Search the Community

I am almost 3 months post RNY (Tuesday will be the official 3 month day). Today I am feeling really good about where I am. I am down 41.8 lbs since surgery (83.4 since starting). In addition I have a few great NSVs: Lost over 25" total (including 5" off my waist and 4.5" off my hips) My arthritis pain in my knees is virtually gone I am walking 2 miles a day with ease Almost all my clothes are too big. A bunch I've had to pull to donate because they simply aren't wearable, and the rest are getting close. When we are out of social isolation I'm going to need to do some shopping before going back to the office. In addition, I had my 3 month group appointment last week and was released to drink caffeinated coffee again (just need to ensure I don't add a lot of high calorie items). SO Excited. I hope everyone else is doing well in their journey and staying positive during this trying time! Lori

NSV? Never heard of that. I do love how u explained that- that is exactly what I think all the time. I saw all those things slipping away from me slowly (can't cross my legs without holding my leg with my hand and that hurts! All of those things. I'm sorry to keep repeating myself (if u have ever read any other posts of mine) but I am so counting down the days and I just pray insurance goes through. Xxx

I'm two weeks out today and went shopping for a few hours and I feel like I could drop any minute now:( I'm so tired and so winded. I know if I don't push myself that I won't get stronger, but I also have to listen to my body, lesson learned. Some good news is that I noticed just some slight changes...(can we say NSVs:) I THINK my lower back doesn't hurt anymore, could this really be??? Also, my posture has shifted a bit, I think it's because of the belly fat loss so far. One more thing, I can now sleep on my side and I love it. These are itsy bitsy NSVs so I can't wait for the major ones.

Hi mom, Go to the Lapband Talk Lounge and read the thread "NSV anyone?" It's a great thread that makes you see the positive side of banding and it will make you face your fears and decide you want to LIVE your life again! BTW: NSV means 'Non-surgical victory' and the thread is all about the stuff that sneaks up on you when you've lost the weight. Good luck with your decision. If you're having a hard time finding the thread I'm talking about, use the 'search' function at the top right corner of the main page.

The following Abbreviations are commonly used on this discussion board: ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit) BB = belly button bc = because BCBS = Blue Cross/Blue Shield BED = Binge Eating Disorder bf = best friend BM = bowel movement BMI = Body Mass Index bp = blood pressure BPD = Borderline Personality Disorder or Biliary Pancreatic Diversion bs = blood sugar btw = by the way CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy CC = common channel c diff = clostridium difficile cos or cuz = because CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure CRNP = certified registered nurse practitioners cw = current weight CXR = Chest X-Ray Dr. = doctor DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EKG = Electrocardiography ff = fat free GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease GI = gastrointestinal GNC = General Nutrition Corporation store GP = general practitioner or family doctor HBP = high blood pressure hr = heart rate hw = highest weight ICU = Intensive Care Unit Idk = I don’t know IMHO = in my humble (honest) opinion IMO = in my opinion IUI = Intrauterine insemination LAP Band = Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band lol = laughing out loud LSG = Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy med = medicine MFP = my fitness pal msg = message NASH = Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis nf = non fat NG = Nasogastric NP = nurse practitioner NSAIDS = Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSV = non-scale victory (“scale” means “weight scale”) NUT = nutritionist OA = Overeaters Anonymous Onederland = a magical place or destination for those trying to lose weight. It might correspond to attaining a weight in the hundreds or losing a hundred pounds. op = operation OSA = Obstructive sleep Apnea Oz = Australia PB = Productive Burps PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCP = Primary Care Physician PM = private message (email) PMS = premenstrual syndrome POSE = Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal postop or post–op = post-operation or post-surgery PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitors ppl = people preop or pre-op = pre-operation or pre-surgery PTSD = Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PVC = Premature ventricular contractions RA = Rheumatoid arthritis RH = reactive hypoglycemia RN = registered nurse RNY = Roux-en-Y RTD = ready to drink SADI-S = single anastomosis duodeno–ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy s/f or sf = sugar free SIPS = stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery smh = shaking my head, scratching my head SO = significant other SOB = shortness of breath sw = weight at surgery tmi = too much information TPN = total parenteral nutrition TT = tummy tuck TTC = trying to conceive Ty = Thank you. [but according to the urban dictionary “Ty” is also an abbreviation for “a total stud with a massive carrot”.] u = You UGI = Upper Gastrointestinal VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vit = Vitamin wks = weeks WLS = Weight Loss Surgery WOD = Workout of the Day w/o = without wt = weight or :-) = = smiley face or :-( = = sad face

