Search the Community

When you're struggling and it's hard to be positive, believe me I understand fully, try to lean on the momentum of others wherever you can find it until yours picks up again. Please visit the NSV threads...

Oh yes, I have a pair of white capris at the dry cleaners as we speak.... good NSV!

I think you should keep in mind that fluctuations happen, I just gained 5lbs from being sick (eating salty broth) if I didn't know what was going on I would go crazy. But its not a true gain of fat, it's water retention. Scales are not always the best measure of progress. That's why we have the NSV threads...

So, yesterday was my 6 month gastric surgery anniversary. And Holy Crap. Yesterday was a rollercoaster of emotions for me. I started the day feeling pretty good. Went to the Cardiologist. He was so happy for my weight loss. He wanted me to lose weight, but didn't know about the VSG. He was impressed with how much weight I lost so fast. He also commented I look great and was shocked I don't look "sickly" at all due to the rapid weight loss like many patients he sees. He was thrilled with my increased physical activity and my plans to hike the "Camino de Santiago" in Spain this summer. (It is a "pilgrimage" where you walk literally across Northern Spain or another route to Santiago de Compostela). We discussed my tachycardia and sometimes low blood pressure. He is having me reduce my dosage to half a pill (YAY!). We discussed my cholesterol and medication for it. I told him of my desire to attempt to go off it for a while to see if I can keep my lipid panel numbers in check without it now that I lost all my excess weight and am eating much healthier. We agreed that I will stay on it for 6 more months and then do labs. If my numbers are good, he will let me go off them and see how my labs hold up. I acknowledged to him that I know if they do go back on them, then I will have to take it for the rest of my life... he was happy with that compromise. On top of all that already great news... I asked him about my EKG which I had already looked at myself (I am a former trauma nurse, I know how to read them). He confirmed what I already knew... my EKG was NORMAL!!! Now this is HUGE because the reason I decided to look into WLS in the first point was because I was worried about my heart. At my appointment with him in fall 2018, my EKG showed that I had an enlarged Left Ventrical for the first time. I had an echocardiogram several months later that confirmed the EKG findings. THIS is the reason I insisted on getting weight loss surgery in the first place. My heart was working too hard and was beginning to enlarge. This was unacceptable. This was my reason to stop "trying" to lose weight and for making sure I "did" lose weight. So here I am... 1 1/2 years after identifying that my heart was enlarging.... and all my excess weight is GONE and my enlarged heart is GONE TOO! OMG, I left the cardiologist office on such a high note, I practically floated home lol. And I called my husband with so much excitement. It was a great day. Until..... During the drive home from my cardiologist I got an e-mail from the radiology office. I saw the e-mail when I stopped to exchange some pants at Old Navy. Some of you may recall I posted recently that my bilirubin levels had been rising since surgery. I normally have a high normal to slightly high bilirubin level. It is something that I have monitored my entire adult life. But since surgery, my bilirubin keeps getting higher. I saw my lab results before my bariatric surgeon did. I printed the results, wrote a note to my regular nurse practitioner, and dropped them off at her office. She called a couple hours later and agreed that we need to do an ultrasound to check my gallbladder and liver out. I did that Tuesday and was told that the results would not be available until Friday. Except now it is Wednesday, the next day, and I get a text that my results were available online. Again, I saw the results before either my general nurse practitioner or the bariatric surgeon. And what I read was devastating. My liver and gallbladder are just fine (weird... so why is my bilirubin elevated?). But I have a fairly large mass in my Left Kidney! I have a flippin TUMOR in my kidney! And they recommended on my report that I get a CT Scan or an MRI to further assess it. They used 2 terms to describe what kind of mass it appears to be. Both terms used, are the kind of masses that are cancerous 85% of the time. And even if it ISN'T cancer.... the mass is big enough that I know the first line of treatment is either a partial or total nephrectomy. Holy Crap. Add to that, I know that my grandfather wasn't much older than me when he had kidney cancer and had HIS left kidney removed. And I figure out all of this within 5 minutes, because as a Registered Nurse I already know too much. Still... I keep my **** together and calmly (but unnerved) drive home. I get home, I refill my water, I sit for a minute quitely before I call my husband over to talk. He is a Registered Nurse too... and I told him there is a mass on my Kidney and he made the same assessment I did... only he is much more panicked about it than I am. He wants to rush over to the nurse practitioners office NOW. I told him I want to wait a little bit so she can have time to look at the report first. Then I noticed a missed call from her. How I missed it, is beyond me... but she must have called in the 1 - 1 minute dead zone on my way home. What luck. And BTW, she doesn't make patient phone calls normally DURING her work schedule... she calls after she sees all her patients for the day. I know this because that is when she ALWAYS calls me for results. This was unusual for her. I knew she was worried before I even spoke to her. I called back and got a voicemail. (husband still panicking and wanting to rush over). I called a couple more times and got through to her. Instead of waiting for her to slowly break the news... I let her know I just saw the report and I know I had a mass on my kidney and that my liver and gallbladder were fine. This helped speed up her getting to the point... I needed a CT Scan and a referral to a specialist. She was at the same conclusion I was... it is a tumor and there is a good chance it is cancerous. I don't think she was going to say the "C" word yet... but after I mentioned it, she agreed. Now... my referrals always take a week. ALWAYS take a week to get back so I can schedule an appointment. So, I asked my husband if we can go for a walk somewhere. Well THAT was a disaster lol... because I got several calls from the referral lady and within an hour or so of my phone call to the NP about the results... I was running to the radiology office to pick up barium to drink for my CT scan on FRIDAY. Friday. The day I was supposed to be getting these results back, and now I am going in for a CT Scan already. Talk about FAST RESPONSE! The fact that she rushed this so much and managed to get me in to the radiologist office so soon just confirms how worried my NP really is, so that is totally stressful! Still don't know what specialist I will be seeing, but by the time I get that referral I will have results in hand from the scan, so that is good. On the plus side... I already know the rest of my abdominal organs are fine according to the Ultrasound. The CT scan will look more closely at all of it... but I don't have any reason to believe if it IS cancer that it metastasized. But now I have to gear up to drink a ton of barium (um... no clue how I will get this all in... I am only 6 months post op!). And now I have to deal with a tumor that could be cancerous and I might need a kidney partially or completely removed. Chemo is very unlikely, but radiation or other treatments might be needed. And on top of all that I still need an MRI for my L Knee because I might have a torn meniscus that might need surgery and definitely need physical therapy. And I am SUPPOSED to walk across Spain starting May 25th. Yay me. I thought I was THISCLOSE to being healthy again and all this **** happens! And how much you want to bet the Coronavirus hits my city hard right about the same time I need 1-2 more surgeries! Not afraid of the Coronavirus... except my immune system will be already under attack if I need a kidney removed!

