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I had a wonderful NSV!! I work at a high school, a coach that was here last year but went to another local school this year came by the school. I was in the faculty workroom signing out when he and another coach walked in. When he saw me his eyes bugged out.. and he said.. "Girl... how many rocks of Crack you smoking a day?" The other coach who I work with daily and knows about my surgery quickly said.. "at least 3 a day". I laughed and laughed... I have lost about 55 pounds since August. I had surgery in November but started dieting seriously in August. I still laugh when I think about it.. Rhonda

DAY 14 6 Days pre-op Sooooo I had both a NSV and a stark reminder of why I am on this journey today. First I put on some pants I haven't worn since I started my pre-op diet and they were really loose. Like- probably should have them taken in soon loose. I am also starting to notice a difference in my face which is exciting. Now on to the bad- beyond having to buy two airplane seats in Southwest and then explain to everyone who wanted to sit next to me that the seat was "reserved" and beyond having to ask for a seatbelt extender... Today I had to call down to the front desk a request a change of hotel rooms for a handicap room. The toilet in the bathroom of my very nice hotel was wedged tightly between the sink and the shower, with not more than an inch on each side. My hips could not comfortably fit and since I am staying for three days I had to ask for a new room. I would be completely demoralized except I know I am doing everything I can to change my future. Next time I am in town I will not need special accommodations! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have to say, flying in an airplane without having to ask for the dreaded belt extender was one of my very first NSVs and it made my whole week! I was very comfortable and super excited about it. You are going to love the feeling. It really is not a small thing at all!

Happy crying is okay, and congrats on a NSV!!!

That's awesome!!! I have a list of NSVs that I'm looking forward to achieving, and that's definitely on it! Congratulations!

Today was the first day I got back in the gym since having my surgery in November. I got on the dreaded treadmill expecting to be holding on to the side rials for dear life like before and to my astonishment I was able to do 45 mins on incline and NOT one time did I have to hold on to those stinking rails!! It's a modern day miracle! Losing 91 lbs has made a humongous diffence! And Here I thought one of my legs was longer than the other and therfore causing me go sideways all this time! It's amazing how much you begin to not hate the mirrors so much in the gym. Feeling blessed.

:confused: Congrats on the weight loss! Keep those NSVs coming!!

NSV's do mean so much more because they're usually when your head suddenly catches up. I mean I could weigh 30kg and still think I was fat. The number doesnt computer. Its when you catch a sight of yourself from behind in a dressing room mirror and realise you're not 2 metres wide but actually have a nice shape, or see the odd photo of yourself that surprises you etc, THAT's when you truly see how far you've come. Those are awesome moments.

That is wonderful!!! Collarbones are exciting...last night I was lying in bed and realized that my ribs stuck up higher than my tummy. WOOO HOOOO!!!! Of course, that's only when I'm lying down...but it's a vast improvement! Best of luck and continue to enjoy those NSVs. Rain

I am giggling about this post, because collarbones are the most exciting thing to me too!!! I have a new habit of sitting and rubbing them as a comfort. I love feeling that hard bump of bone that has been hidden under its protective fat layer for as long as I can remember. I totally relate to the shoulders too. I have lost my roundedness and now actually have some shape to my shoulders. Very exciting. I can also suck my stomach in enough to see ribs. They are certainly not visible on their own though. My next goal is to see a hip bone! haha. I imagine that sounds weird to many, but after years of being a human cushion, it is exciting to have some sharp edges again! Way to go on your NSV!!!

ok ...so what is NSV???

So I was at a realtor luncheon today and another realtor came up to me and said wow you look good like you had plastic surgery on your face. I thought to myself d@# I must have been really messed up but nevertheless I'll take it and thanks I think. The things people say when they don't know what to say is unbelievable lol.

I was in bandster hell and everyone is different. I thought I would have the surgery and poof I would start losing but it took 6 months 4 fills, weigth GAIN and now I think I am in "green zone." Now I love the band I see what everyone is talking about weight is coming off and it provides more motivation to stick with it. Some people don't even need a fill for the first 6 months so I felt like a failure and I was self paid so that was hell thinking I was going to be the one that failed at it. Just go at your own pace no one is the same. Oh and I never new what NSV meant so thank you!

Love that chart...I've been wondering the same thing. I love the term NSV too!

I've been reading the posts on these forums for about a week, since I found this place. I am hopeful the veterans will be able to help us newbies figure out some things. What is bandster hell? What does NSV stand for? Where is the green zone and do I need to buy a membership to get in there? What do you mean my appetite/cravings will come back?! What's the truth about the first month? Two months? Do any of you attend local support group meetings? If so, has it helped? 9 days to bandyland, myself, and wondering about all this stuff.....

Most often it is not how much you are eating - but what you are eating - you may not be eating enough - but try upping your protein - limiting your sugar and carbs to a bare minimum - and drink, drink drink lots of H20 - that may help - if you don't eat enough you won't lose weight - your body starts holding on for dear life - remember this is a lifetime journey - it doesn't happen overnight - so enjoy all the small nsv you are sure to be experienceing -and enjoy the ride down - it is all good - and you will have many stalls along the way - just take them as giving your body time to adjust - you will start losing again soon. Just make sure you aren't eating absently - or picking - or taking in liquid calories... write down for a day or 2 everything that goes in your mouth - and you may see any problems that are there - hang in t here Anne:smile2:

Congrats girl, those NSVs are awesome. It really does help you to forget what's going on with the scale.<---Doing the happy dance w/ you!!!

Great NSVs!

