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I'm in! Thanks for the info Fluffychix & Sheribear68! I need all the help I can get to make the MOST of this journey as possible! In recent discussions with Fluffy and others, we did the math and my average amount of weight lost per month SINCE surgery is actual a bit over 12 pounds per month and that would actually have been higher if my exercise hadn't taken a nosedive in the past..well, I was thinking it was a week, but it's been more like 10 days. My INITIAL Months 1-3 weight loss was...when I compared to my siblings was not as large as theirs was so yeah...it bothered me. I tried to be careful (and yeah, we probably shouldn't compare but I did) and only compare with others IF they were in a similar situation to me. i.e. for me that was: female, 50+, menopausal, sedentary, known slow metabolism DUE to hormones, lack of exercise, medications, illness/conditions, 20+ years of yo-yo dieting and/or anything else that contributed to the slowness - some things WITHIN my control, some things NOT. On some days when I was doing better mentally, I figured well, I may be starting out slower but my rate per month may be more sustainable than theirs after the first few mos. I need to get back on my surgery sibling thread but I ALREADY know now that in looking at my weight loss data over a MORE SUFFICIENT amount of time to evaluate a truer picture of 'weight loss per mo), I'm at least an AVERAGE loser and if I deal with some recent bad habits that crept back in suddenly, I feel that with not a ton of effort I can hit a 'AVERAGE-HIGH' amt of weight loss per mo. I wanted to post as some of you know I'm very data driven. The first 2 - 3 mos of surgery, including that critical 1st mo where some of us wonder based on SO VERY VERY little calories, why weight loss wasn't higher..it's kinda of like when we were kids...I always used to say when asked..."I'm 5 and 1/2 years old"...because I was PROUD of that '1/2'...and the age I'm at now, man, I round DOWN!!! When we are little though...at young ages, our time on this earth is so SMALL at that point, that our experiences for the first let's just say..5 yrs...is obviously the BULK of our entire little life at that point. Flash forward to today and being..cough..like around 50...and ages 0-5 is nothing but a BLINK. Statistically barely factors. I realize now that while yes...my first 2 mos especially I found to be a bit disappointing at the time, in hindsight, just 4 more months out, the math is showing that DESPITE my true challenges and even for me, some emotional/mental ones, I am at least an AVERAGE loser. I'm posting this hoping to give those who are only a couple of months out and may be fighting with disappointment...some hope and another way to consider things..and to stay on track and let the time pass...then look back at what has happened. My wish for all of us is we become part of..someday...a "We WERE slow losers but look at us now" type of thread..lol. I realize that there are ppl with much more severe issues than what I'm dealing with so in no way do I mean to do your situation any disservice. Oh...and along with realizing I'm at least 'average'...I had a small NSV on my way to taking my laptop back into my office...my PJ bottoms (yeah, I work from home) fell down and I almost fell over my own feet..LOL. I LOVE these PJ botttoms so much I'm seriously considering taking them to a tailor!!

Have to share a NSV, even though I'm not sleeved. LOL The other day I dug out my tape measure because I thought I should get a baseline before surgery. I have in the past measured myself, and would put it away in disgust. So, I drag it out and start with my waist. I couldn't believe it. I am 7" smaller in the waist. WTH? I thought that was unbelievable, but then I was weighed today at the doctor's office. I have lost 13 lbs. in the last 3 weeks. I started my pre-op diet Friday, but still... I am dropping weight like a weightlifter. As of today I have lost 63 lbs. from my highest weight. I can't even imagine how much more I'll lose as I still have 10 days to go on the pre-op. And then surgery ... Wow!

NSV: Kayak! For me, it was fitting back into the Giant Dipper. Woo-hoo! I've always wanted to go on that airboat tour of the slough. Lynda

Well, it's a strange one, but I finally tried on some smaller underwear I bought a month ago. Size large -- not XXL (where I started), not even XL, just large! -- boxer briefs now fit like a glove. Not too snug, not too baggy! And my size 42 waist jeans that I bought a month ago because my 48's that I started with were literally falling off me are now pretty baggy. I have some 40's that were hand-me-downs -- they're too long in the inseam -- and even they are starting to fit loosely. I should be in 38's before the end of the year. For me, getting below 40-inch jeans is a HUGE achievement, since I've been in 40+ inch waist jeans for more than 10 years now. Dare I dream that before this process is over, I'll be back in the 36-inch waist jeans I fit into back in high school? That would be 12 inches off my waistline... wow! Incremental progress, but it's all going in the right direction, and I'm starting to get excited about it. I'm feeling positive about my body for the first time in a decade or longer, and it's just going to keep getting better!

