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my nsv for today,its more of a confidence thing...yesterday we went to disneyland. even when i was bigger, i would always try to brainwash myself into thinking that i didn't care what others thought about me. deep inside i did. i would be embarassed to go out to public places like those, thinking that other people were thinking "what is that skinny guy doing with that cow?" well, i have to say, i had the most fun ever yesterday with my husband, and didn't EVER think people were judging me! i love the pictures we took, ill put them up soon, and from looking at them, i can't believe how far i've come. its one of the best feelings in the world...

This is great nsv: I've been able to walk for 1.5 miles come in and bike for an additional 10 min. Pretty good for someone that couldn't make it from parking lot to my classroom without huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf. Also, can bend down and tie my shoes! I used to have to have to finagle all around the couch to get the task done. And the biggest "one my positive attitude" is affecting my DH we actually - playfully wrestled the other night...been a long time since that happened. He's been wonderfully supportive! Highest weight 386 1st visit to dr. 376 Surgery Date 343 Today 312.2

This is great nsv: I've been able to walk for 1.5 miles come in and bike for an additional 10 min. Pretty good for someone that couldn't make it from parking lot to my classroom without huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf. Also, can bend down and tie my shoes! I used to have to have to finagle all around the couch to get the task done. And the biggest "one my positive attitude" is affecting my DH we actually - playfully wrestled the other night...been a long time since that happened. He's been wonderfully supportive! Highest weight 386 1st visit to dr. 376 Surgery Date 343 Today 312.2

Jaime, First of all, please don't call yourself a failure. You're not. You have to realize that we all have a food addiction. An addiction, not unlike, drugs, alcohol or cigarettes. It's been our obsession for many years. Sometimes, it takes more than a Lap Band to get us on our road to recovery, There is a reason, we overate in the first place. Have you considered seeking therapy? For me, I was just so ready to do this. I had been diagnosed as a pre-diabetic, I had PCOS and I had just been diagnosed with arthritis. I was scared straight! Just like when I used to take my juvenile probation clients to the state pen, I was scared straight! So scared of becoming a full blown diabetic, and so afraid of ending up in a wheelchair from my arthritis, that I felt I had no other choice. I had to force myself to make huge changes in my life. The Lap Band was the tool that I needed. With that being said, I must confess, it wasn't easy. Like I said above, I am a food addict. I overate for over 20 years. Food was a big part of my life. It took the place of feeling loved, of feeling wanted and of feeling worth. I had to find my motivation to get on the Bandwagon and stay there. I learned many years ago that I do best with a very strict regimen. I can't fly by the seat of my pants. This is odd since I am the least type A personality - you'd ever meet. BUT when it comes to meeting goals, I have to make lists, I have to make plans and I have to be very strict with sticking to them. The same happened when I graduated from college with my triple degrees at the age of 19. I had to make studying my life. It had to become me. The same when I returned to school for my nursing degree. I had to eat, sleep and live my studies. I have done that with my Lap Band and my new lifestyle. It has encompassed every part of my being. EVERY part of my life is associated in some way to my new lifestyle. My advice to you - is don't give up! You just got a fill today! A time for a new beginning! The Lap Band is good at giving us new chances to start fresh! Sit down and make a list of reasons why you want to be successful. List everything you can think of! Your health, your happiness, smaller sizes, more attractive appearance, better sex, all the NSV's available with a new body. List them and post them somewhere you'll see them daily. Then return to the good ole Bander Rules. Portion control is a biggie if you don't feel you have restriction. Measure Measure Measure! Buy yourself some pretty little measuring cups, several different sets if you want, I have 4. Measure all of your food 1 cup to 1.5 cup per meal. Eat slow, take tiny bites and allow your pouch to stretch properly. Write on a paper when you've taken your last bite. Don't drink anything for an hour. Then drink your water, crystal light, tea or whatever you drink. Get your 8 glasses in - through out the day. IF you get hungry before your 4 hours, that's okay, focus on foods that will feed your body. Foods that will help you meet your protein goal of 60-80 grams a day. Nuts, cheese, a boiled egg, hummus, whatever you want in that area is a good snack. Eat your snack. That's okay, if you're hungry don't starve, but make good nutritious choices. Log onto www.fitday.com or www.dailyplate.com or anything other service that helps you track your intake. List everything that enters your mouth. Try to keep your fats down around 30-40% of your total calories, if you're consuming carbs, if not, than a higher fat % is okay. Start moving your body. Don't try something that is impossible. Start with 5 mins a day for 6 days a week. 5 mins, walk in place in the morning or afternoon take a 5 mins walk. Anything, but do it everyday. After meeting the 5 mins a day for 6 days, increase it to 10 mins. There are three components to working out - Frequency, Duration, Intensity. Get the Frequency down first, then increase the time and lastly, once you're on track with 6 days a week, 20 mins a day, then you can increase the intensity. Don't do it all at once. Give yourself time to form a habit. 3 weeks makes a habit. Jaime, I have faith in you. I remember meeting you the night before you were banded. You were excited, motivated and ready to start your new life. Don't lose sight of that excitement! But as you know, it takes work. I know you can do it. Be smart about it. Plan to be successful and you will. Believe you can do it and you will! Truly, you can do this! I know you can!

