Search the Community

I would have to say my NSV so far would have to be not taking a pain pills for knee pain since surgery. I usually would take 1-2 a day depending on how much I would be on my feet, and my feet and knees don't ache like they used too. I was always ready for bed by 7 p.m. and bought pizza, fast food for the family so I didn't have to stand at the stove and cook, cuz I was so tired. I am 51 lbs down, 7 weeks post opt, and am reloving fixing fun food for the family!

OK ladies, not to sound too naive, but what the heck is a NSV????? But anyway, I am a shortie, only 5' 1" so being on top on my knees is not an option, my DH is a large man, not just is girth,(much smaller now after he got banded) but not lanky, You Know???? anyway, when I get on top, which he really likes, is I have to straddle him like in a squatting position. Much easier after losing some weight. He just loves how much more active we are, not that we weren't active before.

Mrs.FlipFlops - I am soo happy you've lost you first 50 pounds! You will be in twoville soon!! Congratulations on you nsv, I too had a scale I couldn't use until I got below 330. I kept hopping on it thinking one of these days I would be able to use it... and it finally happens and it feels good!!!!!! Keep up the good work!!! You'll be under 300 before you know it!!! Tess

Oh the Dryer! OMG, I can dry my jeans now!! Now that is an exciting NSV!!!

Looking in the mirror and not disliking what's looking back! Best NSV ever!

Okay - so we all get motivated and we are gung ho about losing our weight. We're going strong, nothing can stop us now, or can it? You finally hit the dreaded "I don't care attitude". You realize 3 months later, you've gained weight, your no longer exercising and your eating crap. You wonder, what happened? You were so excited and doing good, then you stopped? Well, you lost your motivation, otherwise known as MOJO. So, I'm on a qwest, how do we keep our mojo going strong? I've been asking the experienced bandsters this question, what motivates you? What keeps you motivated? Here are some tips - 1) Have some goals and write them down! Make sure they are very clear and precise goals. Don't just say, I want to lose 50 lbs, ror 60 lbs. What are you going to do to hit that goal? Have some short term goals - and work toward your bigger goals. 2) Have some NSV goals. It's not all about weight, maybe you want to wear a size 10, or maybe you want to no longer touch the sides of the bathtub with your thighs when you are in it (one of my NSV goals). 3) Measure your success - thats right, get out the tape measure and measure! You will be amazed at the results (I've lost 8 inches off my hips - that to me is amazing!). Also, measure your success with pictures, take your picture every month, you might even take it nude, this is just for you to measure your success. Or take it in you undies, or bikini, however you want. Look at the before & after pics and check out Foodchamps - you can really see the difference in her tummy area, but if you just took the pic fully clothed, you wouldn't be able to see the results. 4) You have to be tough about the scales. Yes, this is hard to do, I know from experience. But, realize your body water weight changes all the time, some days its retaining some days it is now. So the best thing to do is measure your results weekly or monthly. 5) Look at your before pic often and then look at your latest pic, see how far you have come, don't stop now. Keep telling yourself this. Vision yourself smaller and fit and heathy. 6) Fake it until you make it......I'm talking about exercise. The dreaded word. I hated it, I faked it, went to the gym and walked slowly on the treadmill faking it, then after about 3 weeks, I started increasing the speed, and finally really started pushing myself, I made it....get it? Fake it until you make it! I promise, keep doing this and you will make it, but its hard in the beginning so push yourself to the gym or to go for a walk. 7) Keep track of what you eat, don't just say, I'm doing good, why am I not losing....if you keep track of EVERY bite you can look back on it and say "Wow, it must be the bite here and there of the M&m's i'm consuming, or that piece of candy I grab everyday off my desk etc. Keeping track of what we eat will keep us on the losing path, it will keep us motivated. 8) Buy yourself some new clothes! it will motivate you, promise. I bought myself a size smaller and now am wearing it. It motivates me to keep going smaller. We deserve to reward ourselves, so lets do it, but no with food! 9) Don't look at your flaws (I do it, its easy to do) look at your accomplishment and what you are doing - keep thinking about how much better you are going to look, this helps me stay motivated. 10) After you reach your goals, mark them off your list. It motivates me to keep checking off goals. It keeps me motivated! Below are my goals I wrote back in December (see my first page of my journal) - So I'm going thru them and checking off what I have done - 1. I want back in my bikini! I haven't worn it since, well, 14 years ago. Not yet - but working toward it 2. I want a fit body, not just healthy but toned, I want my atheletic shape back - the one way to do this is EXERCISE (note to self, get off the couch and MOVE) - I've started exercising, so I'm working toward this goal, I can see changes in my body and I feel better so 50/50 accomplished so far. 3. I want to buy sexy clothes again! and not only buy them, but be able to wear them and feel good in them. - I bought a few sexy shirts, and I will be wearing one next weekend. So, I'm going to say this goal has been reached! 4. I want to be able to bend down and tie my shoes without the breath being knocked out of me. - DONE! 5. I want to be able to get in the tub and not have my ASS take up the entire tub, side to side - oh this sucks. - DONE! 6. I want to be able to cross my legs. - DONE! 7. I want to be able to wear shorts without them riding up my crotch. - hmmmm, almost but not quite. 8. I want to be able to walk without my thighs rubbing each other and sweating in the summer and leaving that horrible heat rash! - still working on this one. 9. I want to be able to push food away and not feel the need to clean up the entire plate.- I say - DONE. 10. I don't want food to be my focus in life.- DONE! 11. I want my kids to be proud of me. 12. I want to feel beautiful again and not 40 & fat. - Working on this, but not quite there. 13. I want to be able to buy a low rise pair of jeans without my stomach hanging over. my current jeans go clear up to my belly button. - My most exciting goal of all that I reached! I bought my first pair last week and they look good! 14. I want to be able to have sex with my DH and not feel the need to "turn the lights off". - Well, almost. 15. I want to become where exercise is a part of my life, where I crave exercise like I crave chocolate.- Becoming more and more part of my life! OMG - I've reached this goal! 16. I want to inspire other people to lose weight. - I was just told the other day that I inspire them. So I am going to say DONE! 17. I want to become a personal trainer. - This is a long term goal of mine - so not there yet! 18. I want to buy attractive Teddies to wear instead of my sweatpants and tee shirts to bed. - I forgot about this goal, so I think next week after I complete my 6th week of BFL, I will by myself a new nightie, to celebrate my 1/2 mark with bfl. 19. I want to be proud of my weight, not ashamed. - almost, but not quite 20. I want people to be shocked that I am 40 because I look younger, not shocked because I am 40 and I look 50. - working on this, the more weight I lose, the younger I look.

