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Nicole, I lost 7 lbs post op and have been floating back and forth between the 6 and 7 pound mark for days now since I began adding real foods back into my diet. After being on liquids for so long, once you begin to add real food back into your diet you sort of plateau for a while. I have seen it repeatedly on these boards. The only thing I can suggest at this point is to add more exercise. The weight will start to come off again but much more slowly than before. You will get little plunges after you get your fills, but it will come off as long as you follow all the bandster rules. As far as people constantly asking you how much, I get that as well as I told everyone! I just tell them that the band isn't as fast as bypass and that I will lose much more gradually. They will eventuallly get tired of asking and will begin to only ask when they notice that you look a lot thinner! For the BM problem I have heard that Milk of Magnesia works wonders. Congrats on the NSV!! I just had to go out and get a smaller bathing suit too and it's sooooooo cute!!! Keep up the good work and have fun on your trip!!!

YAY! Congrats on the loss, I can't wait to start reaching deep in my closet for clothes I haven't fit into in years! Years ago, I outgrew any pants you can buy in a store. Being tall, it was hard to find pants that fit anyway, but when I got too heavy to get anything, it was really depressing to have to "special order" my pants. I'm still pre-op, but I've lost 40+ lbs since November of last year. My pants were all getting too, too big. So I went to my trusty online shop to get some more. I ordered them 2 sizes lower than what I already owned - THEY WERE TOO BIG! I was thrilled. They are size 34, so it's not like I can go brag to people that "Hey, size 34 pants are too big on me now", but it's great to have a forum here where people can congratulate you for the success that IT IS! Best of luck to you as you continue to lose. I know I can't wait for the NSV of buying pants at an actual store again!

I am 22 days post op and today was the first day I went out and help feed our cows. We have an old farm truck and the seat doesn't move but it has always been fine for me. Well I get in and boom.. I can't see over the dash..I automatically get upset because someone obviously has messed with it. It took me awhile to realize..no one adjusted it...my behind just got smaller and I was no longer sitting on my self made pillow. My husband and I had a good chuckle over this. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Major NSV!! Something like that is more concrete than a number on a scale. Especially when you realize than in a few months, you have erased 9 years of unhealthy living from your body. When are you going to take that big suit OUT of your closet forever?

New make -up Now that I have a new face to put it on Toe nail polish now that I can reach my toes Hubby and I had a couples goal gift. Went to Victoria secret. Walked out with a size small. NSV Just living life and doing the things I was not able to do at my high weight. Kayak, Travel, Concerts...you name it. I'm up for it for goal rewards.

@bellabloom This post was more that I needed translation..I had no idea what it might have meant...But, I get what Bella is saying. I did use a compliment scale a few months after goal. I didn't know how to take a compliment. I had been invisible because of my weight. Took time to adjust. Compliment appropriate: Say thanks move on Complement hilarious: Makes for a great story and NSV Complement creepy: Walk away..or run lol Honestly this was a rare occurrence. Not all guys are like this. I appreciate men that can give a decent compliment. And yes I mean men not boy's. Age appropriate please.

Shopping in normal clothes shops. Dancing all night. Hearing my husband ask me to slow down when we are out walking or cycling. And after just six months I have enjoyed them all. Keep your eye on your dreams and your NSV goals will all come to pass.

