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Hi all, I had to update my signature again as well. I finally gave in!! I've bought some scales! said I wouldnt do it, but I'm sick of getting weighed all over the place so best to have my own...just have to learn not to get weighed evey hour on them....lol Just had a NSV, I waved at an old school friend yesterday as i arrived at my parents and he stopped my brother last night as they were passing each other in the car! and said that I looked great and it looked like I'd lost loads of weight!!! this is a fab nsv for me 'cos he's not the type to make comments like that!! and it came at a good time, I was feeling great having lost 4 stones(56lbs, well im 1lb away but...) so i took some photos, and it brought me down to earth with a bump!! I realised i'm still soooo fat!! i know I'm fat but 'cos I've done so well I was concentrating on the weight I've lost not the weight I still am... Has this happened to anyone else? Julie nyc - we'l miss you in twoterville, but you go girl and maybe one day i'l see you there....lol well done everyone else...c'mon all you people who haven't updated your xmas challenge...lets do it together!!! Christmas Goals A1ikou...............240...............XX Aza....................299...............XX BPM..................230...............37 candy444...........299.................23 Elisabeth.............275.................16 Ericsmom...........250................XX Indianlight...........280.................12 Josette................340.................25 JulieNYC............235...................15 Koala.................275..................24 Ladydi................270 .................33 LapBandit...........250..................13 Libra...................270.................13 Mariguita.............290.................XX NatesMommy.....275.................XX Waterlily1072.....275..................23

I'm doing my sunday pot roast in the crock. Tomorrow instead of beef stew (with leftovers) I am going to shred it and make beef sandwiches, with swiss cheese. We are having a house guest for a week so I will cook everynight. He actually lives about 30 miles south of here but he is doing some training for work and it is north of us so he stays with us to save the insane commute. It saves him about 2 hours each way in the car each day. It's almost like he isn't here, he comes in eats dinner and crashes in my basement to sleep, he is up and out long before we get up each morning. So basically I have a few more towels to wash and a dinner guest each night for a week. My house is kinda like a frat house in that respect, our friends come here and stay when needed, our door is always open. There is usually food of some kind in the fridge and they all know where towels and such are. We have a friend that lives in FL and we have told him when they come to Iowa to visit family they should drop in for a day or two on their way home. He said, I'll call and make plans, I said nonsense, call and let me know you are on your way, I always have room for friends. So if anyone ever come to Chicago, I have a place for you to stay. I have a fully finished basement, with a beautiful fireplace and private bath. Just let me know.... I managed to rake the back yard today, it's not huge but that is a huge NSV for me. A year ago I would be struggling to breath, this time I raked and came in and cleaned the master bathroom. I took a shower and started dinner in the crock. I am getting ready to vaccum, and then cnahge the sheets on Abi's bed. I did mine yeaterday. I try not to change all the beds the same day, way too much laundry. I am going to be listing a bunch of stuff on Ebay later today, all of the American Girl stuff that Abi never plays with. I'm sad to see it go but she asked for some big stuff (size not dollar amount) for Christmas so we need the room. Also it will give someone a chance to get some very nice things that they might not ba able to afforad any other way. I know that her first American girl came from Ebay, I saved about $40 buying it that way. I have a huge bin of stuff to sell, I should be taking pictures right now, but I am hanging out here and drining my hot tea. Oreo is snuggld up so close to me I can feel her breath on my leg, she is soooo warm I hate to move her. She tried to get in the shower with me this morning and she stayed right with me in the back yard the whole time. She has become really attached to me, she is my little sweetie. I will check in again later. ~Mandy

I had to buy a new coat today! My old coat is a Women's 2X and is now completely too big for me. I tried on several different styles and ended up getting a long black wool coat in a SIZE 12!!!! I am so tickled, I love this darn band!!! It is so great to shop in regular sizes and have so many choices!!! Just wanted to share a happy moment!

Hi bandits! It's my one month Bandiversary! For the most part things have gone well. There is so much to learn and get used to. I can hardly believe a month has gone by. Chrispygal, I too, am stuck on 235.4. Starting to wonder if the scales really work. LOL Glad to hear yours moved!!! I seem to have little things going on instead of the scale..NSV's I believe they are called. My clothes are way too loose, my watch is sliding on my arm and my favorite Mavs ball cap is actually loose on my head. That one cracked me up. My doc is letting me eat regular food. I do that for maybe 1 of my 3 meals of the day. Still not comfortable going full solids yet. My pouch seems fine, my brain just isn't ready. I really don't want to mess anything up. My only real concern is my fill. I am scheduled for the 16th, but have an appt with my knee Dr on Monday. If he can fit me in for my knee surgery, I am going to hold off on the fill. I have never had any trouble being put under, but I don't want my first problem one to be with a newly tightened band. Last thing I want is to be nauseous and tight. At the same time, I am sad to think of having to put off my first fill. Ah well, I've decided, better safe than sorry. I am going out to dinner tonight with friends at Joe T Garcia's (mexican food). Wish me luck!!! Thanks to all my Oct. bandster buddies and the rest of the gang for being there. Best of luck and continued success to everyone! We CAN do this!!!

