it has a smell to it, but most of us get used to it quickly. Your body can only absorb up to 30g of protein per serving, so anything more than that at once will be wasted and it doesn't count towards your daily goals! 3. STALLS happen...stick to your plan and the scale will move again! You most likely will be losing inches during that time. They can last a few weeks...especially the 3 week stall. The further you are out they may even last longer and at that point you may have to shake things up a bit, maybe a day or 2 most increase your carbs then go back to your plan. Don't get discouraged and try to just be patient. 4. No NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, aleve, motrin, etc...) they can cause ulcers...tylenol products are ok and Excedrin Tension is ok (great for headaches) it has tylenol and caffeine in it, no aspirin like the other excedrin products. Also, peppermint oil rubbed on your temples help for headaches. 5. Fluid intake...atleast 64 oz of non caffeinated, non carbonated, sugar free fluids but the rule of thumb is drink half of your body weight in ounces. 6. Caffeine and alcohol...follow your surgeons orders. They both can dehydrate you and cause ulcers in the beginning of your journey. And alcohol may affect you differently postop, so be careful. Absorbtion changes postop. 7. Transfer addictions...a lot of bariatric patients give up food for other addictions like shopping and alcohol. Be mindful. 8. Increased chance of pregnancy after surgery. You can be much more fertile. Even if you had problems with it preop. 9. Increased divorce rates postop...I have looked into this because I was curious as to why. I have found that it does indeed increase, but the majority of the couples that do have had issues preop and the spouse that had surgery loses the weight, increases their self esteem and simply won't stand for the same behavior anymore. 10. Sugar/Carbs...1st and foremost, follow your plan. There are reasons why your surgeon and/or nutritionist gives you one, especially while healing and it takes approximately 6 weeks for your tummy to heal. After you are advanced to a "regular" diet, usually about 2 month postop, yes you can eat some sweets or carbs but in moderation. Always try to get your protein in 1st, though. I have chosen to stay away from sugar and certain carbs. I don't crave them, so why reintroduce them. I know me, and moderation is hard for me. 11. Everyone's weightloss journey is different. Try not to compare yourself to the next person. It's hard not to, I know! But their weight, height, sex, medical history all plays a part of it. If you do what you should be doing, you'll lose! 12. Dumping and The Foamies... Dumping occurs when your new tummy just doesn't agree with something you consumed. Dumping occurs more in bypass patients but it can occur with sleeves, also. Symptoms can include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate and last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The Foamies... you'll know what this is if you get it. It's a lot of phlegm that is produced in your esophagus all of a sudden. It can happen if you eat or drink too fast, or take in too much, or drink right after eating...wait to drink atleast 30 minutes after eating. Plus, if you drink with eating or too close afterwards you flush the food through your belly too fast and you're not absorbing nutrients. 13. Take your vitamins and get in your protein daily! This will not only help your weightloss and prevent vitamin deficiency but it will help with the sunken in look when you lose weight. I was told 60-90g of protein daily, but follow your drs orders. I take 2 flintstones with iron chewables a day because I couldn't tolerate the prescribed multivitamin, in addition to calcium with d3, and magnesium and b12. 14. Gas ex chewables, heating pads, and walking help big time for your gas pains. When I woke up from this surgery I thought I was having a heart attack because the gas was causing chest pains. Also, use the incentive spirometry in the immediate postop period. Anesthesia affects your lungs and it takes 72 hours to completely wear off so the breathing exercises help strengthen them and prevent pneumonia. 15. Heartburn...omeprazole works so well for me. My surgeon prescribed it from day 1 and I love it. 16. Postop hormones... your body almost goes into shock in the 1st 6 weeks or so after surgery from the major changes to it. You may feel different mentally...it does get better but if it's bad talk to your dr about it. 17. Medications... your body can change postop. The same medications you were on preop may be absorbed differently postop so if you notice changes talk to your dr. They may need to be adjusted. And extended release meds may not work as well. 18. Tracking your intake keeps you honest. I love the baritastic app. It also has recipes for all the stages and reminders. 19. Head hunger vs real hunger. This is a lifestyle change, your body needs much less calories postop but you have to retrain your brain. It may take time and that's normal. If you fall off the wagon one day...oh well...get back on it the next. We are all human. Don't get discouraged. Just pick yourself back up. 20. Complications can happen. If your body starts feeling different...new onset pains, nausea, vomiting, passing out, food feeling stuck in esophagus, etc...call your surgeon. You're always better safe than sorry. 21. Abbreviations... HW your highest weight SW what you weighed on your surgery day GW your goal weight CW what you weigh currently NSV non scale victory Nut nutritionist VSG vertical sleeve gastrectomy (sleeve surgery) RNY roux-en-Y (gastric bypass) DS duodenal switch surgery 22. Hair loss or thinning happens. But, it will grow back. I thinned starting at about 4 months. It can last months. Many take biotin supplements for it, I didn't. 23. Get ready to be cold! You're body is changing, it's almost in shock so invest in a Comfy, like me, or electric blanket to keep warm lol. 24. What to bring to the hospital for your surgery stay...a long phone charger, chapstick, your phone, comfy pjs, slippers, a robe, earbuds, and a list of your medical history, surgeries, allergies, and medications with dosages. Others add gas ex chewables but I'm an RN and don't recommend taking any meds from home without the nurses or drs knowledge. Some also say a heating pad to help with gas pains, but walking is best. Also, remember to hug a pillow if you cough or sneeze. It will help! 25. Constipation! It is a part of this journey, unfortunately. The only thing that helps me, and this is not conventional, is sugar free hard candies. A few of those babies (no more than 5 or you'll hate me) and you'll be going within 12 hours. The sugar alcohols do it for me. But, more conventional approaches are benefiber packets, smooth move tea, or miralax. And there's diarrhea in the beginning...liquids in, liquids out. But your 1st bowel movement may take awhile...its all normal. 26. Ketosis...when you cut out sugar and go low carb you're body goes into a state of ketosis. This is a metabolic state that now uses fat for energy, instead of carbs. It aids in weightloss, but has some side effects like bad breath, body odor, bowel changes, fatigue at 1st but then increased energy the longer you're in it, and insomnia. Those side effects will decrease over time so just invest in mouthwash for the meantime! I know this is a lot, but hopefully it helps! If I missed anything, feel free to chime in. Best of luck to everyone!