I was looking through my closet tonight, looking for old clothes that I knew didn't fit me so I could make them "goal" clothes in the months to come. Well, I found a shirt I was SURE would not fit.... size 16, and you know, it didn't really fit like it is supposed to.. BUT I could button one button... and when I looked in the mirror it made my boobs look FABULOUS! haha I just shimmied a little for myself and put it back in my closet..... saving it for a much BETTER nsv in a few months... when I can actually wear it outside of my room and don't look like a hoochie!

I'm getting toward the end of my journey, and it's funny how things are so different from the inside looking out. I've realized through this journey that while each NSV and every mini goal met is significant and praise worthy, the most significant loss I had was the first 30-40 for me. It was when I hit the middle of those numbers that I realized that I WAS doing this! I AM going to succeed!! I CAN keep losing this weight!! It was the true marker for me and the green light to realize that my body was changing, I was shrinking and it was the first and probably the biggest boost to my confidence that I've had this entire journey. That being said, the first 30-40 lbs of my loss was probably the most insignificant to those around me and who saw me on a daily basis. It was enough for them to see that I'd lost 'some' weight, but let's face it when you're as big as we all are/were a 30-40 lb loss LOOKS like maybe 10-15 to the untrained eye. I don't even think my first 30 I went down a pant size yet! Hardly anyone noticed those first blocks of weight when they were shed, but I knew. I noticed, and I was proud!! Now, as I'm battling my last 40-30 pounds it seems really insignificant, I've already battled away over 100 lbs of loss, what is 30 or 40 more? It's nothing! BUT! To those that are outside looking in, I think this is the MOST significant 30-40 pounds. In my last 10 pounds of loss I've had more compliments, comments, people noticing how small I've gotten. They marvel and wonder aloud 'How much more are you going to lose?!'. It's funny how that flip is switched. For me to say 'Oh, just 30' now the looks are of shock and awe! When I lost my first 30, those who asked how much I had lost and I told 'Oh, just 30' very excited and bubbly, they'd respond with maybe a glance and an over the shoulder 'Oh, that's good...'. It's funny how people perceive those who are going through a change. Ultimately, I'm proud of every last pound, every last inch. This transformation has been amazing! I'm not the fastest loser, but I'm not giving up!! I'm going to do it! I'm going to reach my goal, and I know each and everyone of us can and will!!

