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I just went through a new sleep study test and have been informed by my doctor that I no longer need to use my CPAP machine! Yay! I am down 76 pounds as of today and love my sleeve.

I take monthly pictures to remind me of what I looked like and my progress. Down 100 lbs and sometimes I still don't see it yes I know it's crazy but I didn't "see" me at 297 the same way I don't see me at 197 but the pictures they don't lie. My weight at it highest I still liked myself n thought I looked great dressed fashionable for my size etc ... So I do t see the loss at times still in shock when I pick up a large shirt and size 12 jeans and it fits I was a 18/20 3x shirt n 22/24 pants last year. But the pictures keep me grounded and I am 2/3 towards my goal and enjoy each NSV and watching that scale move downward . The weeks when it doesn't move or nice slowly I look at what I have accomplished so far and it helps to keep me motivated. So take pictures galore and buy a cute yet cheap outfit in the size u think u will be for ur Cali trip now bc it will fit for ur trip because you are doing this !!!!

So, showering had been increasingly difficult in the months before surgery. I would have to sit down for most of it, and I felt sweaty and out of breath at the end. I am 12 days post surgery and was able to shower comfortably and not be either sweaty or out of breath this morning!!! First day back at work, I am anticipating other NSVs like that in the course of my work day as well!

Awesome! Great NSV! Congrats!! No more knee bending!!

What fun! More NSV's to come!

Okay, so I thought it would be fun to post pictures of NSV's. Pictures motivate me so I thought it would be fun to post all kinds of them showing an NSV. I have posted 5 examples, but they can be anything, like a seatbelt that is too big, extra room in a seat, 2 people in your old pants, etc. Funny or serious, no feat too small pictures can help us through our stalls (hey, that rhymed). We can use these pictures to reflect back on the progress by SEEING our NSVs. Surgery Date: 3/13/12 SW: 243.6 CW: 193.6 5'5" 1st picture: my watch was tight when I went in for surgery 2nd picture: my feet shrunk and now my shoes are too big 3rd picture: my size 18w can be pulled down without unbuttoning 4th picture: I can't wear my wedding rings-they fall off 5th picture: I can cross my legs Please post yours!!!!

Thanks. I hope others will join me with their pictures. I'm half way to goal and can not imagine what those NSV pictures will look like.

A Couple of years ago I bought this really cute bathing suit off season so it was pretty cheap but it was too tight. But since it was so cheap I had to buy it haha. Anyway, I'm going out of town to a friends house and she has a pool so just for giggles I tried the bathing suit on and it fit perfectly! It was even a little loose! Very exciting

And I sat there, eating my ham slice and cheese stick, while my coworker ate one across from me. I had no feelings of envy, temptation, or mourning. I didn't even realize until I got home that I'd gone up against my major trigger food and won! It's a great NSV and a big step forward to getting a healthy relationship with food.

That is a truly awesome nsv! :-) I love your stories about you and your wife by the way, it's inspiring!

So great! Love this NSV!

Hello everyone, it has been a while since I posted or updated. Mainly because there isn't much to update. (Just over 9 months post-op) First: I am going to go a head and admit that through the Holidays I sucked! I ate too much (not to be sick, but over my calories) and the wrong things at times. Reset- Holidays are over so I admit it and I am moving on from it and back on the horse and focused! The worst part of this (or at least what I am calling the worst) is that I still lost some weight through it. I am saying this is bad, because other than knowing I shouldn't have done it, there was no "punishment" in my mind. Honestly, I wish I would have just gained a few pounds. But, it didn't seem to stop me from getting re focused and back on track so I will take it. 9 month update: No changes except weight and NSV's! I can eat anything (including what I shouldn't) I don't and have never dumped. I still track everything I eat and drink, still stay within my calorie range (less the previous comment). I had my 9 month follow up with my surgical team. They called me a rock star. I was very proud of myself and how well I am doing. I still don't exercise, they still don't care. LOL Well, kinda, of course it has other health benefits but they are not concerned for the weight loss aspect of it. I am well ahead of schedule, and my Nutritionist has already started talking about my maintenance calories and how to start upping my calories slowly and safely. I told him to slow down, I still want to loose another 43 lbs to hit my goal! He agrees that is achievable, but was merely explaining where my calories would likely fall when the time comes. Which, is about double what I currently eat so he wanted to bring it to my attention so I could mentally prepare for how much more I would to eat to stop loosing weight. He explained that some people struggle physically and mentally to increase so greatly so he wanted me to have time to process and prepare for it. He said I would fall between 2000-2300 calories a day WITHOUT exercising, more depending on the intensity and frequency of exercise. Yeah.. that's a lot. I still drink a shake a day to maintain my calories and proteins, 70g protein or more a day and 80 oz fluids a day or more. Pretty much all water, and usually 1 sugar free drink a day to switch it up. NSV's are ENDLESS! Really, as we lose weight so many things change. Even some bad, like my bony ass knees when I sleep I have to stagger them so the knees are directly on top of each other because they hurt like crazy in the morning! I could go on for days about this subject! Body dysmorphia is real, like really real! When I was my heaviest, I knew I was fat but when I looked in the mirror I didn't see a 422 lbs person but when I saw pictures of my I did.. man I did.. I was sick to my stomach and so disgusted! Now, At almost half that size when I look in the mirror I still see a fat girl but when I see pictures I am like WHOA I am so small. I found out my cousin is 1 size smaller than me, but when I look at her I see someone very small and when I look at myself I cannot believe we are only 1 size different. I look so much bigger! I love to see pictures of myself now! I encourage them rather than hiding in the back of them. I buy shirts from everywhere, and really only because I can. HAH I have never been able to buy a souvenir shirt, they never fit. Not even close to fitting. Now I literally buy them everywhere I can, to an rate of just wasting money because I shrink out of them faster than I can actually get use out of them. To finish up: I hope to hit my goal weight by my 1 year follow up but I know 43 lbs in 3 months will be tough! My original goal was 225, which is much more reasonable to loose in these next 3 months. But 210 is my ultimate goal as that will be half of my starting weight which is pretty freaking cool! 422 down to 250 26/28 down to a 14 4/5XL TALL shirt down to a 1/2x regular shirt Good luck to all!!!! ❤️

