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I have what I consider a dumb question. I started out this journey in a size 30/32. It was a tight 30/32. I could have probably worn a bigger size than that even. I'm now in a 22/24. How many dress sizes do I say that I have lost? Is it 2 or 6? A NSV yesterday. I pulled off a pair of size 24 capris without unbuttoning or unzipping them.

An EXCELLENT NSV, Suzzzie.! I've never flown Southwest and after watching the A&E series Airline, I never will. I'm too scared I would be one of those people they pull out of line and make try out a seat, and I'm not a fan of herding folks like cattle onto a plane as a free-for-all for seats. I can't stand General Admission concerts, I really don't want my plane to be General Admission, too. I could be totally wrong about the experience, though. One of these days I'm sure I'll get on a Southwest flight. I mostly fly American. I'm also a big fan of Ryan Air and AerLingus for their level of service internationally.

NSV - Yes the dropping clothing size is a big boost as they go down. I was told the other day to start buying more fitting clothes/tops, I still tend to buy looser fitting things: A mental block on having something cling to me!! I have bought a few new things this week and they are flattering, if I do say so myself :tt1: WTG for everyone in thier successes. Let us all keep up the good work over the holiday season

To answer your question Stef, I can eat 1 cup of food at the moment. I only lose because of the band. I used to eat three HUGE meals a day. Bigger than a normal fat person. I'd also have a giant muffin and a whole bar of chocolate and a muesli bar. Now I can only have three small meals a day. I haven't cut out snacking ('cept the muffin)but it doesn't matter. My overall calories must be much less and as I'm a lot bigger than some of you so my body would naturally require a lot more calories just to function. I'm not on a diet and won't go on one. It puts me in a bad head space. However, I'm starting to realise that my standards in life have been set too low (in all areas, not just food) so now I'm starting to choose things which are more nutritious because my body needs them. Although I don't count cals, I have been on diets before and I do know that a chocolate bar has the calories of two extra meals so I've cut down to the small-sized one and every other day rather than every day. I'm sure that after a while, I won't be able to eat 2000 cals (I'm guessing here) and still lose but I can now so I'm not going to worry. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Awesome NSVs everyone.:bounce: I haven't bought any new clothes yet but a colleague commented that I was 'swimming' in my current ones. She doesn't know about the band. I'm also starting to notice little things. Tonight I doled out the correct portion for dinner. I ate it and I really do need to take pea-sized bites now or I'm in trouble. I like tasting every mouthful. When I had finished, I went to get more and as I was reaching for it, I thought, "Who am I kidding? That isn't going to fit" and put it back in the fridge. Also, I was going to eat some chocolate wafer biscuit thingies and then I had the thought that they were cheap, sugary rubbish and ate two passionfruit instead. If I'm going to have junk food, I'll make it a small 70% dark chocolate with almonds or marzipan or something I love. I have been chewing and spitting less (gross I know but I do it). I now only spit out junk food and not normal food. I used to buy a takeaway meal and be angry I couldn't finish it and chew and spit it in a bowl until it was done. Now I can't be bothered and see it as a waste of money. It's as though my eating habits are slowly starting to improve. I can even recognise emotional overeating now. Today was a really stressful day at work so I'm off to the gym to see if that'll help. I think my body needs the movement. It's not good to stay still all the time. Which isn't to say all is hunky dory. Had a really tough time with PBing this week and had to go on liquids for 48 hours. My stomach was really sore but I'm OK now.

So glad you are feeling better laurie! You sure sounded aweful before Great NSV on the little bbq! Makes me wonder if smashed up watermeelon is ok for the pureed stage?? I still have 18 days until then, but I bet the watermelon would be lovely. The docs typically soak the new stomach in Water inside the abdomen and check for bubbles that would be leaks. The next day they should at least do a barium swallow so you can see your new stomach. My doc did it for confirmation of leaks but he also wanted us to see how the new stomach worked. I'll attach a picture. The reason you should get a copy now is so that in 6 months you can get another barium test to see how your sleeve has healed and if they missed parts that are now stretching (which obviously can lead to regain). I didn't think the barium was aweful - mine was more like a strawberry and cream Protein drink. Just one big gulp. However my doc also had us do a blue dye test. which is a much thinner liquid (water) than the barium test. This allows even the smallest leaks not to go un noticed as any leak in the stomach would come out in the drain that is placed by the new sleeve. THAT stuff was disgusting. And probably TMI, but I'm still peeing blue! LOL Here is my pretty new sleeve

