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Hi to everyone. Got back from Florida from vacation and was anxious to get on my home scale this a.m. -- I stayed off the scale on vacation because I didn't want to let it run my life.... AND....drum roll now! I lost 4.8 lbs on vacation from where I was on June 13th when I left to today! Go Shrinking Shamrocks Go!! :smile: AND second NSV... I was able to buckle a seat belt without an extension on the flights from Columbus to Charlotte, NC on an Embraer jet that only had 2 seats on each side but I needed about 4" of the extension belt still (darn!) on the 737 jet that went from Charlotte to Florida. Can't wait until I can buckle the airplane seat belt regardless of which plane I fly on but that was such a nice feeling. I've updated my ticker and officially crossed the 40 lbs lost milestone as of today. About 3.5 months since surgery 3/17/08 to lose 40 lbs is fantastic for me. I've already bought my 40 lbs of sugar to take and donate to the food pantry to celebrate. I was telling my sister and niece in Florida about the donation idea and they thought is was really great and couldn't imagine what it would feel like to carry 4 of the 10lb bags of sugar around 24 hours every day. They said I should really be proud of myself. AND I AM!! :ohmy::biggrin::biggrin: <--- 4 Smilies for 40 lbs!

Someone posted another thread that they actually weigh the weight on their license. In my state your weight isn't stated. I actually just went to renew my license last week and the woman commented on my weight loss. It was pretty obvious looking at my old picture but then she said she put me in a different weight "category". I asked her what that meant and apparently whoever issues your license guesstimates your weight and puts you a category. I asked her what category she put me in and she said like around 160lbs or something. First of all, that was a great nsv right there because I'm flattered that she thought I weighed that much. I let her keep that category because that's where my goal is at and I think you should put a weight near your goal weight because, while it may not be true today, it will hopefully be soon. Besides, plenty of people don't weigh what it says on their license anyway!

I just had to go back to the Gap today and get one more of those shirts in another color. Now I have 2 'normal girl' shirts!!! Another NSV is I took measurments and after only a few weeks I have lost a few inches all over! Come on, share your NSV's!! (non scale victories) I know there have to be plenty in a group our size!

I should be ashamed of this NSV but I am going to put it out there anyway :0) Please try not to be to shocked. It is time to renew my license and I go next week. I was looking at it and saw that my weight on the license was 180. Well I am sure I was well over 200 when I got the license, so obviously I was not truthful when I got it the last time (probably could just not bear giving some bored, middle aged women peering at me over her glasses something I was ashamed to even admit to myself). NSV - I weigh less in reality than the original fictional number on the license :0). What a hoot!!! So now that I have to do this again next week and I am losing so well, how much should I say . . . ? What an interesting dilemma. I just wonder how many of us who are overweight give the true number on our licenses. It is hard to do because you have to show it all over the place and it stays the same for years . . . . I posted this as a response to an NSV thread in the Jan '08 group but wanted to put it out there in general support as well.

I should be ashamed of this NSV but I am going to put it out there anyway :0) Please try not to be to shocked. It is time to renew my license and I go next week. I was looking at it and saw that my weight on the license was 180. Well I am sure I was well over 200 when I got the license, so obviously I was not truthful when I got it the last time (probably could just not bear giving some bored, middle aged women peering at me over her glasses something I was ashamed to even admit to myself). NSV - I weigh less in reality than the original fictional number on the license :0). What a hoot!!! So now that I have to do this again next week and I am losing so well, how much should I say . . . ? What an interesting dilemma. I just wonder how many of us who are overweight give the true number on our licenses. It is hard to do because you have to show it all over the place and it stays the same for years . . . .

Yes, yes, YES, I have had the same issues!! It is incredibly frustrating... but I have started counting NSV [Non-scale Victories]. It's so important that my clothes fit better and I can wear jeans [unforgiving as they all are] that I haven't worn in over a year! The theory is, you lose first where you last gained. If that's true [which for me, it seems like it is], then measure yourself weekly. I hated doing it, but I've started. And you know what -- I log it in with my daily intake on Calorie Counter, Diet Tracking, food Journal, Nutrition Facts at The Daily Plate. I might not see the numbers on the scale move as often as I'd like, but I can see the numbers move on my measurements. [it also tells you exactly HOW to measure if you're unsure.] It's frustrating, but it's the little steps that add up to the final product. Believe me, I have moments of pure jealousy when I read about someone who's had RNY [gastric bypass] and they've lost 25 pounds compared to my 2 in the past month. But then I remember that I haven't had my 'innards' re-arranged. I opted to be a 'steady' loser... Enough of my pontificating, I hear ya, I do!! Hang in there!!!!

