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Sorry to hijack this thread (I'm a December 2013 sleever), but It astounds me how many posts on here are about the scale and stalls. You guys are all doing great postop, but you are obsessed with numbers! The batteries in my scale went dead right after my last fad diet....HCG. That was almost 3 years ago. I've never replaced them. I managed to go through the preop diet, VSG surgery, lose over 100% of my excess weight, and keep it off, all without the "help" of the scale. Dropped from size 22w jeans / XL-XXL tops to size 5 jeans/ M tops.....without owning a working scale. I weighed myself maybe 6 times at the doctors office during the first 4 months. After that it was once/week on the scale at work (fully clothed with boots on and after breakfast) so I had something to put on my ticker. Now I might remember to step on the scale once/month. I actually have no idea what I weigh naked first thing in the morning,,because the number doesn't really matter. I feel fabulous, I am out of pain, I have normal BP, and can do whatever physical activity I want without restriction. For me, that's why I did all this. You all may want to try it. It's very liberating and made for a relaxing, stress-free, NSV-filled weight loss adventure!

Don't weigh yourself for about a month. Concentrate on water, protein, vitamins and healing. I rarely weighed, so I didn't even know I was in a stall unless it lasted 2-4 weeks. Believe me, I was a lot happier than all the posters on here that stress about every little number on the scale. If you are following your plan You will lose weight whether you step on the scale or not. Just enjoy the NSVs.

My favourite thread, always happy reading all NSVs congrats you all!

I was sleeved February 18th. HW 254, SW 242, CW 218. I'm 5'9 and 42 years old. I've walked 5 to 6 times a week making my way from a mile to three miles now. I walk the 3 miles in an hour. I'm now losing at a rate of 2 lb per week. I've lost a total of 72 inches (I measure EVERYWHERE). I can bend over and pick up something in my car floor board now. Those types of NSV'S are what I enjoy most. I've also gone from a size 22 to an 18.

Thanks Guys!! I don't go back to the doc till June and I want to be close to 250 by then. Maybe unrealistic but I'm also going on a cruise at the end of June and want to look cute (I'm already cute just more cute ) so that's why I'm kinda stressing about the numbers...I have had NSV I can get in a size 22 and i haven't been in that since i was 18 so YAY for that.

It's just another reason why the scale is not the best way to monitor your progress. Look for NSV and take your measurements. Even when the scale doesn't move, you'll get a better view of your progress.

Today was my 6 week follow up from having my sleeve and it went very well.I am down more weight also my NSV I am down a shirt size and two pant sizes.Best of all is now I can have some(soft) food, instead of puree foods. I am very happy to have found this site,it has helped me learn more about my sleeve and read that other people struggled as I have.I want to thank all that has shared your stories and want to wish everyone luck on their weight loss journey.

Hi guys! I'm just a few weeks out from 6 months. I have lost a total of 112 pounds. I've gone down from size 32 jeans being really tight to size 26 being loose, and on top I've gone from a 32/5X to a 24/3X or 22/2X, depending on cut and material. I'm about a 24 dress size now. About me: 5'8", mid-30s, large frame, PCOS and hypothyroid What I eat: Breakfast: a Protein shake or Protein Bar Lunch: 3-4 ounces of meat, 3-4 ounces of veg, sometimes 1-2 ounces of starch if there is room left Afternoon snack: protein bar or alternate snack (cheese, veggies and dip, etc.) Dinner: Whatever the family is eating, adapted to focus on protein and veg, eaten in the 3 bites protein 2 bites veg 1 bite starch pattern I sometimes add another snack if I've done a heavy workout and need a little something else - a piece of fruit or some cheese, often. On average, I'm getting: 1230 calories 30g sugar 76g protein 26g Fiber 1800 mg sodium 656 mg Calcium before supplementation 7mg Iron before supplementation 108g carbs Working out: I strive for 150 minutes of activity a week. I mostly do walking, and then 3 times a week on average I go to the gym for high-intensity interval cardio plus weight training. I lift pretty heavy (8 reps per set) and have been really happy with the strength gains I've seen. I do a lot of walking apps and games to keep myself interested - The Walk, Zombies, Run!, and Ingress, for instance. NSVs: So many! -I can now sit painlessly in the Evil Chairs in my office -I can now fit into restaurant booths -I can buy clothes in more than just one store instead of just being limited to Catherine's -My bad knee is waaaaaaay better, so I don't need a cane to walk anymore -I am off BP meds and metformin -I have more energy and feel overall happier I'm going to fly somewhere next month. Can't wait!

I went walking this weekend and when I saw my shadow it was such a marked difference from before surgery. I was amazed at the smaller size of me! I didn't expect that NSV and it was such a sweet victory. New blessings every day.