Hi there I went from a 24 to a 12 a few years ago (and gained it back plus a lot more...) but anyway. I had those same feelings when I lost weight the first time around but keep pictures of yourself before you lost the weight as a reminder. Another suggestion is to get wrist/ankle/body weights that people work out in and put on the amount you lost and try to walk around (do have someone with you when you do this, get a doctor's approval as well and make sure you a physical fit to do it!) but this will remind yourself how it feels to carry that extra weight. I wish I did that. Now I look at my old pictures and I just would do anything to go back to that size! Hopefully I will soon though, come on sleeve. lol Good luck on your journey and keep accomplishing goals - even NSV. Appreciate your victories, treat yourself to a new hair style or a massage and make sure you feel good about yourself. You will see it one day.

Great NSV Zoe! It's a great feeling when someone notices!

Hey all thought I would give a quick up date... On my offical weigh day, I weighed the same, no loss , no gain... my measurements were to same too... so I guess my stall is still with me. What I have no come to accept, again, is that these stalls are par for the course with me (and many others) and it is something that I am just gonna have to get used to. I HAVE to get to my goal weight, I HAVE to do this... the whole reason for spending the money and having major surgery is to get fit and have a longer and healthier life. I suppose I have to accept that this is going to take a long time... but I will get there. I think that the stall might be hormonal... my cycle is a mess, both before and after surgery... I am going to monitor it and if I need to I will go see my doc. ANY HOW... I thought I would share a NSV with you all...on the weekend I bought a pair of calf length boots.... OMG... I could put them on and DO THE ZIP ALL THE WAY UP TO THE TOP... I haven't been able to do that for nearly 20 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *dances hysterically around the room8 This means, that I can now wear them with a skirt or dress... Check me out ...lol I really don't understand my body and how it works, but I love my new boots... =]

Wisconsin Jen--great NSV's Mine are: --Packing up winter clothes and giving them away as I will not be able to wear then --putting the scale away for awhile--it is like crack:biggrin: --husband saying--you are getting so streamlined Cynth--congratulations

Thanks everyone for the update on the port pain.. the new pain that we are all dealing with and kind wondering how everyone else was doing with it (that was for Phil:):frown: I am happy to say that the port pain has subsided 6 weeks post surgery... I am also happy to say that I am down 22 pounds 6 weeks post surger and now... drumroll... Clothes are getting LOOSE!!!! I am not ready to downsize yet.. but... those tight skirts.. well now I have the wiggle room (probably my true size now:):frown: but you didn't here that from me.... I will tell you that I am on the site abuot every 2-3 days now and really do look to see how everyone is doing.. especially us Jan 2010 bandsters... Today I went to get some cortisone shots in the knee and the doc could tell I lost weight.. that was a NSV... I love telling everyone I had the band.. I am sharing it with everyone... Why.. well.. just like everyone here.. I have struggled with weight.. and for the first time in my life.. weight is coming off without the stress that usually came with the diet.. or the screaming hunger pangs.... I also know that I could be taking it off faster if I desired... but I am happy with the process.. I don't care if it is one pound a week.. because losing one pound a week is better than gaining a pound a week.. and better than staying status quo... However, that being said.. SPRING is in the air.. the weather is warming up here in Wisconsin.. and with my new found weightloss I want to start going for my walks again.. I am feeling physically and mentally refreshed... I love my "Buddy Aid" friend in my lap band.. I will forever be loyal.... My only regret..... why didn't I do this so long ago... but alas.. this is my journey... and even if I didn't lose another pound I would be happy.. because the food is not controlling me anymore... I can have time to plan a meal instead of grabbing something to fill the belly.... So let's hear it... who else is happy today and why?

