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It has been a while since I have been on here regularly and written on here. I haven't even updated my weight for a few weeks. In the past 3 weeks I have gone from 276.8 to 262.6. So I am still losing well, and steadily. I'm down a total of 62.4 pounds now! Holy moly, I can barely believe it. Even though I know I still have a lot to lose left, I feel like an entirely new person. My life has kind of done a 180. I have energy, I have confidence, I feel like I look good when I wear my clothes. It's incredible. I cannot even list all the ways this surgery has changed my life. I have struggled with depression for the entirety of my adult life, and a lot of my late teens/early adulthood, so the level of difference is like night and day. I have had good times before, yes, but I feel like I've come so far in being where and who I want to be. I still have hard times, I still am a horrible procrastinator, but I feel like whatever the day throws at me, I am more ready for than I have ever been. And....I think I have a boyfriend. He hasn't actually called me his girlfriend, but we did have a casual conversation the other day in which we asked if the other was seeing anyone else, and neither of us are, so I guess that makes us exclusive? He invited me to a get together with his coworkers next weekend, so we will see what he introduces me as, or maybe between now and then we'll chat about it. He's really an awesome guy, and we click really well together. Last night we went to a corn maze and walked around for about two hours - something I probably never would have done pre-surgery. He has said that I motivate him to eat better when he's out eating and whatnot. I thought that was really neat. He doesn't have a lot to lose, maybe 40 pounds or so, but it would be awesome to have him get in shape and feel better too. So I spent the night at his place and the whole day and night were just fabulous. I can add one NSV to my list about having more fun during sex =) Skinnier sex is much more fun. Sometimes I feel like I need someone to pinch me, like is this really real? Is this my life now? How did I get to such a happy place so quickly? Not that I was horribly depressed before, but I certainly was not happy. I cannot say enough how thankful I am for this surgery. I will have to remember to let my surgeon know Thursday at my 3 month appointment that he has been such an instrument for change in my life. I'm sure he gets it a lot as people lose, but it would be nice to let him know that I feel so appreciative for the gift he has given me (Even though I paid for it =p). Anyway, I just wanted to update because I hadn't in a while, and I haven't really kept up on my food logging or searching posts here. I keep trying to get myself back into the habit of it, but it hasn't worked. It will continually be something that I try to work on until I can finally make it a habit. I haven't been eating poorly though, and my weight loss has been great, so I'm not concerned or anything. That being said, I'm procrastinating finishing getting ready for work, so I have to head off. I hope everyone is doing well! Life is good. =D

I'm finally in the 170's!!! I'm so relieved to see the 170's I can't tell you! My primary goal is 169 lbs, and my birthday is in 2 weeks. Today I weighed in at 177.9, which means I'm only 8 lbs away from my goal- most importantly my birthday is in 2 weeks!!!!! I want so badly to make my goal by my birthday, a present I've never really been able to give myself before. I have friends coming to visit me and I'd like to get dressed up in a fabulous tight dress and show everyone AND take pics!! I still haven't told the rest of my social world about my surgery (not really planning too) but I also haven't posted ANY pics since my weight loss started, and now every time someone see's me they kind of freak out a little bit. So I figure my birthday in two weeks is a great coming out party for weight loss pics, and even bigger motivator to get this last 8 lbs off! I can do this! And my NSV this week? NSV... my skinny jeans/pants I bought in Nurnberg, Germany years ago on the Euro size chart at H&M... FIT! Like a glove. Hallelujia! About a size 9/10 on the American standard. Here is my before and after 2.5 months after surgery! Size 16 to size 9/10!!!! Check out the before and after below!! Height: 5'9 Highest Weight: 216 1st Goal Weight: 169 Sleeved: (8/17/2012): 216 lbs Week 1 (8/24): 204.8 (-11.2) Week 2 (8/31): 200.6 (-4.2) Week 3 (9/7): 196.8 (-3.8) Week 4 (9/14): 193.5 (-3.3) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 9/17/12- 1 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog Week 5 (9/21): 191.6 (-1.9) Week 6 (9/28): 190.1 (-1.5) Week 7 (10/5): 187.0 (-3.1) Week 8 (10/12): 181.9 (-5.1) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 10/17/12- 2 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog Week 9 (10/19): 181.4 (-.5) Week 10 (10/26): 177.9 (-3.5)

