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Hi all! Everyone seems to be doing fabulous! Congrats on all the NSV's and SV's! Doesn't it feel great to realize your pants are too big for a change:) I am counting down the days until my birthday- 2 to go.... I had a goal of being under 200, although it's not looking like I'll hit it. I went to the gym for 2 hours today and beat the crap out of myself. It felt good- and I hope it helps! 6 stinking lbs to go.. Either way, I'm happy to be so close, but still, goal would've been nice. What's all this about a wii fit?? I guess I'll have to google it. I'm surprised I haven't heard of it before now? I'm not big on exercising so if it can be fun, I ought to check it out! For those going to Nashville- I am sooo jealous! I have never really been able to travel, but Nashville is my first choice when I do. I play guitar, and sing country music.. I've always dreamed of going there and putting on a show! I hope you have a blast:) Is everyone else's office a no- go with early fills?I have been pushy for a second fill- I am starving, and it's hard to keep that lion at bay! I thought we were supposed to help judge when we were in need of a fill? The office won't let me go in any earlier than 6 weeks, and I can't speak with the Doc. Grrrr:( They told me that the stomach needs 6 weeks in between to heal? I think it's b.s. I am waiting until the 21st for my second fill. It's not THAT far away I guess;) ~Kerri

TracyKS I feel for you.....it is hard to raise a 13 year old (listen up Laura!!) but it is exponentionally harder to raise a 13 year old that you did not raise the entire 13 years! One that has another parent in another place...I know! They learn manipulation early, and if it is not called on then, they use it!! Stick to your guns, as his own birth parents are likely to cave--and he will be sobbing and crying when the car he wants at 16 is not cool either......you are doing the right thing. Terry, I had to laugh you are so right, it IS the years between darling infancy and adulthood that are the hard ones!!! Jane---it is always hard when someone we care about does something out of character, or shocking to the family. I am sorry your family is going through all of it. Andif it would help to have someone to "get in gear" with, to behave with eating and drinking again.....I might just be the one to talk to!!! So Pamela----I am an idiot---but tell me again, why are you and Susanne apart for this time? Is it part of her exit? Maybe you need to challenge yourself----lose another 5 pounds before you see her, and reward yourself with something the 2 of you could enjoy! Did you ever find out if you could take online orders for your party???? Suzanne---I get tongue twisted days like that!! We have a lawn swing with the little table in the middle. I also have a longer lawn swing, very padded, that I love laying in and swinging!! I could never get it to swing the way I wanted, so Rick hooked a little chain---quite small, kinda decorative links---up to the roof of the patio, and when I want to lay down and swing, I can unhook the chain, and by pulling it, it will start the swing going, because of the angle.....so I can swing, swing, swing, then give the chain a pull and swing, swing, swing.....I love it!!! I think our snooty neighbors think we spend too much time outdoors too!!! She one time actually ask me not to hang any laundry out, she was having guests!!! I embarass her!!! LOL Thanks for all the NSV comments--it hit me kinda strange. I too was kind of tickled with Becky standing up for me--but it also kinda depressed me, that all the time I saw this woman for my friend, and even now, she only sees me in a certain way. Or maybe she just has such an inflated sense of herself, she cannot imagine it, I don't know, but it kind of hurt at the same time it made me want to laugh in her face-------I know that probably does not make sense.....oh well!! Well I am talking to my Dr. today and if he ok's me, we are leaving in the morning for Texas! Sudden? yes!! We have to go register the average # of cattle we run on the place to get a tax break on the land we graze.....and it has to be done this week. It would be quick-- down on Tuesday, and home on Saturday. Lots of drive time, it is minimally 12 hours with out road construction along the way, and we ALWAYS find some somewhere! Will take my laptop, but don't have signal on the farm....even for my cell phone----aarrggh! But will check in as I can. Will letyou know if we are going when I hear from my Dr. Going in to have lunch with Rick today.....so I better get busy, will catch the rest of you laters!! Kat

