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You're quite welcome. I was excited to find it. I have believed in the tracking process for a long time now, but only until about June 8 or so (banded May 15) did I really start paying attention. To be fair, that's when I discovered the online calculators (settling on TDP, love it!). I am more diligent about what I eat as I see the numbers computed, I am more careful about dietary boundaries, and I am honest as hell. It has become such a part of my daily routine that, if I am not near a computer, I keep it in a notebook until I can log it online. It's a way for me to see I am doing well even if I fear the scale won't move or I won't experience another NSV for a while. I feel proud when I am within the boundaries my doctor and I set, and I feel empowered by keeping track instead of burdened by counting and worrying and stressing over every bite.

...and I feel great! I'm down about 20 lbs since surgery and feel almost no hunger (even without a fill). I still have cravings for food, but not being hungry really helps control the craving. I feel healthier and find it much easier to get around then I used to. I have had a few minor NSV's: the seatbelt in my car has more slack, my jeans are getting baggy, and my large bath towel wraps around my body better than it used to.

This past weekend I experienced one of my greatest NSVs yet. I flew out to California for a little mini vacation and when I got on the plane and fastened my seat belt I still had about 6 inches of belt left!! I kept looking at the belt on both of my flights just in shock that I have all that belt left. Now it may not be all that much but to me that is a big deal because last time I flew in 2005 I had to suck in and force the seat belt to close while it was all the way extended. so YAY me!!!! :smile:

I was advised by one of the older bandsters who used to be here, when I flew out to be banded---how to get the extender with less emabarassment. She said as you board, when they are greeting you, ask for it. They are always stored in the bins right there at the front. When you ask, she will reach over and hand it to you. The people already on board will be busy settling in, stowing luggage etc. Those waiting to board are in a line behind you and can see nothing but the person in front of them. If you wait until you are seated, she has to walk all the way to the front of the plane, get it, dodge anyone stowing things last minute, walk back down holding it, and hand it to you in front of everyone just watching her, preparing to take off. I was still to embarassed on my flight out, and managed to squeeze barely into it! But I knew with the fresh incisions,and swelling coming home I would need it----so I ask as was instructed....she reached right over her shoulder handed it to me, without blinking an eye, it was rolled up, unrecognizable to someone who did not hear the exchange, I walked back sat down, buckled up comfortably to fly home and just left it on the seatbelt when I got off. Ask in line!!! It does work with minimal embarassment!!!! Way to go on the NSV of not needing the extender though---that is a great difference---6 inches!!! Wooo hoooo!!!! Kat

I am sorry you are having this problem. I had this problem last year and it was horrible. It's probably the biggest nsv that I have had since losing weight. Nobody else noticed it but me and I was taking several showers a day, using summer's eve body wash, sprays, powders, and I wish you the best of luck.

YAY! Awesome NSV!! That was one of my favorites Especially fitting on the couch with room to spare with my husband

I was at a birthday party this weekend for my nephew. It was at one of those inflatable house places. I've been there tons of times with the kids. This time I'm 5 months out and 73 lbs gone. There's a huge slide my 5 year olds love to do. They were climbing up the inflatable stairs to get to the top and I decided to surprise them by following. They turned around and the look of pure joy and ear to ear grins on their faces was priceless. One of them said "oh wow my moms coming up with us!!" I'm not an emotional person at all, but it really hit me that this tool has given my kids a mother that can really interact with them more than before. So glad I did this. 30 lbs to get to my personal goal, but already such a huge difference in the quality of my life! Thanks for letting me get that out. Not a lot of people outside this group would understand!

Sarah, that sounds like a big NSV to me!!

Well, I just had to write a few words about what happened today when I went to see my primary care physician. Let me tell you a little background first. I am seven and a half months post op. I had my surgery June 18 in Tijuana, MX. And I am thrilled to no end with my results so far. Have lost right around 98 pounds. (It varies depending on the day.) I was living and working in California when I decided that I wanted to have the surgery. I am a travel nurse, but my home is in Iowa. I traveled home to Iowa in June for a couple weeks off, then my husband and I were going to fly to San Diego and travel on to Tijuana for the surgery. I went to see my PCP the day before we flew to San Diego to get my meds refilled. I hadn't seen him again till today, so hadn't been in his office since June of 2011. When the nurse called my name today, I got up to follow her to the exam room. As usual, she led me to the scale on the way to the exam room. In the past, I have frequently declined to get weighed, as I didn't want/need to be depressed by what it said. But in my new, current life, I am not afraid of the scale anymore. So I hopped up on the scale to see what it would say. (I had already weighed myself at home this morning and was 160 lbs without a stitch on!) The digital readout of the doctor's scale said 162, which is about right, since I had a pair of jeans on and a pair of boots. The nurse went to write it down, and said "hold on a minute! What is your name again? What is your birthdate? When were you here last?" I told her my name, birthdate and that I was last seen there in June of 2011. She then replied "well who ever weighed you that day is an idiot! They wrote the wrong weight down. They wrote that you weighed 260 pounds!!!! I need to change that!" I laughed and told her there was nothing wrong with the weight in the chart, that I had lost almost 100 pounds in the last 7 1/2 months. She was amazed and had all kinds of questions. When I told her that I had undergone a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy she didn't know what it was. So I gave her a short course on VSG. Anyway, I guess I can count this as one of my NSV! P.S. the doctor told me I looked amazing, and was SO encouraging. He thought I made the right decision and told me to keep at it.

