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Oh, and I have a NSV. I was sitting across from a mirror in the airport and I now cross my legs like a thin person. Meaning, my thighs are actually thin enough so that my legs touch all the way down. You know how when you can first cross your legs, how your leg still kind of juts out rather than laying smoothly against the other one, because your thighs are too big? I hope yall know what I'm talking about. I can even link my foot back under the other ankle like the skinny women do! (But it's not comfortable.)

I really enjoy all the pictures. You all look great. I love the public toilet thing, I been there and never really thought of it as NSV. That great way of thinking. Let me tell you what I did this morning. Went to the store and got all the wrong things. Ice cream, pie, muffins and candy bar along with salad, protien bars and milk. I came home and ate one muffin, and the pie filling, no crust, just the filling. Sometimes I think I'm crazier than a loon. That is all that I have eaten today, but not very diet friendly. I will have a salad tonight. Just why do I do these crazy thing? Of course had this been before the band I would have eaten all 4 muffins and the crust. By the way the muffin didn't go down well and I won't be eating muffins anytime soon. Carol

Morning all! No worries with the lipo here----the original PS surgeon I spoke with told me the only place he routinely finds himself doing any, in cases such as mine, is contouring where the new belly button finds itself. And in my case, if fat has formed in an area that would make reattaching the torn muscle impossible, which is very likely. Both Dr.s have told me that. And I know that side of my stomach is bigger, and still has fat/meat...something behind the skin that is not on the other side---heck it may be the retracted muscle itself I am feeling---I have no idea! I have never had a big 'love handle' issue, or no saddle bags----nothing I feel a need for lipo for. The PS surgeon told me he does not do aggressive lipo on band patients because there is tubing and a port to deal with, he said he would prefer just a modification of the existing skin. He said he can show me the difference and explain more to me in person, that he has pictures, which he only uses in a face to face appointment, they are not something he will email or anything, which is fine, I wouldn't want him sending mine out either!!!! I am going to call today and see if I can get in on the 2nd or not. I didn't base my choice on the availability of the lipo, it is just the only thing my other surgeon cannot do. The main reason I opted for him out of my top 2 was location. I would be happy with either surgeon, was just considering my own comfort in traveling. Both have told me it is a big surgery...and my muscle issue makes it challenging---fun! Just what I wanted to be a challenge! LOL Kinsey got her cast off yesterday, and was sent home last night. She is here, laying on the couch, kinda shell shocked looking. She says her foot hurts, and her pokes hurt (her IV, blood draws---everything was referred to as pokes)....she is just kinda grumpy. The ortho put her in a Bledsoe Boot, but it is removable, so she can be properly bathed, and she can swim, etc. Sure is good to look over and her be there!!! Scared this Granny something fierce! Rick is up and gone....he has meetings all morning, so I guess he is ok, I have not heard differently, and don't call him when I know he is in meetings. He was actually looking forward to his meetings this morning. He has been working on updating his crews pay scales, and they also won some Western USA award, and he gets to give his guys all good news today. Don't you just love when people really start noticing, and saying something!!! Your NSV's sound wonderful! Not that it makes a difference, I mean EVERY Dr. has different rules, and reasons for what they do....but I actually had coffee on my tray once following surgery in the hospital, until I told them I am not a coffee drinker. I drink tea EVERY day. Iced tea---year round....24/7... I do brew it at home using Decaf bags---but when I go out it is fully leaded as DH says. Have you ever ask WHY? I know the reasons behind the soda---and wonder if the coffee, etc os due to the caffeine??? Judy--if I onlyhad a small apron I would be ok with it---but it is unsightly, and begining to really show the size difference from side to side. I began this at 289 pounds, and the biggest majority of that weight was in my belly. Like I say, I have always had thin legs, and hips----I looked like humpty dumpty!!! We have no pool at home---if I want to take the grandkids swimming, we have to go to either a friends house, or a public pool. Or we can take the boat to the lake. Any which one I do, is in public---I have finally lost most of the weight, I want to be able to go without wondering if they are still staring! Without clothes it looks a bit like a deflated balloon---one that has been blown up a long time!!!! When I had to buy big bathing suits---ones with skirts, and such were all you could find. Well this year, none worked well!!! To get the rest to fit...the legs were too big, and allowed the apron to show...which was TOO gross!! And a 2 piece is not even an option yet. I do not want a bikini body---ok maybe I want it---I do not expect it!!! But I think maybe one of the tankini tops and boy shorts would work best for me----IF this apron was gone, now it looks all puffy stuffed in them....but if I get a one piece with top coverage, the leg openings are too big, and allow it all to just hang. It was gross!!!!! I don't say that in a fit of body hate!!! I actually find things about my body I like now! I like my legs---they are nicely toned....even if they are dayglo white! My back is toning up well....no more bra bulge anywhere! I can see my shoulder blades, and it curves in at my waist now! What butt I have left is a bit saggy, but ok. My forearms are toned! Upper arms have a lot of jiggle left, but it is getting better. Boobs are saggy, but in a bra, it is ok, and having cleavage that doesn't feel like just a continuation of my chins is great! I have collarbones---visible ones! But the belly----there is just no hope for. This is not something I am taking lightly---and I thank you for the advice and support concerning the lipo. I agree, I am not 20 something, I am never going to be that again! I just want to look semi normal---and that isn't happening with this belly. Will keep you all in the loop of what the Dr, has to say!!! Well I need to go get dressed. Sesame Street is over, and that means so is Granny time!!!! Talk to y'all in awhile! Kat

