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I noticed that I am walking faster today, almost back to normal pace. Soon, LOL, I will be able to keep up with my husband again. I had an interesting NSV today that I think has nothing to do with weight loss, so to speak, and everything to do with my "new found" positive feelings about myself. For the past two years I haven't really had a good positive image of myself. I lost my long straight blonde hair to chemotherapy. I was over weight even then, but I had my pretty hair to help me keep a positive image about myself. With that gone, it has been hard. Not to mention that my hair came back extremely curly! Everyone tells me how much they love my curly hair, but I just absolutely hate it, and I really mean ~~~loathe it! I guess this not so good feeling about myself has put me into the mousy quite type category, which I have never been in until this year. Well obviously looking at my numbers, I haven't lost much weight. I have been taking pictures and I can see slight differences because I myself know where I feel lighter so I can see those changes in the pictures. However, my husband really can't see any visible changes. So, I know this isn't happening because I showed up to work looking "thinner". Well here goes my NSV.... There is a very handsome man that sits just a few cubicles down from me. I have been walking past him since January, ever since I returned to work after my chemotherapy. He has not once ever turned his head, acknowledged my existance, looked up from his computer screen at me or anything of the sort. I even had to discuss something work related with him and he talked to me while he looked at his computer screen. So, I have walked by his desk countless times and never a reaction. These last few days, I have been talking about this "natural high" that I am feeling. Well, my natural high must be radiating, because everytime I pass this guy now, he glances up. He even said "good morning" to me in the kitchen. Interesting perspective into how positive or negative feelings about yourself can change a situation. Morning Scale: 212 (up +1) Food today: cup of coffee black w/ 1 equal Breakfast - ham and swiss cheese, about 3oz total Lunch - 3oz of Red Snapper and 4 pieces of yukka protein snack - Dinner - 1/3 of a La Madeleine chicken, broccoli tomato crepe. Calories 416, fat 21g, net carb 31g, protein 22g. Excersize: None

Wow! grats, those are some nice NSV!

I thought I'd post my NSV's here since I've been having so many of them lately. 1. Clothes getting so baggy I have to get new ones (four sizes down on top and two sizes down on bottom) 2. I fit into chairs with arms!!! 3. I fit into chairs in the movie theater without spilling into the seat next to me. 4. I can walk all around and not get tired. 5. I can clean my house, do my dishes, bend over to scrub the tub, and vacuum, and wish I had more time to keep working instead of collapsing into a sweaty exahusted heap. 6. The person in my life reaalllly likes my weight loss (wink). 7. My rings are loose. 8. When I lay on my back, my neck fat is not choking me any more! 9. I can cross my legs!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 10. I am now under the weight limit for treadmills, memory foam mattresses, epidurals, and many other things (that I don't use, but still....) I think that's it for now. And the "SV" is 50 pounds down. --Becky

thanks for the well wishes! i have a couple of nsv-- 1. put on a pair of jeans a couple of weeks ago on the off chance that i would be able to squeeze into them. and they fit. loosely. had room. didn't "cut" in my vaginal area when i sit down. i almost fell out. 2.on the honeymoon getaway we went shopping (something i hate to do because, well you all know how it is) went to old navy and bought a skirt that was a size 8. again, almost fell out. me in an 8? i never dreamed it. 3.the wedding dress... had to be taken up about 2 inches in the back from when i originally ordered it before the band was placed. a strange thing happened the other day. i had a golf ball off of some matzo that i was eating. it shocked me because i haven't had that since week 3 (the golf ball that is). i eat matzo all the time. and i find that i can eat just about anything provided that i chew it up well.

Hi Randy, Happy anniversary to you and Joy! Tell her Mike and I say hello and congrats on that great NSV!

Uh, that is truly a great NSV. A few weeks ago wen went to Chili's (their booths have very low tables that would squeeze not just the belly, but the thighs too)... and I fit, and it was fantastic, so I know she's walking on clouds about that one!

