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I had the best NSV recently. A guy at the gym asked me how I got my legs so toned. I honestly could not believe he was talking to me. I love that the band has taught me to enjoy exercise and what it has done to my thighs!

I had a NSV a couple days ago! My mom, who is super skinny, has never been a "complimenter", lol. Never has really told me I was having a good hair day, or she's ever noticed when I've lost weight before, yada yada. But she's awesome anyway. So, I went out of town for 2wks. She came over when I got back, and when she walked in she said "Well hey there SLIM!". And I just said hey and walked into the kitchen, she followed me and said again "how's it going slim?". I guess she wanted to make sure I heard her. She said she could really tell I had lost. I was fighting back the tears cuz my mommy called me slim! haha. I loved it!

Howdy all:) I was psyched to be able to post on the Friday weigh in thread today:) I had a fill yesterday of almost 1cc. I amfeeling good, and hoping that this helps me get my butt in gear. We are headed out to Daytona bike week in 21 days and I want to be down another 10 by then.. I hope I'm not looking for too much, I think its attainable? I guess I'll just have to find out. I am all about planning ahead and have made plans for the resort I will be staying in. I WILL NOT be drinking and eating out for 11 days!!!! Anyhoo, have a great weekend all, and congrats to all on the NSV's and milestones for weightloss. Bravo!! :)Kerri

What a great NSV, Tina. WTG :confused: Sash, I love the beautiful doggie in your profile pic. Is he/she yours? What breed is it?

Wow! I love all your stories and you all look great. My husband was just banded 2 weeks ago after backing out last year and I am sooo proud of him. Today is actually my bandversary!!! I don't regret it for one moment. Although, ironically I havent had a fill since October and this week I have been ravenous.Obviously I am due for a fill. I love our NSV. I put on clothes without looking behind me in the mirror and it is not a three hour ordeal. It took me five years to wear my wedding bands again and they are now loose. I don't think twice about walking by someone in a tight aisle.I have extra room in my seat at the movies. I've been told I look many years younger.I live a healthier active lifestyle for myself and can keep up with my children. I am so much happier and it is reflected in my work, home life and my relationship with my husband.I don't think about food every minute of the day.I eat healthy foods and even indulge once in a while, but still maintaining full control. I love feeling satiety and fullness. Two things I never experienced before.(only feeling stuffed to feel full) I never regret my decision for one minute and can't believe the person I have become is actually me. It is still catching up mentally.Thank you all for your encouraging stories.Be well

Hello my beloved V V's!! Today is my Bandiversary and I couldn't be more grateful, blessed, elated, fulfilled and proud. I've lost 81 pounds and am still in shock over my new found health and vigor for life. This last year has been a journey like no other. As I think back on this day last year, I was terrified heading into the operating room, yet committed to making the life changes necessary to make the band work for me. There have many up's and down's, including some nasty PB episodes that nearly put me over the edge, but the NSV's certainly outweigh (no pun intended) any bad episodes. I am free from the prison of food. I no longer obsess about food, use it as an emotional crutch or surrender to its temptations. I understand what satiation and moderation mean and can enjoy the balance of healthy food along with endulgances...and not feel guilty!! I have discovered what true self worth means and for the first time in my life can say 'I love myself". This self love has made my marriage stronger, my frienships more meaningful and my life generally more abundant. When faced with challenges, I don't use food as an escape, I face them head on. For the first time in my life I didn't have the New Year's resolution of losing weight! I enjoy getting my picture taken. I have more pairs of jeans than I did when I was a kid. I shop at Macy's. I'm going to Maui in two weeks and am excited that I won't have to constantly be self concious. I feel like I look 10 years younger. My blood pressure and cholesterol are NORMAL. But most importantly..and this is the biggest gift of all...I have been given the green light to get pregnant and my hubby and I are hopeful that this is the year we become parents!! Yes...I am blessed. Thank you VV's for being the true source of support, love, and encouragement. There is so much power in friendship and I will forever be connected to all of you....especially Rhapsody...my sister from another mister!! Thank you for letting me share my thoughts on this very special day. I'm not going anywhere and can't wait to hear from everyone else. I'm also posting a couple of recent pics. Lots of love, Amy

