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I asked about this at my last fill a week ago. I asked the nurse why the scale had only changed 2.5 pounds in 4 weeks, but my clothes were getting baggier. She explained it like this: If a pound of muscle is this big (held up one closed fist) then a pound of fat is THIS big (held up both closed fists together). I really needed that visual to understand this concept. That makes me much more content with NSVs!!! It's nice to know what exercise I do is paying off and changing that fat to muscle and taking up less space under my skin.

That is a MOST excellent NSV indeed!!! :clap2: :clap2: You are COMPLETELY correct...it is all about how you feel on the inside...and it then shines through loud and clear on the outside in spades!!! Yay you!!! This is just the beginning!

Well, it's a strange one, but I finally tried on some smaller underwear I bought a month ago. Size large -- not XXL (where I started), not even XL, just large! -- boxer briefs now fit like a glove. Not too snug, not too baggy! And my size 42 waist jeans that I bought a month ago because my 48's that I started with were literally falling off me are now pretty baggy. I have some 40's that were hand-me-downs -- they're too long in the inseam -- and even they are starting to fit loosely. I should be in 38's before the end of the year. For me, getting below 40-inch jeans is a HUGE achievement, since I've been in 40+ inch waist jeans for more than 10 years now. Dare I dream that before this process is over, I'll be back in the 36-inch waist jeans I fit into back in high school? That would be 12 inches off my waistline... wow! Incremental progress, but it's all going in the right direction, and I'm starting to get excited about it. I'm feeling positive about my body for the first time in a decade or longer, and it's just going to keep getting better!

Thanks to some genetics and my weight, I have rather bad knees and back problems. The result was I would get really tired just going up one flight of stairs - and would try to avoid them whenever possible. I couldn't walk more than 5 minutes without getting winded. I couldn't even stand in place for 5 minutes without breaking out in a sweat. Then I had VSG. Today - just 2.5 weeks after surgery, I was moving some stuff into my new apartment. I totally forgot about the stairs. There are 4 steps up to the front entrance, then 8 more down to my floor. I did all 12 steps at least 8 times today (both ways - so 16 times total I suppose)! I also unpacked my trunk twice taking stuff into the apartment and putting it away immediately. For me, this is a MAJOR NSV! Boy am I tired now though. Oh, and because I forgot to pack my lunch, I stopped at Big Boy for lunch (plus I wanted to sit in air conditioning for a bit - my apartment has air, but no furniture yet). I ordered the Grilled chicken dinner that came with 2 sides (I chose cottage cheese and baby carrots). My eyes are still bigger than my stomach. I barely made it through the cottage cheese (which was about 1/2 cup). So, I asked for a box when the waitress brought my meal and immediately packaged up the chicken and the carrots that turned out to be glazed carrots. I left the roll on the plate. My "doggie bag" will be at least 3 meals for me - I just have to puree it first. So although I'm really tired, I am proud of myself today. Now to rest up a bit (my back is really bothering me right now, so I'm resting) and then re-pack the car with more stuff for moving tomorrow. At least tomorrow my furniture will arrive at some point in the afternoon, so I'll have a chair to sit on!

When I went to the endocrinologist back in March, she told me that I would be put on cholesterol meds next visit and that insulin was also going to be a possibility. At that time I still hadnt gotten definite approval (after all my denials)for my surgery so I didnt say anything to her about it. Didnt want to jinx it before it was scheduled!! Well, today was my "next visit" and my cholesterol and triglycerides were now PERFECT!!!!! My A1C was 9.0 in March & today it is 7.7. When it gets to 6.5 I am officially no longer diabetic!! So no cholesterol meds, and I have gone from 4 glyburide a day to now only 1/4 of a 5mg tablet at bedtime only!! Thats it, a quarter of a pill 1 time a day!! That is for the next 2-3 weeks & then I can stop all diabetes meds completely!! In March I weighed 239, today I was 205!!!! Almost to ONEDERLAND!!! I am so psyched!! Finally I have a tool that is ging to help me be forever successful!!:cool2::w00t:

Being able to breath easier to me was one of the best NSV's. You will notice more and more how good it feels when you're not carrying around that excess weight. Gratz on the 20 lbs.

Ok, so this morning I was doing my normal post workout shower. Planned on going swimming tonight and shaved as well. I shave EVERYTHING. For the first time in maybe in 10 years I was able to SEE what I was shaving... Not just by feeling. Had to share. Figured some would understand my excitement. lol

There was a tiny spot on a bench seat on the train today. I was able to easily fit my little butt in there. It was easily half the size of any gap I would attempt to sit in pre surgery. Why are my NSVs always about using public transport???