Today is Tuesday march 7, and sadly to say today seems to be no better than yesterday. Damn I hate to whine and that is what I feel like I am doing. I keep tryin to tell myself all these other people are doing it and they arent whinning, suck it up and do what you have to do. Last night I had spagetti for supper, how much ? I have no clue, I ate until I thought I should be full and then stopped only to go back an hour later and eat more. Am I going to lose weight this way , I seriously doubt it. My husband is a wonderful man but he got on my nevers last night so bad, he watches everything I eat and then says "slow down" between every bite. I am a big girl and I know what the doctor said so I didnt need him to be reminding me through every bite I took. Did I say anything to him, oh yeah and it wasnt pretty. Ya know I am sick of thinking about my weight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is has been an issue my whole life, do normal size women think about their weight all the time? DO they worry about becoming like me? I am sitting here thinking is there every a day that goes by that I dont think about my weight? I honestly dont think so. Wow how sad that is. I mean something as simple as going out to eat with my family can become an ordeal to someone like me, I have been humiliated more than once because I couldn't fit into the booth, or the chairs were so close together that I couldnt get between two people sitting at the table, so I have become the drive-through Queen. WOW that was tough to even type. I guess that will be one of my NSVs, fittin in a booth comfortably. SIGHHHHHHHHHHH Today isnt a good day for me, I am feeling a bit over whelmed. This damn weight thing, the kids, my job, my husband, money, housework, laundry, the dog and lets not even start to mention my Mom and sister. I have noticed that I have started taking more Xanax. I was diagnosed with panic disorder years ago. After being misdiagnosed for years, but to make a very very long story short I am given xanax to take as need when they seem to be gettin out of control. For the last couple of days I have felt like I couldnt breath, so I have taken a nerve pill to help. God I just want one day to go by with me thinking about my weight. I just never see it happening. No matter what I am doing weight is always an issue for me. I am sick of it, so it looks like I would be doing everything in my power to take it off doesnt it. See I ask myself that question all the time, you're scared of a heart attack yeah you do no cardio exercises, you hate being fat yet you over eat, your dad died when you were 12 of a massive stroke (he was 36) and yet you skip days of your own blood pressure medicine. Do I secretly have a death wish? No I dont think I am sucidical (sp) but I just want the madness to stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was sleeved on Nov 26th I have Gone from my highest weight pre-op at 423 to my current weight 7 weeks pre-0p at 348 with the majority of that being post-op loss. Thats a total of 76lbs since this time last year when our Journey began. Yes I have had support from friends ,my Husband, my children but most of all from My sister "Kapoorvilla". She encouraged me and walked every step of this journey right beside of me.She was sleeved on Dec 5th. My sleeve went great home the next day walking a few hrs after, took almost no pain meds, have had no nausea or vomiting and can eat and drink about anything just have to watch the amounts, be sure to get in my proteins first and stay away from bad carbs and sweets, not that these things bother me but i just know my sleeve is only a tool. My sister drove us back and forth to doctor appts, in heavy big city traffic, pushed me in a wheelchair because i couldnt walk far, encouraged me, kept my spirits up, was proud of every lb I lost or NSV I achieved like being able to go from wheelchair to walker and now just my own power in short distances. I just wanted to publicly thank her and tell how much that it all meant to me. It is sucha blessing to have some one to share it all with step by step and compare notes and complain about the different diet stages with. We share recipes and any new finds such as products with a lot of protein etc.. She has been such a inspiration to me and I so admire her determination and ability to bless others even when things are going the best for her. During her operation her bowel was pierced, it turned into an emergency situation she was cut from breast bone to vagina practically lost blood had to be transfused 4 units of blood. Had to have asecond surgery 3 days later to put her bowels back in place, was finally released after 5 days and took 4 weeks to recover enough to resume her many responsibilities. She is doing good now, does well with the sleeve eating and drinking pretty much what she wants too but very little of it. not sure of her exact loss but its pretty good. I'm so sorry this all happen to you and I don't know the hows and whys you definiteley didnt deserve it and yes If it had to be I wish it had been me instead but I think the Lord knew you where stronger and im not sure I would have survived it and then recovered as well as you have, my health is so much worse. You are a real trooper and a great example to me, you have more will power than anyone ive ever known and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I'm so proud you are my sister and hopoe someday I can do for you all the things you have done for me. Thanks again I love You! Ascooke.