Good morning Fab Fourties! Haven't checked in for a while, so today seemed like a good day to do so... January was a tough month - got my fill on Jan 5th, felt restriction for a couple of days, but within two weeks felt like it was all gone and I was struggling with eating too much again. I have been bouncing up and down the same 2 - 3 pounds the whole month and I'm frustrated. I haven't been exercising as much, which is part of my problem, but my hubby helped solve that for me recently. He does maintenance on machines at a local gym and they were getting rid of three of their older rowing machines. They are in good working order (plus he knows how to fix them) so he brought one home. I'll be getting on it tonight for the first time and I've downloaded a couple of beginner workouts to try. My clothes are changing - I'm down two jean sizes (great NSV) and other things are loosening up. I can button and zip jackets that I couldn't before surgery, and that makes me happy. A couple of days ago, I pb'ed twice on food that never gave me trouble before - once at lunch and the next day at lunch. Very weird - felt like I had an air bubble trapped, but then up came the food! Yuck! :bananalama: I have been watching my intake for the past couple of days and feel like I'm more restricted now. I've heard on other posts that sometimes it takes a bit for the fill to "catch up" with you, but never experienced it until now. I'm hoping this continues at least through February, and maybe I'll look for another fill in March. I turned 46 on Feb 2nd, and I'm determined to make it to my goal before I turn 47! Here's wishing for steady progress for all of us!

Hey Notorious Novembers! I haven't posted here in a minute, so I thought I'd check in...I did okay through the holidays and went for my first fill on January 5th. It was kind of a non-event - my doctor doesn't numb the area around the port because he says if he's on his game, I won't have to endure more needle sticks because he'll hit the port correctly the first time. Ooookay...well, he was right - he hit it the first time, so instead of a needle stick for the anesthetic and then another one for the port, I only had one, and he was done pretty quickly. I forgot to ask how much fluid he put in, but he was finished pretty quickly. He gave me some water to drink to make sure I could get it down, and then told me to come back if I was having trouble or my weight loss was slow or non-existent. The day of the fill, I was on liquids, then mushies for a day, and then back to solids. The first few days I felt restriction, and a few pounds came off. The next two weeks, I felt as if I hadn't had anything done and my hunger came roaring back. I was, to put it mildly, disappointed. I struggled through January with no real loss, just up and down the same 2 - 3 pounds. A couple of days ago, I pb'ed for the first time ever - on food that hadn't caused me any trouble a week earlier! It was the oddest feeling - like I had a gas bubble trapped, but when it came up, food came with it. YUCK! :bananalama: The next day, same issue - different food, but something that I had eaten before with no trouble, and I pb'ed again. I've read in other places on the site that sometimes it takes a while for a fill to "catch up" to you, and I'm wondering if that is what's happened to me. I've noticed that I feel more restriction since the two episodes, so I'm hopeful that the weight will start to come off more noticeably. I am down two sizes in my jeans (wonderful NSV) and some of my other clothes are starting to get looser. I can button and zip jackets easily that caused me trouble before surgery, and I'm happy about that. My winter coat is getting too big - I wore it today with another sweater coat underneath (single digit temps here in CT) plus my jacket, pullover and skirt. I'm down a shoe size as well, and feeling pretty good except for the disappointment at no real loss. Hanging in there, though - and my hubby brought me home a rowing machine (he does maintenance at a gym and they were going to toss 3 of their older machines) so I'll be getting that extra workout in. I must admit my workouts have been slack during January, so that's part of my problem with the weight loss. Looking forward to reporting better results at the end of February!:cheers2:

Hi All! long time no post... Fenton - CONGRATULATIONTS!!!! I am so happy for you to hit your century mark!!!! Harley - 70% to goal... I am so envious:) I have been reading, trying to keep up with all of the postings... lots to Celebrate NSV's all over the place. Kudos to all!!!! I have had some life changes going on the past few weeks...back to school part time while working full time has been quite an adjustment itself!!!! Then, just to complicate things... my MIL had another health crisis she went unresponsive while on dialysis, ended up low HR and low BP and deteriorated enough to need the assistance of a ventilator and transferred to a large heart center. Ended up with a pacemaker and fortunately was able to be weaned off of the vent. This left her weaker than ever and is currently in an acute rehab unit at my hospital. Nothing brings out the FUN in family dysFUNction... like a crisis. I was so not eating right the last week and not going to the gym... just couldn't find enough time. But, this is a new week and I am determined to get on track...went to the gym last night and I need get back into the groove and make better choices. I haven't gained anything this week, but also haven't lost. I have had a few PB episodes from not chewing well and eating too fast, so I need to get that under control too. Thanks for listening!!!

