DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I know there's been a zillion threads on this, but what's one more right?
I am seeing A LOT of people so hung up on the scale that they're missing the Non scale Victories (yes that's what NSV means).
So, please list your NSVs here! It doesn't matter how big or how small, we want to hear it!
Mine are (in no particular order):

The ability to sit in any chair I want without worrying if I'll fit or break it
The ability to sit in booths at restaurants
Flying without needing a seat belt extender
No longer wearing plus sized clothes
Trying on a size 'large' shirt and finding it's too big- and buying a size 'medium'
Walking by mirrors while shopping and thinking "wow I look cute" instead of "ugh gross"
Being very active in my kids' lives
Going from needing a cane to get around the house to walking 2 miles a day unaided
No longer having high blood pressure or high blood sugar.
No longer having a sleep apnea (or even snoring anymore)
Not being recognized by people who haven't seen me since getting my band (literally)
Being able to wear cute, stylish clothes (I've become a shopping addict!)
Sitting with my legs crossed
Being told I look more like my almost 19yr old daughter's sister rather than her mother

I know there's been a zillion threads on this, but what's one more right?
I am seeing A LOT of people so hung up on the scale that they're missing the Non scale Victories (yes that's what NSV means).
So, please list your NSVs here! It doesn't matter how big or how small, we want to hear it!
Mine are (in no particular order):

The ability to sit in any chair I want without worrying if I'll fit or break it
The ability to sit in booths at restaurants
Flying without needing a seat belt extender
No longer wearing plus sized clothes
Trying on a size 'large' shirt and finding it's too big- and buying a size 'medium'
Walking by mirrors while shopping and thinking "wow I look cute" instead of "ugh gross"
Being very active in my kids' lives
Going from needing a cane to get around the house to walking 2 miles a day unaided
No longer having high blood pressure or high blood sugar.
No longer having a sleep apnea (or even snoring anymore)
Not being recognized by people who haven't seen me since getting my band (literally)
Being able to wear cute, stylish clothes (I've become a shopping addict!)
Sitting with my legs crossed
Being told I look more like my almost 19yr old daughter's sister rather than her mother

I know there's been a zillion threads on this, but what's one more right?
I am seeing A LOT of people so hung up on the scale that they're missing the Non scale Victories (yes that's what NSV means).
So, please list your NSVs here! It doesn't matter how big or how small, we want to hear it!
Mine are (in no particular order):

The ability to sit in any chair I want without worrying if I'll fit or break it
The ability to sit in booths at restaurants
Flying without needing a seat belt extender
No longer wearing plus sized clothes
Trying on a size 'large' shirt and finding it's too big- and buying a size 'medium'
Walking by mirrors while shopping and thinking "wow I look cute" instead of "ugh gross"
Being very active in my kids' lives
Going from needing a cane to get around the house to walking 2 miles a day unaided
No longer having high blood pressure or high blood sugar.
No longer having a sleep apnea (or even snoring anymore)
Not being recognized by people who haven't seen me since getting my band (literally)
Being able to wear cute, stylish clothes (I've become a shopping addict!)
Sitting with my legs crossed
Being told I look more like my almost 19yr old daughter's sister rather than her mother

Unfortunately, if you have the excess skin, it's there unless you have it surgically removed. You can tone muscles but if the skin didn't shrink as you were losing it's not going to after.
I've lost over 230 pounds and had over 12 pounds of skin removed from my tummy this past spring. My upper arms, legs, and butt still look like a Shar Pei when naked because of all the excess skin. Believe me, I totally feel your pain.
But here's how I look at it- I can easily hide the excess skin under clothes and still look good. There was no hiding over 230 pounds of fat. I'll take the excess skin over the fat any day.
Hang in there