Hello everyone - I've been MIA for a while - out of town, busy with work, family stuff...life sure gets in the way, doesn't it? I'm proud to say things have been going very well for me. Since my last fill I've had good restriction. I am down 75 lbs now and people at work seem to comment on how I look on a daily basis. It feels so good to get the compliments and to know that the weight will stay off with the help of the band is an even bigger reward. I've hit another plateau - staying the same for about the last week and a half - but I'm sure it will kick back into gear soon. I've been fighting a cold for the past week and even stayed home from work last Wednesday and slept the entire day. I went on a scrapbooking retreat with friends last weekend and sneezed and blew my nose the entire weekend. Then I woke up this morning doing the same thing - UUggghh!! Next weekend I'm going on another retreat. So I'll spend the week planning what I want to work on and packing my supplies. Last weekend we were in a house, so I was able to bring my Magic Bullett and have my shakes when I wanted them. This next weekend we'll be at a resort and everything is buffet-style. I'm going to just focus on eating my protein first and drinking my water during the day and then I should be fine. I just need to stay away from snacks. I had cheddar chex mix last weekend and it was SO good, but it was the first time I'd really just let myself snack and the guilt was terrible! Anyway, I see from your posts since I was on last that you are all doing well. Congrats on all the NSV's and take care of yourselves to the ones who were having issues. I'm going to try and check in more often. I miss chatting with you all!

I was thinking today how much more control I have over food than in the past. Pain is part of it, being too tight to eat, but something else keeps me from downing pudding cups, shakes and ice cream by the gallon. I suppose it's because I no longer get a "boost" from food. Getting another fill when I'm on and off again "tight" seems a little crazy. Dumber yet would be to ignore the advantages of a smaller appetite that the fills usually bring. Will Thanksgiving and upcoming holidays spell disaster for us? Let's begin posting "Holiday NSV's". My first Holiday NSV came today. I'm looking forward to rolling into bed Thanksgiving evening with an empty pouch and a nice bottle of water on the nightstand. It's hard to fall asleep stuffed to the gills.

Drewslou, I'm so glad surgery went well! Now you get to know the joy of restriction. I had a strange NSV today......I went to go buy some dress shoes, we have a party to go to tomorrow and I need shoes. So I go to the size 9's, too big. I've worn size 9 for forever. Then I went to the 8 1/5's. Too Big!!!! So I went to the 8's.....well, still almost too big but ok. And I found some HEELS! And not just 2 inch heels, but FIVE inch heels. Wohoo! And I could actually walk around in them and not have my feet feel like they were trying to explode because of all the weight pushing down. Has anyone else noticed their feet shrinking? Strange.........

Hi Kim. :biggrin1: Glad to hear your doing so well and enjoying your "sweet spot" and WTG on your NSV's!! Your awesome!! I bet you have a lot more spring in your step these days. We will have to try those chicken tenderloins at Cracker Barrel. 3Loves sends her love. She is now down 39 lbs. Slowly but surely. She is thinking of scheduling another fill before the holidays. She's only had one and it was 2.5 cc's. Gosh, where are your DREWS? Would love to hear from you.

Hello Maysters! Anyone heard from DREWS? Hope her surgery went well.. Ousner, you rock! Paladin, its so good to hear from you! How is 3loves? How is her band treating her? All is well, I hope! Marci - I say go for the marathon, but if you start to experience pain, you should stop! You can't be too careful with your hip! Wanted to pop in here with a quick update... After my second fill on October 24th, I am finally back to eating "normal" foods. NOW I KNOW WHAT RESTRICTION IS!!! I can't eat very much, and the weight is falling off! It's a struggle to get in just 900 - 1000 calories. I think 2cc's is my sweet spot. Example.. went to Cracker Barrel for lunch yesterday and ordered grilled chicken tenerloins, green Beans and baby carrots. The tenderloins are small (about 1 oz. each). I was only able to eat one tenderloin, about two bites of green beans and about 2 baby carrots. Needless to say, I had enough food for supper and lunch again. I can't believe it! When I got my fill, Dr. Rose said he was gonna "give me my money's worth", and boy did he! I am making sure to get my Protein in and taking several multi-Vitamins, so I feel good! I am now doing 1 hour of cardio and 1 hour of weight training 3 - 4 days a week, and I am really enjoying the progress that I'm making... 3 Major NSV's: 1. NO MORE BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINES! 2. NO MORE CPAP MACHINE! 3. MY BMI is down from 51 to 39.1 (NO LONGER MO!)! Hope you guys are continuing to do well.