Had my 3rd fill today ladies. I'm actually sitting here (FREEZING!) in the Denver airport right now waiting on my flight back to the MUCH WARMER East Coast. My fill today was 1.05cc (strange amount, I know) bringing me to a total of 5.25cc in a 10cc band. I can't tell a difference right now, but I've been in such a bad mood lately about my mediocre weight loss. I mean, I am not even recognizing a huge NSV for me this week. I went to San Diego this week before my Denver trip to visit my best friend, and while there, I went to Lane Bryant shopping and I bought a pair of jeans that was one size smaller than the ones I was wearing - and they fit! I should be happy about this right? Wrong! :cursing: Instead, all I can obsess about is the fact that I've only lost 18lbs in a little more than 3 months and I feel like the biggest failure on the freaking planet. I'm not eating right, I'm not exercising, it's my own damn fault and I still can't manage to do a damn thing to help myself out! You get out of it what you put into it, and all I'm doing is shoving the wrong things in my mouth and sitting on my fat arse! :frown::cursing: *sigh* OK, sorry I just had to vent. :frown:

Not a silly NSV at all StLouisGal! It's the little things like this that let us know how far we've come, and how hard we've worked. I've felt this NSV recently myself when I had my yearly mammogram. It was a nice feeling when that regular sized gown fit! :frown: Glad to hear you are feeling better too!

yeah the baggy pants are great.. I love them.. My NSV for yesterday was trying to play soccer with my son yesterday and havin my pants fall to my knees while trying to run... we were in our backyard so it wasn't to embarassing... So I went in the house to get out a pair of pants from last year... and they FIT.. still a little tight but i got them on and buttoned and I could walk and sit and didn't feel uncomfortable. So I can say that as of right now I am loving the Lap-Band even more.. I started at a tight size 24 and I can wear a size 18 now.

What a great NSV - I think everyone on this forum can relate to the derriere exposing hospital gowns! Glad to hear that you are better.

That is a totally cool NSV!!! And so glad your chest was clear and you're feeling better.

This might help, I found a glossary of abbreviations here http://www.lapbandtalk.com/faq.php?faq=abbreviations#faq_lapbandabbreviations I was also nonplussed by PB and by NSV CMRM

Ok, this may seem silly but it mean't a lot to me. I have been sick and after the second trip to the doctor she thought it might be a good idea to get a chest X-ray. UGh, the gowns never fit or they have to go look for a big one, you know the drill, I went over to the x-ray place, she hands me a regular sized gown, I put it on, it fits, I even had a little extra string to tie a bow. What a nice feeling. It made my day. (I know, I need a real life) Fortunately my lungs are clear and I am suffering from Pluracy so a few days of medication have cleared that up so now it is back to working out. You all have a great day:smile:

How's this for a NSV? I had to adjust the car's rearview mirror. It was pointing too high. As my tushie is not as substantial anymore, it seems I'm not sitting as high in the seat. And I too am working my way towards the right side in my closet. Put on a pair of jeans I haven't worn in months and months.

well. it has been 2 days since my fill. as i suspected not much weight loss, 1 lb. :crying: i was disappointed but I am going to keep trying. it is weird though. my total weight doesnt move much but my Fat Mass goes down. this time by about 6 pounds. what is all that about? NSV: was able to wear some jeans i previously couldnt fit into. :biggrin:

Great NSV! I have had the same experience! I went from a 9 to a 10. I am back down to a 9.5 and lovin it, many more options.

