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Yesterday I decided to go shopping. I have bought a few things that fit me but you can count them on one hand. I brought home a bag full, things were on sale and a good price. I hate to try on in store so I bring it home. Usually most of it goes back. I bought all XL. I wore a 24 5 months ago and can not remember when I ever and I mean ever wore an XL. I tried them all on and they all fit wonderfully. I couldn't believe how little I looked. Then I did the unthinkable. I took everything that was in my cupboard and folded it up for the thrift store. Today I took it there. All my big clothes are gone. I have hardly anything in my closet clothes wise but I have enough until I lose another 45 lbs and the XL are all baggy. What an NSV this was for me.

jekbird, Here is my favorite link before I go to get a fill. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/increase-your-chances-t22611.html Grats on the NSV that is awesome!

I knew that finally deciding to take action and not be obese anymore was going to change my life. I was prepared for the lifestlye change, the new eating habits, the different wardrobe, and the better health. At 4 months out, I'm down under 200 pounds, somewhere that I haven't been since roughly 9th grade. All of the changes have be fought for,welcome, but expected. What I never expected was that I would start to feel more confident in myself. I didn't realize how little self-confidence I had until after I started to lose weight. For years I've been the stay-at-home-mom shuttling the kids to their various activities, to school, to doctor's appointentments, to friends parties. I've let my hussband be the sole bread-winner, and we've always managed to "get by" but there isn't much left at the end of the month. For the last year, I've thought about starting my own small business. I even began the process in September of 2010, and then something stopped me from following through. At the time, I wasn't sure exactly what was holding me up, but I realize now that I was afraid. I knew that I would have to market myself, talk to strangers, and make presentations in front of people (some I know, most I don't) to really be successful. At the time, I didn't realize that I didn't believe in myself, didn't think I was someone that people would want to buy from, and was really worried that as I was standing in front of people talking, all they would be thinking about is the fat chick in front of them. Well, I started my business last week. I did my first presentation, and it went so much better than I dreamed. Everyone was listening to me, staring at me as I talked, and I didn't feel like I was the "fat one." If I can make an extra $100 a month, then my sleeve will not only help save my lifee, but get my kids the trip to Disneyland that I've wanted to take. This had truly been a life changing operation, in so many ways.

What a fabulous NSV!! Congratulations!

NSV is any accomplishment or victory that you've achieved that doesn't include a scale. It could be a smaller clothing size, someone paid you a compliment about your weight loss, fitting to an airplane seat or another seat, crossing your legs, etc. anything that maybe you wouldn't or couldn't do before. It's a victory to be celebrated even if the scale isn't moving (or if it's not moving enough or the right way!) Celebrate every little thing and be proud of what you've accomplished. It's the little things that add up to big success.

Being able to breath easier to me was one of the best NSV's. You will notice more and more how good it feels when you're not carrying around that excess weight. Gratz on the 20 lbs.

Audrey I can't wait to see your pics! I just love looking at the pics of you and your sister...what an inspiration you are! Thanks for being there for us newer bandsters. I love love love your attitude. And I agree so much with what you say about not being so tight you can't at least eat the nutritious food you need to eat comfortably. And if being not quite tight enough doesn't keep you from eating junk, well, neither will being a tad bit loose. Thank you for saying that. What a great NSV, to be walking by totally expecting some evidence of a sneer and getting nothing...you are normal!!!! Ahhh!!! Happy Bandiversary. Well done!!!!!

At what point do you not feel like you have to dress like your old fat self? Or look in the mirror and see your old body? Halloween costume last night was MaryAnn from True Blood, so that required sleeveless. It took a LOT to get to suck it up and go without the jacket. Of course on the outside I showed confidence because it's what I do but on the inside I was thinking, these people are looking at my arms. They are wondering why the fat girl wondered why it was ok to wear sleeveless. What is she thinking? I did have a NSV today though - one of my friends posted pics from the party and a young rather cute guy said "whos the raven haired hottie? I am married and SO not looking, but it totally was a big NSV!!