PJTP... Taps - I hope your migraine goes far, far away and never darkens your doorstep again. I suffered with them for a short while, and nothing but Excedrin Migraine would touch them - it's the worst feeling in the world, I think... Re: Butter cakes - I make a Sour Cream Pound Cake from scratch that is an absolute killer! It's heavy, dense and has the most wonderful crispy crust on it...my husband eats slices of it with meat like it was sandwich bread. He always requests cupcake-size ones that he calls "Grandma's Specials" and eats them by the dozen when I make them, which isn't often! I made one with Hershey's chocolate syrup in the batter as a fundraiser for my church's Chocolate Auction, and it fetched the highest price EVER for a cake at the auction...the winner almost didn't make it out of the church with it - people were still trying to buy it as she went out the door! Re: Fill levels - my doctor doesn't really talk about mine, either...of course, I'm nosy, so I look at my chart, but I'm going more by how I feel and less how much is in my band. I think I'm at 3 or 4 cc's right now, and I feel plenty tight. I would have thought that a 10cc band (which is what I think I have, but I'm not sure) would need "more" to get me to a restricted level, but no such. I guess for those detail-oriented folk among us, they might obsess over the level and not do the other stuff necessary, so that's why the doc doesn't tell. I dunno - I tend to believe that knowledge is power, and I WANT to know. At my next appt, I'm going to ask, and I'll keep the info in my iPhone...:wub: Latest NSV...I was able to cut my insulin shot amount by 50% just this week! I have been taking one shot at night, and after my latest report to my doctor, and getting sub-100 readings in the morning for the past week, he agreed that I can cut the dosage. So far, it's been two days, and my morning numbers are still under 100. I think that's reason to celebrate - but not with anything sugary! :wub:

I'm so sorry! How are you feeling after the weekend? Hang in there. She's going in tomorrow AM. I'll let y'all know. I'm pretty sure it's arthritis. She's about 40lbs and we think 1/2 chow and 1/2 spitz. Having been abused as a pup, we also don't know what that might've done to her physically while she was in her growing stage. I know! But I HAD to get some stuff done that day. I was trying to get us out of town at a decent time on Friday! Whoo Hoo! Nice bike!! Love all of the above! The only one I have is a big truck! '99 Chevy, full-size, 3/4 ton, 454, crew cab, 4 wheel drive, 6 inch lift, 35 inch tires on 16.5 inch rims. I had to put sissy steps on it so I could get into it! LOL! Oh and it's dark blue, my fav color! Rant away. I don't understand it either. I'm pretty sure she's better off tho. Good kid. His birth father didn't deserve him! I'm glad you're feeling better! I'm planning on going this year. I'm finally feeling like I won't hurt the horse! My mom rides at a stable near her and DD's been begging to ride so I think we're going to try to do it this summer. Little scary tho! I haven't been on a horse in 20 years! And she was a bitch mare and hard to ride! Good for you!! WTG Fanny! Oh no! I've had chicken pox twice and have been told that I'm now MORE susceptible to Shingles!! I'm so sorry and I sure hope you're feeling better soon! Totally agree! I've got almost 2 acres that Tap can come play in if she wants! LOL! I agree, you end up losing the entire family, not just the parent. UGH! Hate packing! Best wishes on getting that done as quickly and easily as possible! Sounds like you had a nice break on the bike tho! Keep taking those times as often as you can! Great that her sister stays in contact. That's wonderful! I think the trip sounds great and DD would enjoy it! What a great story! Glad he decided to go and ended up connecting with y'all again! I'm sure it's great for him too. UGH! I hate those stories too! So Wrong!! I sure hope DD decides to get in, and stay in, touch with you guys. I hate organizing! I like to BE organized but hate making it happen! LOL! Life IS good! Glad you had such a nice weekend! Good for DD! I don't understand those commercials for the armed forces that have the parents and kids "talking" about it but the parents are hesitant. I know it can be dangerous, there are wars but I guess I just don't get it. 'Course, I'm married to a fireman, he was Air Guard when we met, I've been involved in the Sheriff's Dept and thought about becoming a deputy, involved in EMS, dad served in the Navy, etc. so maybe I just look at things differently. I guess I'm used to the serving country/community, etc thing. How was the movie? I had a sitter all lined up for this afternoon so we could go see Wolverine but DH is down in Santa Barbara on the fire so alas, no movie today! Gotta love the belly shots! NOT!!! PJTP: Went to my mom's again this weekend. Came home completely exhausted! I went to sleep last night and didn't wake up once! That NEVER happens! I usually have to visit the potty at least once a night! Or DD wakes up or dreams or whatever but she was totally out too! Saturday we went to Kohl's b/c I needed to look for a new swimsuit. Yuck! Well, I found a cute one, skirted tankini, 40% off and it was a size 16!!!! Last year's suit was a 20 or 22, can't remember now. Huge NSV! It's really cute too. Before surgery I normally would've gone right up to an 18 b/c it is a little snug but it's fine and will be even better as the summer goes along. My mom bought this: BOB Sport Utility Stroller at REI.com for me for Mother's Day! They were having an anniversary sale that ended yesterday and I needed a new/better stroller for my walks but just couldn't swing even the sale price right now. I was just going to save money til I could buy it but now don't have too! I couldn't believe she did that! Such a surprise! It's wonderful too! So nice on my walks now! Easy to maneuver and goes great over our gravel driveway and rough dirt roads, etc! Well, I gotta get. Gonna lose battery power soon and it's time for lunch! TTFN!