I was sleeved on Dec 18th and have been incredibly lucky to not have any complications. I threw up my pain meds once in the hospital- not fun! But other than that no issues eating or drinking, other than I'm full really quick. For the most part I am getting 48-64 oz of water/G2 a day and about 60g of Protein a day. It does seem that I am ALWAYS thinking of eating and drinking and I hope that this becomes second nature eventually. Last week, a friend and I booked a trip to Botswana, which is country directly north of South Africa. (I wasn't quite sure where it was located prior to booking.) I'm very excited for this trip, except for the 16 hour direct flight. I'm PRAYING that I lose as close to 50 lbs as possible to make that flight bearable. We'll be on safari's and visiting a few cool places like Victoria Falls. This mission to lose has given me the motivation to hop on the treadmill at work tomorrow when my day is done. I have to say that I could never have kept my head up through this process without weight loss forums. Every time I get bummed out I hop on and seeing others succeed brings me such joy. Not to mention how wonderfully supportive people are. NSV: 1- Can fit in my favorite winter jacket again 2- My double chin is gone. (Come on belly....) 3- My feet are smaller 4- The jeans that I have lived in after surgery (super soft and stretchy) can be taken off without using the button or zipper.

I haven't seen my ex fiance in about 10 years. She used to always wear a size 7 to 8 pants and a medium top. She was actually pretty darn attractive. I ran into her sister at Walmart. I stopped and said hi to her sister and asked how she was doing. It turns out she was standing right next to her sister and was probably close to 300 pounds. Needless to say my ex yelled at me and called me lots of colorful names. She then stormed off into Walmart and her sister turned to me and said you look damn good. Boy am I glad I got rid of her! I could care less about her physical appearance but her lovely attitude certainly isn't missed!

Great NSV Time! I won't have to buy clothes for awhile. I have all sizes in my own closet.lol I did go to Lane Bryant's the other day to get one new bra, yes lose in the boobs first, I always get my bras there. Surprise, surprise my fave bra no longer comes in sizes under 40. I had to walk out from LB b/c couldn't find one small enough. I walked out smiling! Keep up the great job you're doing GF! So proud of you!

Today, 7 weeks and 1 day out from surgery I had two non-scale victories. When I started this journey (August 2012) I was wearing a size 22 pants (women's) Today I can wear a size 17 Juniors!!! pants. Whoooohoooo. I was shopping in Traders Joe's right after that victory and decided to buy my husband a bottle of wine. I was asked for my ID at the register - I will be sixty on my next birthday!! In just 9 months!! I don't even care if they ask everyone for an ID - I just know it made me feel fabulous. Especially since I chuckled and told the cashier that I would be 60 on my next birthday and she didn't believe me. After seeing my license, she said I look great and I don't look my age. Happy girL! These little things make up for when the scale stays the same or only moves an ounce or two even tho I'm eating according to the plan and exercising.

24 years ago, I had to have my wedding ring cut off. For Christmas this year, I had it put back together so I could wear it again! I have not had it off since then! NSV"s are the best!

So I'm at at this plus-sized store, name not to be mentioned, in their clearance rack trying to decide what to buy. Needless to say, this is the end of the winter season and I'm confused as to what to buy because I don't know what size I'll be next winter season. As usual, I buy this shirt that is all season, I live in the upper East Coast of the U.S.A and I want something that can work for me in the coming spring season. I'm trying to decide between a 18/20 and a 14/16. My mind is telling me to the buy the 18/20, I started this journey with a tight 26/28, but my other voice was saying there is not guarantee you'll be a 14/16 by the end of the summer. I say all this to say that I tried the 18/20 sweater-like shirt on and it fit so well. I was amazed!

I'll call that a huge NSV. what a great feeling. congrats. as a male I have no use for your clothes, but best of luck getting some money from them for your new wardrobe!