This guy tripped and fell staring at me the other day lol. He got up and said to me, "you are soooo beautiful"! I told him thank you, and he just kept following me around the store (a little weird lol)- I had to turn him down, I'm going on 8 years with my BF but it was still very cute. It's funny how these things happen when you start losing weight- I haven't dealt with such things since high school lol. P.S. I attached a new pic :smile1: All smiles! Loving the new me :smile1:

So it'll be 2yrs on April 25 that I have been banded. I went to sign up for school today and decided to take the stairs. 2yrs ago i wouldn't been able to do that, but now that I'm 75lbs light I go up and down them stairs w/o a problem.

So I am three weeks post op. And so far I've lost 43 pounds. 22 before surgery. 21 after surgery. Well today was my first day back at the gym. Before surgery I use to work out all the time but when I started my wls program I kinda cut back A LOT. I didn't go at all for about a month before surgery. Today I ran my fastest mile EVER. On my FIRST day back at the gym in about 2 months when I use to go EVERY OTHER DAY! I couldn't even come close to a 15 min mile but today I did it in 14! I just can't believe I did it. I had no expectations going back to the gym. I told myself I would take it slow but instead I let my body tell me what it could do and it paid off! It's like the healthy me who's been trapped inside all this fat for years was screaming at me "LOOK WHAT YOU CAN DO KACY"! I seriously wanted to cry. I've worked so damn hard for years to manage my weight. And it blew my mind how big of a difference 40 pounds makes when it comes to exercise. I loved working out before. But now I love it more because I know it's actually helping me this time. In the past I worked out for months and never lost a single pound. Now I want to keep pushing myself and KNOWING it's going to pay off now because of the surgery just makes me so excited to go back to the gym. On cloud 9 right now

A non-scale victory (sort of) I am a ‘bath’ girl. Pretty much every evening, for an hour, I soak in a tub of hot water and sometes read or do emails or come here to you all, my buddies. I have a gas califont that auto sets - so I just push the ‘bath fill’ button and it gives me 110 litres at 45 degrees - and then the water stops running. Now I noticed two or three weeks ago, it doesn’t feel as luxurious and realised the water isn’t covering my chest and keeping All of me toasty warm. Weightloss! My bum doesn’t press up against the sides of the bath any more - in fact I can fit my arms between my hips and the bath. So I have upped my bath quantity - by 30 litres. I figure 30kg (65lbs) is about 30 litres. Perfect...

Well Biddy you have gotten so small you no longer count as New Zealand's 3rd,island. What a stellar NSV this is 😝🌈!!