Congrats! Now that is a tangible NSV! I look forward to seeing your post when you finally donate the chair to a charity because you no longer need it

That is the best NSV ever!!! So happy for you!! And thank you for sharing hope.

Finally got my real first nsv. We had a fire drill yesterday at work so everyone had to evacuate to the parking lot at the same time. I saw one of my old co-workers I haven't seen in about a month. (we don't work on the same floor anymore). Anyways I saw her in the parking lot and we had a nice little chit chat mostly about my son and the prom. There was a few of us chating. I got a call shortly after I arrived at work from her today. She needed some help and she knew I knew the answer to her question even though I no longer work in that department. While I was looking for the answer she said "I didn't want to say anything in front of everybody yesterday but you look good, looks like you lost some weight." I thanked her for the compliment and she went on, asking if I was dieting and I told her well I've been eating a lot differently and I try to work out a few times a week. She said well you look good. I have to say that made me feel better especially since I don't know why but I gain 1 1/2 pound even though I have been eating right and very small amounts and working out almost every day.

Well, I made it to support group and weigh in today. I knew it wouldn't be that great since I have been stuck for a while, but I at least lost 7.5 (yes the .5 matters) since last month. It is feeling very slow when I compare to some of you, so I will not compare! I also know I am slowly getting closer to the last part of this - today when they asked how far away from goal we were. I had to think about it, but it was really strange to say 35 pounds. I was also getting closer to making an appointment for a fill. Yes, I might actually get over those fears yet. But then people started talking about how often they get stuck, PB, slime - mind you happily talk about it - and I decided I could wait a bit longer. Sometimes I do worry if a few people have traded one eating issue for another... When I walked in the meeting, I was feeling so good in my new, well-fitting clothes. Then a women who was at the meeting just to gather information asked me if I had had the lap band surgery yet. I think that is what they call a Non-NSV...

I weighed myself and forgot to post it! Surgery January 1, 2011 5"8"" Starting: 239.8 Goal met November 1, 2011: 155 Current weight: 144.0 OH NSV for me today... Bought a pair of size 2 pants..........Thank you LORD!