I have been a bit down in the dumps lately because the past few weeks' weight loss has been really slow. But this week was great -- over 3.5 lbs. lost! I am now down to 192.2, very close to being in the 180s and so excited about that! I had a NSV today, too. About a month ago I went shopping for some new jeans, since my size 22's were getting pretty loose. I was really happy to find out I could fit into size 18WP jeans, even though they were a little snug. I bought two pairs of jeans. I am very short and the jeans were still a couple of inches too long, so I needed to get them hemmed (I can't sew at all!). I had a lot going on the past few weekends, so kept putting off taking the jeans to get hemmed, but today I finally did it, because the size 22s are so loose they are going to fall off any day now, and just *have* to go. So I went to the seamstress to get the jeans hemmed, and put on the size 18s for the seamstress to measure, and I was quite gratified to notice that they were looser than I remembered when I bought them. The seamstress made me stand on a little dias so she could get the length right and I was facing a large full-length mirror. At that point I noticed the new size 18's were actually already pretty darn loose in the legs, and comfortably loose around the torso. I started wondering if maybe I was getting close to fitting into a size 16WP. So, after I finished with the seamstress, I headed on over to Macy's and decided to try on some new jeans. I picked up a pair of Levi's size 16 short, the Macy's house brand of jeans, and a pair of size 16 capris. When I got to the fitting room, I picked up the Levi's first and was aghast because the size 16s looked really, really small. I didn't think I could even get them up over my thighs ... but I did. I even got them buttoned and zipped up, to my amazement. OK, I have to admit, they were tight, and I wouldn't have felt really comfortable wearing them, so off they went. I nearly bought them just to measure my weight loss progress, but decided to hold off for a few weeks and come back and try again in a month or so. The Macy's jeans, however, fit perfectly and so did the capris. I took my new size 16 jeans to the seamstress and had her swap out one of the size 18 jeans (which I will hem using that magic hem stuff I bought from Walgreens). So, I am officially able to wear size 16! Woo hoo! I ended up buying a couple of new bras this weekend too -- the balconette style from Lane Bryant, size 42DDD. I was pleasantly surprised at the nice shaping they provide. My girls are hangin' low, so to speak, so they need a strong support and shaping bra! Now I will be brutally honest -- I look like total crap with clothes off. I have horrendous cottage cheese thighs right now -- not just the normal cellulite area, but everywhere down to my knees, front and back -- ick. And as I mentioned, I pretty much have the breasts of an 80 year old woman. And I still have a big old gut and butt. And, I am sporting a rather nasty wattle on my chin, making me look years older. Every day I put bio-oil on my chin hoping to moisturize and firm the loose skin, but it doesn't seem to be working that great. My body is definitely smaller than it was, but by no means is it a body I would be willing to parade a bathing suit around in! But, all in all, I am totally thrilled with my sleeve and feeling better and more confident every day. I am really looking forward to the summer, when hopefully I will be down in the normal size clothes range, and will look and feel even better. I talked to my husband and we are going to try the couch to 5K program this spring, and sign up for a local 5K race this summer. That will be a HUGE NSV for me, to finish a 5K! I am really excited about the future!

wendy's chili is my main stay--cheap/good/goes down/stays down!! have lost 100lbs--and was in Florida all winter!! am so amazed...never been on vacation and lost weight(30lbs) nsv's--had to mov the car seat up in order to push in the clutch/bought smaller sized shoes/bought summer clothes at the goodwill! OMG soooooo happy!! another 70lbs to goal!! thank god for chili!!

Ok, so like many people, I have a birthmark. Mine is a mole tucked so far up my thigh I have literally only seen it when contorted, and it has never seen the sunshine. So today I am wearing some silly underwear which fasten at the crotch, and after I pee I am hopping around trying to re-fasten things, when I see myself in the mirror (dont allow them at home), and notice a new mole on my leg. I'm at an age where these things happen so wasn't thrown, until it occurred to me that it was a familliar size & shape! So I check it out, and as the lbs have shifted so has my birthmark!! What was once very hidden is now sat at the top of my leg clearly visible, even in granny knickers! A very odd, and unexpected NSV!