Bet you are,enjoying this unexpected,NSV shelly420.

Congrats! That is a fabulous NSV- no more worries for you! I haven't flown on a plane forever, but will be several times in the next year. My first flight will be in mid October. I hope to be around 250lbs by that time. I'm 5'7- do you think I will need to use one? I hope not! I have no idea at what weight people need one. I know it is probably different for everyone- but wondering if there is a ballpark number?

I just got back from the Carribean in August, and yes, I wore a swim suit - a Tankini instead of my moo moo type I usually wore (pre band), but no matter what weight, if I'm going to the ocean, I'm wearing a swimsuit. I might not wear a bikini, but I'm wearing a swimsuit and enjoying myself just like everyone else. You deserve to have a good time, so put it on and enjoy! By the way, this summer was a NSV for me in the swimsuit area, I purchased a one from Victoria Secrets (a tankinni) and I actually felt good in it!

I was banded on 3/9/10 and got down to 222lb before being diagnosed with breast cancer on 1/17/11, Spent 90% of 2011 going through surgery, recovery and chemo and ended back at 243lb. Joined Weight Watchers on 10/20/11, Joined the "Y" on 1/3/12 and started the FitLinx program along with 30 minutes a day of cardio. Just hit my first WW goal of 10% of my weight lost - down to 218! NSV 1 - Although I'd heard all the talk about how exercise helps you have more energy, sleep better and relieve stress, I always was "too busy". Well, I'm still "too busy", but realized that there are things that can wait, like housework and catering to my hubs needs. Putting my health first needs to be a priority especially if I want to be around for the long haul. NSV 2- Last band adjustment was Nov '11 - any further adjustments were understandably nixed by my WLS until after I finished treatment and got the okay from my oncologist. I got that okay back in October, but haven't felt the need to go back. My restriction is good but more importantly, I've learned to realize what true hunger is and what's emotional eating. NSV 3- Kudos from my trainer: Jill - Congratulations you've reached a milestone with your Strength training lifting 100 000 lbs! It is your commitment to regular strength training that got you here. Great job! Adrian 2012 May just be the year I finally reach my goal! <a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/waosz4T/"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/waosz4T/weight

Hey Y'All... I have a minute or two today - thank goodness! Becky - Great job getting to the gym! It does feel great when we go. I don't know why we fight it so hard sometimes... Eileenie - I am surprised none of those photos shows the big ol' granny panties on their heads! Glad you had fun! Anne - sounds like your DH travels a lot. It's cool that you can pack up the kids and hang with your Sis. Fill us in on all the latest when you get a chance. Hugs! Kat - Stress is the worst for trying to maintain proper eating. At least if you are depressed you can just sleep - but stress! Yikes! It's like your hand moves with no msg from the brain... right into the cheetos - or the refried Beans, or whatever. I am still thinking positive thoughts for you and your DH. Try not too worry too much about what you are eating right now. HUGS! Patty - at least your insurance was willing to talk to you! Mine wouldn't even acknowledge my existence until 30 days after the request... Try to take a deep breath and count to ten or something. It will come. Hugs! Mary - have fun with the garden - and yes, Hoeing counts as exercise! Hugs! I am thinking good thoughts for a healthy band. Maybe you just have stress tightness - and aggravation from PB's... Hugs for the boys, too. Darcy - my thighs still hurt - but it's back to the battle with the Evil Eliptical tonight... I will not consider it a victory until I can go for 45 minutes without the thing going into "pause" mode because I am going too slow! It doesn't matter which gym you join, so long as you go. Hugs! Cindy - So glad you have the headache thing under control! You school must use that "bag-o-lettuce" with all the chemicals on it, huh? ick. Congrats on the 5 lbs! The scale is not cooperating with me right now - but I am not paying it any mind. I know that thigh muscle must weigh more than thigh fat... So long as it doesn't become a trend, I am not going to worry. Sorry you miss your Baby. Someday, you MAY look forward to those quiet moments, you know... And - since you no longer have that Headache excuse, maybe you could make your DH's night! lol! Hugs! Donna - what, is it something in the air? Just say "NO" to PB's people! :] I have come close a couple of times - the food moves REALLY slowly... it's just a little reminder from my band to slow down and chew... The latest for me is that I had a little NSV last night. I went to Walmart for some "stuff" and found clothes that I had to have - and they FIT. I got this long beach cover-up skirt - and some really cool hippy-girl shirts to wear with it. Now, I have been able to wear a few specific items from Walmart - but not SHIRTS. I was so jazzed! And I have had several compliments today on my fab new shirt! I will try and remember to have DH take a photo tonight when I get home. That's all the news that's fit to print... Pat? Where are you, Pat? I am starting to worry now... We miss you. Please stop by and let us know how you are. Hugs!! Well I have to run. I have lingered longer than I should already. Hugs all round!