Happy Sleeversary to me I can't believe that it has been 12 months since I had the surgery. For those of you who don't know me here are my stats: Starting weight was 173kg/ 382 Pounds and my current weight is 87kg/ 190 Pounds. Before surgery I hadn't slept lying down in a bed (comfortably) in over 7 years. I had chronic asthma, everything hurt all of the time (although I denied it back then) and it was just a struggle to move around. I had the surgery on September 3 2012. Things went badly. I got a leak. It took several surgeries and many months in ICU/ Surgical Ward before I could get the all clear to leave. That was November 2012. I didn't go back to work full time until the end of January 2013. Since then, well heck, things have just been getting better and better. The weight loss has been amazing. I've lost 86 kg/ 189.5 pounds - so tantalisingly close to half way lol. No fudging though - pesky 0.5kg The NSV's have been even better - the CLOTHES, shoes, movement, I am a "runner" now (on week 3 of the Couch to 5 K and am running in a 5K obstacle course at the end of the year), energy, clarity in thinking, enjoyment in life, exciting opportunities, flying without the embarrassment of asking for an extension seat belt, people looking you in the eye, not being "invisible" anymore, shop assistants are helpful and attentive, men FLIRT (okay, so maybe I do too - just a little), I've had a significant promotion, looking to travel OS next year, am planning for a future THAT I WANT not just settling for what I think I can have. For anyone considering this surgery know that there are real risks involved. For a while, the first few months in fact, I had really thought I had stuffed up and ruined my life by having the surgery. This was due to the complications and difficult recovery that I had during this time. Looking back now, whilst I would never want to be back in that place, I am so grateful for where I am now that I truly believe this to be the most wonderful, life changing – life SAVING – thing I could have done for me, for my family and to secure my future. Where to from here? Well I want to lose about 14kg more which will mean an overall loss of 100kg and my weight will be around 73kg. I am quite tall so I would look quite thin at this weight. Not sure if I will get there or will want to, but at the least, I would like to lose another 10kg hopefully by Christmas. I am loving my new active life, the way that food has become fuel and though still enjoyable, it’s no longer the driving force in my life. I wish you all the same happiness and success in your own journey’s! I have put in some comparison photo's for you guy's to see the transformation Best wishes to you all! Cheers, Liss

That is a HUGE NSV!!! I remember the first time I shopped at a "normal" store. It was Old Navy, and I tried on a pair of jeans "just to see" and they fit. I bawled my eyes out. The cashiers looked at me like I was crazy until I explained I had lost over 100 pounds and this was the first time I'd ever been able to shop there. You will have so much more freedom to shop now...and better sales! As for normal vs. plus sized stores...I'm also in between a 14 and 16 right now, and I haven't stepped into a Lane Bryant in over a year. Most stores carry up to size 16 (except for those super high-end teeny bopper stores which, let's face it, we probably don't even WANT to go in). So don't sell yourself short at a size 16! Kiss Lane Bryant GOODBYE and move on! Sure, at a 14/16 you COULD shop in the plus sized stores and sections, but after shopping there for so long why would you want to if you don't have to? Shopping in real stores is AWESOME! I fit comfortably in an XL, even have some Large tops. Different stores are sized very differently, so go try on some clothes! You will LOVE IT! P.S. I tried on a bra at Victoria's Secret a month ago (38D). It fit perfectly! I didn't buy it though, I couldn't justify paying $45 for a bra that won't fit in a few months.

