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I run my own business. I am the only employee, with the exception of Mrs. LittleBill, who maintains the books, and occasionally helps me schlep a heavy board around, or haul a piece of furniture to a customer. The doc gave me an extra long prognosis for recovery because of all the heavy lifting I do, so I planned to be off from work until after New Years for a couple of reasons. Today, since I have been recently cleared for some more action, I found myself in the shop eyeing up a piece of wood that has been sitting on the bench for a long time, waiting for my vision to become reality. I figured, why not? I got all my stuff together, and prepared to make art. A real important part of "my stuff" is protective gear, and the biggest part of that is my air helmet. I hadn't worn in in over three months, as I had been working on stuff where it wasn't needed before surgery, and afterward, I just wasn't doing anything until today. I grabbed it off the shelf, stuck it on my haid, and... Hey! This thing is loose! Now, loose is a relative term. For me, loose means it actually fits now. My hat size seems to have decreased a barely noticeable amount, but the real change was in my cheeks and jawline. My cheeks have shrunken considerably over the past three months, so the visor snaps down with authority now, instead of just making an effort. It actually felt kind of weird. But I'll take it. After I got over the weirdness of it, it was more comfortable than it has been in a long time, and that is great. I often wear this thing for hours at a time when I am working.

@@ryan_86 Congratulations on all your hard work! People are just judgmental. Some feel free to comment when your heavy. They will also talk about you after goal. The attention around your weight loss feels a bit uncomfortable right? Even positive attention is an adjustment. I went from invisible to attention. I didn't know how to respond. I had to give myself a compliment scale.( I have no Idea why this helped me) (1) Appropriate- I give a quick thank you and move on. (2) Hilarious - Makes a great NSV story. (3) Creepy - Need I say more. The attention will fade after your weight loss stops. People will accept that this is just you. Keep supportive people around you and ignore the rest.

I'm three months out this past week! It just dawned on me that... I'm down almost two shirt sizes My neck is down 3 inches My waist size is down 8 inches. Holy buckets... and at my NUT appointment she told me that I may be losing a bit fast. Just wanted to crow a bit.

No need whatsoever to step on the scale if you don't want to. I only ever weighed about once every 3-4 weeks. As long as you are getting your protein and fluids and following your meal plans, you will lose. For me, the NSVs were my measure of progress and way more fun to track anyways. Others like to see those numbers every day and that's fine. Just do whatever you feel most comfortable with and what will allow you to be successful.

Good morning, BP Campers. Thought I'd stop in for a a quick visit and update. I started my preop diet 3 years ago today. I always consider this my anniversary, rather than the surgery date. Here's a recap of my journey so far..... Year 1 - the year of losing all of my excess weight (100 pounds), dozens of NSVs, and a new wardrobe. By far, the most exciting year. Even the month of liquids, 6 weeks of diarrhea and 2 insanely painful gallbladder attacks couldn't put a dent in my enthusiasm. It was all so new and fun and easy. Life was great and I was invincible! Year 2 - the year of finding out life still sucks no matter what size you are, losing my best friend to suicide, sinking into a deep hole of depression and finding that I could no longer rely on my old friends.....food, alcohol and cigarettes. Just struggling to get through each day with really no desire to. Two more gallbladder attacks which I finally put an end to with a long overdue cholecystectomy. Despite a complete breakdown of my emotional stability, I was surprisingly able to maintain my weight loss from the 1st year. I held onto the fact that what I put in my mouth was one of the few things I could control at that point. Year 3 - the year of emotional healing (well, at least a start in that direction) with a grief therapist, testosterone replacement and an antidepressant. Finally able to crawl out the darkness into a somewhat bearable existence. My latest breakthrough is I actually said yes when asked out on a date about a month ago. Considering my introvert personality and swearing off relationships almost 20 years ago, this is an extraordinary step for me. We've been out 1/2 dozen times and I'm actually enjoying it. Who knows what Year 4 will bring. But I've definitely come to realize as time goes on, everything has become less and less about surgery and weightloss and more and more about life. I maintain my weight the same way I lost it....80+ grams of Protein, 100+ ounces of Water, low carb, balanced diet including veggies, fruit and whole grains. I pretty much eat whatever I want but I make smart choices when it comes to quantities. No tracking, no measuring, just mindful eating. I am diligent about keeping any regains in check. I've got too much invested, both financially and emotionally to let a 1-2 pound regain turn into 10-20 pounds. I have labs done annually and follow a Vitamin regimen based on the results. I don't have an exercise routine, just a very busy, active life. Bottom line is a successful WLS result is not rocket science. Whatever you had to do to lose weight is pretty much what you need to do forever. If you can't control sliders and trigger foods, they WILL lead to regain. If you don't make the psychological adjustments and permanently change your habits and behaviors, you WILL regain. It's totally up to you whether or not your surgery becomes just another failed diet. Don't be afraid to seek professional help with the mental side of it. I finally did...thank goodness. Good luck to the newbies. Congrats to the veterans.