As many of you know, I was stuck for more than a month. I was monitoring my calories, getting in all my Protein and exercising, yet the scale didn't budge. I know, plateaus are normal, but they still suck. Around the time the plateau hit I also started taking birth control pills. I even gained 2 pounds, which for me was the deal breaker. I had to find a way to break the plateau and start losing again.
So I started researching. Low carb, high carb, no carb, etc. I see so many variations on here! What's right? What's wrong? I already knew it was a matter of choice without a clear right or wrong answer, but I also knew individual body needs also played a very big part in it. During my research I kept coming across something called carb cycling, so I decided to look more into it.
Carb cycling is essentially trying to optimize your metabolism by alternating high and low carb days. Body builders often do this to build muscle and burn fat before a contest but it's also very helpful for weight loss. Then one day I turned on Doctor Oz...and wouldn't you know it... it was an episode on carb cycling. Chris Powell, of The Biggest Loser, was on his show talking about he has all the contestants on the show carb cycle and how he does it. For me, this was the point I decided to give carb cycling a try.
Chris Powell's method is specifically for weight loss so I decided to go with his (there's many out there). He has an excellent book called “Choose to Lose: The 7-Day Carb Cycle Solution”.
His theory: No carb diets don't work. It's not sustainable long term and eventually it significantly slows the metabolism. Worse, people who cut out carbs usually end up gaining all their weight back and then some when they do suddenly reintroduce carbs. Carbs are the energy block of the body and a long term lack of carbs will cause the thyroid to slow down significantly.
7 day diet/carb cycling: High carb day followed by low carb day, alternating daily. Start on a high carb day and always eat within 30 minutes of waking up in the morning. Always limit or omit carbs after 6pm.
All this is within your own personal daily calorie allowance.
High carb day/energy day:
Preferably complex carbs. Protein, low fat. unlimited veggies.

Low carb day/burn day:
A little carb in the morning to boost metabolism
Cut carbs the rest of the day.
Protien, healthy fats, unlimited veggies

3 of each/low carb and high carb. 7th day is cheat day
Cheat day:
Boost calories to boost metabolism
Boost to no more than 1000 extra calories a day
Cheat at Breakfast and lunch, not dinner. 6-12pm “behave”
Cheat at a table. Not in a car, or at a sofa, etc. No “hypno binging”
No leftovers allowed.

Mind you, this is the short version of all this. If this interests you, I'd strongly suggest buying his book for a better understanding. It's very enlightening.
...So this is what I've done for the last week. I am very happy to say, carb cycling broke my plateau, despite still being on the birth control pill too. I lost 5.4 pounds this week!
I have decided I am going to continue to carb cycle. I am not a fan of the low carb days, but I am getting more used to them. Plus, I find my "carb cravings" have all but disappeared since starting this- something I didn't think possible.
For me, it's working. I just thought I'd share the results of my little self experiment

The collarbone thing is a biggy! So are the ribs!!
I am actually in love with my collar bone, in fact my daughter has even commented that I should wear shirts that show off my shoulder and collar bone more often because it looks really good.
The rib thing is kinda funny. Between your ribs, in the center of your rib cage, there is a connective area called the xiphoid process. I actually went to my doctor in a panic because I had this "big weird bump" on my chest in the middle of my rib cage. He actually laughed at me and goes "ummm, that's you, not a tumor. I'm guessing you've just never been small enough to feel or see it before"
So...yeah..I freaked out over my own rib cage

The collarbone thing is a biggy! So are the ribs!!
I am actually in love with my collar bone, in fact my daughter has even commented that I should wear shirts that show off my shoulder and collar bone more often because it looks really good.
The rib thing is kinda funny. Between your ribs, in the center of your rib cage, there is a connective area called the xiphoid process. I actually went to my doctor in a panic because I had this "big weird bump" on my chest in the middle of my rib cage. He actually laughed at me and goes "ummm, that's you, not a tumor. I'm guessing you've just never been small enough to feel or see it before"
So...yeah..I freaked out over my own rib cage

The collarbone thing is a biggy! So are the ribs!!
I am actually in love with my collar bone, in fact my daughter has even commented that I should wear shirts that show off my shoulder and collar bone more often because it looks really good.
The rib thing is kinda funny. Between your ribs, in the center of your rib cage, there is a connective area called the xiphoid process. I actually went to my doctor in a panic because I had this "big weird bump" on my chest in the middle of my rib cage. He actually laughed at me and goes "ummm, that's you, not a tumor. I'm guessing you've just never been small enough to feel or see it before"
So...yeah..I freaked out over my own rib cage