I decided that Christmas is the best time to treat myself to a new outfit that fits my new size. I also am going to the in-laws and have not seen most of these people in year, so I want to knock their socks off. I knew I wanted something out of my comfort zone, and I did. It was fun to know that I could go into any shop in the mall and find clothes that fit me for the first time in my life. Even though I felt overwhelmed by all the options. I now understand how young girls and thin people can spend so much time shopping for the right outfit. I also know that I have no sense of fashion, so I asked for help. What an eye opening experience. I have not completed by journey but this sure was a fun NSV, and I am going to look fabulous at the in-laws I hope each of you treat yourself to a new Christmas outfit that fits your new thinner you.

Just noticed my face has a square shape?? Not big and round like a freakin pumpkin!

Hey Vickie, I see your ticker has moved since you posted this. (If I am reading that right!) Woo hoo! Does your surgeon have a NUT that you can contact? Maybe email everything to him/her and have a professional look at what is going in. I personally think that -20lbs is awesome, and I know how hard it is to do, but you cannot compare yourself to others on here. It is one of the worst ways to sabatoge yourself by saying "look how far XYZ is and yet I'm HERE." DON'T do it!!! How do YOU feel? Are your clothes looser? It sounds like you are focusing on all the right things, and sometimes that is the hardest part to keep doing the same thing every day and KNOW that you are doing everything "by the book" yet not get that reward on the scale. That is why those NSV's are SO important. The scale doesn't tell the whole story. I think it might be premature to call your sleeve (or yourself for that matter) a failure. Really. Hang in there Vicki! We are all here for you!

So I lit the candles, took a long shower, put the school girl skirt on and went to put the corset on.. OMG it was wayyyyyyy too big. I came out of the bathroom pouting and my boyfriend laughed at me. I couldn't believe that I no longer fit into this!! Not even my boobs!!!

Hi all, I was also banded on March 18, I'm due for my follow up on Thursday August 25th, my scales shows another 10-12 lb lose, but I want to wait till it's official on my doctor's scale. NSV's, started at size 26/28, now wearing size 22. Today I went for my PET Scan, I had cancer 3 years ago, and today I fit in the scan without having to cross my arms in front of me and the belt fit without an extension, what a blessing that was! I turned 49 on Saturday and bought myself a Treadmill, since I started using it 5 days a week, my weight is coming off quicker. I don't mind looking in the mirror anymore. More and more people are asking me what kind of diet are you on, I say I am just cutting back, I don't want too many people to know.