hi everyone, checking in.... finally feel like my food is in check again. whenever i have a good exercise plan.,...my food usually gets better because i always think "why am i busting my butt to eat junk" my DR's assistant and i keep playing phone tag. i need to talk to her about what i can and cant eat. i can eat a whole choc chip cookie sitting down. but i cant eat good food sitting down...weird. i have to stand and walk around to eat any Protein especially. this has been from the beginning of my operation. hi juli jm...great NSV hazelbunny: you look great. denise....looking great too have a good day all

Good morning everyone, Well, the scale has been bouncing from 218.5 to 221 and that is disheartening considering I have mostly been drinking my meals. I will just chalk it up to water weight and take a fluid pill today!! Yesterday I had a great NSV...one of the guys at work (that does not know about the surgery) commented on my weight loss...he was the first one so I ran to him and hugged him!! Everyone have a great day and remember what Judy always says....

jmc- Great NSVs! Working out and not standing on the toilet! That's so great! Hazel- Even though you are headless, you look great! Woot Woot!

Denise and Hazelbunny - you guys look great. Oh Juli - I noticed your little pic changed too, noticing some big differences! Congrats Congrats All!!! I just wanted to thank you guys and this website, it really has inspired me to get off my a$$. I always had an excuse not to exercise and I was talking to one of the health nuts at work yesterday; he told me to wake up earlier to go to the gym. And I did. Today I woke up at 4 30, went to the gym, jumped on the elliptical trainer for 45 min, burned over 500 calories, jumped in the shower and drove up to work. And I feel so much better! I'm sure I'll be tired until it becomes routine, but I've already planned to go the rest of the week. Instead of getting home, taking care of puppy, eating dinner, and then sitting on the couch procrastinating, I'm already taken care of. Its a great feeling. One more thing - NSV. This may sound crazy, but if I ever went to a public bathroom I would always use the handicap stall because it was so much bigger. If I used a regular stall, not only would I be constantly bumping into something, I would have to pretty much stand on the toilet to open the stall door. Well, the handicap stall was in use last night so I went into a regular stall, and DIDN'T HAVE TO STAND ON THE TOILET!!! I just opened the door like a normal person. I was so excited. Ok enough about me!!!

I had a pretty good NSV day today. I ran out to try on a few swimsuits at lunch (why eat?) and, as is my habit, went to the 'womens' department. The smallest suits they had were 16w's. I tried on 3 suits and 2 blouses. Everything was TOO BIG! No time to go to the ladies department, but woo freakin' hoo!!! Also, pants I bought a little 'snug' last week fit me beautifully today....Lauren's 14W. I found that my quad muscles are REALLY getting developed...I can really feel them under all this flab. I can't wait to lean out and have muscles there waitiing for me! Also...wasn't sore at all (well, maybe a little) from playing racquetball last night. DH was practically crippled!! Yay me! AND.....I bought some plain Tilapia filets at Sam's...just sauteed them in a pan, put a little lemon, butter, salt & pepper on them...then dusted with parmesan cheese and they were delicious!!! It also went down real easy so I had a good dinner and got my protein in for the day AND found more fish that I actually like. I am thrilled that I am now eating fish at least 5x a week. All in all....not a bad day even if the scale didn't move!

