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The other day I went to Lane Bryant in search of a new pair of shorts for summer. The smallest size I owned previously was a 20, which I've been wearing in my last couple of progress photos, but of course they are much too big now. I grabbed an 18 and a 16 to take into the dressing room with me. I felt optimistic so I tried the 16's first.To my shock and amazement, they were too big. I changed and went to grab a size 14, figuring they would be too tight and I'd be in between the two sizes. To my even greater shock and amazement, they fit perfectly. Size 14. Fit. Perfectly. I cried in the dressing room. After collecting myself I decided to buy some new jeans too. The 14's seemed a bit snug so I bought 16, but they are actually kind of baggy so with those I think I'm right in between. But still... walking out with a 16 and a 14, I felt like I was walking on air. Even though LB sizes run generous, the important thing is when I started, I was wearing size 28 from that store. I've gone from their biggest size to their smallest size!!!!!!!! It still amazes me how much has changed. Today, I went grocery shopping and I had to pick up some items we were asked to bring to a party this weekend. chips and soda... two things I haven't bought in almost a year. Just walking down those two aisles of the store was a strangely foreign experience. They were so unfamiliar and I couldn't believe how weird it felt. That was a good reminder... things HAVE changed, so much. That even though lately I have struggled with some of my food choices... I have still come a very long way and there are TONS of things I do not even TOUCH anymore such as chips, soda, most fried foods and most fast food, that pretty much used to make up my ENTIRE diet. This makes me feel good. However, that's the bright side and I do need to look at the not so bright side also. My eating in Chicago wasn't great... I did as well as I could for the most part, but I had way too many sweets and Desserts. When I got home I had gained 3 lbs... not too shabby for a vacation. Since I did a 5K while I was there and got a great workout at the waterpark, I'm sure that helped me not to gain even more. But then I was only home 1 day and went up to our timeshare with my husband. We took all kinds of good food with us, planning only to eat out for our favorite sushi a couple times and eat everything else at home. Unfortunately we both went into pig-out vacation mode and we ate candy, popcorn and sweets. Night before last as we were going to bed, I exploded, telling him how awful I felt about how we were eating. He felt the same way. We realize there are both ups and downs when it comes to going through this together - we like to be bad together. But we can also talk about it and pull ourselves out of it together. When we got up the next morning, we threw away all the remaining candy, popcorn and junk (hello s'mores!) that we still had. I told him what scares me the most is not gaining a couple pounds - I know that is temporary and easy to get rid of. What scares me is the lack of control I have been feeling over this behavior. It's wayyyy to familiar, and i know exactly where it will take me. I swore I'd never say no to anything... but I think at least for a while, I have to say no to sweets. I need to get them out of my system. Other than my Starbucks twice per week, no other sweets. No candy, no chocolate, no desserts, no Cookies, etc. And also watching my carbs more again. I am planning to be very strict about this at least until our one year appointment (which we are moving to June, at Ian's one year). Once I have all the junk out of my system, then I can decide when and IF to bring any back in. I used to be okay with a little here and there and I hope I can do that again. But right now, I can't... so I need to abstain. I never thought I would do this... but for now it is necessary. If I have it around I go nuts with it and can't stop myself. Somewhere along the way I have lost that. I think part of it is physical - when it's in your system you want more more more. Part of it is mental, and I had that part good so I think the physical of having it in my system is what is making it a lot harder. So for now... out of my system. I've now been eating "right" for two days and I already feel so much better. This is how it SHOULD be. This is how it WILL be. I'm not beating myself up, but rather picking myself up and moving forward to live the life I want to live I have more changes to make, more pounds to lose and more life to live! Whoo!

Great NSV, and great attitude about getting back on track.The last RN I had before I was discharged looked like she could be your little sister.

Well, I have three things to say about this... 1, I am well envoius of the location. 2, I am very envious of your achievement and 3, I am proper envious of your figure.... you look AMAZIN'!! Congratulations on a fantastic NSV... you'll do the full marathon no problems... can't wait to read that post, well I will probably hear the excitment from over the podn...lol =]

Congrats! Awesome NSV! I must say I've never been "caving?" before, but SWIMMING through a cave?! That sounds fantastic. (I <3 swimming) Your victory gave me a new goal Congrats again.

For the first time in at least 5 years, I have gotten on my road bike. :0) I used to bike 20+ miles at a time. I only went less than 2 miles. But I am proud of myself.

Oh boy do I love reading about NSVs. This is a great one and you should be so proud of yourself. Enjoy your shopping!

I was told the other day by friends that I need new clothes (we have always promised each other brutal honesty) because, well, ALL of my clothes are too big. So, I went to this cute little boutique over the weekend and looked around. I remember always looking before and sales people would always acknowledge me, but must have always assumed I was shopping for someone else. The sales girl this weekend asked, "can I start you a fitting room?" Momentarily I was taken aback, but answered, "sure, why not!" As I started to hand her XL or L sized clothing, she said, "these are not going to fit you." And there I was, back in that place again, back to the what the heck am I doing in this store?? Then she followed up with, "these will be way too big on you." I can not tell you or even begin to recall the last time someone said those words to me. Stubborn me still felt it necessary to try them on. She was absolutely right, they were huge on me! All of the above are major NSVs, but the one that stood out the most, I didn't recognize myself in the mirror! I had to take about 30 glances back to realize it was me, rocking out some of the cutest size Medium clothes that I have ever seen! Our brains don't seem to catch up as fast as our bodies do! So, with that NSV, I am hoping that it Willard it easier to get rid of my "bigger" clothes! I have piles an piles ready to be donated and something is holding me back, some cruel psychological trick! NSV rock! They really do wonders for the self-esteem! Just thought I would share for two reasons, one being: Invest in clothes that fit, it makes a world of difference! Two: if anyone needs size 20 down to 14 clothes, 98% of them major name brands (mostly GAP and American Eagle) please let me know! I have to let go of them someday, I can't keep holding on for security! I have to embrace the new me!