I am really starting to see NSV (Non scale victories) and was wondering some of the others greatest and what I have to look forward too!!! My first and the one I am most thankful for, I was banded on 3/28/11 and on 4/49/11 I was the driver of a roll over accident and I survived and my band is FINE!!!! I was wearing my seatbelt which can save your life as we all know but can also cause the band to slip but thank God, I am alive and the band is great I had my first fill on 4/12/11. At 35 pounds off so far, my size 18 pants are falling off my shoes are loose I can get my rings back on scrubs used to be 1x now LARGE trouser socks used to be tight around my calf now they feel fine can fit into booths without stuffing!!!! my hubby can hug me, normally (sniff, sniff) I know there are more and there will be more I cannot wait I love this journey and I am so glad I did it!!!! For those that are getting discouraged, I hope this board offers you support!!! Peace, Joleen

Clothes are loose Some clothes that didn't fit last year do now I had to get a ring guard because my ring kept slipping off I can cross my legs again I don't get as winded climbing stairs I can walk for hours (shopping) without any pains I can fit in Victoria's Secret panties I'm noticing men are paying attention to me again, this has been pretty exciting.. even though I have a wondeful man it sure feels good to be noticed again lol My 8 and 9 year old neices noticed that I'm smaller and they're excited about it, that kinda meant alot more than when adults notice. I can't wait for more NSV, I've only just begun. Thank you for this post, I was feeling a little bummed today as I feel like I haven't lost any weight in about a month, I'm getting frustrated. But looking at my list has reminded me of how far I've come.

I guess it is a NSV and also a problem. I have barley any clothes that fit me. I've never been as small as I am now (a XL top and 16w jeans, though I may be approaching a large). I only have 3 t shirts, and 2 pairs of jeans and 2 hoodies that fit. Besides workout clothes and my scrubs for work). I started cleaning out my closet and realized this today. I hate buying new clothes because I just keep needing new ones.

Thanks for all the replies ladies! I guess we are all different, but... I guess my calves aren't too fat after all! Can we say NSV??

Great news! NSV's are my favorite things!

OK I have a weird NSV weird for me... Saturday! I went to the movies and slacked arround. after the movies I was feeling really lazy but had not worked out yet for the day...I drove to the gym and they were closed! at 7 pm I was actualy mad that they were closed. BECAUSE I WANTED TO WORK OUT! totaly weird. I got up early Sunday to hit the gym cause I didnt want to miss working out sunday. lol cool or what. OH and I had a Quiznos Sammy for lunch/dinner. I never thought I could get full of such a small sandwich. wow.

Oh Man! That is the best NSV!! Here are mine: Able to put my shoes on without passing out My pants are almost falling off I am wearing a shirt today that I haven't worn in 7 years I can now shop at other stores besides Catherine's and the Avenue (other stores didn't go above size 28) I walk longer without gasping for air My friend hugged me and said she has never gotten her arms that far around I went for my 2nd fill and found out I lost 13 lbs since the beginning of January! Can't wait to get on that airplane and try that damn seatbelt!!

Good going Chris. I thought I was the only one that had to go shopping in my own closet for new clothes. I have been doing that since the beginning - rediscovering old clothes from up to 15 years ago. That's pants mainly. Drum roll, please. My NSV occurred last week. I fit in the airplane coach seat and the seat belt fit with room to spare. No more seat belt extenders for me. Yeahhhhhhhhhhhh. I have been using one for almost 10 years. I was and am still so excited. I have been gaining and losing the same two pounds for 3 weeks now but I do notice that the inches are melting off anyway. I get my fill at the end of next week which will be 8 weeks out.

Poor Kitty Cerrin . . . but YEA FOR YOU!!!!! That has to be the BEST DAMN FEELING! I've been pretty much stalled all month . . . but was able to put on some 20 capri's my dil had . . . that ZIP and BUTTON instead of elastic . . . that is HUGE for me . . . (just wish I didn't hate capris!) I'm going on a cruise to Alaska in May . . . and my mom just shipped me a vest she had . . . its beautiful tan suede . . . and I can wear it like it is . . . BUT I now have motivation to get busy losing again because I WANT to be able to zip it . . . not just have it handing loose. All these NSVs are great everyone! Keep them coming!

It's amazing the difference you get when you lose a big chunk of yourself.... I feel better about myself and have more energy and stamina. My wife and I have always had a healthy intimate life - so good in fact that I didn't think it could get better - I WAS WRONG!!!! Definitely one of the top NSVs of WLS!.

Well...I have so many NSV's since my RNY!!! Being able to exercise, sitting with my Grandchildren in my recliner with room left over, shopping!!! I used to hate to go shopping now HHHMMM I think I love it too much!!! Setting a good example for my grandkids and my daughter, feeling good, less pain, kind of happy in my own skin (sometimes) Not feeling like I am the biggest person in the room (sometimes) I am working on this!! And like you I am a past Horseback rider!! I might try it again. Now if only my mind catches up with my weight loss things would be so much better. I hope it will come. CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming WLS!!!