I'd say it was an 18, but not as comfortable as a 16, and now I am in some 14's and to sit that way is natural again. I'm with you, I was thrilled. My new NSV was this morning, lying in bed, my DH told me "check that out, you can see your individual ribs". And I could I could feel each rib, and the separation between them!!! Keep going, those legs will go where ya want 'em soon!!! Kat

Hi Ladies, I started out a size 26 and am cruising down into a 20. For those of you ahead of me in the journey, approximately what clothing size did you wear when you noticed you were crossing your legs comfortably? My legs cross in comfortable chairs, but not in "waiting room" or "office" chairs just yet. How long do I have to wait? To me, that's going to be one of the greatest NSV's.... Thanks!

I've had enough of the demon scales! I realized this morning that I was falling back into my old addictive ways of obsessing about my weight...this happens every time I'm on a "diet". Every day starts something like this...get up, get on the scale, if weight is up feel depressed and a failure, if the weight is down, euphoria. I know it is not logical and I know that there are fluctuations, but the lapband was about taking control of my life. It's not a diet and it's not short term, so starting today I will not let the scales rule me. I've put them on a very high shelf in the garage and will only get them out one day each month when I have to weigh and call the doc with my progress. I do have goals though: my long-term goals are to comfortably wear a size 8, be able to ride a bicycle for 50 miles and to be in good enough shape to be able to go trekking on the Inca trail in Peru by my 46th birthday. Thanks for listening...I really missed you guys while the server was down!

I have been seeing the commercials on here in New Mexico as well. Yesterday I took my parents to get their eyes checked, and one come on in the waiting room. The girl sitting across from me with her Mom said "That's what I need". I told her I had it done 6 months ago. Her questions flew fast and furious!!! She and her Mom both, in fact Mom was willing to finance it for her. She took my # and said she would call to talk about it some more!!! And it was quite the NSV for me....I still have a lot of weight to lose, but the daughter told me she never would have thought I had been fat!!! I floated out of there on a cloud!!! Pumpkin, we all heal at different rates, I could have taken care of my granddaughter the next day without a problem, as it was I did have her the 3rd day on. I had a very easy surgery and recovery. I don't think they should make it sound like everyone can go back the next day. But I also would hate to see them make it sound like everyone has a 2-3 week recovery, when it may discourage them. Then again if they tried to fit all the information in, it would start sounding like those drug commercials that go on forever with all the possible side effects, they crack me up!!! Kat

Sue, are you gaining? If not, you and your body may just be going through a transition. Losing the weight that has insulated us is difficult, losing food as our best friend is difficult. I have had many plateaus and long periods without loss when I needed and my body needed to adjust. I am going through one right now. Just start getting back on track. Remember how it felt when you were heavier. Track your non scale victories (NSV). Think about things differently - instead of thinking morning exercise walk, think a morning walk to enjoy the nature and prepare to start the day... Good luck. Celeste

I read your NSVs and I'm going to start keeping a list. As of now I have these: 1. I can wear a size 18 instead of a size 22. 2. I can cross my legs. 3. I can move around a lot more easily and when I walk, I walk fast. 4. I can fit into those dinky desks at the Big U. 5. People have noticed my weight loss. 6. I am going to buy new clothes because my old ones are too big. 7. I am not huffing and puffing as much as I did. 8. My ankles don't make strange noises when I walk downstairs. I haven't tried running upstairs and I may not. I'm getting old and I feel that when one is over 50 one should get to use the elevator. But in the elevator, there are a lot of fat young people who are huffing and puffing and are fatter than I am! Amazing! 9. I have no problem waiting on Mother. I wait on Mother like a servant and it's easier now. 10. I have lost about 35 pounds overall, and that's okay if I keep feeling well. We have lots of people around here who look much worse than me, poor devils. 11. I have hope that eventually I will lose all 70 pounds. I will not give up hope.

God, when I think I have it bad, someone always has it worse. I do hope the brain tumor can be removed soon. I haven't had many NSVs lately. In fact, my M.A. program has been the subject of much criticism so work doesn't help much. But I'm going to quit running that program. If Mother goes to the nursing home, maybe I can calm down but I'm seriously worried about getting her settled there and the cost of the place. I will check your NSV list. I really appreciate people like you.