OK Girls....this is going to be a "Me" post. Don't have time to talk much but I did get caught up on all your posts since being gone. Sad to say, I am about ready to be on my way out the door again until next Tuesday. Great NSV a bit ago. We have been having a very hot, hot spell. I just spent 2.5 hours in the hot sun tending to my flower beds and enjoyed it. No sweating, no passing out, no passing away. And, all this at 97 degrees. 2 yrs ago DH would have been planning a funeral (a very eloquent one, I would hope). Anyway, love you all. Driving to the lake this afternoon with puppa. 8am dental appt and only 27 miles from lake place but 70 from home. That's where I want to be anyway when I am recouping from this next procedure (s). I see this entire process not a lot different than getting to goal. Hurdles to jump, pain to be gone through, etc. I sooooooooooooooooooo miss you guys. Told DH today that I am going to try to find a way to get internet up there. I'm at a loss on how to do it. I think I should look into the phone thing and hook it up to laptop? Eva? Would that be a possibility????? OK...gotta run. Thanks for all the well-wishes with this mouth of mine. Protein shakes for a few days. I am one that misses chewing and cannot stand to miss a meal. Boohoo...poor me! I feel awful not talking to all of you and responding to your posts. Thanks for sharing the photos, Julie. Nice job. I also love that shade of green. Talk to you all soon. Sending the love

Stef I did not know about your band being that way. My port is tilted but no special instructions. You are the Exercise Queen!!! Keep up the great work. marga, Dawn and pacu... I know how you feel. But I really beleive this will happen to us in time. I am taking some step backs this week to measure my food and think about how I feel. I think that my band is working with some restrictin, just not that pain or pbing or limited foods. Like you I can eat some foods that most can't like pizza. But I think that the restriction is tighter a week after my first fill. Some say it is delayed. joeyg glad you called the doctor. Keep us posted on how it goes. cmp I never heard of a omnipac either. I even asked my nurse at my first fill if they use anything other than saline, and she said no, and looked like I did not know what I was talking about? I had a NSV this week, for this shows exercise and the band is working. I tried a black skirt on for work that was so tight prior to surgery that I could not wear it, now I can turn it around zipped. I also fit into a pair of white shorts yesterday!! I was so excited, my dh was too! :whoo:

Okay I had a NSV today. My size 24w jeans are way way too big. So I went to get another pair same brand (gloria Vanderbilt). I took 22's and 20's into dressing room. The 22's fit. The waist was a teeny bit loose. I put the 20's on and they fit like a glove. I was doing the happy dance, I couldn't believe it. What a great feeling. A great ending to an awesome day! DOS 12/17/12

Hi surgery buddy! Glad to hear that you are feeling good and loving the way you look. Well done and I hope you reach you goal. I'm also having the best time of my life and this past year and half has been filled with lots of NSV and proud moments. I'm now half the man I used to be. I weighed 74.5 kg this morning compared to 149 kg before WLS (74.5 kg or 164 lbs lost so far). My goal is 70 Kg so I have to lose 4 more kilos but I'm not in a hurry. I just came back from a short holiday with my family and I was able to do and try a lot of things that were impossible before. I'll post about it soon.