Drews -- you look great! And younger! Isn't that amazing? Keep up the good work. I got home this morning (just finished a set of nightshifts) and I have a message on the phone from the surgeon's office. "Hi Marci, we need to change you appointment on the 21st....." Instantly, I was pissed. I thought this was going to be the second time they cancelled on me! It's hard enough to get time off for fills since I have to travel such a long way for them, but for them to keep cancelling........Argh! Well, then I finished listening to the message and they just needed to move me up to 1:00 instead 2:30. Whew! I calmed down a bit after that. Got all upset for nothing. I'm stuck again......I swear, I am so ready for that fill so I start my steady losing again. Lose 3 lbs, stay the same for forever. Very discouraging. But I keep telling myself to hang in there! Drews -- I hope your husband gets well soon. That way you can both enjoy a happy life together. Linda -- Doesn't it feel great when you can fit into clothes you know that just a few months ago there would have been NO WAY you could have gotten into them. I know that feeling about loose clothes.....you hide behind them and hide from yourself in them. But now.....you go girl! And wear those jeans with pride. Marz -- that's a great NSV. And a fun one too. Now you'll have to hit the amusement parks more often. Healthy1st -- I know I'm not going to make my 20 lbs either. But I'll take the 15 I have lost. Those are pounds I will never see again. Ever. And what you have lost is gone for good. Yeah for us both. I am going to take pictures next weekend when I go with my husband to a Cult function. That way I can be dressed up. After meeting all day Friday there is a Steak and pancake dinner (no pancakes for me! I'll puke!) Then Saturday there is a semi-formal dinner and dance. I really hate his Cult functions, I really have nothing in common with the other wives there. The men call them "little women" which really makes me want to puke. The first one that asks my husband to introduce "the little woman" I'm going to punch right in the face. I realize this is an organization that has been around literally for centuries, but I don't like to be talked down to. Especially since in real life I probably make more money and have more responsibility than 90% of those men. Funny how losing a bit of weight has made me more assertive. LOL!

MsJoy wanted me to post this for her. We recently went to the Dallas area for some family, friends and fireworks. After spending the night at the local motel, we went next door to the Waffle House. Do you have them in your town? They are rather small, condensed little restaurants. The staff rarely comes out from behind the counter. They stand back there and shout out orders to the cook in a language only they understand. They are fairly cheap and they make some of the BEST waffles. But one of the problems with the Waffle House is that, being condensed, there isn't a lot of room. And if you have to sit at one of the booths, it's a tight fit. Which explains why we don't go in there much. But being our Anniversary (#31), MsJoy let me entertain my love of waffles. OF COURSE, the only seats left open were in a booth. I was trying to flag down one of the waitresses to get one of the tables reserved, when Joy steps over and slips into the booth. I was about to tell her that we could get a table in a few minutes, when she looks up at me and says, "No, that's ok. I fit..." ***INSERT BIG, HUGE SMILE*** The Anniversary trip was good....hehehe

Kari, Great idea about the shakes, I was drinking those, but lately they seem clumpy and gross to me. I did eat cheese this morning, and it was pretty nice. By the time I ate it and drove my son to school, he missed the bus, and then made it to my coffee shop, it had been long enough to drink the coffee. then, I really didn't drink much of it and ended up throwing it out. Mary, congrats on the jeans. I would have (and did when I went to a concert this summer) laid on the bed and zipped them up just to see if they would. Age makes this less comfortable than it used to be, seems like I always wore my jeans tight enough that the only way to get them on was lying down and using a hanger to zip them. My NSV today was a coworker who stopped me in the hall and said I was "shrinking" (I was wearing heels so I don't think she was talking about my height). On a slightly sad note, today I wore one of my favorite pair of slacks (they have many of the qualities that Clinton and Stacy talk about on What Not to Wear) and I was swimming in them! Well, I still wore them cause they are about all I have, but if I didn't have my jacket on, they looked ridiculous. I guess I have to take them in and have them altered. I haven't lost enough in inches to fit into most of my smaller stuff, but my bigger clothes look dumb. Oh, the trials. Listen to me complain, what an idiot, I could be getting to big for those clothes like I was before! Ruthie, great fitting into your little people car. DH always says everything is made for midgets (he is 6'5" ) while I am busy trying to reach the pedals since I'm only 5'2". Have a great night. We've almost made it through the first week of school here!