That is a great NSV, you should be proud! I am having a tough time at work today. I work for an agency that cares for abuse, abandoned and neglected kids. I work in the development office. This afternoon, they are going to be bringing the kids from our campus and group homes by the office to trick-or-treat. I have this huge bowl of candy sitting on top of my filing cabinet in my office waiting for them. It has been tormenting me all day. One of the candies I bought was Twix. That was so dumb of me. I love twix. So far, I have resisted the urge, but I am not sure how much longer I will be able to hold it.

Oh! What a drag about the spare skin! I hope it goes away. Still, it is a sign that you have lost a lot of weight. It is an NSV, I guess, though not a really neat one.

Hi MOM, sad to say I stayed the same this week, still up one from the original weight. I just keep telling myself to be patient, my body is still adjusting, BUT I can really tell a difference in how my clothes fit now. NSV I think it's called, I still feel so much better then before the surgery.

i LOVE LOVE LOVE (love) Reese's Peanut Butter cups ... could go thru a whole huge bag of mini's in about 3-4 days before banding... today we had Halloween at work, there was candy everywhere of course. i walked past my boss's office and voila - Reese's ... i grabbed one and threw it on my desk and went to speak to a co-worker. i come back and it is staring me down (you know the eyes that are pleading eat me eat me, come on!!!) i go to open the package, look at it, say nope, not hungry and toss it back into my boss's candy dish. i didnt eat it!!!!! :omg:

Susan - thanks for the info - NSV - thats cool! I am soooooooo impatient - good grief I had to keep myself from calling the doctors office today to see if they got any info from my insurance. I noticed everyone is different in the order of how things are taken care of. I had to have all my tests done before they submitted anything to the insurance and haven't gotten a surgery date yet and then I read where others have their band date and haven't even had the pysch eval yet - I guess its all in where you live or is it the doctor? I'm just hoping that when I do get the call that my insurance has ok'd the band that they will say can you come in tomorrow.. LOL ... ok so next week. And then I'll say ... YOU BETCHA!!!

http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=8943 is the list of my NSVs. You might want to go get a cup of tea, it's a long read. But I track all of them, and notice them. Bitter, your NSVs, your Non-scale Victories are all the wins you have in life that have nothing to do with the scale. The large and small triumphs that you perhaps would not have even considered doing/attemping before banding. Or simply not even noticed. The pounds lost only tell part of your story. Your NSVs tell the rest. If you think of it like a drawing, the pounds are the outline of the landscape, but your NSVs are what bring your painting to life, they add texture and color, contrast and defininiton to your story. My NSV list is litterally the only thing that has sustained me here. I have no weight loss, and I will not lose any weight until this damned brain tumor is removed. That is just my cold and hard reality. But I will always have my complete list of NSVs.

I thought I would bump this, since I've been doing a crummy job lately of banging the NSV Drum.... My current NSV? I'm going to write a novel next month as part of NaNoWriMo.

What is an NSV? I suspect I may be secreting cortisol since Mother has been in the hospital twice in one week and the dog still has mange and people in my department are seriously upset about the unwonted changes to the M.A. program so now I have to have a meeting where everyone will be irritated. My clothes do seem to be bigger. In fact, I'm going to the clothes sales this week to get some in a smaller size. I got a size 18 Leslie Fay knit suit and it fits perfectly. Size 20 is way too big and I used to wear a 22. So I'm gaining on the weight, but I would like to see some improvement now. I don't exercise enough because I'm nearly 60 and it hurts. I suspect if I was 35, it would be easier to exercise. But I walk at school since I have to hike to my building and hike back up a hill. I still am trying to dance a little, but the last time I did it, I ended up sitting on a heating pad for days. Maybe if I know what an NSV is, it will help me psychologically. Thanks for the help.

Thank you, Chris---what an asset you are to this list!! Yeah, those darn french fries.... I love 'em too! Congrats on your NSV--- Veggestyle--- You are having a NSV also! Halloween candy....is everyone else able to stay away, also? This will be a first for me!! I used to buy way more than I needed, just so I would have plenty for ME. Not this year, tho'. Hey, I guess I am having a NSV too!!!:biggrin1: How cool is that that Alix and Angela are in the same city?? I wish I had someone on the list that lived near me, but at least I live in the same STATE as you both! But hey, I will be ok as long as I have this list.... thank you all for being here! 2 more days and counting.......!!!! :clap2: Karen