@@Elode - Congratulations on all of your NSVs and Thank You So Much for sharing these NSVs with all of us. I put this year's bonus towards my self-pay surgery and plan to spend next year's on dental work as well. Once you start taking care of yourself in one area it really is contagious. I am worth investing in myself:-) Thanks for the others as well, especially the boots. I have been promising myself every year that I will buy some boots when I can zip them up "next fall" for so many years in a row, just like so many Monday morning diets that would be put off another week. I'm only 10 days out but by next fall I hope to be where you are now. Thank you so much for sharing and being an inspiration to us all:-)

Congrats Elode!!!!! I completely *love* NSV posts ... I think they really show just how hard you have worked & you deserve all the praise!

I have a few NSV's to share! First, I started back to school Tuesday and I did NOT wear scrubs to school! (If you read one of my last trending post you will understand that) I actually went clothes shopping and bought some real school clothes including a size 8 in jeans!! Also, for the last two days in class I didn't wear a jacket, I didn't even bring one which is astonishing even to me because I ALWAYS have something to cover up with. Jackets are something of a security blanket to cover arms, stomach, any back fat I may have had (imaginary or not). It's a wonderful feeling to not feel self-concious while in the seated position. I can focus on my instructor instead of worrying if everything's covered and not poking out. Lastly while at Walgreens one of the lady's who works there came up to me and my daughter and said " I hope this doesn't sound rude but aren't you like half the size you use to be?" I just laughted and said yes I am, thank you! Then on the way home I started thinking dang how fat was I that the lady at Walgreens took notice Still pretty sweet NSV's if you ask me! Oh and I'm finally (34 years into life) getting braces! It's amazing how much you want to improve yourself even more when you feel good about yourself!

The first NSV I had this week was walking into the hospital from the parking deck without huffing and puffing and no leg cramping! I used to work in the hospital and even though I walked this three times per week it was a lot harder! The second NSV is that I am 4 weeks post op on Tuesday and I have lost 9 inches total in 5 weeks! So excited!! I am also down 12 lbs thus far but will weigh again on Tuesday as that is my weigh day!

I only weighed myself a couple times/month in the beginning. I can actually remember each one.... day 1 of preop diet, day 11 of preop (to make sure I was losing what my surgeon required) surgery day postop day 5 (when I returned from Mexico) postop Day 11 (New Years Day) 6 weeks, 7 weeks, 10 weeks, and 3 months. Don't even know if I had the infamous 3 week stall! But I do know I gained 3 pounds between weeks 6 and 7 and still weighed the same at 10 weeks. Then randomly lost 13 pounds by the 3 month mark. Not weighing myself drove one of my friends crazy. She had bypass 8 years ago and she weighs daily. She couldn't believe I never knew my weight when she'd ask. It was fun torturing her ???? Ever since then I've weighed once/week so I have something to post on the challenges on here. I don't own a scale, so I weigh at work on the dog scale (after Breakfast and coffee), fully clothed with shoes or boots. No clue what my actual naked weight is. For me, NSV's mean so much more than numbers

Hello VST gang!! Yay! I've been lurking between 2 and 5 pounds off goal for the last couple of months, and I'm thrilled to report that I'm finally there--and I'm sure about it, since I've been at this number for a few days now with no "bounce" back up! The last coupe of weeks, I've been trying hard to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and I think that has made a difference. As you may know from my numerous posts on the subject, I have a really picky sleeve--to this day, I feel like it's pretty tyrannical about what it will and will not allow me to eat, but most of the time, it works out well for my weight loss goals. I do wish I could tolerate certain healthy Proteins (fish and chicken, for instance!), but I now appreciate its inability to tolerate fried foods and sweets, so it all balances out. It was a huge challenge in the beginning to discover what would work--and I still find new foods that my sleeve will or won't tolerate, so I'm still learning. Next steps for me include getting my exercise on--I haven't really gotten into a habit of regular exercise yet, and I fully intend to do that. I am also still experimenting with getting my nutrition optimized and being sure I'm eating as wide a variety of foods as possible, including vegetarian sources of Protein. Now that I'm "at goal," I can see that I want to lose a bit more, although I'm not sure exactly how much; I still have a bit of flab around my middle and on the upper thighs that's not just loose skin--not sure how much of that will go away with exercise! Thanks to all posters on this board who continuously provide support, encouragement, and answers!! I seriously would never have done this if I hadn't been able to read all of your experiences beforehand, and I would have missed out. For me, the sleeve was 100% the right choice. I'm updating my ticker right this second!! Short story: Weight surgery morning 306. Weight today 190. (I'm 6'2", so while 190 looks really high, that's really normal weight.) Size surgery morning 3X-4X, tight 26/28. Size today L, comfortable 12 heading to 10--I pulled off my size 12 Eddie Bauers yesterday without unbuttoning--yay!! Biggest NSV: Being able to work as a conductor without getting all hot and sweaty!! I like that I can now wear elegant concert clothing, work like a fiend, and not end up drenched with sweat. I can hug people after concerts without feeling self-conscious and icky and unfeminine. Oh, and the shoes!!! I can wear cute shoes without my feet hurting!! Worst comment: From a lady at work: Oh, I see you've lost a lot of weight; me, too, but I did it the hard way (followed by me, startled, saying, "Well, congratulations on your success!" and moving quickly away). Best comment: From a female friend/colleague: I was sitting in the audience for your concert, and I was thinking, "Damn, her butt looks great!" (followed by me giving her a big ol' hug).

What about your NSV (non scale victories). Are your clothes fitting better? Do you have more energy? Don't focus so much on the scale and don't compare your weight loss to others. Sleeved on April 25, 2018 HW: 258 SW: 238 CW: 218 GW: 165