Hi Marchies! First off...A NSV....I finally gave away my size 32-28s to a thrift store that gives their proceeds to various local charities. That made me feel good. I was hoping they would have clothes in my current size that I could buy and later give back. No such luck. Their selection sux! They needed what I gave them. Now for the bad news....I've been so very bad this past week. I drank 8 beers...Can you believe 8?!?!? on the 4th. I can count on 1 hand how often I drink in a years time. And then I think I've eaten everything in site. It may be healthier foods, but I'm eating way too much. I can't seem to make myself write down and measure what I'm sticking in my mouth. I have no idea how many calories a day I'm eating. I think I've even gained 5 lbs. But I'm not going to give up. I should be able to start walking again and maybe riding my recumbent bike soon. At least I hope the Dr will release me. Have a good week.

Hmm I think my biggest NSV lately has been that I can walk into a lot the trendier shops and buy a 14 or 16 (even a 12 once!) and they fit, properly. That feels great - to be able to dress like a 28 year old and not a 50 year old (did anyone else find that - that they don't make fashionable clothes for bigger gals?). I think another one was when I went for my last wedding dress fitting and they had to take it in 4 1/2 inches. I bought it in January and it was too small then, so that felt great!

Hi All, Bron glad to hear you are feeling better. Mez, thanks for the link. I have worked out I could claim about $400 back just off the medical expenses rebate alone, which is good. Chickie, how are you finding running in winter? Is it harder to get motivated? I may buy a treadmill with my tax return money. Jacqui I saw the pic of your daughter in the before and after pic section of the board. She is a blond bombshell! Mark, I hear you regarding the port. Hope nothing is wrong with yours. Forgot to report to you all that my latest NSV is that I can now feel my port easily!!!:biggrin1::clap2: Other NSV'S to report for me are that I now fit in chairs with arms easily. I can get up off the floor like greased lightening, and I can run up a flight of stairs without puffing. Loving the band! What are all your NSV'S people? Would love to hear them. Susannah

Moe661, I can sure relate to that. The original "if only I could get down to ..." has morphed into a desire to be lean and fit. Julie, I am 5'6". And to be honest, my weight was at 160 for one day in May, and then the weight started climbing up to 166. So now it took me some time to get back to 161. Like Betty, I leave the ticker alone, unless I LOSE! While my weight looks normal, I delivered my babies in the 160's. My natural frame is a skinny girl with curves. Changing up the diet is a good idea. I have depleted myself, though by not eating enough. The times I lose now are when I drink Protein shakes for two meals. What's up with that?? NSV: Pulled out an old short and tight-fitting skirt just "to see" what it would take to squeeze in. Eyeballing it I thought there was no way to get it over my hips. But it slid right up and zipped with no effort. When I looked in the mirror and turned around, there it was...a huge sagging rear of fabric! HAHAHA! The skirt is now in my "FAT CLOTHES" PILE. cAN YOU BELIEVE IT? And someone mentioned how their body felt when running (I'll find that post, cause I loved it so much). Well, I love how I feel, but also I love to see my shadow. I run in the evening, and my shadow looks really pretty, especially compared to the old one. Oh yeah, and Julie, "WONKY" is one of my favorite adjectives! I laugh every time I say or hear it. haha Have a great week everyone! Good to hear from Jacqui and the newcomers!