Denise - Congratulations on those 2 lbs - That is great - I sure wish I could quit eating at night - last night was ok - went to an Airbonne party (like mary kay) didn't get home till like 8:30 had a lean cuisine and cereal bar for dessert and that was it. Plus I took a 10 mg xanxa to help me sleep. I think I am going to have to get a scrip for them- Don't worry gang - I am no where close to being a druggie (seen too much of it in my life drugs & alcohol) but there are just some night's I can't sleep like Wed night - I need more than 4 hrs a night - but a great NSV - in the past I would have eaten myself to sleep - but don't do it now Gpttaluvme - Welcome - LBT is a great site for info & support. I am going to give you my tough band love explanation (love being the operative word) Reasons some don't lose or lose very slowly and this is my personal opinion #1 THE BAND IS ONLY A TOOL !!! It in itself is not going to cause you to lose weight.. You have to realize this going in - and that little part of your mind that say ya this is the answer it's the magic cure - that's the devil talking to you - cuz it's not the magic cure answer to our obesity. The band requires alot of work on your part. #2 There are pple who say I didn't do this to go on another diet - they continue to eat the same food that they did prior to banding - which usually is high fat foods and foods loaded with refined carbs (oh btw I am not an atkins advocate) and foods that have sugar. With the band once you get proper restriction (which can take awhile for some) it will limit the amount of food you eat at one sitting - but you can eat around the band ie candy cookies milkshake alcohol gravy all slip right thru the band (these soft foods are slider food) plus we still absorb all our calories (not like bypass patients who don't). These pple are going to lose some weight just do to the fact that they can't eat large quantities - but they are not going to lose a significant amount in my opinion. #3 Some pple have a slow metabolism (for reals - they have been medically tested not just another fat chick excuse ) or another medical reason #4 To actually loose 100% or very close to your excess weight you are the one who has to make major changes in the way you look at food - You have to make healthy food choices (low fat - limited sugar and limited carbs) and you have to add exercise into your life. The band is only a tool to help with your portion control it doesn't make your food choices or it doesn't do the exercise. Losing weight is all about calories in vs calories burn - plan and simple as that. When you read the stories of pple who have been successful with the band - most will tell you that they counted calories - weighed and measured their foods (as fat chick we don't know what 4 oz looks like - to use a serving of ice cream is either 1 pint or a whole half gallon not 1/2 of a cup) and they also keep some kind of food diary/log and they exercise their butts off. They changed their food choices - there are alot here who do atkins or no refined carbs - I still have my starches (but limited to dinner only) I follow a basic WW type eating plan and IMHO I think it's the healthiest.. I am 11 months out and I am still learning how to control my head hunger issues ... I can be physically full from my dinner and still want to eat Our head hunger issues are our real problems - As fat chicks the minute we thought we were hungry we would eat - then eat again - we would eat past full - All of us have diff issues with food some more complicated and some as simple as boredom. We use food to soothe us when we are upset, angry or sad - we use food to comfort us - we use food to celebrate and as reward for something or cuz someone told us we shouldn't - we use our fat as a barrier against the world. All these things are the mental issue that must be dealt with if we want to lose the weight and keep it off for good (neither the band nor any WLS is guarantee that we keep they weight off forever) To to this (keep the weight off forever) you must make this your lifetime life style change in eating and exercise Diets don't work cuz the minute you go off them and go back to eating normal you gain all your weight back - eating normal for us is what got us fat in the 1st place. Now Exercise - as fat chick we don't want to exercise cuz it's too damn hard - it takes too much energy. Well you must exercise - our bodies were made to exercise. You just make the commitment to yourself - you start slow and steady and each week increase it a tad - I could barely walk 1 mile 11 months ago on the treadmill doing a 25 minute mile on a zero incline - but every couple of weeks I would increase the speed and inclines - I now do 3 miles in 50 minutes on vary of inclines from 3 to 7- I work out with weights 2 x a weeks (muscle burns more calories) Ok I wrote a fricking book here - but I just want you to know that even with the band it's work - it's still hard -- it takes will power to make good food choices and disciplined to go to the gym or workout where ever you choose but with the band (once you have proper restriction) as a tool it does make the job of losing weight easier. As you said not easy but a little easier.. IMHO I that that I have done 75% of the work (making good food choices and exercising) and the band has done 25% of the work by providing portion control and making me feel fuller physically on 1 cup of food. I take credit for my weight loss - ya the band helped - but it's just a piece of plastic - it doesn't have a brain to make the choices and changes that I have made in the last 11 months. Good luck on your journey - I love my band and I love me for doing the work - I am strong - I have control (well 99.9% of the time) I am a new woman and I am loving the way I feel - 10 yrs younger the quality of my life has improved 150% - it's the best decision I have ever made.. Beckyo - Sorry to hear you aren't doing to good - but you are (were) only one day out - it takes awhile - I see everyone has told you gasxstrips they do help - be happy that you can't eat much and enjoy the weight loss this 1st week or 2 - your hunger will return - GET SOME CHEWABLE PECIDS (That's what my doc had me get prior to surgery) they should help with the heartburn As each day passes you will feel better remember you just had major surgery and we aren't 18 anymore (plus let me tell you even some of the young ones take longer to recover than us 50 yr olds) Hey there Thin - sounds like you are doing great !!! Keep up the good work - Proud of you :smile: Bevdi - Tylenol pm works for alot of pple (not me :smile:) I would talk to your doc - the meds you are taking are responsible for sleep walking driving etc problems ... Beckyo - Good to hear and like I said - enjoy being full on a little and not being hungry - it will return once your stomach heals. so enjoy for now:tongue: Hey there Phyl - Are you bringing your Wii when you come back down to the Desert - I want to try yours before I put out the $$$ - I'll pay your a rental fee