Old belts, and clothes are definitely a fun way to reward yourself - good non-scale victories (NSV's). Because my weight has histrically been a yo-yo ride, I do keep suits I haven't fit into for years and it is great when you put those back on and you realize you need to have them taken in ! Back to full vs. stuck. Agree with Jack (as usual) - no longer going for that full sensation, rather going for that satisfied sensation. I just received my 3rd fill. If something gets stuck, it is usually because I erred - ate too much, too fast or not chewed enough. I can think and feel hungry these days and when I eat, I portion out a small portion of food and eat slowly and chew thoroughly. When I feel no longer hungry, I stop, which I can do 99% of the time now. When I err, ouch. The band serves as a tool to tell me that I did something wrong. I'm still figuring it all out, but I really like what the band is doing for me these days...

I am beginning to stand up for myself. For so long whenever something was wrong I just let it go and grumbled about it to dh later. The other day a teacher talked really nastily to my son and I made it a point to tell her that I thought it was inappropriate. When another person grew a little too big for their britches talking to me like I wasn't good enough, I set them directly in their place. The new self confidence and the feeling that I AM worth it is amazing. I think that's the best NSV and most remarkable change. Who knew that I would start to feel worthy by losing some weight. Amazing.

Good morning everyone! I slept like a log last night and so did Macy. All that exercise and heat can wear a person out. When we went toobing, I made sure I had on loads of sunblock and it worked well in most places, right? Well, I had these big dandruff looking things in my hair and finally realized my scalp had burnt and was peeling. How attractive, right? Well, dd has a burnt scalp now so I know in a few days she will be shedding like an english sheepdog just like I was! Luckily she has real blonde hair so it will not be too noticeable! Is there a sunblock for hair & scalp? Terri-I think I will start a word journal. I really miss keeping one cause it is very theraputic. I loved that link of where you are going this weekend. Looks like fun! Laura-babies are fun... Especially when you can bring them back to their mom. lol But seriously, I know what you mean about the yearning to have one. Good luck! You will be a great momma! Then you will have an internal clock and wake up early like me Jane-sorry to hear about what you are going through. I wish I were there to give you a big hug! Jennifer...we miss you!! Kat-what a great NSV! I LOVE IT! Tracy-how was the meatloaf? Haydee-how was Galveston? Suzie-If we had a deck I would probably live outside! I need to get my butt in gear. Have a great day everyone! Hi Judy, Pamela and Michelle!! (if I missed someone I am sorry)

Kat, congrats on the NSV. How awesome that must have felt. We spend more time out on our deck than in the house. I know the neighbors must hate it that we are out there all the time, but now that we have a fence up they don't have to worry about it anymore. Several years ago Hubby and I were on our way to the Lake when we ran across a little Amish furniture place. We ended up buy a glider that is divided in the middle by a little table. We thought that would work better than sitting side by side. Now I can rock all I want and have my glass of ice tea. Speaking of ice tea, I made my first batch of Sun Tea today. It's delicious. Love the stuff. Hope everyone had a great weekend.

My weightloss has slowed...but hasn't stopped! However, I do have a couple of NSV's that I would like to share, 1. My capri pants are no longer capri's. NO...I didn't shrink...but I think that I lost in my hips and butt and they are hanging lower. I love it. Now I might not have to hem my pants. 2. My favorite necklace is longer...that freaked me out a bit. 3. I'm sweating less. I know that's gross but I sweat like a pig and I hate it. I went walking yesterday and I didn't sweat so disgustingly that I had to come home and take a shower. Psyched! 4. My rings fit better. Now if I could fit into all of my cutie patootie rings that I have stashed my jewelry box.

Have any NSV's to post? Non-scale victories... Even though the scale may not be moving down just yet, weight loss results in other forms. I put on a pair of 18 jeans that I could not pull up and close in about a year...and they fit!!!!! And they went up with ease!!!! My work pants are also sooooo baggy! YAY!! Let's hear it May Flowers and Shrinko De'Mayos!!