PHYL - You are still our tech QUEEN - Cheri is the tech queen on how our body burns foods - carbs fat Protein etc ;0) Ya Bella was running playing w/Sheba - Lucky Sheba does like Bella - but HATED Ryder - ya her collar was $10 - a waste - hell she couldn't sniff to pee w/it on - and she has left her stiches alone - goes back in 10 to get them taken out You are going to have to get a seat belt for her - she's going to jump out or cause you to get in an accident. Yep Coach at the outlet in LV ;0). Great - Glad you got your purse - I want a B Marcowsky (sp) but he had dark interior and I like the lighter ones - easier to find your stuff - 111111 Julie - Getting ready for wedding already... 300 pple - omg - I thought it was going to be a small one - You are doing this all by yourself ???? Linda - The last 3 days have been my days off exercise - but I go in the morning :0) and I did walk the mall today and tried on tons of clothes - my legs hurt Julie Hugs on your shoulder I bet you are sick and tired of being sick and tired. [QUOTE=peascorps;1505759]Hi guys~ Thanks for well wishes. We leave tomorrow morning early. I have to be creative with packing since we are going in small plane. Have to pack in small duffels and has to be light. (tricky) Mom's bday is the 17th and I got lots of useful stuff at Bed, bath and Beyond. (things that were getting worn out, but are expensive and we all drag our feet to replace.) A lot of their tablecloths and placemats are 50% off. They had a Williamsburg- reversible placemats and matching tablecloth one that is usually $8/each $3- got her 12. She will appreciate a gift that gets used. Dad gets her Chanel #5 every occasion (the only perfume she uses). She is really hard to buy for. She has gained some weight this last year with Dad sick, ~ 50 lbs and I know clothes is a touchy subject for her. So don't want to go there. DH took Nels to TKD this morning. Acted like he needed a gold medal or something- urrrghhhhh. He has NO idea what i do every day to get that kid ready and to and fro. I just wanted ONE morning alone- that's ALL i asked for. And... I got him up, got him Breakfast, got him to brush teeth and get dressed. All he had to do was drive there! Men. Just don't get it sometimes. I got my way, and in the end... that's all that matters. :party: Janet, yeah, I will be one of 3 classroom moms. I "adopted" the class ($200) and that goes to supplies the teacher needs. They put a little note on the wall is all. I will be able to help when I can. I don't want work full time, just PT will be enough. Not sure I will find it. I live in a SMALL town. There is no bariatric "program" at the hospital (though that would be a dream job). Just two surgeons who happen to do a few RNY and bands every once in a while. Really sad- very poor follow up here. (which is why I went to a different city for my surgery) I don't want a job with a lot of management responsibility- I like to be a NP, take care of patients, but have no desire to run an office. (which is why I won't open up my own private practice). Insurance these days is a NIGHTMARE to deal with. I want to go to 20 hours in an ER or urgent care or family practice. But not take my job home with me every day. I better go pack- need to hide the toys I got before someone sees them! Will CBL. Hugs to you all- will write more later. <having a hot flash> laura Laura - Ya why is it when men watch their kids it's called babysitting ??? They don't call it babysitting when we take care of the kids... Great Idea for Mom's Bday Presents ;0) - She will love them Safe trip tomorrow ... GREAT - Ya isn't is so great to be able to do stuff that we use to couldn't do !!! WTG NSV Melissa - Glad you weren't hurt - would have love to seen it ;0) [QUOTE=ocotillo;1505858]Sorry about the bruise, but I am glad to hear you are doing well. It's good to hear you up beat. Hope the movie was really good! Phyl, I'm sorry to hear you are still having trouble with your back. Hope that improves soon. Sounds like the therapy is helping. Zoey is young one and they do tend to act up now and then. She is so cute, it's hard to resist letting them get away with everything. Do you harness her in the basket? Lori, I've been to Park City and yep, it's hilly. It's very pretty there and I really liked it better than SLC becauce SLC was socked in and had snow and fog. Park City was sunny and clear. It was one of those inversion things. Yes, I will be in Vegas. Laura, why don't you ship the bulky stuff to your mom. It will get there and you won't have to worry about stuffing it all in a small place. Your mom will really appreciate you being there and helping out. And I agree, most men don't get how much work we do to make their lives easier. Some days I want to rebel and just lay around all day. Of course, then nothing gets done. Julie, is this your DD's wedding? I forgot what date it was. I can't even imagine 300 people at a wedding let along trying to make that amount of food for them. If I was already retired, I'd come help. You talk about me being busy, you stay pretty busy yourself. Jessica, a test on the first day? Is that so they can judge what levels you are already? Janet, or should I say coach Janet. Didn't do formal exercise on Thursday, but I worked with some hand weights while I was reading posts, Friday I did my pilates machine (can't do a full session yet, but did get on it and worked out about 20 minutes). I also did 6 flights of stairs at work and thought my legs had turned to spaghetti. Today DH and I walked 3 miles (1 hours) over to my sisters. All of my muscles are sore from the work outs to various parts. I guess I'm finally getting started on getting off my butt and doing something. But as usual, the tingly foot thing has started but I'm not going to let it stop me. I have to be in better shape for Argentina and I've got 2 months to get there. I think I need a nap...it is Saturday and I can nap if I want, right? Laundry is started and watering is happening. I need to go to the store, but that can wait a while. Okay, nap sounds good. See Julie, I do take it easy now and then. Later Eva Eva You might not get formal exercise - but girl all that you do does count some.. Yep you can nap - you are a grown up - I wanted to - but Bella kept kissing me.. [QUOTE=ifyourstomachoffendsyou;1505875]Walked an hr this morning and have been working in yard ever since. (7:15am-1pm). Just stopped to eat and check LBT. Janet, the fiber and soluble fiber are supposed to help with cholesterol. This is going to be gross. Consider yourself warned. For most people Fiber helps them have BMs. All I can say is I have to drink unbelievable amounts of liquid to wash it through and now I'm constantly on edge to see if I plugged the toilet. Fiber expands and so do my intestines. It can also create gas. I had such bad gas yesterday I had to lay down in hot water to relieve the pain. One side of my stomach was actually sticking up (not the side with the band) and I could literally push it in like pushing on a balloon and watching the air bulge out elsewhere. My husband started following me around with the Lysol air freshener. If I didn't use the Miralax, I'd be backed up to my throat. My body will adjust somewhat (I hope). Especially before school starts. Nothing like gassing out my students. I think I'll pay a child to take the blame. Laura, have a great trip. Lori, sounds like a fun time shopping, and plenty of exercise. Gotta get back out and finish watering plants. We had a huge rain early this week and none since and we're supposed to be moving into a 90 degree week with abolutely no rain. Gotta get my flowers prepared. Cheri Cheri - too funny about the gas ;0) Try some gas x strips ;0) Charlene - Hugs on your carb attach - I got a tiganello small cross body (tan) $34 from Marshalls last week - Like I told Great - I really do want B Marcowsky bag - love the cell phone pocket - but don't like his interiors - Did you see the camoflage bag on QVC tonite - loved it - but it would only go w/a couple outfits - didn't get it - I've had QVC on all day - got some of those women in control pants .. Joyce - yep some days we just twitter :0) Cheri I have heard that Inception was a good movie but you gotta pay attention and see it more than once Well gang - I am typing this in word ;0) don't want to lose it ;0) Had hair cut this morning - I now have bangs ;0) my face as gotten so long - she cut shorter side bangs - but when I came home I made them in to full bangs - can wear them both ways. Went to Macy's (had 20% coupons) Saved $50 ;0) got 2 pair on INC pants that fit like a glove - one in peities to wear w/flats and one regular to wear w/heals - Oh ya got a pair of Tiharri (sp) pants - size 0 and they are lose ;0) These were on the clearance rack a Karen Kane blouse gray w/sequines on the front these were on clearance too - then went to the shoe department - I want ballerina flats but most make my 10's look so big and fat - found some Stan Weissman for like $150 (NOPE) - found a pair of Joan & David $92 for $27 ... and they look good on my feet.. Got 2 bra's at Penny's and then came home - That's been my day ;0)