The collarbone thing is a biggy! So are the ribs!!
I am actually in love with my collar bone, in fact my daughter has even commented that I should wear shirts that show off my shoulder and collar bone more often because it looks really good.
The rib thing is kinda funny. Between your ribs, in the center of your rib cage, there is a connective area called the xiphoid process. I actually went to my doctor in a panic because I had this "big weird bump" on my chest in the middle of my rib cage. He actually laughed at me and goes "ummm, that's you, not a tumor. I'm guessing you've just never been small enough to feel or see it before"
So...yeah..I freaked out over my own rib cage

I know there's been a zillion threads on this, but what's one more right?
I am seeing A LOT of people so hung up on the scale that they're missing the Non scale Victories (yes that's what NSV means).
So, please list your NSVs here! It doesn't matter how big or how small, we want to hear it!
Mine are (in no particular order):

The ability to sit in any chair I want without worrying if I'll fit or break it
The ability to sit in booths at restaurants
Flying without needing a seat belt extender
No longer wearing plus sized clothes
Trying on a size 'large' shirt and finding it's too big- and buying a size 'medium'
Walking by mirrors while shopping and thinking "wow I look cute" instead of "ugh gross"
Being very active in my kids' lives
Going from needing a cane to get around the house to walking 2 miles a day unaided
No longer having high blood pressure or high blood sugar.
No longer having a sleep apnea (or even snoring anymore)
Not being recognized by people who haven't seen me since getting my band (literally)
Being able to wear cute, stylish clothes (I've become a shopping addict!)
Sitting with my legs crossed
Being told I look more like my almost 19yr old daughter's sister rather than her mother

Typically speaking, most surgeons say a cup or less of food per meal. Some say as little as a half cup. The reason for the cup limit is to avoid stretching your pouch above the band.

All of Lap Band Talk has been integrated into this new site.
The old Lap Band Talk app will no longer work but there is a new replacement app called BariatricPal. I don't know where to find it on Apple but you can find the Android app here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bariatricpal.forumrunner
As for posting pics, the gallery is having issues and you may not be able to. I'd give it a little for them work out the bugs.
Btw, congrats on reaching goal!

I know there's been a zillion threads on this, but what's one more right?
I am seeing A LOT of people so hung up on the scale that they're missing the Non scale Victories (yes that's what NSV means).
So, please list your NSVs here! It doesn't matter how big or how small, we want to hear it!
Mine are (in no particular order):

The ability to sit in any chair I want without worrying if I'll fit or break it
The ability to sit in booths at restaurants
Flying without needing a seat belt extender
No longer wearing plus sized clothes
Trying on a size 'large' shirt and finding it's too big- and buying a size 'medium'
Walking by mirrors while shopping and thinking "wow I look cute" instead of "ugh gross"
Being very active in my kids' lives
Going from needing a cane to get around the house to walking 2 miles a day unaided
No longer having high blood pressure or high blood sugar.
No longer having a sleep apnea (or even snoring anymore)
Not being recognized by people who haven't seen me since getting my band (literally)
Being able to wear cute, stylish clothes (I've become a shopping addict!)
Sitting with my legs crossed
Being told I look more like my almost 19yr old daughter's sister rather than her mother

Jim you look AMAZING!!!!
Btw, it looks like you need new pants to go with your new belt. They're too big for your newly svelte body!

Oh that's a great one! I bet you were so happy!!
I flew last December and was pleasantly shocked when I fit comfortably, too. I had avoided air travel for probably 18 years because I knew I didn't fit in the seats at all. Now, I am looking for excuses to fly

You should totally take a pic of the belt wrapped around you!