Hi everyone, I've not been keeping up on the tread and just read everything that has been posted since Sept 1. I am 2 lbs from my Sept challenge (next week is deadline for me) and seem to be stuck! Ugh! I think it comes off 5 lbs at a time and the last 5 came off my boobs I'm sure. I did have a great NSV last weekend. I went on my first carnival ride in over 12 years! The man loading people onto the ride didn't even look at me like I wouldn't fit, the harness went over my head and locked down on me with room to spare. It was the funnest ride I've had in like, forever! Keep up the great work everyone, I wish we had updates from everyone who was chatting in April/May. Maybe they will find their way back.

and confesses! I have managed to gain 2 pounds over the last 2 days. I'm not sure how that is possible since I have barely eaten over 1400 calories each day! Anyway...I'm fessing up! I am no longer -60 (damn!!!!). I'm back to -58 and heading to Portland for the weekend where I am sure I will be sorely tempted by restaurant food. I really want to be at 250 by my b-day next Friday but it is looking more and more like I won't make it. :tired At this point, I would be happy with my original September Challenge goal which was 255 (which I saw for a brief 12 hours or so). I'm such a perfectionist--I hate failure! I guess it's really not failure--I have worked really hard to get to where I am. Oh by the way, I had a MAJOR NSV yesterday. I bought some jeans for our trip (I havn't worn jeans in probably 15 years) and wore them to a friends house last night. I was amazed at everyone's response as soon as I walked in the door. People were absoutely gushing about how much weight I have lost. I guess there is something to be said for wearing tighter fitting clothes. I have always been more comfortable in really loose fitting clothes because then people can't tell how fat I really am underneath. Another plus was the fact that I got them at Walmart. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on clothes that will only fit me for a month or two. The jeans were only about $15. I'm glad I'll be able to shop cheaply until I get down to my goal. I hate feeling like I'm wasting money. Good luck everyone with the last week of the challenge!

Yea Mary!!!! Congrats!!!!! Love those clothes that now fit!!!!! First day back at school and lots of comments....but I had also told a large circle of friends so I was a curiosity. My personal NSV for the day: I drive the gas efficient car to school (an Accord) even though my knees are at my throat (remember 4 ft legs). I don't use that car during the summer because I use our big ole roomy Van. Welllll.....last year I had not been able to make the seatbelt reach to buckle it (ok our fault for buying a car made by little people) and had to rig something up to connect it. Guess what?????? It connects now. Wahoo baby!!!! Ruthie Banded 7-11-06 First fill 9-5-06 (4 ccs)

Kari, My doc recommends the same...protein shake in a.m. and then try to eat food for the rest of the day. Colleen: Kari told you about that unjury powder. Well, since I'm not one that loves to drink those protein drinks (I find them pretty gross...have tried many), I took the vanilla unjury and added a scoop to skim milk, then added in some chocolate or chocolate fudge sugar free Jello brand pudding mix....didn't measure just sprinkled it in. Now, that's what I drink every morning. It's delicious...tastes like hot chocolate. I ran out of unjury (it is low in calories, low in carbs and 20 grams protein a scoop), so my hubby bought me some "On 100% Whey Gold Standard" He bought it from the Vitamin Shoppe and it has 120 calories, only 3 carbs and 24 grams protein. The flavor is Vanilla Ice Cream, but again, I just added that sugar free pudding mix to make it a chocolate drink. I haven't tried it with anything else yet, but I may try a smoothie tomorrow with strawberries or something. I had an NSV (nonscale victory) yesterday. I tried on a pair of jeans that just 4 weeks ago, I could barely get up over my Big (but shrinking) ***. Well, I could button them up yesterday!!! I couldn't zip and didn't feel like lying down on the bed to do that (did any of you do that in high school/college?) but the fact that I had them on and buttoned is significant for me!!! By the time it gets colder here they will fit!!! I have 2 pairs to wear as I shrink!!! Yayyy!!! I know only you guys on here can relate to my happiness!!!

Christa --congrats on your wedded bliss. You will have to post some pics for us to see. The band can be trying at times. Knock, Knock, Knock on wood --I've not had any difficulty with mine. However today --I find myself with the "munchies". I've not had this since surgery and not sure what it all about. I'm certainly not "stuffing" myself with stuff because that is now pretty much impossible. Been grazing a bit today which has never been a big habit. So I'm not worried about it --it will pass. The scales haven't moved this week but last week it went down about 3 pounds. I seem to go one week with no weight loss the next with some weight loss (all at once). Heck --I'll take it however it goes. However --I've taken several weekend trips since being banded and have dined out the whole time. Each time I come back with no weight gain and once with weight loss. That's a huge NSV for me. I could never say that pre-banded. Melissa Lea

hmm my NSV is I was able to move into my 4th floor walk-up without too much trouble... anddd another one is I can run up and down the stairs a heck of a lot easier... the breathiness is going away! Being in NYC is making the pounds FLY off and people are NOTICING! woohoo feels good!