Boy, I sure wish I had your dedication Lynn! Exercise is my weakness right now. I try, really get on a roll, and then I get busy for a day or two. Once I miss one day working out, it gets very easy to miss day two. And so on.... What's sad is that once I start working out, I love it! I feel great afterwards. But just getting dressed and actually walking down to the basement to get on the treadmill, man, that is harder than actually working out! I try to talk myself out of it at least 5 different ways. I have yet to understand why. Very nice NSV potatie! I can't wait to buy myself something obnoxiously expensive when I hit goal. Maybe a hot, very expensive pair of stilettos???

I love these boards :0) I'm in school on top of working full-time so some weeks or days are much harder than others to find the time to chat. NSV - today I did my first exercising since getting banded. Horrible, I know. I was so scared of hurting my band - I have yet to do a situp just in case. I went biking with my DH for 45 minutes. It felt great!! Losing 25+ pounds has made a huge difference! I hope everyone has had a great weekend!!

Yes, I'm Australian MVR. Bandsters are really ripped off at those all-you-can-eat places. I'm going for my 2nd fill tomorrow too. I'm sure I've put on weight but I always think that. Hopefully, I'll post back with a loss.. I have to remember that it's not a race and it's not a diet club. We won't start really losing until we're properly filled. I was fine the first few days after my first fill but then the restriction went away. I don't have high hopes for the 2nd fill. I'm thinking the 4th might be more realistic. So what's everyone else up to besides obsessing over weight? Any NSVs? ETA: Hair loss. I had an undiagnosed thyroid problem for several years. I used to have gorgeous hair but it thinned to the point of baldness along the part. Luckily I'm tall, so it goes unnoticed for the most part but it was really, really bad for a while. It started to grow back a little once my thyroid issues were corrected. I'm a blond but it grew back a brownish colour. It was really funny as it was never as long as the rest of my hair. I hope it doesn't drop out again now but I'll live if it does. My aunt has lost all her hair in chemo just now, so I have some perspective for the moment. Just want to say that it *can* grow back and you won't be bald for life.