I suffer from terrible migraines. I usually get several per week and only about half the time do medications relieve them. I have just gotten used to the pain. I had splitting migraines in the hospital (surgery was 6/1/15) that the narcotics didn't even cure. I came home on 6/3/15 with a migraine, took a maxalt, and it went anyway. And I have not had a migraine since! WHAT?! This is so weird. I am knocking on wood. And all of the things that should trigger a migraine, not eating enough, sugar and caffeine withdrawal, etc are happening so I am flummoxed as to what my mystery relief is. Has anyone else experienced resolution of migraines after WLS? If so, is it permanent? Temporary? Would love some insight please.

I was talking with my hubby this weekend and we started listing all of the NSV's Ive experienced so far and the list was so long that I thought Id share with everyone and hopefully encourage some...here goes. 1. sleep apnea - GONE 2. Planters faciitis - GONE 3. Night sweats - GONE 4. Can tie my shoes without cutting of my air supply 5. Allergies to makeup - GONE 6. Can paint my own toes now 7. No more excessive sweating just to get ready in the morning 8. Can go shopping for hours without my feet and back killing me 9. Have TONS of energy 10. I get up early now, even on the weekends! 11. No more seatbelt extender on airplanes 12. After the 3 months of hairloss, its finally subsiding (Im at 6 months now) 13. Eczema - GONE 14. Swollen ankles - GONE 15. Need to get my rings resized 16. Can finally shop in non-plus sized clothes and even wear some meduims!!! 17. Had to buy smaller panties (shhhh) 18. Can wear high heels again 19. Look forward to naughty time with the hubby!!! 20. Today alone Ive been called 'skinny mini' 3 times so far. I am FAR from skinny but its still nice to hear. Im sure there are more but 20 is a pretty good number so far. I love my teeny tiny tummy! Have a great day

Congratulations on going through with your surgery. It's ok bro, you are not alone in feeling that way. You will be able to eat the same foods again, just in smaller quantities and for some, less frequently. Yeah, there is a difference in eating (smaller quantities, chewing more, not drinking a liquid a little before or after, etc.) but look at all of the things you will be able to do post surgery and the longer, healthier, better quality life you will live, more NSVs than you can shake a stick at, etc.. You made the right choice.

This is a weird one, but I can link it directly to the surgery. I used to bite my nails. I had gotten it a bit under control, but still had issues. Now I'm not biting my nails, because I don't want to accidentally swallow a sharp bit and maybe hurt my sleeve!

Capt Derel, Tell them to go pound sand!! I'm thrilled that you're so close to meeting that first goal! Isn't the sleeve an amazing tool!? Coops, you do look fine in your new picture. You inspire me to keep on trucking, even when the scale seems to be moving achingly slow. You're also the person who taught me about NSV's and paying attention to measurements more than the scale. Dorrie, I'm now losing again, at a slow but steady pace, but the inches have just melted away over the last couple of months. I'm amazed at how good I look and feel...and I'm looking forward to more of both!

I just got back from Hawaii! 5 Glorious Days. Four planes, no seatbelt extenders, and full use of the tray tables. I went parasailing, which was amazing and life affirming. So blessed to be on this trip in the first place, but so grateful for this life changing journey.

Hi there - What does NSV stand for? You're all doing so well, btw!!!

I am waiting for that day. I shop at The Avenue though. I hate their sale/return policies and the local one has some very nasty clerks. I am waiting....... and Congrats on a great NSV!

Today's NSV -- I went to the movies with my daughter and husband and was able to put both arms down on the chair and have my daughter on my lap and was very comfortable! This hasn't happened in a LONG time!! Yay!!

♥♥♥♥AWWWWWW!!!♥♥♥♥ Yep that's pretty much at the top of the great NSV list! Soak it up and enjoy your new T-shirt free life!!"