Hey Jill :smile: GREAT NSV's !!!! Way to go :thumbup:

Good morning Junies. Well I was able to get a fill yesterday WOOHOO.. I am now super restricted.. just where I like it lol.. but I am coming down with something. In the past couple of years I haven't been sick at all but in the past 6 months I have been sick quite a few times. Makes me think that I am just not getting enough vitamins or something. I have today and tomorrow of straight liquids then 2 days of mushies.. woo hoo LOL.. Addy, I guess I misunderstood what you were saying as well. Wow, I have no idea why you aren't losing faster. Just out of curiousity I keep seeing that there seems to be a difference in how fast you lose with different bands.. I had no idea what band I even had but i asked after I saw Cathy say she had the realize and was told you lose slower with that band. I have the allergen(sp?). The good news though is your skin wont be as saggy when you lose slower. But the better news is as Lucy said.. without this band you wouldn't be losing at all and in fact you might have gained, without the band I definetly would have gained especially over the holidays. I had a really great nsv today. I had a private message on here and this lady said that she hopes to look like me after she is banded. I have to say that is one of the best compliments ever! 7 months ago I didn't want to look like me and now to have someone want to in such a short time is friggin awesome! Have a great day Junies.. xoxo

Hi Joiful. It's good to see you back and posting again. I've been thinking of you and hoping you'd be back posting. I'm sorry you're struggling with the sweet cravings. I get those too from time to time but usually I can just ignore it. I find if I given in to it and tell myself that I'll just have a bite, I end up having a LOT more than just a bite so I just have to avoid them altogether. How's your weight loss progress so far? As you can see, mine's been slow but I'm learning to be OK with it. I get an occasional NSV and that really helps me get over the depressing thoughts that this band isn't working quite as well or quite as fast as I had anticipated.

My shoe size used to be 8 1/2. Then when my weight got past some unknown point, only a 9 or 9 1/2 would fit. I couldn't even squeeze my foot into an 8 1/2. I tried on 3 pairs of shoes today, all different brands. They all fit-in size 8 1/2.:thumbdown: I still have big feet; at least now they're only long...and not fat!

------------ Yes!! I've cleaned out my entire closet and found several sizes! As of this weekend, I've found out that the last of the smallest sizes I was holding on to, are now getting loose - as KarenK stated. Went shopping today and bought a new suit a size I haven't worn in at least 15 years! OMG! Best of luck and much success to each of you!! These are certainly called sweet NSV's!

congrats, froggy! i've been testing the dating waters too, but so far no major sparks. still, i guess it's good to get out there. i'm on a couple of different dating sites and have told all my friends (mostly married lesbians with kids) that they need to pimp me out. hey, it's hard out there for a dyke. :-) i've always been a pretty confident person, but the band/weight loss has really boosted things. i'm about 40-50 pounds from where i'd ultimately like to be, but i'm healthier and more active than i have been since i was in college. in fact my college sweetheart just facebooked me and commented that i now look like i did when we were in college. i blushed in front of my laptop. heh. and here's a random nsv, i bought a sweater, jeans and a shirt from the gap. yeah, baby... straight off the rack. (okay off the men's rack, but still!) it's been a long ass time since i shopped anywhere other than lane bryant or on the plus sized section of eddie bauer and landsend. i think i'm going to sneak into banana republic next week.... ahh, optimism. hope everyone is well... ps, any going to the lapband convention in nyc? if so, would love to meet up with some of the lgbt contingent.

I was banded in dec and the weight is coming off slowly but my nsv was that at the end of the first month I had 400.00 extra dollars in my account for not spending it on fast foods and taking my family out to eat where I paid for it---- I am happy--- my family --- not so much -- ha ha ha