Hi all----well I have wonderful news....and not so wonderful news....but it is not terrible news!!! LOL---ok enough lead in! Kinsey is coming home tomorrow! She has eaten, and pooped, and that is what they were waiting for! The intestine is all alive, and functioning---Thank You God! What a relief! She is down about 4-5 pounds, which is not good, she is now skinny, not just small---but we will work on getting it back on her. The not so good news----Rick has it. I believe he caught it from me. It took about the same length of time for me to catch it from the girlie, and then him from me. It was a scary afternoon, with him throwing up. I kept a phone with me every second, ready to dial 911. But he never had any blood, and he has gotten past the worst of the nausea. Luckily for the rest of us, it was about a 24 hour bug---vicous for the duration though! He is still dealing with the other bathroom issues, and some fever, and headache....but the throwing up was the thing we most feared, and he survived it without issue. He is in bed sleeping it off now. The rest of us have moved past it now....hope this bug is finished with my family now!! I had a NSV today that I NEVER would have expected. I have neighbors to the south, that are super snobby!!! They are quite well off, and have always looked down their noses at me! I never let it get to me, I blow them off. It isn't just me, the rest of the neighborhood---we all get together and we all visit, but the 2 to my south, are very snooty. They both are successful local business owners. Well today I run into the couple that lives right next door in the store, while I was buying 7-up etc. for Rick. And this perfectly groomed, prissy never bigger than a size 6 neighbor tells me "Well I didn't even recognize you, you've gotten so slim". And she went on to chat with me, like we were real neighbors---I guess my large size offended her or something.....???? Not caring that she spoke---but she called me SLIM!!!!!! Had to laugh, because Rick has been jokingly referring to me as Slim. I am bouncing 2 pounds again.....they come off, they return....so will be seriously joining the exercise challenge on Tuesday. Tomorrow will be another crazy day I imagine, getting Kinsey out of the hospital, and to ortho to get her cast off....and at some point my DD needs to go and be at her new job!!!! So I am shooting for Tuesday.....maybe I should actually go get on the eliptical, and start NOW!!!! Well....I am going to go check on my email----it should be nice and full!! Hope all went well for Laura. Terry, glad you guys got to go spend some time having fun. It really does help. I enjoyed last night so much, we laughed and talked, seemed like we had not connected in days. Gotta tell you what a wonderful friend I have. She had to leave while Kinsey was in the hospital to go to TX to a family reunion, and we talked on the phone, so she knew I had been sick as well, and at the hospital all the time. She bought me a Merry Maid visit, to do some things I was complaining about needing to do. Someone opened a pop and splattered my windows in the back, during the luau I think, so she is having all my windows cleaned! And they are going to clean all my light fixtures! Sounds silly, but I have some that are pretty intricate....I never even knew they would do that! I wanted to do them before the party but never got it done. They will do it Tuesday! FUN!!!! Ok---I am off, need to check on DH----talk to you all tomorrow!!!! Hugs- Kat

Good afternoon Violets! Kat: Your continued battle for Kinsey's health brought tears to my eyes.. that poor little baby. I have spent a good part of the day planting all my loot that I got from Walmarts garden center. Everything was marked 50% off so I planted 6 hostas a rose bush and spruced up a pot with some colorful caladium. I had gotten a bunch of glad bulbs free from work. I was a hot sweaty mess so I turned the hose on myself after watering the flowers... The shorts I am wearing are 16's and although I had to wrench them over my belly they feel ok and was an NSV for me. I think my fill is working because I've been eating very little and the scale was nice this morning teetering on 242... I WILL get the the 230's next week dammmmmmit! Monday I go back to the gym and dbf goes to Omaha for work. Hope everyone is having a great day.

Congrats on a most WONDERFUL NSV!

I had such an awesome NSV (non scale victory) the other day. We were at a friends for Fourth of July and someone told me if I could teach them all how to be skinny like me????? I am at 165 now, down from 190 pre surgury and from 240 my all time highest weight. I am going for my 3rd fill next weekend. I have 2.4 cc's in my 4cc band and do not have any restriction. I get stuck occasionally though. I have not really began a good exercise program yet. I have been swimming at least every other day. But I want to start jogging and weight training to tone my arms. My arms and thighs need the most help. But I think because I have lost it slower, my skin didn't suffer. My goal is 145 or so. I think I need to see how I look at 155. I like to look on the curvy side. Thanks for starting this thread!!! Audree:D

Congrats Judy!! I will have to start keeping up with my measurements. I know that those would definetly be NSV's. Thanks for posting about that book Terry. I am in the same boat as Jenn and I will read it too. Jenn, I think about you all the time. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one wrestling with the "Should I stay, will it get better..." question.

ooooo belts, I can't wait to wear belts again. Congrats on all the GREAT NSV's!

My latest NSV is that I am down to a size 18 from size 24. I am down 57 lbs since banding and 83 lbs from my post banding diet. Whoo Hoo. I am size 14/16 on top so I am almost in normal size there. Feels good.