Okay, this is really silly as in my topic title so don't laugh --- You know those stupid seats where you have to get your blood work done (the ones with the arm/handle that goes across your body? Okay I fit into it now,and the arm went right across with NOOO problem at all. I kept looking around the edges, back and forth, and the girl taking my blood work said to me "is everything okay", I was like OHHH Yea! I can fit into this damn chair now ... haaahaaaa ahh, she didn't get it, but I hope you all do!!!!

Happy Sleeversary to me I can't believe that it has been 12 months since I had the surgery. For those of you who don't know me here are my stats: Starting weight was 173kg/ 382 Pounds and my current weight is 87kg/ 190 Pounds. Before surgery I hadn't slept lying down in a bed (comfortably) in over 7 years. I had chronic asthma, everything hurt all of the time (although I denied it back then) and it was just a struggle to move around. I had the surgery on September 3 2012. Things went badly. I got a leak. It took several surgeries and many months in ICU/ Surgical Ward before I could get the all clear to leave. That was November 2012. I didn't go back to work full time until the end of January 2013. Since then, well heck, things have just been getting better and better. The weight loss has been amazing. I've lost 86 kg/ 189.5 pounds - so tantalisingly close to half way lol. No fudging though - pesky 0.5kg The NSV's have been even better - the CLOTHES, shoes, movement, I am a "runner" now (on week 3 of the Couch to 5 K and am running in a 5K obstacle course at the end of the year), energy, clarity in thinking, enjoyment in life, exciting opportunities, flying without the embarrassment of asking for an extension seat belt, people looking you in the eye, not being "invisible" anymore, shop assistants are helpful and attentive, men FLIRT (okay, so maybe I do too - just a little), I've had a significant promotion, looking to travel OS next year, am planning for a future THAT I WANT not just settling for what I think I can have. For anyone considering this surgery know that there are real risks involved. For a while, the first few months in fact, I had really thought I had stuffed up and ruined my life by having the surgery. This was due to the complications and difficult recovery that I had during this time. Looking back now, whilst I would never want to be back in that place, I am so grateful for where I am now that I truly believe this to be the most wonderful, life changing – life SAVING – thing I could have done for me, for my family and to secure my future. Where to from here? Well I want to lose about 14kg more which will mean an overall loss of 100kg and my weight will be around 73kg. I am quite tall so I would look quite thin at this weight. Not sure if I will get there or will want to, but at the least, I would like to lose another 10kg hopefully by Christmas. I am loving my new active life, the way that food has become fuel and though still enjoyable, it’s no longer the driving force in my life. I wish you all the same happiness and success in your own journey’s! I have put in some comparison photo's for you guy's to see the transformation Best wishes to you all! Cheers, Liss

That was a funny NSV! And you get a new uniform as well. Keep up the great work.

What a true inspiration you are!!!! I am right behind you. 7 weeks out tomorrow. I look forward to some of your NSV's that your have conquered! What an encouragement you are!!!!

What a great NSV!!

Congratulations on your NSV Kindle... It must have been an amazing feeling!

So, I got a text message from my DH last night (and that doesn't mean Dear anything!). Text message said, basically, "File our divorce papers now!" We've been separated since June. I came home from the hospital June 3 on 3 kinds of oxygen. He got ticked because I didn't know what was for dinner that night @@ and broke every dish in our house. I moved out a few days later. I've been doing everything I know how to a. get healthier mentally and physically and b. have even gone to marriage counseling with him, which was useless because he thinks everything is ALL my fault. He's an alcoholic, which he hid from me till after we got married. Now he's in full bloom again. I guess we just weren't meant to be. So, to keep this on topic, can I count this as losing 180 pounds of unnecessary crap in a hurry?

Wrapped a towel around me last night for the first time since high school.. ( and im 33) Regular size towel.. The scale is not moving much but something is certainly happening..!! Just had to share with you guys..!