Hey Ali...A personal trainer!! That gym sounds great..I wish they had one like that in my neck of the woods..I do belong to a women only gym. But, I am too embarrassed to go!! I went quite a bit last year and then regained all that I lost (another WW attempt). I know the owner and most of the employees and am embarrassed about my failure..I need to get over it and go back..I am still paying!! Even though I don't really have any restriction at this point. I am eating less for sure. I am grateful that I haven't reagained any of the 18lbs I lost while on the liquid phase...But, I haven't loss any more in over a month either... My next fill is this Wed...I know people can need even 3+ fills to hit their "sweet spot." I am still hoping that I will feel something this time!! WTG on just one bean burrito!! That is a HUGE NSV!!!! Skinny hugs to you!! Erika P.S. Where are the rest of the April's Fools Avengers???

I have previously underestimated the power of the NSV to encourage me when the scale is stagnant. The scale has started to move again!! Here are some things that got me through: 1) I was able to paint my own toes the other day while sitting down on a stool and bending over. I was never out of breath once!! 2) I was able to put on my old pair of size 16 jeans yesterday. They hurt like heck but I was a least able to get them up! 3) I am able to type this right now sitting in Indian Style on the couch and it doesn't hurt! 4) I was able to button a size 16 pant suit jacket today and my arms were not too tight in the sleeves! That's it for now!

jjsmiles, those are great nsv!! I just love reading these.

Thats a really cool NSV. I love the idea of comparing the shirts. I will do that...later.

I just wanted to give a shout out to everyone who is trying to lose weight. I would also like for them to think about setting non-scale victories (NSV), such as getting into a new outfit, being able to ride the roller coasters, or getting the confidence to do new things. I think it is good to have an NSV because it gives you something else to focus on other then that damn scale number, which doesn’t always count because sometimes I don’t lose anything but inches. For those of you that are just starting to lose weight, please don’t lose faith because you will reach your goal. Some people lose really fast or non-stop and others only lose a couple of pounds a month. I had a goal in mind and thought I would not be happy until I reached it, but I was wrong. I am finally at a weight that I feel comfortable. My health is good and I feel like I can run a marathon. Don’t get me wrong, I am still overweight and need to lose about 50+ pounds. I was just wrong about how far away that light was at the end of the tunnel, and I hope you will find out that your happiness may come sooner then you think. For the first time in my life, I don’t want to stay home (which sucks with the current gas prices). However, since I never went out before I am not sure what I want to do or where to go, but I am so comfortable that I am finally trying to get out and meet people more, especially since some of my old friends don’t seem to feel comfortable around me now that I have lost weight and they haven’t. My new found confidence has also allowed me to apply for a management job (which I should hear about by the middle of June so keep your fingers crossed). If I don’t get that job, I am also considering just moving to a new city (probably Atlanta) and making a fresh start. I guess sometimes you just have to take risks, the first of which for me was having surgery. It is the first day of June and my goal for this month is to lose 10 lbs. I am not sure if I will reach that goal, but it is worth trying and I think it is possible. I think it helps to set small goals and try for them rather then focus on the final goal. It helps that I have pretty much maintained my weight over the past couple of weeks and my body seems like it is ready to begin moving forward again. I think the more weight I lose the more confident and free I will feel to do just about anything. I would love to go white water rafting one day, yeah I know I am crazy, but aren’t we all just a little. I’ll keep ya posted on my progress. ~Think Positive and Stay Healthy~