i know that i haven't written in a while... i've had a lot going on with just LIFE in general... nothing bad, just busy with kids and family... :cool2: soooo.... according to my Wii Fit, i am down 34 lbs. YIPPPPEEEE! :thumbup: I've had another fill of 1 1/2 cc. 2 weeks ago and have really good restriction. :thumbup: i tend to be realllllllyyyy tight in the mornings and early afternoon... by the time i'm ready for dinner, i can tolerate my food better. :rolleyes2: i have experienced 'sliming' for the first time... mmmm, not pretty. who knew that could feel so weird. :sad: i mean, i need to burp, but it won't come up... and i can hear gurgling... and then if i just give up and let it out, no FOOOOODDDD, just slime. :crying: i used to have a problem with my esophogus being too tight... they dialated it and that was corrected... i THOUGHT being 'stuck' might feel like that did... a choking sensation, but the air still moves... NOPE, it's more than that... i still get the choking sensation, the air is moving, but i am salavating... i mean, like a dog. so i have to let it go. I assume this is what sliming is. So, now that i've been disgusting... i will share a NSV, well 2 NSV's. NSV #1- :thumbup: i have a pair of jeans that i could get into about a year ago, they were tight but i could wear them (with a muffin top of course!) i gained so much weight, i couldn't button them... well, i grabbed them out of the closet last week and BAM! they fit. i mean, they buttoned, zipped and NO MUFFIN TOP!!! Whoop Whoop!!! NSV #2-:thumbup: i have a gorgeous evening outfit, sequined top with palazzo pants that i couldn't wear last June on my cruise. I was pissed. So, i put it on Sat and guess what? YES! IT fits!!! we are going on a cruise in March, so i am SET! Maybe it will even be baggy by then! (one can hope!) I am really doing well on this journey. i am not dropping weight rapidly, but hey: i got the lap-band®®®®, i didn't have gastric. I figure i put it on here over 38 years... i need to take it off slowly. i wish i had done this years ago. :cursing: BUT, i am doing it now! i already feel soooo much better... my clothes are looking better on me & soon it will be time to go shopping for a new bra. This one is a little baggy in the cup (which is disappointing, but hey... i can always have plastic if i need it, later.) Maybe. Anyway, i hope that you are all doing well... I have lost from 306 day of surgery (DEC. 30, 2009) down to 283 (Feb. 20, 2010) That's 24 lbs. since the surgery!!! 7 weeks & 24 lbs. YYYYYIIIIPPPPPEEEEEEEEEE! that my friends, is 3.428571 lbs a week. Average. YAYAYAY!!!:tt1: BANDLANDIA is AWESOME!!!

I was where you were this time last year. Keep you head in the game. I had some scheduling issues and either had to have my surgery by the middle of July or then not until end of August. I was doing good with losing - had lost 30 ish pounds between April and August, ultimately. But I was afraid. I was nervous. I was anxious about insurance approvals. About all the changes. About what I didn't know. And we were going on vacation, to boot. Here's what I can tell you. I started this journey at the end of April 2016 weighing 271.5 on a 5'3" frame with a BMI of 48.1. I was 246.9 on day of surgery. Today - less than one year after surgery, I am down 99.5 pounds off my highest weight of April 2016. My BMI is 30.5 and in another few pounds will swing from borderline obese to overweight. I'm thinner than when I got married 20 years ago. I weigh less than both of my teen daughters. I fence 5 hours a week, do TRX and have a personal trainer. I went from size 24 pants which barely fit to having size 10 pants be a little big - I'm starting to buy 8s. Keep your head in the game. Start making lists of what you want to do and how you want to reward your NSVs - so far, I've been zip lining. stand up paddleboarding, taken up a new sport, run a 5k, and bought some really expensive clothes at shops where the clerks before wouldn't even recognize that I was in the store. Start a physical activity program - even if its just walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. Find a gym nearby that you like. See a therapist about your food issues Develop other methods of coping that don't involve food Remember - your sleeve is only a tool. It's not the answer. You have to keep your head in the game. But you can do it. You've got this.