Hey y'all, Just checking in from VA. Dr. H took some out of my band right before I came home 3 weeks ago, I can eat anything now. But believe it or not, I've lost 2lbs (and thats with the shoes on!) I'm much more active than I am during school though, I hope I can keep it up. I had a nsv this week...I ran a 7 minute mile on the elliptical! I started out at 14 minute mile in Feb! I also ran a little over 6 miles on Tuesday. It's so amazing that I can move!!!!! :rolleyes2:

So I've lost 13 lbs..decided to try on some older jeans in size 28. To my surprise they actually buttoned and zipped...still snug..but I could get them on! So I must have shrank some because I normally couldnt get them fastened and I wear a 30/32 jeans!!

Diddo to everything everyone else said. I hope that statement made sense. I've lost from a 22/24 to a 14/16. I love those NSVs! I think we fixate too much on what we weigh...I'd bet you if you looked at your fat %, it has dropped a lot! I ordered a "fancy" scale from QVC before I was banded. It keeps up with weight, fat %, what is Water weight and all of that for my height and gender...When I see the scale isn't going down - I'll hop on to the "special" section and check out the other. Almost always when I'm up - my water weight is up. The fat % is going steadily down - I've had no gains there., which confirms to me I'm doing everything right. Also, my doctor's office lets us weigh weekly - I go on Thursdays (day of my surgery). They have a print out that shows the same thing. I haven't lost any weight in 3 weeks, but my body mass has gone down and my fat% has gone down 2%... Please don't focus just on pounds...that's not the only area we need to be losing. Inches really matter too!

Bandfan--I am also getting my first fill on Monday and I am ready! I know I can handle more food and am using good sense and good choices to get by...but it is hard. The scale is moving sloooooowly, but it is moving in the right direction. As my friend says, "who cares about the numbers on the scale? I'll don't care if I weigh 300 as long as I am a size 8." (She is a large lady--unbanded). I am out of women's sizes..and into misses..NSV PS It's nice to be part of a community here at LBT that is so supportive and caring.

Suzie - I just noticed in your avatar that you have COLLAR BONES!!! Whoa!!! Major NSV!! Maybe if I'd get out and mow lawns for 6 hours I'd have collar bones,too!

I havent been banded yet but i have a few in mind, 2 are NSV and the last is an SV. 1- To be able to go back to normal stores, as opposed to big and tall stores. And during my bi-annual shopping for clothes not having to move up another pant size every year. 2- I like to keep my "boys" trimmed, very difficult and dangerous when you can barley see them. I cant wait to see those motherfuckers again!!! 3- Be eligible for surgery to remove a Pylonidal Cyst (sp). The surgeon that healed the cyst said they wouldnt do surgery at my current weight, too risky and healing would be a major problems. If i lose 100lb i can get the surgery and rid myself of that god awful thing.