How is everyone doing with their NSVs? Any positive experiences to share? I'd love to hear them! I can now check these off of my list: Being able to ride a roller coaster... I did this on July 8 and it felt amazing. Having more energy... I have a lot more stamina than I used to, more than some of my thinner friends. lol Being able to shop at a regular store... I am an XL in tops (L in stores that fit bigger), and am able to get into XL pants. Bought size 16 jeans at target. Crossing my legs Shopping at Victorias Secret... I had always wanted to buy a VS PINK sweatsuit. I know its silly but this week I tried on a hoodie and sweatpants in the largest size... it fit. I did a happy dance in the fitting room!! I decided not to buy it, but it felt good. I look forward to accomplishing my other goals. I still have a lot of weight left to lose but am happy with the little progress.

Some of us were just banded and others are about to be... Post some of the things you are most looking forward to doing after you lose weight! This may help us get to know each other, stay motivated on tough days or erase doubts. Don't be shy and feel free to keep adding to your list. Here are my goals: Being healthy Avoiding diabetes Being able to ride a roller coaster Horseback riding Taking my dog for a walk every day Wearing a swimsuit in public without hiding Having more energy Wearing a one shoulder dress No back pain Run a 5k Waterskiing Sitting comfortably in an airline seat Not getting winded walking up stairs Being able to shop at a regular store Riding a bike Wearing shorts Being seen for who I am, not my size Crossing my legs Surfing Parasailing Shopping at Victorias Secret Keeping up at an exercise class No more WW shoes White Water rafting Taking a jazz dance and hip hop class My thighs not rubbing together in skirts Waterpark To be continued...

Nothing is off limits on this site, and no matter how 'personal' a NSV is, it's still something most of us can identify with. Congrats on yours and here's to many more!

Hi everyone: It's been awhile since I've posted...but I'm all caught up on everyone's progress, setbacks, frustrations and NSV's! A refresher: I had my band re-positioned earlier this year after a slip. My first fill was in June and I immediately had very bad reflux. I had reflux after my initial surgery, but it went away eventually. After that fill in June, the Dr. took out my fill to see if I had improvement. I didn't, even with Nexium and Rx Prevacid, so I went to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy. He didn't see anything unusual -- except that my "pouch" isn't emptying well and that's probably what's causing the reflux. What scares me is the drawing he gave me -- showing my pouch kind of off to the side rather than above the stomach -- is similar to the drawing I got when I had my first slip. :cry Things have gotten more difficult in the past week -- the reflux is mostly at night, but now during the day, I'm feeling like I'm in permanent PB mode...like something is stuck. Isn't that strange for someone without any fill at all?? Not keeping much down the past 24 hours. I induced vomiting yesterday because after I ate I was so damn miserable and it's the only thing that brought any relief. PLEASE DON'T SHOOT! I know I need to call my band Dr. -- and I will this morning -- but I'm just so scared I'll need a THIRD surgery. And this one will be to remove the band. When I've been "tight" like this the past few months, it's typically only lasted a few days. (Which may explain my procrastinating calling the Dr.) I hope that's the case this time. Any coping ideas? Think I'll go liquid today, see if that helps. I've been doing Maalox liquid...sometimes Gaviscon. Advice, suggestion, prayers and thoughts appreciated, as always. Calling the Dr. now and will let you know. Elizabeth 08-28-03

oh, that is HUGE!! Congrats on such a great NSV! Can't wait to do this also! You have done amazing with your sleeve! Hope I can be this much of a success once I am sleeved - I started liquid diet today and will be sleeved a week from today!

hi fellow sleevers Awful awful awful I had surgery recently (NSV)taking my important medicine daily, the dosage should have been adjusted due to weight loss of 65 lbs. Spoke w/dr. prior to surgery, he said all would be fine. He was aware of WLS, apparently not aware of how much i had lost. Day after surgery, i started having delusions. They lasted about 4 days, subsiding each day. My medicine levels were WAY too high for my new weight, causing the problem. (had nothing to do with anesthesia). It was really terrible. Due to the fact that my dr. did not take into effect the amount of weight loss i had, it conflicted with my other med., causing these terrible side effects. Probably one for the books - at least my book. kathy

Congratulations! I love reading everyones NSV's!