Hi @@jellybean12 Welcome! Similar to you, I had the the same stall then dropped a few. I also am mid-190s now. I have felt that empty feeling, but usually only in the wee early mornings. I think some of it is acid. I drink tea or coffee and to goes away. Hip bones, nice NSV!

Just made the cut--sleeved on 10/31. Everything is progressing well. I've lost 21.2 lbs. since the operation and 46.4 since I started the pre-op diet. My last two weigh-ins were much lower than my first two weeks post-op, but that's fine. Seems to be very common. I can advance from soft foods to the regular diet after my next NUT appt., Dec. 22. I've never craved a grilled chicken breast so much in my life! For NSVs, clothes are definitely looser, and I should be within a few weeks of moving down a size. I've ordered a few shirts that are a size smaller and fit snugly, but not too tight. I'm also getting closer to wearing my winter pea coat from two years ago. Still tired some evenings if it's been a particularly busy day, but not fatigued like I was the first week or two out. I return to work this Monday. Mixed emotions. This recovery time has made me realize there are certain aspects of my job that need to change, and if they don't in a few months, I'll feel comfortable looking for new opportunities elsewhere. Now, off to scrambled egg and cottage cheese for dinner.

@@Margie122 hey bud i remember you!!! glad you stopped by to say hello my day just got better after seeing your cheery face!! pics are great - what else would i expect? happy/sad to say i'm seeing "less and less" of you !! NSV's are the best!!! walk, run,stairs, energy leap tall buildings, chew gum, rub tummy and head - all standing on one leg!! you are amazing!! your great decision to go back to school i can hear my 16 yr old grand-daughter now "what, she wanted to go back to school?!!" LOL keep up the good work for the rest of your healthier, happier, longer life happy b'day and many more kathy congrats

I'll take the post bariatric WLS surgery weight loss Shar-Pei look on the green side of the grass over the alternative. People, after losing the excess weight, should not be surprised by the excess skin due to the years of stretching it out by being obese. Also we lose the elasticity of the skin as we age too. If someone wants to get plastic surgery because they would like to feel better about how they look, then that is their decision. For me, not seeing that obese man look back at me in the mirror is more than enough. My improved health, self esteem, improved or eliminated comorbidities due to no longer being obese, more NSVs than I can even write about on one page, etc., is all I need.

@@treciag My heart goes out to you! I am glad you came back here, to BP. In the General Weight-Loss Forum, there is a new "Regain and-back-on-track" Forum. Link below: http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1261-regain-and-back-on-track-new/ I haven't regained, I am still working towards my goal. What I have noticed, is that if I indulge in sweets, my weight stays the same, or even goes up slightly. So, for me, I have to watch this! I am currently doing mainly very high Protein diet, lot more Water and stepping up my exercise. I log my food, like you in the MFP. And I check in daily here, at BP. I am going through the longest stall so far, however with my high protein diet, I am noticing few NSVs, like my wrist watch is getting looser and looser, today my rings are finally loose, and it shows in my face and my clothes are looser too, despite the scales staying the same. So, currently losing inches/centimetres. Best of Luck and Best Wishes in your journey!

December 1st.. I've been sleeved... The surgery part not so bad... the team just ran a little behind. While waiting all the different care teams came in to introduce themselves and explained thier roles. My surgeon came in last. Asked me if I have any questions and introduced his Resident. I was given an anti nausea patch and pull then sent to the Surgery Theater. In recovery I have no recollection. However in my room the pain immediately hit me. I have been dealing with pain management all day. It would subside then start back up. It's only the side where the stomach was removed. Aside from pain, the other issue is my bladder. It's been full the entire time... every time I go tinkle... they take an ultrasound to determine how full it is.... hoping for no catheter... especially since I am "girling" right now. The walking... I haven't managed to do much because of the pain and being slightly dizzy. But when the pain has intermittently subsides... i am up and at em. I have 6 incisions. All the staff has remarked that I look extremely well for just undergoing serious abdominal surgery. .. guess that's my 1st NSV!!! TIRED & Optimistic. Much success to the rest of you.

That's one of the best NSVs, isn't it? Promise to report back when you get to the next ring stage: They need to be resized.

AWWWWW! that's certainly a great NSV! 'grats!