I just wanted to give a shout out to everyone who is trying to lose weight. I would also like for them to think about setting non-scale victories (NSV), such as getting into a new outfit, being able to ride the roller coasters, or getting the confidence to do new things. I think it is good to have an NSV because it gives you something else to focus on other then that damn scale number, which doesn’t always count because sometimes I don’t lose anything but inches. For those of you that are just starting to lose weight, please don’t lose faith because you will reach your goal. Some people lose really fast or non-stop and others only lose a couple of pounds a month. I had a goal in mind and thought I would not be happy until I reached it, but I was wrong. I am finally at a weight that I feel comfortable. My health is good and I feel like I can run a marathon. Don’t get me wrong, I am still overweight and need to lose about 50+ pounds. I was just wrong about how far away that light was at the end of the tunnel, and I hope you will find out that your happiness may come sooner then you think. For the first time in my life, I don’t want to stay home (which sucks with the current gas prices). However, since I never went out before I am not sure what I want to do or where to go, but I am so comfortable that I am finally trying to get out and meet people more, especially since some of my old friends don’t seem to feel comfortable around me now that I have lost weight and they haven’t. My new found confidence has also allowed me to apply for a management job (which I should hear about by the middle of June so keep your fingers crossed). If I don’t get that job, I am also considering just moving to a new city (probably Atlanta) and making a fresh start. I guess sometimes you just have to take risks, the first of which for me was having surgery. It is the first day of June and my goal for this month is to lose 10 lbs. I am not sure if I will reach that goal, but it is worth trying and I think it is possible. I think it helps to set small goals and try for them rather then focus on the final goal. It helps that I have pretty much maintained my weight over the past couple of weeks and my body seems like it is ready to begin moving forward again. I think the more weight I lose the more confident and free I will feel to do just about anything. I would love to go white water rafting one day, yeah I know I am crazy, but aren’t we all just a little. I’ll keep ya posted on my progress. ~Think Positive and Stay Healthy~

I think it is good to have an NSV because it gives you something else to focus on other then that damn scale number, which doesn’t always count because sometimes I don’t lose anything but inches. For those of you that are new, don’t lose faith because we will all reach our goal sometime. Some people lose really fast or non-stop and others only lose a couple of pounds a month. I had a goal in mind and thought I would not be happy until I reached it, but I was wrong. I am finally at a weight that I feel comfortable. My health is good and I feel like I can run a marathon. Don’t get me wrong, I am still overweight and need to lose about 50+ pounds. I was just wrong about how far away that light was at the end of the tunnel, and I hope you will find out that your happiness may come sooner then you think. For the first time in my life, I don’t want to stay home (which sucks with the current gas prices). I am also so comfortable that I am finally trying to get out and meet people more and I have applied for a management job (which I should hear about by the middle of June, so keep your fingers crossed). If I don’t get that job, I am also considering just moving to a new city (probably Atlanta) and making a fresh start. I guess sometimes you just have to take risks, the first of which is done because it was having the surgery.

Bet that put a huge smile on your face. I know it put one on mine. Another NSV, congrats!

I posted this on my monthly support site, but thought I'd share it with all. Here's a comparison of my favorite shirt now and my favorite shirt pre-band. (4 months and 60 pounds!)

nice to see a familiar "face" on here, very happy for you, and jealous!!! the last time I was on a ride was 98 lbs ago:embaressed_smile:. it was the "merry mixer" and the bar was so tight across me it wouldn't allow the catch to release. it was very embaressing especially when the kid had to get the maintance man to get me out. I nearly died. My kids were little so I don't think they were aware of the real problem. now 25 years later I'm too chicken! I have this fear that the ride will break and all this will be for nothing. I may have to rethink that . My NSV I guess is I only got 2 more lbs. to go to hit my 100 lb. loss ( from my top wt. of course!) :laugh:

Congrats on your NSV!! I know this is something my partner and I are looking forward to doing once we get some of the weight off...Guess we will find out who is more of a chicken, ha!!

Edd, I love you NSV. It's fantastic. I hope to be a copy cat and make it mine too. I've made plans to do something similar. My banded friend and I are going to an amusement park the 4th of July weekend. No kids, no partners. Just us former fatties, enjoying the ride which we haven't ridden on since high school. I'm super excited.