I can't stress enough to STAY OFF THE scale. I only weighed about 6 times in the first 3 months. The NSVs are way more important than numbers. But if you want to compare, here's my numbers.... 0 pounds lost at 11 days 17 pounds at 7 weeks 30 pounds at 3 months. I've read so many posts about people whining over losing way more than that. It astounds me because I was thrilled and encouraged by every single pound I lost along the way, no matter how fast or slow. Of course dropping pant sizes and being out of pain and crossing my legs and my rings actually becoming too big we're all way more exciting. I still surpassed my surgeon's goal by over 20 pounds and my personal goal by over 10 pounds. And no matter what your rate of loss, if you are eating healthy then you are not failing. My plan was very simple.....60-80g Protein everyday. Minimum 64oz Water everyday. Vitamins everyday. Plenty of veggies as I could eat them, a little bit of fruit. Stayed away from white carbs (pasta, bread, rice, crackers, alcohol, sweets) until I was within 10 pounds of goal.

That's a great NSV!

Tonight for the first time in a long time, I went to the club. I went with my God brother and his wife (I call her my sister) and I had an awesome time! For the first time in at least 10 years I didn't feel like the fat ass outcast. I'm not sure if it's the little boost of confidence I have since the surgery or the awesomeness of the people I was with. I think it may have been both because I went on a cruise with some of these people about a year ago and I didn't feel the same then. I'm grateful for them and for the surgery! Tonight confirms that I'm surrounded by supportive friends who love unconditionally AND that I did the right thing for me having this surgery. God is so awesome and I am eternally grateful!!

On Thursday I had a regular scheduled doctors appointment. They weighed me but I don't believe their scale cause it's not the surgeons office. Anyway, then they took my blood pressure and oxygen saturation level. It wasn't until after they were done that I realized they used a "regular sized" blood pressure cuff on my arm. That's my first of what I'm sure will be many nsv's. Lol

Well hello there everyone - long time no see!!! It has been 3 weeks since my last post (that sounds like I'm in confession!!) I've been on a wonderful holiday in Khao Lak and Phuket Thailand. The weather was great, the resorts were amazing and I've come home feeling fully re-charged. On my holiday, although I didn't over-eat, I definitely ate whatever I wanted and didn't think too much at all about the calories - except when it came to cocktails, I couldn't get it out of my head that I was consuming empty calories with no nutritional value. I am so happy to report that I've returned home weighing exactly the same as when I left. I know the goal of this thing is to actually lose weight, but I have never ever in my life come home from a holiday without gaining weight. I really am so thrilled that I've managed to maintain it this time. I even managed a few NSV's on my time away - particularly shopping in stores that I have never found anything in before that would fit my size - yipppeee!!! My band definitely helped in this regard, it let me know whenever enough was enough, so I didn't try to put more food in than I could. I'm now back on my usual eating plan and and feel so much happier and healthier for my time away. I've attached some pictures for your viewing pleasure - I think the smile on my face says it all!!!

I crawled up in my fiance's lap! Not only did I fit, I comfortably fit! NSV for us both, he is 11 months post op, I'm 4 months post op.

@@jrquinter you weren't specific with any other question are you referring to your meds???? i spoke with my neurologist a month before surgery other docs too here is my story drum role please............. i was told to continue with my meds before WLS in the morning take with the least amount of Water as possible my doc told me how to take the meds before surgery check with YOUR doc After surgery i took meds with applesauce that night i was able to swallow as normal little difficulty, not much all went well with surgery and PO in the hospital little heads up though............ about 4 months PO i had orthopedic surgery at this point i had lost about 50 lbs a day after surgery (still in hospital) i had a bad seizure after blood was drawn/checked they realized i was very toxic from taking too much lamectil its like a baby taking same dosage as an adult, and vice versa dosage was cut in half!!!! all was well in a couple of days dosage being decreased was a BIG NSV that i wasn't expecting my advice is to talk with your neurologist about dosage of meds as weight loss occurs listen to your docs directions good luck with surgery kathy

When I first attended a bariatric surgery support group meeting, I almost decided to not have the surgery. Almost everyone in the group recited horror story after horror story. Then I reasoned that the main reason for this is that either the people attending the support group meeting are pre surgery or they are the individuals that are experiencing severe post surgery problems. The individuals that are free of any complications just do not feel a need to attend support group meetings. That is not the case now. The whole flavor of our support group is different. But the tone of the meetings is very important. I think it is important to first identify the general goals of the meeting: Provide advice to those who are about to undergo the process. Help those that have undergone surgery and experienced complications to resolve their problems. Share information Discuss individual success stories both in terms of weight loss and NSVs. I like to bring in something for show and tell at each meeting. People get excited about show and tell. Sharing a before and after picture is a good visual for the success of the surgery.