When I got married 3 and a half years ago, I searched high and low for a simple outfit to wear (wasn't a big ceremony and wanted something kind of casual that I could wear again one day). This city is filled with pencil thin, boobless model wannabes lol, so my search took ages. I finally found a shop that had a lovely light lavendar skirt and top. It was just what I had been looking for. When I tried on the biggest size, the skirt was super tight Luckily, the blouse came down over my gut to hide it a little bit. I looked around at other shops though and that was the closest I could find to something that looked half way decent on me. This weekend, I fished it out of the closet, just to see if I could squeeze my big arse into it yet. Low and behold, it was LOOSE! Not like falling off loose or anything, but moving room loose for sure. That inspired me to try on a few other outfits that I had bought before I moved to Australia, in the hopes that one day I'd fit into them. They ALL fit!!! So I'm now smaller than my DH has ever seen me. Still as big as I was when I was 9 months pregnant, but I'm not concentrating on that hehehe.

Congrats on the NSVs. You are right, having clothes that fit make you feel so good.

Ok..tried to figure it out..but couldn't...what is NSV?

Congrats!!!! Great NSV

I was banded on 3/19/2012.I've Lossed 22 pounds and I am a size 16. I went before surgery and bought size 14. They fit!! They are snug, but they fit!! Omg! Went back to work and everyone is saying how great I look. ( I shared with no coworkers ). Yea its bandster hell bit staying with it is so worth it.

You know how people who were one thing, and then reformed themselves all of a sudden become fanatical about that thing they used to be? Ex smokers are one of the best examples, policing the ranks of those who continue to smoke, evangelizing them to save them from that particular sin. They are especially known for their zeal. I sort of felt that way today. After my post op check up (which went very well), I drove up to visit my parents and help my Dad with a few chores around the house. While we were working, my Mom declared that we needed to go to the store to get some things she had been wanting for a while. Now "we" translates and "Dad and I". As for the store, she did not care, as long as it had everything she wanted on her list. It was that discussion that led to the circumstances where I found myself a short while later. We wound up in the mecca for fat people. There were more fat people there than at the Golden Corral on 10% off day. Yes. I am talking about Walmart. I hate going to Walmart. I don't like having to walk for what seems like miles just to discover they really don't have what I want. What's even worse sometimes IS finding what I want. Then I have to stand in line to check out - a line that stretches into the hazy distance like people lined up waiting for Judgment Day. And today was even worse. We were at a Walmart in a popular vacation spot for people from a very large city whose initials are N.Y.C. So it was fat people with an attitude. I also made the mistake of texting Mrs. LittleBill to tell her I was at Walmart, thinking she would at least sympathize. I received an LOL and a list of stuff to look for. So now I had two missions. We had to park so far away from the building that all we could see was the top, peeking over the horizon. I am pretty sure we were in a different zip code. The parking lot was solid with vehicles. In the distance I could see people dodging back and forth between the city drivers zooming around looking for the best spot. I said to Dad, "Maybe today isn't such a good day to try and go in there." He turned to me and said, "It's not worth my life to come home empty handed! We're going in!" We eventually made it to the door. I grabbed a cart, and waded into the mêlée, calling out to Dad that we could split up and cover more territory more quickly. It was like a cross between bumper cars and the demolition derby. People were smacking into one another left and right, coming out of the ends of the aisles like they had been fired out of a cannon. Baleful glares and insincere apologies were exchanged with abandon. And in all of this, there was a huge number of human juggernauts, cruising through slowly, yet unstoppable. They drew my attention with fascination. Like the ex smoker described above, I looked from person to person, thinking: "You need bariatric surgery. You need bariatric surgery. You REALLY need bariatric surgery! I can't believe I used to look like that! Did I really look like that!?! This place is a GOLD MINE for my surgeon!" It was actually kind of weird. On one hand, I felt something of a kinship with these people while on the other hand I was repulsed. I think a lot of the latter had to do with attitude though. I really get impatient with rude people. In one sense it was something of an NSV for me. I am still fat, but I am not the land yacht I used to be, and to a degree, I felt a whole lot slimmer as I negotiated the killing fields of the retail environment. It was also something of a wake up call, to learn that I do not perceive myself in the same way that I used to. I am going to have to work on that one for a while. It kind of snuck up on me and grabbed me by the throat. But at least I made it out of there alive.