Even though my surgiversary is December 20, I consider today my 1 year mark since it was December 4 that I started my preop diet. Hey, 16 days of liquids and leafy greens and 22 pounds lost deserve to be counted! I really don't know where to begin to describe how wonderful this past year has been, but here are some highlights... My surgical experience at Obesity Control Center in TJ was better than I could have hoped for. It was more of a fun mini-vacation with my sister than anything. Recovery was nearly painless and I have had no reflux, food intolerances or hair loss. My sincere thanks goes out to everyone there who took such good care of me. I discovered what a wonderful, supportive community I live and work in. I was very ashamed and angry about letting myself get so fat. But despite the initial embarrassment, I chose to be honest about my surgery and talk about it openly. Turns out that was great therapy. I am now proud of my decision rather than feel it's something I need to hide. Literally hundreds of people know I had WLS....friends, family, clients, fellow beauty shop patrons.... and no one has made me feel bad about it. Nobody treats me any differently and turns out people like and respect me whether I'm fat or thin. Everyone is just happy for me that I feel better, both physically and mentally. I see from a lot of posts that not everyone has such accepting, non-judgemental people in their lives so I am incredibly grateful that I do. The first first 3-4 months postop were certainly not without struggles.... Feeling bloated and full all the time that first month, Trying to get in all my Protein and Water despite having no appetite, learning how to chew and eat slow, almost 2 months of diarrhea from a C. diff infection from antibiotics for a tooth infection 6 weeks after VSG, being on medications that made me nauseous, getting IV fluids 3 times for dehydration because I couldn't drink enough water with my tiny sleeve, and needing a fecal transplant to finally cure the C. diff. It was at least 4 months before I felt normal, but I never once regretted surgery and would do it all again. Although I wouldn't particularly care to relive the two excruciatingly painful gall bladder attacks I've had....by far the WORST part of this journey. First NSV....my rings fit! (they have since become too big and I've had to resize them down...even my high school ring) I learned from these forums that stalls are normal, so I never worried about them. In fact, I never even bothered to buy a scale. NSV's are much more satisfying and mean more than numbers on a scale. Went from size 22 relaxed/curvy fit jeans to 6 or 7 slims. XXL tops to mediums. Size 44DD to a very saggy 36B (but I still consider this a good thing). I can shop in regular stores and even online because I know the clothes will fit and look good! I can wear tall boots because they fit over my calves. I can swing up into my saddle without having to find a log or rock to climb on. Even had to buy a new saddle to fit my new skinny butt. And I have no doubt that my horse is at least as thrilled with my weight loss as I am. I am saving hundreds of dollars every month on groceries....good thing since I've had to buy a whole new wardrobe. I can easily cross my legs, kneel, squat and sit "Indian style". I can bound (yes, bound!) up several flights of steps without even breathing hard. My blood pressure is normal and my PCP is thrilled with my bloodwork. I had my first normal PAP and negative HPV test in 7 years....eating healthy has allowed my immune system to finally clear the virus and abnormal cells from my system. My feet and ankles and knees haven't hurt in at least 10 months. I'm on my feet all day and went from daily NSAIDS and occasional tramadol to zero of both. Blew past my surgeon's goal weight at 6 months, passed my personal goal around 7 months and have settled in the middle of a normal BMI range....100 pounds lost forever! More than I ever dreamed possible. I have maintained within a 5 pound bounce range over the last 3 months with very little effort. Getting enough protein and water, taking my Vitamins, eating a well balanced diet of protein, veggies, fruit and whole grains and limiting white carbs seems to work for me. No counting calories, tracking or measuring. The sleeve does its job of portion control and I do my job of making good choices. I live and eat like a normal person and enjoy everything in moderation. And somewhere along the way I've learned how to deal with life's stresses without turning to food and alcohol. I never thought I could feel this good about myself. I am truly blessed and I sincerely wish everyone as much success, confidence and happiness as I have found. (Sorry this was so long, but I just have so much to be grateful for) Before/after pictures taken Dec 4, 2013 and 2014. Competitive Trail Ride Event pictures taken September 2013 and 2014.

Forgot to mention the other NSV. My husband and I are going to get our marriage blessed and I fit into the dress I wore when we first got married 10 years ago. My daughter took one look at the dress and told me I needed a new one. Yes, this one is out of style and has crinoline under the skirt part, but it's symbolic to get back into that dress. Here's a pic from 10 years ago if I can figure out how to load it.

I went to buy new bras and some new work tops today. When I got home my fiancé was being a good sport and looking at my findings. He looked at me and said "your cloths are getting so tiny!" Made my week!!!!

Went to pick my daughter up from Plague Vector School (daycare), where they've recently hired a new front desk lady and I haven't seen the school director in a while.... School director was walking out as I walked in, did a double take, and was all "oh my god LOOK AT YOU!!!" I know my shape is changing and I don't feel so squeezed into my clothes... I guess it shows too.

Hi Gowalking.. Never apologize for sharing your success. It is inspiring to hear others accomplishments and motivates us to strive to achieve our own goals. Thrilled to hear of all your NSVs you are obviously putting hard work in. Congratulations

Congratulations....very exciting NSV!!!