Had a visit with my surgeon yesterday. At 155 lbs (down 56 lbs from day of surgery), I asked him what he would expect my goal to be and if my goal of 140 was realistic. This was his answer: I could stop right now. I am at a healthy weight (even though I'm still overweight by BMI standards), all my labs are good and I am off all medications and CPAP machine. From his standpoint, I've met his goal for my health. Anything I loose now is for vanity. Of course he was quick to point out that there is nothing wrong with vanity, but doctors view weight loss success by improvements in health, not clothes size. I left his office inspired. I'm sure I'll loose more weight in the next few months, but I felt so proud of what I've done in the past 4.5 months. I think my obsession with the scale has become less important and the NSV's will be celebrated. Like today I'm wearing my 5'10", 145 lb daughter's size medium top from Forever 21. Now that is a VICTORY!

We all know how we've changed the outside of ourselves but what about the inner person? Once we become smaller/healthier/more active, how does that affect who we are and how we act/react to things? I'm not necessarily talking about an obvious NSV but more how the inside changes along with the outside. Some of the obvious things are self confidence and self image improvement. I know that I don't keep my head down the way I used to. I look people in the eye these days and I don't hesitate to engage someone I'm in the elevator with, or on line with while waiting to purchase a coffee or whatnot. I know I have a confidence about me that has been missing for a very long time. I also know that I have to remind myself not to feel superior to heavy people just because I don't look like that anymore. I know if I'm not diligent, I will be right back there again. I also have to remind myself to be patient with someone slower. I used to be that person...walking but struggling with the pain of degenerating hips. Using a cane and having to stay out of people's way for fear of being pushed aside or knocked over. I can walk almost normally now and believe it or not, I am one of those annoyed people if I get behind a slow poke. I can't believe I am not always sensitive about this as I am only a year or so out from that same situation. Anybody else have any thoughts about how they have changed since starting their weight loss journey..or even having met goal?

What a great NSV!!! Size 14 ????

I had a NSV this weekend. I wore a Ralph Lauren size 14 dress to my bridal shower. I started this journey a size 22. I'm 2 lbs away from losing 60 lbs!

Well, the scale is still just crawling along for me, but I did have a nice NSV yesterday. I bought and wore a pair of size 14 jeans. They were the same exact jeans I'd been wearing in a size 16 since the end of November, just a size smaller now. I thought about going ahead and buying the same pair in a 12 as well, but I didn't want to push my luck. Edit: I'll be taking progress pics on Wednesday and I'll be sure to post here when I do.

So you know the subway benches and how the end seats are usually more spacious and you can't fit in the middle seats if you are heavier well just who fits comfortably in the middle seats... this girl

Now that I am truly in the maintenance phase of my journey, I constantly look for ways to find motivation to stay on track. I weigh myself not for results, but to make sure the numbers stay constant. Without looking for weight loss, what is the motivation? I know how easy it is to fall back into bad habits. I found myself just a couple of weeks ago, realizing I was grazing too much and it showed on the scale. I have my own limits in terms of heading into the red zone. Above 115, I have to get my act in gear...above or even close to 120, that's a real problem. So far, I'm bouncing around between 112 and 116 but in order to stay in that range, I have to constantly remind myself of how it used to be with me. I make sure to keep myself aware of all the NSVs I have day in and day out and never to take them for granted. That means anything from buying clothes in the petite department instead of the women's department to walking around the city with minimal pain instead of struggling each and every step as I used to do. Even just this morning...starting my day by stretching my hamstrings and lower back as the physical therapist has recommended, I paid attention to how I could easily bring my bent leg to my chest because my leg, belly and thigh are normal sized. I went to JC Penney's yesterday because they were having a sale on fashion jewelry. I already have lots of clothes and don't need more, so I'm changing it up with accessories. I treat myself like I'm a real life Barbie doll and after years of buying clothes based on if they fit, it's wonderful to now buy based on how they look on me. I try to reward myself with things other than food. It's not always about purchasing things....I reward myself for getting to the pool to exercise by spending ten minutes in the sauna. Or I reward myself with a movie I really want to see, or an afternoon with a good book, a glass of wine, and a wedge of low fat Laughing Cow cheese. I know that I will have to be vigilant the rest of my life. Food will never be something I can take for granted or have a normal relationship with. It is my drug and I have to respect that addiction and always plan ahead to keep myself safe. I know that alot of folks on the site are in the losing weight stage and when they are maintaining, they drift away. I'm going to do my best to hang around and comment on this part of the journey. I daydream sometimes about my 5 or 10 year anniversary at a normal weight. My fervent hope is that my family and friends forget what I used to look like and think of me at this size like I was always this way. I think that's a good goal to reach for now that my weight goal has been met.