Okay, great NSV!!! It's put me back on track...my whole goal is to be "normal" and I'm so not there yet. My emotional habits are fighting me right now. But, reading this helps! :biggrin:

Denise I am going to have to ck out lemon hill :thumbup: I just got the TSV last week Kathy Van something - luggage for my LV trip next weekend - Cherry Red:tt1: (carry on and tote) Watching QVC all day could be $$$$ - I haven't opend my Q card bill yet :smile2: Phyl - great on getting off you bp meds (or reducing them) that's a great nsv - I was on 2 now 1 but haven't taken it for a couple of days my bp was 120/74 last night - so as the weight comes off - the bp is getting so much better. Karri - Yep that seems like a lot of food but again with your exercise you need it - I am so proud of you and the whole running thing - you are such an inspiration. Well off to ck my desk - Just wanted to pop in and say Good Morning... CBL :rolleyes2:

Bahotmomma -- you are one hot mama, that's for sure! Wow, what an inspiration. Or is it thinspiration? :thumbup: Are you getting a lot of this? :huh2: I just wanted to use that smilie, I want to be drool-worthy too! Dee, I say you take NSVs where you can get them! My poor girls are so droopy and saggy and I expect it'll just get worse. I've already lost some volume. But they make excellent bras these days! I would like someday to get a breast lift, but as I haven't yet had babies, and plan to, I'll be delaying that indefinitely. You know, for that magical day when thousands of dollars appear for such things. :rolleyes2: Yet another lovely person I met on here (I don't think she's posted to this thread though for whatever reason) was banded by Dr. K last week. She had some nausea issues and called the office, only to be told that Dr. K was in Boston at a conference. She was so surprised that he called her back quickly from there to reassure her! Oh yes, he is so caring. Another friend, whom I have known for 10+ years, is getting banded by Dr. K next month. I could not be more excited for her and happy that I could help someone find such a wonderful doctor. Her insurance would not cover the band for her because her BMI was a bit too low, although she has enough in her history for me to say, yes, you should definitely consider being banded. Luckily her DH is as understanding & supportive as mine so she decided to go for it anyway. Yay! I want everybody to feel as great as I do right now. :smile2: OK, I am little bitter because Starbucks was out of the fruit & cheese plate this morning (I eat half at breakfast & half at lunch) so I had to make do with a protein shake after I finished my non-fat, sugar-free hazelnut latte. But I won't let that get me down. At least I just didn't get anything to eat there instead of going for a big muffin or doughnut...

First let me say, Bahotmamma! You're looking great! I love the picture with your daughter. I must say that you were always attractive, but now with your skinnier bod, you're very attractive! Brandy, I wish I had been your babies' nurse also. It's funny, but there are certain babies that I just fall madly in love with. And I miss them when they go home. One day I was at Dr. K's office and as I was leaving, I heard someone call my name. It was a Mom of a baby we had in our unit for over a month. She came running down that dark hall by the entrance. She said, "Remember me? -- we pray for you everynight!" I think there is no better compliment. Jlck98, Welcome to the Loser's Bench! Bandster Hell will be over soon! It's so common and you're fortunate to know about it while it is happening. So few docs tell their patients about it. I feel sorry for new bandsters who haven't been informed. It is a frustrating time if you're not expecting it. You have a great attitude. You're going to do very well with your Band. I go today for my fill. I am not sure when my next one will be, but if I'm in the area, I'd love to meet you too. Mal! I do remember your dancing Banana! Don't I look cute playing the piano with you dancing on top? I'm still so rotund, however! Is little Buster back to his old self? Munchkin! I'm so confused! I want a tiny fill, BUT my friend visited this morning unexpectantly (that T.O.M) -- Wouldn't you guess it would arrive just before I leave for Vegas? I'm feeling a little restriction - actually enough of it that I can stay satiated for 4 hours. I tested it Monday thru Wednesday this week. Measured one cup of protein, ate it and wrote down the time to see how long it took to get hungry. I might forego the fill. Well Ladies, I had an interesting NSV yesterday. I had my mammogram done -- it's not the most fun event a woman can endure, BUT I think since losing 75lbs, my girls can be manipulated so much easier, in other words flattened to the size of a turker platter! Oh MY Goodness! Prior to this weight loss, I had fairly nice looking girlies... fuller at least and didn't point south constantly! I think the mammogram works better for the girls who are deflated. I guess you could call that an NSV!:thumbup: Well, I better start my day! Hugs to you all! Wish me luck with my fill, if I decide to get one -- AND wish me luck in Vegas! I'm not taking my Naughty Chair with me -- so I have to be on my best behavior! If any of you all need my Naughty Chair you're welcome to use it!:rolleyes2: Love ya Chickies! dee~!