Last weeks weigh in 177.2lbs, This weeks weigh in: 175.6lbs. Hard to believe and I feel like a skeptic. It is the lowest that I have ever seen on the scale since I was 15 I am guessing. Woot Woot! There are some exciting things happening for me these days! I tried Zumba for the first time ever. My Mom finally convinced me to go. I went to a community league in my neighbourhood. I enjoyed it but left thinking that I should have been more played out. I chalked up to my own fault and said that I would go again and work harder. I ended up going to a different class today to check it out and OMFG!!! Did I get my sweat on! I am not that coordinated nor do I don't have a ton of rythym but I enjoy music so much. I had a blast and left extremely envious of the beautifully buff-lean firecracker of an insructor! I will definately go back. I put off going for so long because I thought I would make an ass out of myself and I had no one to go with. During the class, I didn't catch all of the moves but I really didn't give a **** if I looked like an idiot. I was doing my best and getting my groove and sweat on despite! I have GOT to figure out a game plan for this wrinkly-ass stomach that I have going on right now. I really am starting to be bothered by it. The sound of your gut slapping against your upper-thigh while running stairs is horrifying!! I didn't intend on posting this picture but I have been hiding this old-man ball looking **** in my ginchies for weeks. Got any advice??? Anyone else willing to show me theirs? lol. It really is starting to piss me off and get me down a bit. I know that this is much more healthy then the robust belly that I had before but ladies and any wrinkles just don't mix. Sunday, the mister and I went skiing. It was the first time in over 15 years. I had a NSV while renting skis. I was asked how much I weighed and I didn't lie. I even added a lb. to be safe. I was really nervous that I would wipe out getting on the chair lift and roll down the hill and get lodged in some equipment of the lift and the fire department would have to come and everyone who was waiting for the chair lift would be annoyed at me and the mister woudl be embarrased and I would go home, defeated ans possibly even injured. Not this time! Two feel-out trips down the bunny hill and it was like riding a bike. I conquered that pair of flexy snow blades. I rode them like a champion jockey winning the big race, first time out on the new horse. You all get how excited I am right? lol. I'm in such a weird mood. I'm giddy. I've found some motivation in doing new things and am really feeling high on successes these days. The mister gained about 11lbs over Christmas and has been getting on the elliptical on occasion. HE doesn't enjoy it so me skiing while he snowboards is something that we can enjoy together. We have planned a weekend in the Rockies to take advantage of the lift tickets and hotel voucher that work got me as a wedding gift. BRING ON THE ROCKIES! I had an appointment with my surgeon for a fill on Monday. He asked if I would like 1cc or .5cc. I chose to have less and test the waters. Better safe than sorry. I am currently trying my best to maintain where I am at in order to fit my wedding dress in April. It fits like a glove currently (with added cutlets in the breastest area) and I do not have time to have it altered now. My surgeon was thrilled with my progress and that always makes me feel good too. I am up to 5.5ccs in my 11cc band. This was my fifth fill. I am going to continue to portion my meals and hope that I stay fuller for longer. If need be, I will book an appointment after Mexico in April and go from there. I know that it is still quite soon to tell as I was on mushies until dinner lastnight, but I think that I am feeling fuller longer and that I am eating less. Tuesday, for lunch I had a small whole wheat egg salad and spinich wrap and a 1/2 c of greek yogurt. I took my time with the wrap and had no issue. I could only get in two bites of the yogurt before I felt a bit tight in my chest. Nothing uncomfortable but a sign. I think. I am hoping that I finally have some restriction when it comes to quantity. I have had a few "stuck" episodes now but it has some down to a rushing and not chewing issue. I forget to mind my mouth when I am in a rush. Still must work on this! I am back to exercising, eating well and taking care of myself physically and emotionally. To build on the last one, I am off to the cabin with my besties this weekend. So excited. We will spend the weekend knitting, venting, ranting, laughing, cooking and playing board games all with cocktail in hand! I am also looking forward to the quiet mornings on the patio w. coffee in hand too! last besties trip - the moon on the lake. How can you not relax?. Take Care,

Hello all - I'm so excited for spring! I found this great new website - Running in the USA - Welcome to Running in the USA - where they list all the races that are happening. You search by state and then the races are listed by month. I'm training for a triathlon and duathlon this summer/fall, and I'm hoping to do 1 - 2 races a month (just 5K or 10K) to help me get used to racing. I used to do these races about 6 years ago and always had a blast. Plus, now, I'm recruiting some of my friends to do them with me. The first 5K is on April 19th - it is called the Maple Syrup Run, and they serve a pancake breakfast afterwards. Although, I know from experience that pancakes don't work well for me with my band. But, it is working to get my friends out to the race. And, while I'm posting, I'll post a NSV - I was cleaning my townhouse and getting it ready to go on the market (I am relocating to another state for work). Anyway, someone was taking pictures, and in one of the pictures (taken from the back) I hardly recognize myself. In the picture, I don't think "that person" looks fat...but "that person" is me. Quite the revelation! Happy spring to all of you! Anna

Whoooo Hoooo Leatha! Those are great NSV's! You are doing so good!

This has been a huge NSV week for me. 1. I ran down stairs to show my husband that I can wrap a towel round me and tuck it in. Woohoo! Did I mention I can run down stairs now too? 2. I can now fit into a size 10 jeans. OMG! 3. I can now walk on my treadmill for over an hour without stopping (3.5 mph). At the beginning of this journey I couldn't walk for more that 10 minutes at a slower pace. 4. I am no longer obese. My BMI is under 30. 5. Lastly while I was shopping at Christoper & Banks I found out I now fit into a SIZE 10! Then to my surprise the clerk approached me and asked if I would be interested in modeling their clothes at an upcoming event. Huh, was she talking to me? She must have been, I was the only customer in the store. I politely turned her down but I was still stunned. The clerk proceeded to tell me how she must be 20 years my senior. To me I figured her to be no more than 50 y/o. I am 42. Woohoo for me!