Hi Gang... I have been away for a couple of weeks too.. with good things happening.. I don't know how much weight I lost since my last "current" because I don't get on the scale.. I have a doc appointment on the 26th for a third fill so I will know then... however, a NSV... my pants and skirts are getting longer:):thumbup: I have found a need for some belts in the closet... the weight loss isn't huge but it is noticeable and clothes are getting rotated and I am wearing things I couldn't wear in two years...so that is great:) I have had a few 'stuck' moments.. or slow going through.. or , "oh my gosh that has to come up for me to feel better".... everytime I have one of those situations I am glad actually... it reminds me to not eat something, eat slower, or eat better.....so my Buddy Aid (my band name:) is helping me when I forget to help myself... Hang in there everyone.. keep those updates coming.. this is a changing year for all of us and I love seeing the success stories... Jen

Stupid NSV, BUT I can see bits of the chair seat as I'm sitting on it. Here I was, sitting at my desk, lamenting/cursing my plateau, and for the first time ever I noticed that there is chairseat visible to the left and right of my legs, and some chair is showing between my legs (I'm wearing pants, it's not that Im wearing a skirt hiked up to the wazoo!!). Yippee!!!! Tapshoes spins on her chair like a giddy kid at a soda shop (those of you old enough to know what that is can appreciate the excitement of that novelty). :biggrin:

I was banded in dec and the weight is coming off slowly but my nsv was that at the end of the first month I had 400.00 extra dollars in my account for not spending it on fast foods and taking my family out to eat where I paid for it---- I am happy--- my family --- not so much -- ha ha ha

I LOVE READING EVERYONE'S NSVs!!! They are so very inspiring! :thumbup: I had several NSVs this past Friday. I was able to wear an XL women's t-shirt comfortably. I used to wear an XXXL t-shirt. My favorite pair of Old Navy jeans (size 26) are now falling off of me. And last, but not least, I was walking out of my classroom when a colleague was coming around the corner w/ her class. She stopped dead in her tracks and said to me, "WOW! YOU LOOK HOT!" It has been sooooo long since anyone (excluding my hubby) has told me how good I look. I AM ABSOLUTELY LOVING MY BAND AND MY NEW LIFESTYLE!! :thumbup: PS~ My 3 month bandiversary is this Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Hey all - Well you asked for more NSV's from me. I have to say my latest was on Sunday I went for a 3 mile walk. I can't tell you when the last time was that I could actually do that. Even better still I was pushing my 18 month old son in his stroller the whole way too. Other NSV's for me has been fitting into smaller clothes and even some of those are now starting to be a bit on the loose side. I got my 2nd fill this week and am getting used to that. I am up to 4 cc's now.

Wow Pete Way to GO! My NSV is that I'm wearing jeans that were to tight and uncomfortable to wear. People are noticing and telling me that they can really see it and that I look healthier!

This is great nsv: I've been able to walk for 1.5 miles come in and bike for an additional 10 min. Pretty good for someone that couldn't make it from parking lot to my classroom without huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf. Also, can bend down and tie my shoes! I used to have to have to finagle all around the couch to get the task done. And the biggest "one my positive attitude" is affecting my DH we actually - playfully wrestled the other night...been a long time since that happened. He's been wonderfully supportive! Highest weight 386 1st visit to dr. 376 Surgery Date 343 Today 312.2

It's great reading everyone's NSV. It really goes to show how quickly we can make a change in our lives. For me the most recent NSV is one that I never really thought of. The other morning my wife and I got up and before I went out of the bedroom we went to hug. Well she goes to me, "Look at this I can touch my fingers together around you now." Not that she was just touching her finger tips she was actually pushing them together. Well it felt great that I have lost enough that she can do that! =)