"A total of 274 patients between the ages of 45 – 64 were studied, with the researchers finding a direct correlation between the presence of hypertension – also known as high blood pressure – and impaired hearing. On a positive note, the researcher’s found that by bringing a patient’s blood pressure under control an additional loss of hearing could be prevented." Whoa !!! Holy cow. I just discovered my latest NSV. Thanks for the link!!!!!

Well, you go Girl! Congratulations on NSV's etc. You are doing amazing. Karen

I have lost 29.5 inches from my body!!! :biggrin1: I have gone from a tight size 20W to a loose 16 regular. My goals: Tie my shoes without holding my breath - check :clap2: Buy boots that zip up the side - check :clap2: Cross my legs comfortably - check :clap2: Unfortunately, I am at my first plateau. I will get past it. I need to move a little more.

I was worried about you too! I am glad that everything went well and they were able to stitch it up for you. Sure beats having another surgery!!! Yeah! What a relief! Congrats on the NSV also! I will be glad to see a smaller cuff and lower bp as well. I am borderline high bp (no meds). I can not wait to go back to my family doctor for my physical next summer as a whole new person!

Awesome!!! What a great NSV. I have never seen one of my rib bones or hip bones in my life lol. The collar bones are around even now at 280 so I'm greatful for that :thumbup: But I know I'll be just as thrilled as you when I see one of the others! Congrats!

I saw my regular doctor to talk about getting off some of my meds. He took me off the high blood pressure and high cholesterol meds. I went off the diebeties medication a while back. I am no longer on any weight related medications. What a NSV!

That’s awesome! Way to go. Can’t wait to have that NSV

You look great. I also miss everyone on here. I have been away from the site for a while. I've been pretty busy. I'm frustrated with myself. I did get a fill a little over two weeks ago and I can tell a difference. I am still having trouble getting back on track. I have been eating too many sweets and other things that I should stay away from. Today has been pretty good so hopefully I can keep it going. I just need to get in the right mind set. On a side note I think I had an NSV yesterday, even if it wasn't it felt good. We were visiting UW LaCrosse as a possible college for my daughter. A woman approached me from behind in the cafeteria and asked where the tray return was. When I told her I wasn't sure either, she told me she had thought I was a student there!

Before surgery, my "fat jeans" cut off my circulation. Last weekend I found I can pull them on and off without even undoing them. Off to Goodwill they go! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

congrats ! Great nsv ! i read your profile , it shows you were just banded but have lost 80 some lbs. Did i miss something ? By the way, you look great !!

I know a lot of folks call this an NSV, but damn it, this is a scale VICTORY for me. For whatever reason, I have always been a clothes whore, but I am a cheap clothes whore. (Note: the word clothes is between cheap and whore.... Well, I always shop catalogs and I always shop clearance. And I always had good intentions so sometimes I would buy stuff and not return it when it didn't fit, promising to one day fit into it. Well, I am sure everyone here can relate and you all know what always happens next... Today, I am down 75.5 lbs since April when my journey began (35.5) since my surgery 7 weeks ago. I am very pleased with my average of 5# per week, btw. In the past 3 years I have only worked 10 months and since I don't have a job yet, I can't go shopping...not even to Goodwill...money is just too tight. But, I can shop at GG's closet!!! Last night my hubbie and I had a fashion show. I tried on those things that still have price tags on them, and so many of them fit me already. Some are even too big (I missed the window to wear them). And a lot of them are only about 20# away from wearing. I am so excited I wanted to open the windows and tell all the neighbors. But I am more comfortable knocking on your virtual windows and sharing this with you!!! Besides feeling great and fitting behind the steering wheel, I now have a brand new wardrobe!!! That I didn't have to pay for (OK, I did, but I'd say these are fully depreciated) and I didn't have to put any recent money out.

Kick in the pants time. You should look to change your lifestyle, not just what you eat. That includes exercise. Sometimes, I don't feel like exercising, but I just grind it out, because I want to get fitter bad enough. How much do you want it? How determined are you? How much support do you get from your family and friends? Don't see exercise as a chore, but part of your normal activity. It's fun, and as you get better at it, the more fun it is. How much are you doing? Start small and slowly build up. I started with a minute a day. Look to NSVs to reinforce your progress. It's remarkable how much effect doing up your belt one more notch can have on your confidence. Come on, you can do this. Every minute you do is money in the bank.

Awesome NSVs!!! Lissa

I, like many of us, am in bandster hell. And that's ok. It's part of the process and I'm happy to be a bandster. I've lost only 2 pounds in the past 3 weeks BUT...I went through my closet and was able to purge about 6 dresses, 2 pair of pants and a shirt. Felt amazing. Some things totally swallowed me! Also, I am wearing a dress today that a few weeks was a little tight and required a girdle. Today I had to adjust the straps and left that tight girdle at home!! I love listening to my body versus the scale. Maybe bandster hell isn't so bad! Press on friends. It's totally worth the fight!!! Have a blessed day!! ❤

The week after Christmas I went into Aerie and bought an adorable pair of boy cut underwear with blue buttons and anchors. It was the first pair of panties that didn't come in a value pack that I have bought since I got pregnant with my first child 23 1/2 years ago. Wahoo!!! I call them my "pretty girl panties."

70 pounds already!? WOW! Sweet! Congratulations on the great job you're doing! I love your NSVs!

Haha this was on my post sleeve bucket list!!! fit into my old stuff. i was just in non stretchy 12's 10 days ago! nsv!

@@Lovinlife48 you look great!!! I am revising to RNY and can't wait to feel those NSV's congrats to u!