I don't have a scale. I developed a phobia to the damn things when I was 25. The first time I weighed myself in recent memory was the morning of my operation. I knew I was fat because I was taking size large in all my clothes and the mirror doesn't lie. When I went back for my first fill they weighed me and I had lost 13 lbs. Yippee! I also had some NSVs. I am relying on the NSVs to tell me whether I have lost weight because I still hate getting on a scale. In a week's time I go back for my second fill. I don't know whether I will have lost any more weight. I don't feel any restriction yet though I am trying to watch what I eat. I do think that the scale can be tricky. Fat can be converted into muscle. You will weigh the same but take up less space and you will look better.

It will get better, but congrats on the NSV of downsized clothes!

Back in 2008 I was on one of my diets, and I was 265 lbs, my aunt game me some clothes that were too big for her and she had hardly worn. In the bundle there was a pair of 18/20 Lane Bryant pant (95% polyester 5% spandex) that would not fit, fast forward 2011 and I am 380 lbs so I gave the pants to my grandmother. Back in the beginning of February my grandmother gave me the pants back, she said I haven't worn them but they look like they almost fit you. My grandma is a seamstress, and she had taken the pants in on the sides because they were too big for her, so I was skeptical, I thought she was looking at my behind with love and thought it would fit in those pants. Anyways, today I am looking for some business clothes and I found the pants in my drawer and I said let me see how much longer till they fit me. AND THEY WENT UP! All the way, they are super tight on me put they went up, I am guessing they are so tight because of the line of stitches running on both sides my grandma did for them to fit her. Why do I call them mystery pants? because according to my scale I am 277 and they fit, but when I was 265 back in 2008 they didn't fit! Doesn't matter what the scale says, I am a happy camper!!!!

Marie, I had to go search in the archives for NSV it's non scale victory right? I understand victory, but non scale? Does that mean small? I am new to all this computer coresponding you know. I remember seeing a post with alot of the abreviations on it now I can't find it. Does anyone know where it could be? Have I mentioned it's Friday! YIPEE!! I can't help it I still get excited on Fridays! I hope that never goes away! My hope is that all of you could feel as good as I do today, I think loosing this weight is euphoria!

Well after I had my fill last week I have felt much better about the outcome of this surgery! Ok anyway to get to my NSV. Today I got on the scale because I thought I had gained even though it wasn't my weigh in day(I lost 5lbs since Friday!) I bought a pair of pants in a 16 while I was wearing a twenty, and they fit, buttoned ok, but they are a little tight so I won't wear them yet! But it will be soon! Just thought you would like to know! -Kylie

Well here's an NSV I would never have thought about before....I noticed today coming out of the shower that, and I can't believe this....my bath towel wraps all the way around me and the edges actually overlap. I mean...I can tuck in the corner and have it cover ALL of me! Granted, it is a big bath sheet, but that doesn't matter.....it didn't wrap all the way around me before. Now it does. :does a spastic happy dance outside the shower....being careful of the wet floor: In case I haven't mentioned it lately, I absolutely freaking adore my band. Her name is Katrinka and she is my best friend!!!!

that is awesome I am so happy for you . could you please tell me what NSV is LOL . thanks dumb blonde here

Congratulations! I love these kinds of NSVs! Good for you!

Starzie, YEAH for you!!!! I'm so proud of you! It's kind of like you did it for all of us 2009 June Journeys--look what one our own accomplished! So glad that your son could be your cheerleader, too! Good for you--enjoy your BIG NSV! :thumbup: Willowcat

hey dudes/dudettes six years ago today (12-15) i was waiting to go into the OR!! like most others i was terrified - so excited. having the sleeve was a great decision. i did it!!! i am still around and able to talk about "it" i did have my ups and downs, but easy recovery, all was/is good. i've enjoyed many wonderful NSV's. buying smaller clothes in a regular store. sitting in the middle seat of three on an airplane. i am able to do many normal, basic day to day activities now that i had difficulty doing six (6) years ago! it's wonderful. might sound silly, but i love that i am able to bend up and down and up and down etc., pulling those damnnn weeds on my front lawn!! no longer run from the camera (especially family pics) sit closer to the steering wheel. i get in and out of the car with no trouble. putting on seat belt is no prob. when i sat down in restaurant booth and movie seat for the 1rst time after weight loss, i said "these seats have gotten bigger!! my health has dramatically improved.!! medication dosages have been lessened or gone all together. i KNOW my attitude has changed/improved. i feel better than before about myself. i am not perfect!! welllll, then again!! LOL Life is NOT all peaches and cream just cuz i lost weight. i still might have problems. But the fact that i look pretty damnnnn good, helps me to deal with some issues better than when i was heavy. i could tell you more about some problems - but then what would i tell you on my 7th year surgiversary? my sleeve is very smart - it helped teach me how to eat and drink properly - knowledge of Proteins and carbs and other things. moderation etc. at 6 years - my success must/does all come from my head/mind!! i'm on my own. (no restriction left to speak of) but that's ok. i remember everything i learned - work hard to follow the rules all the time. but, once again, even i'm not perfect, really. sad to say i am 8.3 lbs over GOAL, but i am working on fixing situation. (guess honesty is one of my better qualities) LOL see you next year Kathy