Congratulations! That is an awesome NSV! Sent from my iPad using VST

Congrats! Love to read about those NSVs!

And this is truly what a NSV is all about. Great news!!

Definitely an NSV! Definitely an NSV!

I love love love NSV posts! Some that come to mind: Crossing my legs in a bar like the hottie I am. Wearing blouses with buttons. They don't gap anymore! Jeggings. Enjoying exercise. Not sweating profusely with every exertion. Taking stairs with ease. No back pain. No foot pain. Wore heels for the first time in ages. Leaving food on my plate on a regular basis. Choosing food as fuel instead of entertainment on a regular basis. Caring about my hair and nails and skin and general girliness. Saying yes to social invitations more and more. Waking up early even on my days off ready to fill my day with activity. So much room between me and the steering wheel. Not worrying about weighing too much for furniture to hold me. Sliding into a giant restaurant booth with a bunch of people. Feeling more energetic and youthful at age 54 than I did at 34.

I found out last June that I had sleep apena and started using the CPAP machine about a month before being banded. I had a pressure setting of 12 and now down to a 7. I have lost close to 50lbs since being banded 6 months ago. I have been having problems with to much air etc. along with not wearing the mask the whole night. I talked to the doctor about it and he suggested that we try using a dental device instead. Insurance approved me for the device and I have started to use it and it is great. Here are pictures of the device. The dentist who deals only with sleep apnea feels that this device will work for me and that she wants to do a sleep study in about 4-6 months to ensure that it is working. If it is working then I will not need to use the CPAP. <TABLE class=tabfolder cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=tabfoldertitle><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=tabtitlerow><TD class=tabtitlespace align=right width="99%"></TD></TR><TR class=tabtitlerow><TD colSpan=2></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=tabfoldercontent style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px"><!-- photosgrid table --><TABLE class=photogrid cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><!-- type = image2 --><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=imageinfo noWrap colSpan=2>Herbst_anterior_close_up.jpg (651k) [View] </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!-- type = image2 --><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=imageinfo noWrap colSpan=2>HErbst_elastic_holder_buried.jpg (525k) [View] </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><!-- type = image2 --><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=imageinfo noWrap colSpan=2>Herbst_heavy_hardware_side.jpg (548k) [View] </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!-- type = image2 --><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=imageinfo noWrap colSpan=2>HErbst_heavy_Herner.jpg (618k) [View] </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tabfolder cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=tabfoldertitle><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=tabtitlerow><TD class=tabtitlefield noWrap height=15 rowSpan=2>Photos: </TD><TD vAlign=top> </TD><TD class=tabtitlespace align=right width="99%"></TD></TR><TR class=tabtitlerow><TD colSpan=2></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=tabfoldercontent style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px"><!-- photosgrid table --><TABLE class=photogrid cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><!-- type = image2 --><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=imageinfo noWrap colSpan=2>HErbst_Chris_Walters_2008_front.jpg (701k) [View] </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!-- type = image2 --><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=imageinfo noWrap colSpan=2>HErbst_Chris_Walters_2008_front_1.jpg (689k) [View] </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><!-- type = image2 --><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>So far the dental device seems to be working. Chris </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The other night...I was getting ready for bed...when DH says to me..."Um, dontcha think it's time for new panites?" I looked in the mirror and DANG they were the baggiest, ugliest, granny panties! LOL! I promised him this weekend, I'd get the right size and maybe a couple of 'sexy' ones

Congrats on your NSV. I know it must make you feel great. Keep up the good work.