Welcome Buckeye, I'm from Ohio, too. Don't let us scare you off too much. That's what forums are all about. People post their questions and problems, others answer. Those people who don't have problems don't often post and say "Hey, I'm doin' great". Sometimes you'll see something called a NSV (non-scale victory) which is a little celebration of something good that happened not directly related to the scales going down. Keep reading, you'll see that we're a great community and resource for information.

Oh, the knees.... so many years since I could bounce on the knees... When I hit THAT NSV - y'all will hear me screaming nationwide...

Hey everyone. I hope that y’all are doing good. So the other day, my little girl came to give me a hug. I was standing at the time and all of a sudden she got really excited and said “mommy, I can put my arms all the way around you now”!!!! It might be dumb to some but it made me so happy and I had to hide my tears from her! Also, tonight!!!! I took a very comfortable bath for the first time in a very looonnnng time! Before, I couldn’t even sit comfortably in the tub.

ISleevedIt Ahhhhhh its the "little" things congrats on your "big" achievement keep those NSV's coming - "we" love to hear them great weight loss keep up the good work congrats

Friday evening, I visited a friend with a broken ankle. We're sitting there chatting and watching tv. I looked down at my lap and realized that I had my legs crossed and my hands weren't holding my legs or pants to keep my legs crossed. Nice feeling!

Well, since you asked....I went to buy some summer clothes today and I managed a size 12...can you believe it. I have gone from a 24-12 on my own before WLS. I have worked hard but never imagined a size 12 in a million years. So I could not leave the store without the purchase. Thanks my NSV and I thank you for letting me share. Congrats on your NSV.

So, today is the day I get to report my first NSV, and I haven't even had my surgery yet!! Yes, I'm gunna brag and I know y'all will love listening. I am pre-op, and I have been giving up some of my vices over the last few weeks in preparation for starting my liquid diet on 7/23. I am an emotional eater, I turn to food when I need comfort. Today was very challenging emotionally, and I did not turn to food for comfort! As bad as I wanted the ice cream, diet coke, doughnuts, candy, fried cheese and taquitos that I passed in the grocery store with my broken heart, I sassed my big ol booty right by that junk and left without buying any. Take that bad day! That is an NSV, right? Anyone else have NSV that happened pre-op? Happy losing, Slenderella

Well Ive been moving my keister this weekend. I havent been that mindful of my eating though. No worries, I dont think I did any damage to my weight loss. Which leads to a NSV btw. I though that yesterday I really screwed myself up by having eaten copious amounts of crap. But when I took inventory last night on what I consumed, I made a discovery. My perception of how much food is too much has changed. I didnt eat nearly as much a I had thought. Interesting. Food logging in earnest starts in the morning.

It i the dreaded stall. Stop making yourself crazy and step away from the scale. Look for other NSV (non scale victories). It could be taking your measurements (neck, boobs, waist, thighs/hips) and measuring the differences. It could be noting the changes in your body; can you walk further? It it easier? Do you have more range of motion in your knees?, etc.... Throughout your weight loss journey there will be stops and starts as your body adjust to the changes you are making. Do not let them frustrate you. As long as you are following the program, the weight will come off.

I love this! This was one of my favorite NSV's as well. CONGRATS!

I said to myself the other day, I want to go rollerblading again. Now, I have not done this is probably 10+ years. So today it was nice out, not to hot, not to cold. So I said what the hell. I put on my rollerblades, stood up, a bit shaky. And went out, went around the parking lot a bunch of times, just to get back into it. Then decided to go down the street. And I kept going, before I knew it I was about 3 miles away from my apartment! At this point my ankles were starting to hurt a bit, so I turned around. So in total I went 6 miles!! I am quite happy with that. When I got home my ankles were killing me, but after having them off for a few minutes they felt fine again. If I continue doing this, I may buy a new pair, maybe they make them a bit more comfortable now, after all I've had this pair for like 15 years or so. But I think today was a good day!