I can't wait to lose weight & FINALLY look in the mirror & see the "real" me that's hiding behind all this STUFF on my body. I feel like I should just be able to unzip this fat body & step out of it all. Why can't I see the real me that is FAT?!?! When I think of myself, I still imagine the "normal" size person that I used to be. My dreams are the same way. I've been overweight for over 10 years & every time I take a picture I say to my husband - "Is that really me?!?" My husband says it means I have a good self-esteem. I think it means I am not living in reality. There's so much that the body inside wants to do, but can't because this fat suit keeps holding me back. My biggest NSV will be the day I can look in the mirror & recognize the person that is looking back at me. I'M GOING TO GET THERE!!! And when I do, I'll send you all the hot picture. Only 80 more lbs to go.....

Welcome to the family of bandsters. You're gonna love it. The band works for you when you work with it. And keep in mind that you won't have good restriction for several months so you will have to work hard at what you eat until the band can help you out more. An NSV is a Non-Scale Victory. It's anything that isn't pounds you lost. Might be a friend not recognizing you from the back, fitting into theater seats better, etc. For me the weight started coming of 2 weeks prior to surgery with the pre-op diet. I lost 16 pounds then and after that it was 10-12 pounds a month for the first 6 months. Then it slowed down a bit to about 8 pounds a month. Now I'm having trouble but I have some issues going on and should be back to dropping soon. I had just over 200 pounds to lose though so I was losing it a bit faster than you would if you had less to lose. Good luck and enjoy your new life. Always remember that the band is only a tool and you have to do the work, it just makes it easier.

Megan, you have done amazing, not only physically, but maybe even more importantly, emotionally! You now sound like a very secure, stable, happy, healthy, on-top-of-the-world kind of gal. The kind of woman who can't help catching other people's eye, because you sparkle! And people are drawn to that type of person. They want to be like that. You have taken charge of a life that you felt you had no control over and turned it completely around. You're like a beautiful phoenix rising from the ashes! I think your slow and steady weight loss is one reason you look so beautiful. You lost slow enough that everything is in sync. Your face and chin are perfectly proportioned, not sagging as from rapid weight loss. You're honest enough to have faced the emotional demons when they came knocking on your heart. And now, you've faced all the different and difficult facets that make up our lives - physically and emotionally. Learning to stick up for yourself, that's a tough one I'm still working on - every day. But listening to your story, I can see it is definitely worth it! Respect, isn't that all any of us truly want? Respect, not ridicule! And you stopped trying to fix everyone else and started to fix yourself! Now that's a full lesson all in itself! Your list of NSVs is amazing. But throughout your wonderful transformation, you've maintained your compassion for others, and a zest for life (that had been submerged so deeply, it probably scared you half to death when it started emerging! You may have lost some so-called friends, but it sounds like you found your very best one - YOURSELF! Congratulations for a fantastic job and thank you so much for sharing your story with others who can truly understand where you are coming from and anxiously await going where you are now!

My newest NSV happened a day or so ago. My 2 1/2 year old granddaughter was here with me, and she wanted me to lay on the couch with her. I laid down with her, and her ever faithful bunny, and I could reach around her and still feel more room on the couch!!! So #1--we both fit! and #2 I can reach my arms around us and farther! I also love being able to paint my own toenails again. Shopping the misses dept. I was in the park with the granddaughters and chatting with a woman and of course weight and diets come up (doesn't it always with women???) and she told me "well if I only had as much to lose as you do, I wouldn't worry." I told her HOW I lost almost 100 pounds, she didn't want to believe me! I floated through the rest of my day!!! About 30 pounds ago, I ran into a girl we went to school with, the perfect cheerleader one, she was always snooty as hell to me---and now---well even then, 30 pounds ago----she was bigger than me! Keep the NSV's coming, they are sooooo encouraging! Kat