I guess I could say I took Brad's advice or it was most likely the fact that I showed up for Yoga and it was cancelled so the cute young guy at the gym said ...since yer here try one of the machines. I did; I went back, I used to use them religously then just stopped for some reason, on the Precor step machine for 38 minutes and WOW am I feeling it today! Those machines really firm up the gluts and thighs. I'm gaining weight after one fill but at least this is a NSV and I will go again today! Sometimes it really isn't about the weight ....it's the head and I need to get back into the healthy mind set. I need to get more light too since the winter here has been brutal. Here's to effort and not giving up......best to all!

NSV, I got ignored today! I work as an Onsite Recruiter with my firm, which basically means that I get people work. Which in this economy means that I am contacted by people every second of every day. I was working remotely at my firms office instead of at my client based office today, when a guy came in to register. He is the best friend of one of my best friends, we have known each other for years, but have never been close. I recognized him immediately, and smiled when I saw him. He looked me dead in my face, said "Good morning" and then sat at the testing computer. Ten seconds pass, and he stops typing, and looks at me and says "Oh sh*t, Lisa???". He actually didn't recognize me! One of my coworkers recently told me that if he had known me previously, and hadn't seen me in a year, that he would walk right passed me on a crowded street. I didn't believe him, but evidently he was not lying! Yay for the little things!

Congratulations on your weight loss. The compliment your husband gave you was a 'NSV' (non scale victory) Sometimes those NSV is just what the doctor ordered. Example, compliments from your spouse, fitting into a pair of pants that you have not be able to in years, sitting into a booth in resturant that you use to not be able to get into. I am like you, some days I can go a long time without eating and then other days I can eat like I've not been band. I think the reason for this is something called "HEAD HUNGER". I think about food and just find myself eating. Especially on the weekend and other times is at night. I really have to fight the tempatation at night time. I work out 4 to 5 times a week. When I get the tempatation to eat when I am not really hunger, I pop in an exercise video and work out for 30 or 40 mins. Once I am finished I sure don't want to think about eating and sabotaging my workout. If I still just want to eat a little something I will eat a sugar free popscile or sugar free fudgescile. It's all about making better food choices. I wish you much success during your journey.

------------------------------------------------ Now that's an awesome NSV!!! :thumbup: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- Anne... I am so glad you back home & up and going again!:drool:

Is there something I'm missing about GA running outside??? Guess so. I'll have to read back a while it seems. Whosya, thanks for the encouragement. I think I have it in perspective again, considering that I am already looking for a new race to do. I need to do one in more hospitable conditions though. If I need to chalk this one up to experience with the cold so be it, but now that ive been there and done that, I dont feel compelled to do THAT particular scenario again any time soon. LOL. Even thinking warm thoughts didnt help. The coolest thing that came out of this race for me is a really awesome NSV. Ive had several (like 6) of my non-banded friends say to me that they'd be interested in doing some training with me for a 5K!!!!! One said she finds me an inspiration for the wt loss and trying to get fit! Now, thats what I call motivating. I get so much encouragement from all over now, but especially from my band friends. THANKS Y'ALL!!!! Carol

... what would you include? I bought an 8x8 album from Walmart and one of the 20-pg 8x8 "Quick Page Pack"s. Now to figure out what all I want to include. So far, I have: + Before picture + Fact Sheet (date, weight, measurements, sizes) + Surgery Day (date, pics, thoughts/feelings, id bracelet) + Photos from the Metamorphosis (to be included) + After picture (to be included) What other things can you think of to include? Maybe a list of foods that dont agree with your stomach, NSVs, goals, etc.? Thanks, guys! :tongue2:

Okay I did the Fenton-thing last night -- super buffet dinner with tons of delicious food but I tried to eat as small amounts of things as I could including only 1/3 of the slice of cheesecake that came for dessert after a dinner that started with a glass of white wine, prime rib, etc. etc. I did skip the rolls -- not worth it. So, the total for that one meal was 1200 calories. Beware, it adds up fast at a fancy dinner. Fortunately I had done over 3500 calorie burn yesterday with two big snow shoveling hours burning up alot but I still should have gone for less. My NSV this morning is that I'm wearing a pair of jeans for the first time in years and years. Yes, they buttoned up without having to lay on the bed to zip them. Woo hoo! Okay, gentle reminder for myself and others -- no big eating today for SuperBowl parties tonight. I looked at the small bag of Doritos I bought and it said 170 calories for a serving and I thought okay, for a special treat, then I read the bag has 3.5 servings in it and it isn't a very big bag! OMG! I am going to have to count out or weigh a serving to not eat the whole bag. Go Steelers!