Too funny Steph! Especially the KY one! ROFL! I thought I'd try the breakfast test. I had about 3/4 cup of cornflakes with milk and 1/2 a peach with no problem. The peach went down tight and I followed it with coffee and it gugled and went down, so I'm going to call about getting another fill. The posting about NSV got me to thinking. Not clothes-related, but I have had so much more energy. I've been doing a lot of back to school shopping with my daughter, and normally my feet would give out on me, and I'd be popping motrin and wearing my orthotics and socks. I've been in my Sketcher mary janes, with no problems. As my mom would have said, make it a great day!

Lady HR, that's an awesome NSV. I had to ask for a seat belt extender when I flew to Paris earlier this year. I wanted it to fit so much but it just wouldn't. It was embarrassing, there's not much privacy on a plane. JoJo, we're so glad you came out of lurkdom. Start posting! BeckieT - Great to hear from you again but my condolences. What a shock! I had an NSV today, I joined a gym! Just a couple of months ago I used to grin at all of you who went to a gym thinking, "that will never be me, I would never dare walk in". Then, over the past month or so, I started walking. I found that I committed to that (at least four days a week) but when it rained, my enthusiasm dropped off and I skipped a week. The local women's gym opening and closing hours didn't suit me so I when I got home from work today (7pm), I found myself calling, then joining a standard gym near my house. I just got back. I'm did 20 mins on the treadmill and 20mins on the stationary bike. I also walked for 30 mins at lunchtime, not knowing I'd join the gym this evening. That's all I can deal with for now but it's pretty darn impressive for me. It wasn't intimidating or anything like I'd imagined at all. I just went in there, asked them how to use the equipment, watched video clips and did my thing. The guy was very helpful and will start me on other stuff when I'm ready. Me, in a gym! who'd have thunk it? I weigh 300 pounds! I just figure that I can keep clinging to the overeating, chocolate-munching, chew and spit, anxiety-ridden, anti-social, non-exercising, depressed, negative fat me or I can start to claim the life I want to have. Let's just hope I stick with it. I paid for three months, so I'll see how I go. BTW, do any of you use a rowing machine? How does it affect your band? Our 3 month bandiversaries are coming up (or just passed for Toni). It has gone rather quickly, hasn't it? I'm so glad I'm here and not back at 3 months ago. Maybe we should all post photos at our 6 month (or before, if you're game). Paging HollieW, Captain D, BigSexy and all the others MIA (and I could recall all your names if I have to).

Have fun! I can never get out on the Water enough. Where abouts are you sailing? Puget Sound? My brother lives in Bremerton. It's wonderful you have so many supportive friends! What a great NSV

Julie WTG - NSV (non scale victory) craweling around on your hands & knees playing w/Mimi :0)... Ya I have recouped - at work and since the system is only up to 1/2 potential - I am only working to 1/2 of my potential :0)... Suggestion on your steel cut oat - makes with water only and add splenda brown sugar to it - I only make single serving 1.5 c water (zero caloires) to .25 c oats (150 cal I think if I remember correctly) - I add a little brown sugar splenda (less calories) and cinnamon.. Cook on low for 25/30 mins and yes they are chewier than the instant kind - I have made the reg old fashion oats

This week's totals! We did great! we are down a total of 26.5lbs!!! Not to mention all the NSVs! :clap2: TamifromAL – 213/-5 BJean – 181/0 Gonnabethin – 190/0 MimIN – 199/-2 Sandranoelle – 275/-4 Kareyquilts – 203/-4 TrueBlueSue - 174.5/0 LindaN – 218/-1 Lauriegee – 215/-2 Mom of Many – 209/-1 Mariecarmen – 198/-8 Lisalee – 203/+2 Harlito – 371/-1.5 April – 241<O:p</O:p SLHarrison –<O:p</O:p Katt –<O:p</O:p Jodi-T -