2 NSV's Getting easier to walk up the BIG hill. Wallked 5 miles Saturday....woohooooo

Shucks you guys, if you keep saying all the nice things to me im going to not only be a scale addict but a picture addict. LOL I generally hate pictures of myself so that would be a big nsv for me :eek:!!! Thank you so much.

Wow! I can't beleive how much posting has gone on in the last five days! You guys have been busy! I have to get to the whole "work" thing - but I wanted to let you all know that I am alive and well. Had a great vacation - except I ate everything in the universe and am afraid to step on the scale... We had a fabulous time seeing the grandkids - adorable even though they are 8 & 9 and a little bit of hell on wheels... We went to the zoo, two aquariums, and spent far too much time at places like the Main Event & Speed Zone. I think a Grand time was had by all - and while I was thrilled to have them, I was thrilled when they left as well. I still don't have the energy for children... although I did have an NSV of sorts while they were here. Tanner was being an 8 yr old boy - and I was playing with him - and I actually RAN after him through the house one day... without really thinking about it - I ran. Now, I can't tell you when the last time that I RAN was - when I wasn't late for a plane connection or something. It freaked me out a little bit... and my DH commented on my energy level too. We rode the local commuter train into town rather than taking two cars - so we walked a lot - and he said I was walking too fast a lot of the time and wearing him out. So - now I guess I have to get back on plan - and get back to work on the weightloss, body size thing. Well, I am already past due to return from lunch - I will try to check in again soon. Love to all!! Irene

Congratulations Stephanie! I remember the moment when I first wore pants that zip up and had no elastic. It was just like 2 months ago. EVERYONE notices that kind of thing, whether they say so or not. It's a huge NSV. Congratulations! I've only had one NSV since then (at least that makes the formal list), which is that I noticed one day not long after the pants moment that I was sitting with my legs crossed in my armchair. Now that's my favorite position! It'll be a long time before my legs stay crossed in an upright chair, but in my cushy armchair, I feel just great. Be sure to post when you wear those pants to work for the first time. Don't wait more than 10 days or so to try them on again or when you do, they might be too big!

Congrats Chris! Have you taken a look lately at your NSV list? I know that I always feel better when I see where I've been. You might put on your before clothes for a while, get a good laugh out of that! You've done a great job in maintaining. And as for "eating more than I'm supposed to...." I think that as bandsters we get a squewed picture of what is "normal." We think eating 1/4 cup of food is a "normal" poition, when in reality is is a very tiny portion. Good job, you've worked really hard!