Today I measured myself for the first time since surgery. It has been 4 weeks and I have lost 30 pounds, but the measurements shocked me!!! I had lost 4 inches in my waist, 3 inches from my chest, an inch from each ankle, 2 inches from each thigh, and 2 inches from each knee. I was worried I wasn't losing fast enough but then I see 17 inches gone from my body and I know that I am going the right way. Today I went to the gym and kind of over did it, but feel the urge to push myself. I know I am still healing and was reminded of this today, especially when I was trying to do triceps exercises laying down on a bench and felt the incision and stomach muscle pull. Ouchh!!! Just gotta go slow. I am so excited to feel great again and have energy. I am happy to hear so many people that I can relate to on this site. I wish everyone the best on their surgeries. This surgery is definitely worth it!!!

@@WLSResources/ClothingExch If you like the 7 pounds in 6 days, check this out! http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/379379-biggest-nsv-yet/

Congrats! That's just a great NSV!

I am full of successes this month. I think I was in a plateau and I didn't even realize it because I lost another 3 pounds this week and suddenly all my size 10 slacks were hanging on me. Got some size 8 retro flare slacks from Penneys and some size 8 slacks from Sears. They all zipped and look great! I even found some size 8 bootcut jeans that fit. Size 8 pants. Seriously, sweeter words have never been said...

Well - I don't think this is a NSV yet. No divorce or breakup is until you are fully recovered. Sad to hear you are dealing with such drama while trying to get the new you down to goal size. Don't let this problem derail your weight loss journey. Easy now to slide into bad habits so be vigilant. Firmly agree with sassygirl advice - find yourself before even considering a new relationship. When my marriage ended (over a decade of marriage) it took me over 3 years fully heal. Oh, I thought I was good and ended up getting used cause I did not believe in myself. Truly am crying for you. Forge ahead but take time to mourn what was, plan ahead, seek a professional to reflect and learn for the bright future you know can make a reality. Hugs.

I'm getting ready to go out for the night -- my friend is having a fashion show tonight so I want to look extra good! For the first time in I don't know how long, I liked the first outfit I tried on (unlike trying on 10 different options and finally giving up). Looking in the mirror I thought to myself, I actually look pretty good! Guess that's what 46.5 pounds and a better attitude about myself with do! Now off to enjoy the night!! :eek:

Nice NSV and maybe take your daughter to some seminars, she is seeing what you're going through. Ask her if she would be able to deal with it all. And yes if you can help her get to a healthy weight at this young age then it's a great idea. Or maybe ask her to work with you, follow what you are eating and exercise together then if she has really given it her best shot and didn't succeed help her look into banding. My daughter is 15 and my sons 15 and 18 they are all within a healthy weight range. From the day they were born I made it my goal for them to never have weight issues ( highly likely as I did have issues). I kept them active from a really young age and encouraged them to find a sport they loved and would stick too. My daughter choose gymnastics ( been doing it since she was six) she has a beautiful slender strong body, my sons choose rugby and archery ( both fit and muscular), I also cooked every meal, rarely bought them take out and always encouraged them to eat fresh fruit, it's paid off thank god even though I didn't follow my own rules. Lately my daughter has started nagging me about buying her some skinny tea program to loose weight. I keep telling her no and to not start with fad diets ( she doesn't need to loose anything but her friends are all doing it), I keep reinforcing that she needs to eat good Protein, vegetables and hardly any processed foods as she needs good clean foods for the 12 hours of hard training she does every week and if she starts these stupid fad diets her sport will suffer and she can start to mess up her metabolism ( what happened to me over the years). Teach your daughter what she should and shouldn't be eating , I know she is old enough to know but we tend to loose the idea of what's good and what's not, work together as each others support. Best wishes to you both.

Ok, I went to a dept store to try on bras. That in itself is a NSV (non scale victory) for me, because they never had those 38DDDDs in there. Well, I’ve dropped down to a 34DD, exciting. I can shop anywhere. Nope, NOTHING fits. All those beautiful bras, but my girls are so EMPTY that they just look like melted ice cream cones in everything. At least in my too big 36DDDs they are kind of hidden even though they aren’t supported. I am planning once at goal to have a lift and augmentation, but until then, is there any kind of bra that looks great when your boobs are super deflated? Thanks.

I am down 2.4 lbs this week to 191.8 - just 2 ounces shy of my Thanksgiving goal. I hope to get into the 180's by next week - haven't been there in about 13 years! I had a great NSV yesterday. I am a singer and do a lot of gigs every Nov/December with people that I only really see during that time of year. I sang with one of the women last night and she asked me if I had lost some weight. I told her that I had lost 50 lbs and she said that when had I arrived at the gig she didn't even recognize me. That made me feel great!