Becca, thank you so much for that. I cried as I watched the NSV portion. (The emotion-manipulating music didn't help that! LOL) I can so relate to many of your NSVs. I've lost 60 lbs now, too. My almost 8 year old dd loves to put her arms all the way around me now. I haven't been to an amusement park since I was about 300lbs and I can so relate to the not-fitting-on-the-ride thing. Crossing legs, check, throwing away plus-sized catalogs, check, losing clothing sizes, check. I am so grateful for this blessing in my life. Thank you for expressing it so beautifully in your video blog.

Hmmm...I have a NSV (Non-Scale Victory) to share. Before I had the band I could not ride on roller coasters due to being too big for the rides. One of my goals was to lose enough weight to finally enjoy the coasters again, especially since I currently live about 5 or 10 minutes from Busch Gardens. Once I hit my goal weight of 250 lbs, I bought myself an annual pass to Busch Gardens. The following weekend I went there with a friend and I was able to finally fit in the seats. The bad part was the roller coaster bars kept pushing in on my port and after a few hours I was in pain. I think maybe once I lose more weight this might not be an issue. I was happy because I finally got to do something I had been telling myself I would not be able to go again. It was nice to be wrong. I hope everyone is setting NSV's and accomplishing them too.

Good that you took some time for yourself! And, celebrate those NSV's! We'll all have to work on the "fat girl thinking"!! We went to the Navy support facility today... I had my heart set on these shoes I saw two weeks ago and didn't buy! DH intimidates me about buying shoes... he thinks all anyone needs is two pairs of shoes! So we go back today to do some grocery shopping and now the smallest size they have is 7 1/2... way too big for me. AND, I wanted to look at clothes. First couldn't find anyone to help me, then only a guy. He says "how can I help you?" I say, " Do you have any clothes that aren't size 2 teeny bopper clothes???" He says they don't have any plus sizes anymore. I'd already figured that out so I had an attitude!! So I told him he also didn't have anything that anyone over 30 would wear!! So I went home frustrated, and with nothing but cauliflower, lettuce, etc.!! I did get some Tostito Queso in a jar.. only 40 calories for 2 Tbsp. Figured I can use 1 TBSP in my eggbeater omelet in the morning. I found something called "Coromega" Orange Flavor Omega 3 Supplements.. about the consistency of yogurt or pudding, in squeeze tubes that you can either squeeze directly in to your mouth, or onto a spoon, or into something else like yogurt, etc. Only 20 calories, once a day, no sugar or artificial sweetner, colored with beta carotene, no dairy, yeast, wheat or gluten, tastes decent. I found it at Costco.. but Janet & I were told about it at a support group meeting we attended at her dr's office. All these body image issues you gals are dealing with are getting scary!!

NSV for me 1. Being able to put on socks standing up 2. Putting on socks and not almost passing out because of no air 3. No longer use a CPAP machine 4. No longer take diabetes medicine 5. gone from 56 pants to 38 6. Gone from 3X to large 7. No longer use an extension seat belt on an air plane 8. on my last airplane trip actually had to tighten the seatbelt from the previous passenger. 9. I can walk further then my grand children

I'm so glad Natalie called you! She's the best! She's the best part of going to Dr. K's office! I do love teaching! I taught a class at the hospital last week and I loved it. I always love it! I went to Haiti as a Missionary when I was 19 years old and taught 1st thru 3rd grade and English as a Second Language. I loved it! I would love to go to a foreign country and teach again. When I graduated in 1985 from college, I was offered a job in Pusan Korea to direct a language school. Instead, I got married and worked as a Juvenile Probation officer. Can you imagine me, as a JPO? Where do you live Mini? I know the hospital where I work has a good scholarship program too, but I'm not sure how much they'd pay for me to get my masters. Tonight, we went to the mall. It was nice to just walk around. I used to never like the mall because my knees and feet hurt so bad. Now, I love it. I think that's a nice NSV - being able to enjoy the mall.