Wow! Look at you Sharpie! You are looking great! And Congrats to your grandson, too! you had a great NSV, too!

Well Ive been moving my keister this weekend. I havent been that mindful of my eating though. No worries, I dont think I did any damage to my weight loss. Which leads to a NSV btw. I though that yesterday I really screwed myself up by having eaten copious amounts of crap. But when I took inventory last night on what I consumed, I made a discovery. My perception of how much food is too much has changed. I didnt eat nearly as much a I had thought. Interesting. Food logging in earnest starts in the morning.

This is my three month update I was sleeved 12/26. I've only had one stall and I typically lose 4 - 5 pounds a week and I'm ok with that. I work out 5 times a week and try to work in a long walk at lunch each day. I'm down 3 sizes in tops and slacks. People are starting to notice and that feels so good. I have lots of NSV's. I can bend over and tie my shoes now. I shop in "misses" and the styles are really pretty. I can go up TWO flights of stairs and not be winded. I'm not embarrassed to travel anymore because I fit in the airplane seats and don't need a seat belt extender. I average around 800 calories a day. I can eat most anything but I stay away from breads, rice, Pasta and sweets I eat lots of chicken, fish and veggies. My "go to" meal is 1 scrambled egg with 2 ounces of sliced ham I have learned the hard way when I'm full and that means STOP eating! I have had an easy journey. I read the forums every day and have gotten many helpful hints I learn from the vets like OTR, Cheri and fiddle man My heart breaks for those who are struggling and I cried when I heard the recent news of a death. I wouldn't change anything and love what my sleeve has allowed me to do. So thanks to everyone who takes the time to post. It really helps people like me. Good luck everyone

My surgery was August 13th. I have gone from a size 14 to a 10 since then. And have lost 22 lbs. yesterday I had on my jeans for the first time since surgery. They are baggy in the butt and I needed a belt to wear them. I made the comment that I would soon need to get rid of them. My mother turns to me and asks what size are they. When I tell her a size 10, she says that's bullshit because your ass is bigger than mine. My dear sweet husband and grown daughter both spoke up to tell me how good I look and what an amazing job I have done so far. Why can't she just say the same instead of always making fat comments??

I wrote this on the Peeved at Lane Bryant thread but I am so in love with it Im posting again: I am ecstatic that LB has gotten so expensive and boring. It is incentive to trudge on, to eat bandster portions, and to exercise daily. They've gone insane and I am happy. I love that I will never have to pay $40 for one of their cheaply made tee shirts again. I'm glad that they don't make 36 inseam Supreme jeans any more. I'm glad that they have converted to that new (nonsensical) sizing. I'm happy that their coupons are scams. I'm even happy that they never have my bra size in stock. I am overjoyed that they have become so inhospitable! I am so happy because I am leaving them behind! I am on my way to the Gap, BananaRep, JCrew, Regular stores! When I want to breakdown and buy something there, I come here. Seeing everyone's (many of you are on this thread) progress, NSVs, and before and afters makes it sweeter. For a long time all I could wear was LB, now I am almost at the point where if I do shop there it isn't out of necessity. Hurray! I love my band!

I have been reading a lot of the stories here, I am just getting started in this process and I have a question. What is a NSV? Thanks!

Congratulations on your NSV!!!! You look amazing in those jeans! One question, how did you chose your goal size?

That is so wonderfull. You go girl NSVS are the best part of this journey. If you dont mind I would like to ride on yours? I just purchased a pair of size 12 JEANS today I am over the top!!! I am going to a little get together on Sunday and I have not seen a few of the people for 3 years THEY are going FREAK.YEA for me!