I did give the details on another thread. Here are all the details. I got an email from some company saying they would give me a 3 month subscription to match.com if I tried their face cream. It was $50 . I wanted to try it since it said it "hid those fine lines" so I bought it. Then this guy contacted me which surprised me cause I refused to post a picture. I said our town is too small to have a picture plastered on the internet. We emailed back and forth for a few weeks, then talked on the phone for a few weeks. Then he invited me to lunch, and the rest is history! We have seen each other every day since then. I asked my trainer at the gym if I should check the "few extra lbs" box when it asked my body shape. He said "hell no!" NSV! I never would have had the nerve to even put a profile up there if it weren't for the band! I finally had the nerve to tell him about the band. He is very health conscience. He said he was impressed that I cared enough about my health to have surgery. And I love the face cream too! I know this is not the place and sorry for thread hijacking, but you asked for details and now you have the full story!

Congradulations on all the NSV's, I can relate to the adjustment of the driver's seat in the car. One day I got in my car and it just did not feel right, had to re-adjust!! Harley, finally getting to wear those important rings do mean something. I finally was able to wear the ring my mother gave me, makes me "warm and fuzzy inside" each time I look at it now. Purple, bet the dress looks beautiful and heres to hoping you get more uses out of it! Candles reflects great off purple! Wisshi, start buying cute underwear!! Fenton, buy a new belt!!

That's FANTASTIC that your BP and meds have dropped/been cut so much! Do you feel better at your lower doses? I think that's probably the best NSV of all - a genuine improvement in health, even if you don't feel particularly different...

ok, an embarrassing NSV but one never the less. I was playing softball, running to 2nd base and my pants fell DOWN!!!!!!! not sure if any one noticed cuz my panties were the same color as my pants but OMG...MY PANTS FELL DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Time for new pants!!!!!

My wife and I were banded 9 months ago. So far I have lost 50 lbs. She has lost about 40 lbs. Also her sister was banded a month later and is doing well also. It has been the best thing the three of us have done. We both saw the doctor yesterday and felt we were doing fine. He felt that the wife did not need a fill. I will get another fill next Monday. He did say that ice cream is one of the things that will put the weight on and cause you not to loose. My wife and sister-in-law are now calling me skinny. While at the regular doctor yesterday he said that my BP was good and do not need to come back until January. Then will do more bloodwork to see how things are going. He did ask about goals and I told him I was looking at about 165-170. Not going by the charts. He felt that was a good weight to shoot for. I will say it is the best thing we have done. There is a lot of NSV that have happen etc. Next week I go to see my partents and they will see the results. However they or my sisters do not know that we (I) have done the band. Good luck and keep us updated on how you are doing. Chris

Kat - yep this is a whole new experience - I am still amazing 11 months out .. Jill - Yep mushies never knew we could be so excited Congrats on the 9lbs :tongue: Long - Great NSV I had one on Friday - My GS asked me why I was walking so fast - told him i am just walking - before he would always be 10 steps ahead of me :thumbup:

I had a great NSV yesterday, went shopping, went into a normal store, GAP, and bought a T shirt a size XL but still it was a normal store!! I bought it thinking it would fit down the road and it was incentive, I've not bought something in a NORMAL store in years!! I tried it on at home and IT FIT!!!!!!!!!!! I think it's snug but my daughter, husband and friend all say no that's the way it's supposed to fit. I'm so stoked, now I want to go back and get one in every color!!!

The photos look great Janet!! I can't wait til I have some like that!! I had a great NSV yesterday, went shopping, went into a normal store, GAP, and bought a T shirt a size XL but still it was a normal store!! I bought it thinking it would fit down the road and it was incentive, I've not bought something in a NORMAL store in years!! I tried it on at home and IT FIT!!!!!!!!!!! I think it's snug but my daughter, husband and friend all say no that's the way it's supposed to fit. I'm so stoked, now I want to go back and get one in every color!!! Cathy, I'm eating lots of refried beans and a tad of cheese these days on mushies. Also some scrambled eggs and soups.