Hi All Stars! Today marks the month of our 6 month bandiversaries! Let's take stock and Celebrate our achievements! Today (1st March) is my bandiversary. My achievements: lost 85% of my excess weight went from an (Australian) size 22 to a size 10/12 Went from a waist size of 45inches to 34 inches (with excess skin) Went from a fat percentage of 45% to 33% Went from a BMI of 37.4 to a BMI of 28 have found fitness! my risk of diabetes and heart disease are markedly decreased There are a lot of over NSVs along the way, but these stats speak for themselves. I am proud to say that I am a very happy bander!

Congrats to each of you for your 100 lb mark. What an accomplisment. Can't wait for you to get to Onederland. I don't ever want to go back to the 200's again. I have another NSV to share: Last night I baby sat for 3 of my grand-daughers. When their parents came home my DD and DS were sitting around talking. I got up to leave and my DS, says, wow are you little!! He said your backside is almost nonexistant and your belly is gone. Then he hugged me. What does the boy want from me, because right about now, I'd give him anything! Thanks for letting me share, and if I get on your nerves just tell me to shut the flap, but honestly, I love nonsolicited compliments.

ok so I had two non-scale victories today! 1. I was walking out from a journalism class this morning when I walked past a friend in the newsroom. We hadn't had a class together since last year, so we haven't seen each other in 6 months, but we used to live in the same building so he saw me every day then. Well, I smiled and said hey when I walked past, and like 2 feet later he goes "JANE! i didn't even RECOGNIZE you!" and I just kind of stood there flustered and he goes "i mean, i dunno... maybe its the... peacoat? or... did you change your hair?" nope.... just a haircut that put me back to the length it was when he saw me last. so that made my morning. 2. so then, tonight, I was doing some shopping because i have to wear dress clothes for an upcoming trip and need to look professional, not the baggy-jeans look i've been sporting. after some unfortunate boot shopping when realizing that my calves will not yet fit in regular boots (when will boot manufacturers figure this out??), i went to lane bryant to see if they had anything. the sales lady goes "we have some underwear on sale..... and lucky for you we have a TON of the 14s in stock. i mean, i'm guessing thats what you are." well thank you very much! not quite yet, still in the 16s, but it was nice to have that saleslady think I was just barely fat enough to still have to shop there! sorry lane bryant, but i am sooo ready to stop shopping there! anyways, tiny NSVs.... but they are few and far between right now so i'll take what i can get!

Boy, I sure wish I had your dedication Lynn! Exercise is my weakness right now. I try, really get on a roll, and then I get busy for a day or two. Once I miss one day working out, it gets very easy to miss day two. And so on.... What's sad is that once I start working out, I love it! I feel great afterwards. But just getting dressed and actually walking down to the basement to get on the treadmill, man, that is harder than actually working out! I try to talk myself out of it at least 5 different ways. I have yet to understand why. Very nice NSV potatie! I can't wait to buy myself something obnoxiously expensive when I hit goal. Maybe a hot, very expensive pair of stilettos???

Ok Fenton, I will re-weigh on Friday. :cursing: I think I will be ok, because I had to be on liquids for 2 more days. NSV- I went into Nordstrom's last night and I tried on a slamming dress. It was blue saphire in color and in a size 16. I can not remember when I was that size. I was bigger than that in high school. I did not buy the dress because it was $188.00 and I could not justify buying a dress that would be too big in a couple of months. :tongue: But it sure felt awesome to fit into a dress like that. Katie K.

Are you making an offer?Brad? I'm sure no one here will tell. Will ya gang? You might get other offers?:cursing: Beth great NSV. makes ya feel good doesn't it?

i'm excited for ya - anyone creative to make a "PJTP" onesie?? i've looked online - :cursing: i wouldn't post pics here either....reason my glasses are on:) but on FB ... YES, post those cute little toes on there!! beth - congrats on the NSV taps - meds are gone, back to reality today...DAMN snow day in dallas today!!!!

LJM: So, are you gonna text us during delivery, give us a blow-by-blow? How about pictures? Gonna post pics of the birth? Seriously, though, I'm SO excited for you!! Just a few short hours now! Okay, major NSV (well, for me at least) -- two months post-op and I am wearing the next size smaller dress pants -- and they aren't even TIGHT. Not loose either -- fit just fine! WOOT!!

Thanks for the birthday wishes...I lost in spite of the birthday cake! (and threw out the leftovers--NSV for me!) Dh got me a heart rate monitor for my birthday and I'm excited to try it out. We've got lots of snow and ice here...stay safe everyone! ~~anne