((hugs))
People react a lot of different ways to WLS. Some are totally gung ho and excited, some are skeptical, some are hell bent on jeopardizing our efforts, and some are even jealous. The interesting thing is, the people who truly love us do eventually come around to support us in our decision- even if they don't agree with our decision.
Give them time to absorb it and see the wonderful changes happening in you. They'll come around.
Just curious, are either of them big women? I have found other fat people are the ones who react the worst to the fact I've had WLS. They see me as a traitor and are very often hostile out of jealousy. If either of your friends are big, this might be the case with them too.

I had a similar experience. A friend lost about 160 pounds over a couple years by dieting and working out 4 hours a day. I was pretty much blasted for having WLS every chance she got. I told her that the problem wasn't losing- I could do that. The problem was keeping it off and why I needed the band. She scoffed at me.
...fast forward 6 months to now. She's regained about 45-50 pounds. She gets extremely defensive about it, too.
My only response has been "sorry you're struggling, but it's like I said, losing isn't hard but keeping it off is".
Karma is a much bigger b*tch than I could ever be. Nuff said.

She's doing well on it, but we were warned it can take 4-8 weeks for it to take full effect. In the meantime, she's taking Flexeril and Ibuprofen. Pretty much toughing it out. She's not had any adverse reactions whatsover so far, so that is a huge relief.
They won't give her pain meds either. I've actually given her half of my Vicodin before because she was in so much pain.
Hang in there Donna, you can do this

My daughter takes Flexeril and only takes it before bedtime, too. It does make her drowsy. However, I've taken it and only had a mild drowsy effect. I suspect if I took it regularly, I'd get used to it.
I take Baclofen for muscle spasticity, cramping and pain. It too is a muscle relaxer but it doesn't have nearly the drowsy effect.

It's very interesting, but I'm curious how you can test the validity of the answers? Nowhere does it ask any identifiable information. How do you know people aren't just giving bogus answers?
Just curious.

Being as you're already struggling with reflux, the last thing you need is another fill. In fact, I fear you may be too tight and need a slight unfill.
You have to remember your band has absolutely nothing to do with weight loss nor does it make it you lose weight. Losing weight boils down to simple math- when you burn more calories than you consume you lose. The band only controls your hunger making it a lot easier to be satisfied on smaller portions thus consuming less calories.
Here's a couple links that I think will really help you get back on track by better understanding your band:
The Lap Band is NOT About Restriction- Dr. Simpson
Tighter Isn't Always Better- Jean McMillan
You did this once before successfully and I have no doubt you can do it again. Look at it as starting over. Go see your nutritionist and let them help you get back on track with food. Read the above links. You can do this!
Best wishes and congratulations on your son!

This is just a thought, but it's possible the problem has been that you've been expecting the band to do something it's not meant to do all along. With the band, we're not supposed to be eating in search of the full sensation. In fact, if you're eating until you're full you're likely eating too much. With the band, the idea is to eat until you're satiated (no longer hungry), not full.
The other thing to remember is that while the band will tell you when you've had enough to eat (no longer hungry), it's not meant to physically stop you from eating anything. We have to listen to the band and our bodies rather than expect the band to stop us from over eating.
Here is a really excellent link. Have a look, I think it'll give you a whole new insight on the band and the tools you may need to make a success of it: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html
Best wishes.

I've been banded almost 2 years and still struggle with this.
For me, I find it an ongoing process. First, I had to clean my house out of all "trigger foods". The grazing you do? I do it too. I find if I get all the foods that are going to make me want to graze and leave only healthy foods, then I don't eat nearly as much and when I do at least it's a good choice. The second part of this is, if I am going to indulge on a cookie or ice cream, it's then a conscious decision requiring me to go to the store for whatever treat it is I'm going to have. 90% of the time this alone makes me not indulge because the time I get ready to go out, I realize it's not worth the calories (or money) and decide against it anyway.
Bottom line- if you want to put the Cookies and chips down, get them out of your house entirely so you can't pick them up to begin with. It will help you a lot.
Best wishes.

Cool question!
I've been fortunate to experience a lot of them. They include:
-Sitting in a booth
-Flying on plane without needing a belt extension
-Going on carnival rides
-Not being the biggest one in the room
-Wearing non-plus size clothes
-Seeing the scale go into Onederland
The only one I have left is to hit my goal