Today's my 4 mos anniversary of being banded... Total weight loss 81 3/4 lb. - since surgery 48 3/4 lbs. I am still convinced this has been the best thing I ever did for myself, my life, and my family. Since 1/22/09 my health has taken a nose dive... whooping cough, inflammed brochial tubes, (6 weeks), just feeling better and kidney stones hit with lots of complications including two stays in the hospital 3 day and a 8 day. Infection in my blood, surgery on stones, and pnemonia. A very sick cookie. I know you are wondering where I'm heading with this...NSV - Not being able to exercise but craving, yearning, wanting (in the shape I was I won't use dying) to EXERCISE what a change in my thought process. My LBS has been awesome...visited me in the hospital both times admitted. Dietician has also visited me in hospital. They have given me such support ... I know I am and will continue to be successful in my new lifestyle change. Through all the illnesses my primary concern was my band...it has come through like a trooper. I'm still very protective ... which is good because it helps me make good choices and follow the LB rules! I'm really beginning to realize what all the talk about it being a TOOL is about. I have to make my food decisions and can make good choices. Still measuring all my foods. DH has bought me the Wii/Wii fit and a sport's watch to monitor my heart rate. I did fudge a little (dr. has not released me to do any exercises yet except minor 5 to 10 min. walks.) and tried some of the balancing games and I did try the Basic Step Aerobics(laughed with DH more than anything because I have no rhythm - can't figure out right, left, front,back - out of 85 steps I got 13 and this was on the beginner! Another NSV - realizing my DH is there to be supportive and that I can handle his help. I am nothing but grateful for having my best friend travel by my side on this journey. Have you begun to see a common thread through my rambling.... My most important NSV is my MIND SET. I am beginning to BELIEVE I am changing my LIFESTYLE. In the beginning of my journal I wrote, "I am dedicating this journal to a lifestyle change: From Living to Eat to Eating to Live!" I believe I am on my way to doing that! PS - I could actually buy a top today at the local Walmart store and only pay $8.00 instead of the only store for plus size women I've had to shop at for the past 10 years! What an anniversay present! Keep the faith! Deb

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. piano mom you are so right and i am going to post my nsv right now i can do my own pedicure (save money) i walk really fast now( ppl say wow you are walking so quickly now sex is better(legs go way back) tmi i know lol i can paint my toes i can lower my steering wheel i can see her a little more now im grey there my work uniform is a lot smaller i can wear heals now and the most important to me is my face omg it is so pretty and defined i love wearing make up now and i feel so pretty. anyone else care to share?

Who knew jogging/running could give you so much adrenaline. 6.5 weeks post-op. From sleeping late, being lazy, eating in the closet and overeating to waking up early, feeling energized, eating healthier and to be able to 8 miles on the treadmill. 28lbs down. Sleeved 6/16/15 #NSV #sleevelife #lovinmysleeve #feelingGreat #Motivated #tearsofhappiness

So I’ve been avoiding buying new clothes for as long as possible but today I have to go to the mall because I have decided I need new jeans. Last night at Orlando City’s home opener against DC United (MLS Soccer) we scored the equalizer in the last few minutes of the game and the supporter section went crazy. I went crazy. I high fived. I screamed. I jumped. And when I jumped... my pants fell off. [emoji23] A little “behind” show for the folks behind me! Luckily I was wearing cute undies and they were going as crazy as I was. Anyway, NSV, New Pants, Yay! [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] Now to find the healthy stadium food options...

I'm 6 weeks post-op on Wed and am battling a 3 week stall (uuugh) but old jeans have started to fit again AND I can cross my legs once again! So while I am tired of not losing actual weight, I'll try to focus on the positives.

I had severe pain in my feet, so right after surgery, I wasn't able to walk. But I did what I could at the time - which was a few laps around the inside of my workplace. And parking as far from the entrance to stores to force myself to walk a little more. I didn't do any continuous walking till about my 2nd month post-op - I was able to work my way up to 20 minutes of continuous walking each day. Now at 12 months post-op, I walk 4 to 5 miles a day, 4 to 5 days a week. I was able to easily lose weight without exercise for the 1st 6 months, but after that, my body adjusted to the lower caloric intake and it became more difficult. Here's the blog post where I tracked my walking progress. http://www.bariatricpal.com/blog/9018/entry-31216-nsv-2-you-best-step-off-b-hatch/

NSV=non scale victory...like being able to cross your legs, or paint your own toenails. Edited to change it to "scale".

Nsv = non scale victory