I’m now thinking this loss of menopausal symptoms may be a NSV. 😜 I experienced a couple of random hot flashes (felt like my face was burning but the rest of me was fine) while still having my periods in my late 40s too ms.sss. So yes I think you may be perimenopausal. Then I suddenly stopped having periods when I hit 50 - well one after 4 months then another break, then nothing since. Was a bit annoying not knowing when or if they would start again. I found I also started to get ‘feisty’. Then one day I told my boss off and not over anything major. I made an appointment with my GP that afternoon & she put me on HRT. (Thank goodness my boss was pretty easy going & this was such an anomaly in my behaviour he let it pass. Though it was funny the next day when I apologised and he very nervously asked if I was ok & if there was anything he could do.) Oh and feeling the cold now. Hell yeah! I can’t stand walking down the frozen & refrigerated aisles at the supermarket anymore. It’s like a physical pain. I need thermals just to buy some milk. PS - Don’t want to scare anyone but my mum is almost 80 & if she goes off her HRT, her hot flashes return & her emotions are all over the place. I hope you don’t continue like this JRT mom.

Loose shorts, loose t-shirt and a looser golf shirt over that so no bra required. Flip-flops for shoes. I wore the same basic outfit yesterday for my port revision surgery too. Funny, one of the nurses called me 'Slim' and suggested that I buy some better-fitting shorts. That was definitely a NSV. Pretty sure the bracelets can be purchased on eBay.

Oh and you cannot believe how exciting it is to cut up your Lane Bryant card! When you realize you cannot shop in a plus size store ever again, it is a great NSV!

I have been reading many posts, what are NSV's? Also can anyone tellme how long their surgery was for the lapband and hernia repair?

HI Melinda. Thank you for sharing your blog. I can relate to your worries and hesitations. But just know, that in the end, it will be a decision you will be proud of. Different things motivate us as individuals to strive for and achieve success. I see you have a little one...so when you are able to do things you couldn't before it'll propel you to lose more. And when he grows up seeing mommy as the perfect role model when it comes to health and nutrition, you will be convinced you did yourself and him proud. Don't stress too much, don't put obstacles up that don't necessarily need to be there. Take one day at a time, rejoice in the NSVs and give yourself permission to be happy and feel what success is all about. Good luck on the surgery, here's to a speedy recovery

I am approaching my one year anniversary on February 12th. I have had a good first year, have lost all but 10 pounds of my excess weight, and have made many behavior changes. But I have always been worried (scared!) about being successful in maintenance, since that has been my lifelong pattern. I have lost close to 100 pounds 4 times previously, and haven’t successfully kept it of for more than a year or two after achieving goal. I did something positive to help me get into maintenance. It is another “tool” to help me be a healthy smaller person – just like the sleeve itself is a tool. (That’s my NSV – I did something positive for my maintenance). I enrolled in a class taught by the nurse that runs the WLS support group at the Baylor Carrolton (Texas) hospital. Baylor is a big medical system in the Dallas area, with hospitals in several suburbs of Dallas and the main facility in downtown Dallas. My surgeon, Dr. Nicholson was the head of the WLS program at Baylor Plano. I chose to attend the support group through the Carrolton office, since it was closest to my office. The class is “The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients”. The class is several sessions, with each session focusing on one of the Success Habits. The material in the class is based on material by Colleen M. Cook and developed by the Bariatric Support Centers International. The material includes a book, workbook, website membership and additional information given in the individual sessions. The Success Habits Principles are now taught in hundreds of bariatric support groups each month and are recommended by many Bariatric Centers of Excellence (per the material – I haven’t verified this independently). It is great material for those in the losing phase and those that are going into maintenance. The premise behind the material and the class is a survey of patients who had WLS surgery, and what behaviors are in common for those that are successful versus those that are not successful. The average time from surgery for the patients was 7 years. The average amount of weight lost was 103 pounds The habits are follows: PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY: I recognize that I alone am responsible for my success and failures PORTION CONTROL: I understand the importance of satiety and understanding my body’s signals NUTRITION: I make good healthy food choices each day. FLUID INTAKE: I drink the right amount of the right kinds of fluid at the right times each day. EXERCISE: I have adopted the habit of exercise as a regular part of my lifestyle VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS: I take good quality vitamins each day to support my good health. Sounds simple, right? Well, I have taken classes on the first two classes and I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH – particularly about accountability. I am not scared like I was about maintenance – these classes are really setting things out for me in a clear way that I think I can successfully do going forward. And, if I hit a bump in the road in the future – I think I will be able to recover – rather than spiraling out of control. If there is interest, I will set up a sub-forum for the “Success Habits” and have threads for each habit, or each key learning I have from the classes. I am so pumped up about these classes; I am considering taking the classes to become a Support Coach for WLS patients. Let me know if you are interested in hearing more about this on this sight. Sharon

woot! That's one of the most ego boosting NSVs! You go Gurl!

Missus.... you've always been a star in my eyes... this is a fab NSV though... and no one deserves it more than you!!! Hugs from across the pond my lovely friend! x

I just realized Pnut has a new avatar....funny how you look at the pics and don't even read the name -- you look so different in that pic that I didn't even know it was you! Some people probably look at the names and not the pics. I am definately a visual person though! Congrats on the running thing......nice to be able to hustle huh? Ohhhh speaking of the hustle maybe I'll do the hustle later! I love those 70's line dances, and I can do them now! Is that the kind of thing you're looking for? I had another one last night with hubby too. At the risk of going xrated I'll just elude to the fact that I am MUCH less inhibited now and let me tell you -- THAT was the best NSV I've had in a LOOOOONG time