My weight loss has slowed down, but it is still happening. I know that I lost very quickly to start with and then it has just seemed to creep along...a pound at a time. But, the changes in my body once I slowed down have been phenomenal! I've lost 3 sizes in the last month and developed muscles in places that never had muscle before. Stick to your plan, 70 grams of Protein and 64 oz of Water. The weight will come off. You have to realize this is not a sprint; it's a marathon. If you follow the plan and add exercise as you're able to do it, the weight will come off. Take some measurements now, and measure yourself regularly. Watch those inches come off even if the weight loss is at a stand still. Look for the NSV's. Can you do more? Cross your legs? Climb a flight of stairs without being winded? All of these things will point to your improved health. Most of all, be patient and enjoy the journey. You will get there!

Disclaimer: I skimmed to see if I saw a similar post, and did not - so if this is a repeat, my apologies. I just wanted to create a thread for those of us who haven't yet received the surgery, and even those that are not far out post surgery to list our hopes and goals. I was reading the thread of NSVs and thought, ya know, it might be nice to have a thread where those of us not there yet can dream and hope and plan. Something to look forward to. Something that personally keeps us moving, even as the buyers remorse after surgery threatens to take our motivation and our joy. And this is for anyone, not just a particular surgery, so I didn't pick one when I created the thread. This is not to say we won't have many sweet and unexpected NSV's post surgery - but there are specific reasons we chose this route ... things we wanted back in our lives. Maybe things we've been longing for for YEARS. So let's make those known and focus on those. I'll go first - I have 5 big things I will be looking and waiting for: 1) Sex - for as long as I can remember I have been limited to damn near one position because of my weight. I can not WAIT to be able to experience more flexibility and be able to be more spontaneous for my husband. Poor guy has no spice in his sex life cause his wife is a whale. Sigh. 2) Booths - again, for as long as I can remember, I've had to make sure to ask for a table or ask if the tables in the booths are mobile before being seated at a restaurant. It's embarrassing. 3) Pain - Being able to stand for longer periods of time. Not have to go up or down stairs in a shuffle, having to place both feet on each stair before going further. Less back pain. 4) Medications - I want to come off my blood pressure medications. I'm on the lowest dose, twice a day. So I am hoping that shortly after surgery it will happen. That will make me feel so much better about myself and everything in general. 5) Clothes Shopping - I can't wait to get to go in any retail store and be able to find something to fit me, instead of scouring online trying to find things that fit 6x people. My wardrobe is pathetic because it is difficult to find things that large and when you do, it's usually made with such poor quality it doesn't last very long.

Hey Tracy! I so feel your pain! I was also banded on 7/7, and I was almost exactly your weight. I was 233 when I started the pre-op. I think (not exactly sure) I was 223 at surgery, and I am at 205.5 now. My doctor won't do a fill until 9/18, so I REALLY have no restriction. The scales stopped completely for about 2 weeks, and they are now inching down, ever so slowly. I am losing a pound, maybe 2 per week. I know that's where we are supposed to be, but I am also doing it on sheer will-power. I am trying to stay focused on the positive, because people are actually noticing, which makes it real for me. It makes me want to continue. I am also focusing on the NSVs, like wearing clothes I couldn't wear before, and just feeling lighter. Hang in there. It's a crazy time, and I hate it also, but we will get there. Sweet spot, here we come! Looks like we are on the same path, anyway. Our weights are really close. Just keep walking and keep thinking positive thoughts!!!!

this is a great thread! theres more in the twenties group under NSVs (non-scale victories)

Bulwookie, congrats on your NSV !! Way to go ! It's the little things that happen that really make you think " wow ! This is really working !!" Great job !!! Lisa, you get by on 3 oz or whatever the amount is because thats all your stomach can hold ! I bet if I asked you how many ounces your dinner was tonight, I bet you could'nt give me the correct amount, but you ate until you were full, right ? Lap band works the same way. I was banded 2 yrs ago, the rules were so easy to follow, and im very happy with my weight loss! Id do it again in a heartbeat ! Best decision ever ! I occasionly think of 2-3 foods that Id like to have, but I dont miss them when I think of my healthy , happy, strong body ! Good luck ! Go for it !