Good for you!!!!! Those NSV's will save you over and over when you are down. Daily it seems like we are not moving but overtime the inches melt even if you do not realize quite yet on the scale. Your rockin' it...lol

Last week, my best friend and 2 godchildren (2 and 4) drove to Mississippi to visit my family.. I haven't seen any of them in person since November 2011... The 10 hour drive turned in 11 and a half... it's amazing how many times a 4 year old has to potty in the span of 3 hours!! Geez!!!.. Anyway I had numerous NSVs throughout my trip... I can sleep comfortably in the passengar seat of my SUV... I also don't have to have the seat all the back to get things off the floor!! I can buckle the seatbelt in the backseat of my truck!! (the new law in IL requires that all passengers wear a seatbelt...I couldn't fit it 3 months ago!!) We stopped at Paula Deen's Resturant in Tunica, Ms... I looked around the buffet... sampled a few things and I was finished!! No stuffing myself and feeling miserable!! Oh, we were also able to get a booth.. which was very small.. go figure!!!... When I made it home, my Mom and sisters were amazed!! I was in Walmart and a family friend didn't recognize me!! (She may have been drunk though!!!)... My favorite foods (catfish, dressing, mac and cheese and cake)... didn't tie me to the dining room table and jump down my throat this time... I prepared my famous spaghetti dinner and a pot of chicken and dumplings... I didn't eat any pasta, just sauce, I had 2 dumplings and plenty of chicken.. My best friend was doing laundry at my sister's house.. she washed "my jeans" and said they smelled like smoke... I was like.. HUH... she put the jeans on my bed afterwards.. I looked at them, they were my sister's size 14 jeans!! I was like.. girl!! She said, you're losing so much weight, I thought they were your skinny jeans or something!! I'm still trying each day to follow the plan and stay on this road to complete wholeness and wellness... Redefining my relationship w/ food and ridding myself of people really don't get it are the two things that guide my daily agenda now... Surounding ourselves with positivity leads to confidence and victories won!!!

Hi fellow August 2011 bandsters! just real curious how everyone is progessing? I was off the sight for a few months, and came back a couple weeks ago. I would love to hear everyones weight loss to this point, and any feedback, positive and negative. Also how are we doing with foods?..everything going down ok? What are trouble foods for you? And fills, how many have you had thus far? I was banded 8/31/11 (just made it lol). I am down a total of 69 lbs. I have had 4 fills..i think one more should do it. I can eat almost anything..but bread and rice give me some problems here and there. I have a hard time eating breakfast, usually have 1/2 a scrambled egg. And my biggest NSV ...have not thrown up once!

You handle yourself so well. I think I would have to have said something. The fact that you didn't say anything says so much about you. This woman is hatefull and has her own issues and insecurities. You, on the other hand, are a strong and gracious lady. That is the biggest NSV to take from this experience in my opinion!!!!!!!

Wheetsin I had to laugh at what an idiot you have to deal with. She should really listen to what is pouring out of her pie hole. yikes! You are kicking butt, and you know it. Don't worry, the "no strings attached" NSV is soon to follow.

I've yet to have a true, authentic, COMPLETE public NSV. By "public" I mean something that doesn't relate to what size I'm in, or what my nekkidness looks like. Something that someone else says to me or notices. I have all kinds of what I consider "semi NSVs". You know - those NSVs that are going great UNTIL the person adds that last little something that just brings the car to a dead stop. Today a lady I work with (not my favorite person) comes over while I'm eating lunch and starts talking to me. While talking she keeps looking at my body. I'm sitting in my chair leaning back with my hands across my stomach and she keeps looking at my stomach, at my arms, at my hips, etc. while she's talking to me. She says, "It looks like your weightloss is going really well." (that's the NSV part) Then she proceeds to say, "I saw you walking down the hallway the other day and I thought to myself, "Oh, yeah, she's losing weight, I can kind of see it. Not real noticeable, not real obvious, but still there, just a little bit." So I wanted to let you know that even though you can't tell that much yet, you really can almost start to see a difference." *sigh* Then she's asking me all about what I can or can't eat, and how much. So I pointed to my lunch plate (chile lime refried Beans, turkey pepperoni) and tell her, "Well, I grabbed the last of what I had in the fridge since it's Friday, but I'll actually eat about half of this." And she says, "Yeah, I noticed your plate and was thinking you really had an awfully big lunch to be eating if you're trying to lose weight." (My lunch was about 20 cooked pepperonis and 2 spoonfuls of beans). *sigh* Dammit, what does a girl have to do to get a real, bona fide, no-strings-attached, public and COMPLETE NSV? :target: *sigh* BTW - no, I don't take what this lady says to heart. It's who she is. When my co-worker was pregnant - very pregnant (sz 4, carrying twins - she was HUGE) she pretty much started just wearing knit skirts and the basic tanks from Old Navy. One day she and I were headed to lunch and this other lady tells her, "Wow, you're usually so feminine, and so classy, I never figured you'd be the type to wear a 'wife beater' like trashy people do."