@@valerie1982 my hearing isn't as good as it used to be did you say you lost 102 lbs??? thats wonderful Woo Hoo i knew you could do it!!!! I just knew it!!!! i love your great attitude health issues - gone or improved! new personal issues better now too!! enjoy, remember all your NSV's think happy thoughts about your future you MUST continue with your healthy eating habits etc for the rest of your life!!! but you are a smartie - you already knew that keep up the good work kathy congrats

I had to take my mom to the dr. today and while sitting in the waiting room I crossed my legs (as if I had been doing it all along LOL). I sat there a good 15 minutes reading a magazine and it was like BAM I looked down and I was actually swinging my leg and it had been crossed the whole time. I almost jumped up and shouted right there in the waiting room. I can't tell you how many many years it's been since I've been able to cross my legs. Something as simple as that can bring such joy. Thanks for letting me share.

Hi! I'm new to this site and I am still pre surgery. My RNY is scheduled for 9/22. I was a chubby little girl who was constantly told she was fat. As life moved through the years no matter what I tried the weight came back plus. At one point I weighed 299 and I started a plan I was very successful and lost 99 pounds. I just never could break that 100 pound mark. Now three years latter and fast approaching 59 years of age with many health issues have decided to embark on yes a life changing adventure to let out the thin person who has always been trapped inside. I think everyone has times where they become apprehensive about the decision to undertake this process. I agree with the others the core person you are doesn't change. I am talking about your morals, values, way of seeing right and wrong that person will always be there. However, your about to undertake an adventure you've never had. Your going to experience a whole new world of NSV's (non scale victories) i.e. being able to walk into any store and buy whatever you like, being able to tie your shoes without putting your leg up on the couch or bed, no seat belt extenders just to name a few. Embrace the adventure and enjoy the ride. This is how I have come to see all of what is involved. I belong to another Gastric Bypass forum on a site called Daily Strength, if you have the time to visit that site look for a post that is titled what newbie's need to know. I really got quite a bite from that posting. It's long but so worth the read! Good Luck on your journey!

Great nsv. I cant wait for my favorite boots to fit again; they have gotten way too tight.

I was in the store today and realized that I had slip on shoes that no longer fit! I felt like I needed to curl my toes to keep them from falling off. It was a good feeling but they are my favorite shoes and still in good shape! I normally just wear flip flops around the house (I work from home) or walking shoes if I am out exercising Not sure I want to buy new shoes yet as I have a lot to lose yet. I think I'll just wear my walking shoes when I go out.

Congrats, that's a great NSV!!! I can't wait till I get there, I do the fake out now. But that's a NSV for me, because I used to not even be able to fake it, lol!

Chris, that is a wonderful NSV. My father uses the CPAP and I understand it can be annoying.

An NSV is a non scale victory...something that has happened as a result of weight loss, but has nothing to do with scale numbers... When I didn't know what it meant, I guessed that it meant New Skinny Victory...and to be honest, I still say that in my head when I see/type it! Rain

Hey Blackberry... I am totally with you on this... the day I weighed less than my hubby was defo a NSV and a massive one at that 'cos for the last 12 years I have always been heavier! Doesn't it feel good... he said to me the other day, that it is nice that he can wrap his arms around me and touch hands...!! The little things are so important! x

Becca, thank you so much for that. I cried as I watched the NSV portion. (The emotion-manipulating music didn't help that! LOL) I can so relate to many of your NSVs. I've lost 60 lbs now, too. My almost 8 year old dd loves to put her arms all the way around me now. I haven't been to an amusement park since I was about 300lbs and I can so relate to the not-fitting-on-the-ride thing. Crossing legs, check, throwing away plus-sized catalogs, check, losing clothing sizes, check. I am so grateful for this blessing in my life. Thank you for expressing it so beautifully in your video blog.

I too am over 50 and I enjoy your telling it like is. This is just a tool. If we make the right decisions, it helps. If we make the wrong decisions, it's useless. Keep it up. You body is eating away the fat and you are seeing NSVs. Sounds like a success story to me.