NSV - I had to see a vascular surgeon yesterday to treat a burst varicose vein - he measured my thighs for the compression stockings I have to wear for a week (can you say old lady!). I have lost 4 inches in EACH of my thighs!!! Holy crap! By the way, if any of you have leftover varicose veins from pregnancy go get them checked. I never knew ....until it happened....that you can "spring a leak" from a vein and it bleeds like a cattle slaughter. I know this will sound unbelievable but when I got out of the car at the ER, I SPRAYED blood all over the car next to us and left a spraying blood trail all the way inside. I am fine but it was shocking - learn from my procrastination and go see the vascular guy and get them checked.

thanks for the post. I really needed this today!!! I am in SE Kansas where it has flooded. My home not hurt however was flooded in town with my Assisted Living, and our church is a Red Cross shelter and we are doing the food. Things have been sooooooooooooo crazy! I told DH tonight on our 1 hour drive around the h20 to get home, i have to get back on schedule.. it has been easy to pick. I have dropped 50# in 7 weeks, which i am very happy with. actually that was in 5 weeks and i haven't weighed since i have to go to drs to be able to weigh. I had a NSV this weekend before the flood, i have gone from 5x shirts to a comfortable 3x yahoo. and down 2 pants sizes. So i am the one that is rambling but thanks for the post on choice.. I choose to live and to make a difference in my life. thank you!!!!!

Happy Independence Day everyone! Here's to the new freedoms we are experiencing with each NSV and pound lost! Yeah Marchies!! :usa:

I'm doing my daily check in and I would like to talk about my latest NSV. My DH and I was sitting on the couch, snuggling up, and he had his hand resting on my leg and he squeezed my thighs - he said, what is the hard thing? So felt it, and I got kinda freaked out, then felt my other one, then I stood up and I realized it was MUSCLE! My muscle is breaking thru the FAT! THEN - I was checking my back side out in the mirror, I noticed my cellulite has shrunk even more, I have about 1/2 of what I used to have. My 3rd NSV is I just bought a pair of 12 plaid shorts 2 weeks ago, they are soooo soooo cute, I love them. HOWEVER, they are getting too big already! I am moving down to a size 10! The weird thing about it is, I have not lost a freaken pound since June 12th, thats THREE weeks ago! But I'm shrinking! I love my band! And, I love the BFL workouts!

juno610- That is a great NSV! Congratulations to you:clap2:. I am at 2 cc's in a 4 cc band and feel just right for now. I tend to get things stuck once in a while. I was eating a grape the other day and I guess that I didn't chew it enough and I got that feeling. It passed without any slime or PB episodes. Gigi

Happy July, friends! So glad everyone is doing well (despite the plateaus--aren't they a bummer???). Those NSV's are awesome. Send some my way, would you? I had my fourth fill last week and do feel a bit of restriction for the first time--mostly when I don't chew enough or take too big of bites. The dr. told me to call and see if they have a cancellation for later this week if I want another fill before I leave town for 3 weeks. Hmmm, what to do? I really can't decide. Although I want a fill, I am nervous about getting one on Thurs or Fri because then I can't try solids until Sat or Sun and I leave Monday at 6:00 a.m. I hate wasting 3 weeks with not being tight enough but I'm nervous about having problems (haven't had a PB YET) and being on the other side of the country. Advice? I'd love to know what you guys think. I haven't lost at all for three weeks. Discouraging for sure. I exercise five days a week and keep track of my calories on sparkpeople.com. I'm eating between 1,000 and 1,200 most days, although I had three days last month that were 1,800. I really wanted to be in ONE-derland before I went to welcome my two new little grandsons to the world (one in Connecticut and the other in New Mexico). Unless I can break all my previous records and lose 7 lbs. this week, it ain't gonna happen. July will be an interesting month for me--3 weeks of vacation with my daughters as they give birth and adjust to being first-time moms, my father in gravely ill health with colon cancer, and we're selling our house while building another and making all the decorating choices, etc. Crazy. Hopefully the timing on everything will fit beautifully together and I'll sail through July with joy, grace, and peace--and lapband success to boot. Have a great month, everyone. Love and success to all! Karen