Who would have ever thought shopping for clothes could be so much fun? I now understand how people become shop-a-holics. Congratulations on your NSV!!

I just wanted to share a NSV with you all...Summer clothes shopping is my least favorite thing to do in the world. At least buying winter clothes, I am able to buy big sweaters and stuff. But shopping for summer clothes (especially bathing suits) has always been so depressing to me....until now!!! I went to Target the other day and found myself in the clothing department (not even plus size department) and I tried on some swimsuits and some summer dresses. They all fit me and I actually liked the way they looked on me!!! My only problem was deciding which to buy because I liked them all. That hasn't happened to me in a long time!!!! I came home so excited and called my mom right away to tell her that not only was I able to shop in the juniors department, but I also liked the clothes I tried on!!!!! It has been a long, slow weight loss for me, but now it is paying off. I've had my band now for a year and a half and finally I'm feeling good about myself. So for all of you who are struggling, hang in there....it might take longer than you expected, but it will be soooooo worth it!!!!!

So this year ill be DD while sporting a misses xl shirt instead of a mens 2xl st pattys day shirt! Dropped 44 pds and feeling awesome!!

yay you girly!!! Love those NSVs. Keep them coming!!

KCG--How many calories are on this diet your on? Astrasmom-- Yay for only 10 pounds! I think your Dr is right, about the exercise. I personally think that is why the band statistics are like they are, the band helps with about half and exercise does the rest. Txcloverangel-- My twin! 91 pounds is great! Major NSV yesterday. I technically have 5 pounds to go but when I had the surgery in my mind I thought: If I can get to and stay a size 10 I will be satisfied, if I can be a size 8 I would be happy, if I could get to a size 6 I would be thrilled. I thought a size 6 would be best case scenario. Yesterday I bought 2 pair of size 4 Levi's. I cant believe it. I have not worn a size 4 since I was 19 or maybe 20. (I will be 41 next month) I was scared to try on the size 6's because I knew I would be disappointed if they didn't fit, then they were too big! Unbelievable. I am going to get my husband to take a picture of me later today wearing them and post it. :thumbup: No matter what you do, do not underestimate the power of exercise. During the last 10 years I have lost down to this weight with diet pills and Adkins but I was never even close to this size.

Good morning ladies. So I was lying in bed the other night and my port felt really weird - almost like it was sideways or something...the next morning, that area felt a bit sore, so I wasn't sure if I had done something - so I called the doc and they had me come in yesterday - it's all fine AND I got a very small fill (.5 cc - this was my 3rd fill since being banded). The doc was very happy with my progress and actually said my weight was fine and I didn't need to lose anymore (which was a nice NSV) - but I'm still aiming to be a normal BMI (which means losing another 14 pounds to put me at the high end of normal). Anyway - I'm hoping this fill will help me lose these last pounds. I will say I guess I haven't really known what restriction felt like because I've never quite had this experience. I can normally drink my water really fast and haven't had to think about the size of my sips or anything - now it seems to be very slow going down and I can't take big gulps - I'm hoping this is just a little swelling or something and that this part eases up because I'm used to drinking a lot and quickly (especially when working out)....I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Jane what a great accomplishment/NSV!!! sounds like you had a wonderful time!!! 160 lbs down!!! painful /but successful plastics what more could one ask for enjoy your healthier, happier, longer life kathy congrats

Today when completing my profile for my new Fitbit I realized for the first time in 20 years my BMI no longer puts me in the obese category! I'm now just officially overweight Now comes the challenge of moving into the "normal weight" category!! Jules

So I had a NSV today..... on the plane back to the UK from my holiday to Lanzarote, I got to fasten my seat belt easily AND tighten it up by at least 8". I always just automatically set it to the longest it'll go and squeeze it shut, sitting uncomfortably until we're allowed to take it off. Well, not anymore! Yipeeee!

I have hit the stall also. Been trying to increase my Water and Protein. I have also been trying to increase my walking to see if I get quickly get back on the losing track. NSV: I am having a lot of people comment on my weight loss & now wearing a smaller clothes! I hit a stall!

I FIGURED IT WAS TIME FOR AN UPDATE pants I was SZ 28 now I'm a SZ 16/18 tops I was SZ 3X now I'm a XL-some stores i will buy 1X i know some of us are struggling but focus on some of the good things that has happened too. the capris i wore to my sons b-day party last year before LB, i can now get into one leg. im happy about that and i hope to never be able to fit them again. so....how is everyone doing NSV