Hello my friends, Been nursing DH today. He was dethatching the lawn yesterday but I guess caught some bug. He started with the shivers this morning with no fever, then threw up and then the fever. Seems to be doing better now but, man we're nervous with the TripleE around here. He hasn't thrown up again and his fever is in check so we're doing well. He's watching his NASCAR race now (bet Betty is too hee hee). I tried to get some chicken soup in him earlier and he did well with it but, he hasn't been hungry for supper. Just trying to be a good nurse Hmmm now if I had a uniform it might help change his mood lmao sorry couldn't help it lol. He is doing better though I think I got everyone with my personal email addy but, if I missed ya and you'd like it please PM me and I'll give it to you. I'd love it if we all kept in touch should something happen to the website. Seems the hacking and weekend shutdowns have me nervous. Hopefully the fighting will stop soon...such silliness and man they get so nasty :girl_hug: So sad that they've forgotten what this website is truly for and how much it's helped us all. Oh well enough about that. Cindy - Thank you for the compliment. I think it might be sinking in that I'm doing well. I truly didn't see it in my picture but, for the first time on Friday at work....I saw something. I went into the ladies room and while washing my hands I looked at myself in the mirror (Gosh I hate to do that lol) and saw something. My mind finally allowed me to see a smaller girl. I looked at my hips and tummy and saw it......finally thought "wow....you have lost girl....more to go but, it's really showing". I guess that's a NSV for me...I've never said that to myself before. Anywho...thank you for all you did to help me get here The food suggestions have helped alot. I really do need to slow down, cut my Protein nice and small and I do much better. All the things I knew to do but didn't until ya reminded me lol Mandy - WELCOME girl! Any friend of Cindy's is considered a friend of mine. Please feel free to ask any questions here including WHATS A PB lol. We won't get mad but if ya ask twice we might tell ya again but laugh hee hee. Just kidding. You'll find we all like to help each other and we all need each other. Your dog is adorable.....I have two Golden Retrievers. They're cute but Jake the 4 month old is cruisin big time. He chewed up my kitchen chairs....the seat of all things and they are oak. Mamma isn't happy with him right now. Apparently he did this while my son was home alone and not paying attention :girl_hug: Needless to say they were both in the doghouse Friday. Betty - God bless ya. I've seen your postings within some of the threads and it must be so hard with the Gripe catagory. I don't know if the catagory is being used properly, seems like it's nothing but trouble so I've been staying away from it. I got caught up in it when I was looking for New posts to see if I could help people. That dang curiosity sometimes does me in but, I keep my mouth or fingers shut. All I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing your best moderating here. It just can't be easy. Now......do you use a special smoker type thing for the meats? Its an outdoor thing right? Hows the foot? Mary - Hows it going? Seems like life is very busy for you! I do hope you've had time to pamper yourself a bit. Kat - Waiting to see those pics girl. I bet you see a big difference I'll be happy to help you get them posted if you'd like. How is DH doing today? Good idea with the email addys and anyone that wants to share mine with anyone here, it's ok with me. Chris - Sorry we couldn't get together today. I was looking forward to it but, I couldn't take the chance of you or Donna getting sick. No idea what DH has but he's feeling better Maybe we can make plans for next weekend or something How many days now? 30? Wahooo you're going to do sooo good with this I just know it! Pat - Thanks for letting us know about the hack thing with Eileen. I don't blame ya for being afraid to go there. My DH repairs computers so I know I'd get it fixed but, still I don't want to lose any information I have stored up on it lol. How are things going for you? Your new hire start yet? Ohhh I still have the one that doesn't balance her deposits with me and she hasn't improved getting to work on time grrrrrrrr. She's going to make me do it...I just know it UGH. Patty - How old is Channing? I remember my son going through some self esteem issues. Still not easy when it happens but, he's getting better with it realizing that sometimes it's not him but the kid that is making fun of him has a problem. Teenage years are so difficult sometimes. Good luck finding the help you want for him, I'm sure you're helping him a great deal too. He's lucky to have such a wonderful mom Eileen - Glad you got your computer up and running right. DH do that for a living? Sometimes these viruses and hackers really cause a great deal of mess. Thanks for getting the info to us through Pat. My luck I would of flopped right over it and allowed it into my computer as well. Minestrone soup....ahem...Greg's special soup....easy peasy to make! I'll give the recipe if ya want it If you have a can opener...you're golden with this recipe. No measuring cups needed either lol. It's even better after it sits in the refridge overnight and reheated the next day Bene - Hows the vacation going....you still on it? Hope all is well. love yas

Oh Libra...be careful. You don't want that brand new band to slip. I'm so glad you feel fine now. You'll probably be able to have pizza a little later. I am so jealous of those of you with less conservative doctors than mine. He's such a stickler...two weeks of liquids b4 surgery, 4 weeks of liquids after surgery and 2 weeks of mushies. Ugh. I feel absolutely no restriction right now, either....so I'm going through the Soup pretty fast. I try so hard to eat slowly but it's not a natural thing for me (understatement of the century). I've been trying to keep my cals at about 1,000. Anyone else keeping track of their cals on Fitday or some other way? What do you guys think you're consuming cal-wise? BTW, I read some of those hateful posts on the other threads & I kept thinking to myself - "where's a thread killer when you need one?". So glad it's over and done with and really glad we have a haven of sanity right here with the ABC Club. :clap2: I had a NSV last night. I went to a fancy sit down dinner at a country club down the hill. When everyone sat down to dinner, I got in my car, came up the hill to my house, heated up soup, ate it, got back into my car and drove back to the club in time for their dessert. No one was the wiser. Pretty good, huh? I was really sweating that, and it turned out to be nothing. On top of that, I went to a huge bar b que today and stuck with my soup. Carried it around in a mug and other than drooling on a few people's hamburgers, I was fine. I can't say I didn't lust for their food, 'cause I did. I just lived through it and came out unscathed. Pretty nice feeling. Later!

Wow, that is a great NSV! Gaining your self-confidence back is so rewarding. And, I bet the guys thought you were smokin' hot too!!!

That is a fantastic NSV! The confidence to go out and re-start a social life is the best!

GOOD JOB! Shall we call you CHA-CHA from now on? lol That is a great NSV! or maybe twinkle-toes? CONGRATS!