@@blizair09 @@OutsideMatchInside Yes that's totally what it is! I had a really lovely experience recently traveling for work trip recently. I was out to dinner with a senior colleague, a professionally dressed slender woman, at a gorgeous little French boite in New England. The waitress came over to see if we wanted the complimentary bread basket or no. I swear back when I was way fatter, or if I had been with a group of dudes she would have just dropped off the bread basket. But she knows when she sees two nicely dressed ladies visiting from NYC they will most likely leave the bread basket untouched. It was a great NSV.

Well, when viewing my side profile my tummy is finally smaller than my chest. That is a big NSV for me since my boobs have lost 2 full cup sizes. My husband cuddles me in these cold nights and can wrap his arms actually all around me. Feels great!!

Those are great NSVs!!

Thank God I read this. I.m absolutely terrified. And although I only weigh 200lbs it's still impossible for me to lose it. I was 295lbs and lost 95 with weight watchers but it goes on and off and I'm sick of being the fat friend and not joining in with anything. Thanks for the inspiration xxx well done for all of your nsv xxx Sent from my SM-G935F using the BariatricPal App

It took me 30 years of fighting obesity, every diet you can imagine, sometimes multiple times, like weight watchers, not that I don't believe some people can do it, but it is a very small percentage, and finally 3 years to really decide I was going to get drastic and do the gastric sleeve. I am terrified of surgery and it was a very big difficult decision. Sometimes I still cannot believe I have actually done it and it is now almost 16 months and 117lbs down. 17 more lbs to reach my goal. Anyway I am now able to postpone my left knee replacement, NSV and I went to Seaworld and the Wild animal Park, San Diego last week and was able to walk around both parks, only sitting occasionally, still have arthritis in knees, but the weight loss has made such a tremendous difference. I walked hills that i would not dare 2 years ago to even attempt, and my husband could not believe it either, another huge NSV. So if you are having any doubts, the doubt should be what took so lo ng, do it, it is amazing, and absolutely life changing for the better. Good luck to all, and go for it.

Woot Woot! I've lost 55 pounds but only 1 pant size. It's my favorite NSV.

I can't wait for the NSV's. I want to be comfortable enough to go to the gym pool and swim again, or even join a masters swim club! I want to go sky diving! I want to be able to clean house, play with my daughter and teach all day without being exhausted all the time or having to take breaks constantly. I'd like to buy clothes that are cute and make me feel like me and not someone else. To be able to look in the mirror and smile because I can see me and not the lbs of shame. thank you for this post! It is so uplifting and fun to see everyones aspirations.

8 weeks post op Mon down almost 70 lbs since January. Nsvs in a 16w comfortably from a 24-26. I can wear knee high boots...the kind w/o elastic in the back. Ring went from a10 to a 7. I brought in all the Christmas stuff 2day w/o help and so far decorated 5 trees here 1 to go and 2 at church all in 1 day. Sent from my 5054N using the BariatricPal App

need to hear about the good @@doxaholic et al - very long again - get a glass of water!! bad/sad/regretful stories seem to stick out/remembered more often it's good for people to vent - one reason to come here please don't dwell on the bad - negative thoughts NOW - the good stuff........... many wonderful things to look forward to in your new life NSV's galore!!! health and happiness are on the top of the list diabetes, high blood pressure, CPAP, mobility etc.- should/will get better as time passes those are just a few example of health improvements many good/funny discussions are always out there pork chops, 20 oz pieces of steak etc pizza pizza pizza!! good sex discussions about when, and how!! many more topics that you love/want to hear about (nature of the beast!!) they are all out there to be heard and giggled about like you requested to see we are a fun group!!! (that's what you wanted!!) WLS one week from Monday!!! nerves will continue - ups and downs you know that!! it's all good, you'll do great hugggggs kathy PS the above is my condensed version, you should have seen it before!! LOL

@@Jobey Wow, you look great ! Congratulations! Yes, I too noticed slowing down of my weight loss. I lost 33kg/72 Ib in my first 6-7 months. Lately I have been sitting on 68kg/149 Ib for the past 6-7 weeks, and it is not budging. I even made a post about it in the General Gastric Sleeve: "I'm still Shrinking", as I am still losing my measurements. I am very close to Goal, and I don't like my scales right now, but my wrist, shoe size, arms and face are showing more changes. Plus my clothes are getting looser still. I have changed to mostly Protein diet now, and I got my GENEPRO Protein powder from the States that I add to my coffee now. Still add my Aussie protein powder to my yoghurt. For me, the honey moon period finished after 6-7 months, hunger returned and weight loss slowed. Thank goodness for NSVs! @@Jobey I am in Queensland too, moved to the Gold Coast few years ago (from Sydney).