Some people may think that small but that is actually a HUGE NSV. Every little bit makes a big difference in our journeys. Keep up the excellent progress and CONGRATS!!!

I am beyond ecstatic. I am now below 300 pounds! I started at 540 pounds on October 29, 2015 when I started this whole journey. I had surgery on May 29, 2016 at 480 pounds and Now, 10 1/2 months later I weigh 297.8! I have not had a 2 in the front of my weight in FOREVER. I only have 98 pounds to go until I hit my goal! (Which may change, I'm more going for a clothing size goal now more than a number goal ) I used to have to be on oxygen all the time because I was so fat I could not breathe properly. Now I can walk for over an hour with no break and not be out of breath! I am so extremely happy with my progress! I used to HATE getting my picture taken, it was the WORST. Now I love getting in front of the camera, I ASK for pictures to be taken! This is the craziest thing for me. I feel pretty for the first time in a very very long time. I started out at a size 6x (36-38) and now wear a an 18/20 on top and 22 on bottom. I even wear leggings now! I have a large hanging skin on my stomach which I am having removed on June 5th! I will need a revision surgery when I get to goal but I am very excited for the surgery and the relief it will give me. Here are some before and after pics for you guys!

http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=8943 is the list of my NSVs. You might want to go get a cup of tea, it's a long read. But I track all of them, and notice them. Bitter, your NSVs, your Non-scale Victories are all the wins you have in life that have nothing to do with the scale. The large and small triumphs that you perhaps would not have even considered doing/attemping before banding. Or simply not even noticed. The pounds lost only tell part of your story. Your NSVs tell the rest. If you think of it like a drawing, the pounds are the outline of the landscape, but your NSVs are what bring your painting to life, they add texture and color, contrast and defininiton to your story. My NSV list is litterally the only thing that has sustained me here. I have no weight loss, and I will not lose any weight until this damned brain tumor is removed. That is just my cold and hard reality. But I will always have my complete list of NSVs.

I believe plateaus are an opportunity for us to get used to our new shape and adjust to the changes in our lives. I have been banded for 18 months now and have had plateaus that lasted up to 3 months. Then, my body will kick in and start losing again. I also track inches and it is amazing how sometimes they just drop off. But the NSV can be the best. Good luck. Celeste

Hi Bitter, frequently people plateau. And usually when they are doing this their body is busy "re-packing." Right now, you are under a lot of stress, and yes, stress has a huge impact on your weight loss as well. Stress releases cortisol, and cortiosl is the "fight or flight" hormone, and it's one of your body's denfense in times of famine. Try to not stress about it. I know, easier said than done. Are you tracking your inches or just your pounds? What about your NSVs? are you tracking them as well? Sometimes when the scale doesn't move the NSVs just come in droves, and the inches fall off.

I had a plateau for months, had another fill that did nothing..I think the biggest thing is patience. It will happen, you will break the plateau, I had a 5 lb loss in 1 week, amazing! Have not seen that much weight loss in 1 week in over a year. I started journaling my food intake on Sept 12th and started eating more dairy foods, 2 glasses of milk and 1 yogurt every day. I think both of those attributed to my weight loss. The journaling helps you to see where you can cut out, and all those little bites you take here and there throughout the day you do not think matter, they do. The studies say with 3 servings a day of dairy and a reduced calorie weight loss will help to lose wieght, so I tried it. It seemd to work for me. DOnt get discouraged, keep remembering all of the great NSV's you have had so far, do not let the scale dictate your success or failures with the band..NSV's are just as important as what thescale reads! Good Luck and hang in there..

My old shorts where looking like clown pants. I went to the old big mans section but alas I could find nothing that fit...IT WAS ALL TO BIG....so I went to a normal mens wear store and was able to get a pair of shorts. I havent been able to shop in a normies shop in over 10 years!!!! I feel awesome (still fat but awesome).

Congratulation anytime you have those NSV you should Celebrate. I just love tnot having to use a belt extender on a plane, not having to walk side ways down the airplane aisle. Not losing my breathe when walking down the jetway.

I had an amazing NSV this weekend! I ran my first 5k since my surgery 11/14/11 and shaved 4 minutes and 52 seconds off my last 5k time (before surgery)! And...my race T-shirt was a medium instead of a (very tight) Extra large! I even ran it in barefoot shoes! I love feeling so strong and healthy! I've already signed up for four more! If you've never done a 5k...I highly recommend it...most of them have a walkers division, and, like me, I had to walk every so often to catch my breath. But, its a great way to commit yourself to training....like holding your own feet to the fire!