Congrats Long !!!! :thumbup:Yea Overweight!! :thumbup:I know how great that feels.. You are doing so great - I am so happy for you and proud of the work you are/have done... Yep - it's a 50 yr old thing - really it's a too many things on our minds... I did shopping yesterday and forgot stuff - I need to start making list - but I forget them at home:lol: but just the fact of writing it down does help me remember sometimes when at the store :thumbup: Becky - Learn to say NO - you have a lot on your plate right now - and there is nothing wrong with saying No - I know it's hard but you have to think about you.. If you took the job you could still eat right - but ya the exercise might be hard and your whole kitchen thing and election - Can it wait till those things are over.. The 1st bite - it's usually the chewing and taking too big of a bite for me - it's usually the 3rd bite that gets me - I got stuck on pudding the other night.. Slow down and just concentrate on chewing super well - just think - if I chew I can eat my whole meal... I can eat grilled cheese and sandwich breads and sour dough type breads - I just don't do it often cuz GS isn't really a sandwich eater and the bread goes to waste.. But every now and then I do buy a loaf of lite bread. Yes our bands are fickled - some days I think I need a tweek then again I know I don't.. Its about chewing and eating slowly and small bite - really focus on those things and then go from there at to measure if you need a fill or not You kitchen sound beautifuly - your colors are like mine - I would say we have similar taste :0). Rose I work Insurance - (property and casualty - businesses - country clubs, contractors etc) I will be w/my employer for 30 yrs 7/9/09.. I am a licensed agent - but I don't sell as an agent - I am a Senior Acct Exect/Manager. I do all the work and the Producer gets all the glory :thumbup: Hair cut was great - wear a angled bob - and keep going shorter - I want short hair - but as a fat chich I would never go short - cuz I hated that whole little head big body look - so we are going shorter a little at a time.. Yesterday at Target - a lady giving samples of some granola type bar - 1st thing I asked how many calories - she said only 150 - I said Oh thats alot - she said you don't have to worry about that - and I said ya I do - if I want to stay this way... But that someone thought I was just a thin person was like unbeleivable - I might have a thin body and know it - but don't always feel it.. Well today's agenda - Take back a blouse I got for my bday and search another Marshalls for these cute capri's but they only had a 2 & 8 at my store - the 2's were about an inch to small in the waist - but they were so cute... I gotta find a 4.. Oh ya - and I did get to the gym before my hair appt - I was trying to make excuses that I didn't have enought time - cuz I hate to rush - but you know what I may not have gotten my whole 3 miles in - but did get 2.5 and still burned 275 calories by upping the incline and working out harder instead of longer.. Another great NSV - Another way my thinking has changed - I know that I have to exercise if I want to eat and keep what I have worked so hard for...

A big NSV for me is when i am able to sit in a restuarant at a booth and not have my stomach touching or, even hanging over the table.

Hello Everyone... I'm back! I'll first get to some quick responses... Welcome Suzanne... and congrats on week 1. Its the hardest one cause of the decision to do it! Enjoy the ride! Pnw... Congrats! That first 20min full out run was so hard for me. You are truly a runner! Carol... go for it! Don't set any time/speed goals, just do it for the experience! I think you'll love it. Lyn... I'M SO HAPPY AND PROUD FOR YOU!!!!!! I have been waiting so patiently, hoping and praying that you would get the job! Funny how it happens. You praying for me to get mine, in place of you... and now, as my new job gets better and better, you get your dream job! I'm so happy for you! Glad you had a wonderful vacation too! BTW, when do you start? Georgia... congrats on the weight loss, and the speed! Renewed... I'm glad you're healing up from the revision. When will you be able to run again? Ok, now for my update... OMG, St Paul was COLD!!! And you know that must be cold coming from a Canadian! LOL. Whosya would know what I'm saying, as he is just a little ways away from St. Paul (and a bit North I think!) My week was amazing. I met with all of the people I need to work with, and I think I impressed them. They kept saying "You've only been with us for 3 months? Wow, you've certainly picked up a lot!" So that was fun. I only got to the gym once as my schedule was really busy. The hotel treadmill was aweful too. So I have a bit of catching up to do on the individual challenge. I've already conceeded defeat to the Power Team on the team challenge! Ok, for the NSV's to add to my list... some of these are achievements on my list of goals! * I FIT PERFECTLY FINE IN AN AIRPLANE SEAT!!!! This is huge for me. The last time I flew was Nov 2007, and it was horrible. I needed an extension on the seat belt, and was sitting with my work colleagues, so was really embarrassed. This time, I sat in the middle seat on a crowded plane and had lots of room. * I WALKED THROUGHOUT THE AIRPORT EFFORTLESSLY, AND TURNED SOME HEADS!!! This was fun. I bought a new winter white coat that is very st ylish and was wearing my slim, sexy new jeans, which together make a nice outfit. I could just feel the eyes of some guys watching me... and man was that fun! * PEOPLE NOTICED HOW LITTLE I ATE AND COMMENTED THAT "YOU FIT PEOPLE EAT SO WELL" LOL, that almost made me gag when they said it. Here I am eating small amounts due to my band, and these guys who took me out for dinner are ordering 22oz steaks, and I'm ordering salad and fish. One guy says, "Wow, when I travel I just pig out. You must really be dedicated to your fitness to eat so well all the time". That was fun! Ok, so enough NSV's. Let's just say I love my band, but I love running even more. I never would have gained the health and level of strength and fitness I have today if I hadn't started running this last summer. So for all the people new to C25k... keep it up! It's so worth it!!! Glad to be home. BTW, I'm still stuck at 193.5, no loss still.

On pre-op diet for 2 weeks now. Tied my own shoes yesterday without cheating or losing breath. I have been sooooo fat for sooooooooooooooo long that the NSV is more satisfying than the scale itself.