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I don't think that's a 'mini' NSV at all

Definitely an NSV! And funny one on top of that! AniO

Ok - so I HAVE to share this, and I will try to make it brief. I have a friend who is much younger than myself, and has fallen into a terrible relationship with a very controlling much older woman (older than myself by 5 years). So younger friend is staying at my house to get her head together and think stuff over, and older ex friend thought I would be at work, so she was going to show up and quite literally take her at my doorstep (younger friend is smoker and not allowed to smoke in yard, take it to the curb, tyvm). But I had to go home today to undo the hoses on my old washing machine (ugh a whole other story). I was parked away from my driveway for access to take away said old washer...and I hear raised voices and all this - it is coming from my driveway!!!! I run out and ex is trying to pull friend away - then she sees me. She hasnt seen me since before the surgery. I hear her go - "What the h***!" Just before she literally tried to run away - she didn't get far...let's leave it at that...

I didn't really have to do much exercise wise to lose the 1st 100lbs. The only exercise I've done is walking. I had a lot of foot pain before surgery. I started out walking from the farthest parking spot to my office front door, with the goal to walk 10k steps a day. It was in the 2nd month post-op that I really tried to start walking as exercise. Here's my blog post I keep to track my progress: http://www.bariatricpal.com/blog/9018/entry-31216-nsv-2-you-best-step-off-b-hatch/

Brandy ~ I know it's not funny, but you did make me laugh. Congrats on the somewhat NSV. Now as far as the tickets go, maybe you should trade them for some scarlet & gray tickets. Sorry, just couldn't pass that one up. That game was a nail biter & action packed for sure. I'm glad I was watching from the comfort of my lazy boy.

Mine isn't as great as the others listed here, but one of my NSV's I am most proud of right now, is the fact that pajamas bottoms that were rather perfect/tight on me a few weeks ago, are now becoming so baggy to the point I'm going to have to toss them out and get some new ones.

I've had a few NSV's in the past month or so, but yesterday was my biggest! I was walking into Walmart & caught a reflection of myself in the door & couldn't believe what I saw....my collar bone!!! It's been in hiding for a few years. I never thought something so small could mean so much!

For the first time in my life I ran outside in the real world, with the intention of running, and with a running buddy! It was amazing, we really ran, this wasn't just some slow walking, we kept up a steady jog pace up and down grades AND talked! I felt great and the only part of me to conk out were my lungs and throat which felt like they were sucking ice shards, otherwise I felt good. And ... we did 2.75 miles!!!! The most I've done alone on a tread was 1.5!!!! My running buddy is a former personal trainer and is in excellent shape and she said that I did really well. yay

I had a great NSV last weekend. Before my surgery my BP was very high, also I could not walk to the back of the grocery store without getting out of breath. Last Saturday DH and I went to a Fall Festival with GD to see her gymnastics class perform. I had to walk so far and I was not out of breath at all. That was so exciting for me !! BP is doing much better, should be getting off of it soon. Share your stories everyone, enjoy hearing everyones NSV's.

Great job on the NSVs! Way to go!

Oh Amy, I'm so sorry for your day. And yes I have been there alot. As I get older and arthritis sets in, I find I can predict the weather better then the local weather men. And that can make or break a day also. I find the mornings I get up and the knees don't want to do what the rest of the body does, it's easier to just give in and get a big bowl of something. We also started out with grey skies this morning. They said it would warm up to 48 degrees and the sun would be out in the afternoon. 6:30pm and the sun is just now starting to come out as it is setting. We decided to take our grandniece to the Plaza to go see the bunnies. Turned out we only found 7 of them. I was under the impression that there was going to be a whole lot more. But we had fun and took pictures at each bunny. I had a banana before we left and then about 12:30 we stopped at burger king to get some lunch for Abby. I passed and continued to drink my bottle of water. We got home about an hour later and I didn't know what to have so I got 2 slices of deli ham and a cheese stick. For dinner I had the rest of my protein. So another good day for me. The only thing that I shouldn't have had today was popcorn. We bought the movie Ice Age and popped the popcorn. I had just a little over a cup of it. I have a NSV. About 8 months ago I was having my check up for the dentist. He was wanting to know what was happening with my teeth. I told him that I had gotten into the habit of eating lifesavers in bed at night while I read. I like to chew on them. A tootsie pop sucker only last about a minute before I go right for the center. So while I read I go thru about 8-10 lifesavers and he told me I was to knock it off. That was about 8 months ago. The last four nights, I'm proud to say that I have gone to bed with out any life savers. It's been hard but I have made it thru so. I hope my dentist will be proud of me. I got a lot of walking in today and I'm feeling it this evening. Luckly my niece is busy watching a movie and I can have some time to do laundry and rest a little. I don't have muc on my agenda for tomorrow. Probably some more coloring in the coloring book and playing old maid. Maybe a few more movies. I really enjoy these times and love teaching her new things. But I just can't get over how an 8 ear old can wear me out so fast. Amy, I hope everything goes well at your appointment tomorrow and that you get a fil. My appointment is next week and I think I am ready for this to be over. But for the most part I will proabably follow up with the protein drinks at least five times a week. I also hope I get a fill. Back to the laundry now.

Small update...my plateau finally broke, and it was the result of actually increasing my calorie intake a little bit. I am now sitting at around 1,200-1,300 calories a day and the weight loss has picked back up again. I've started back at the gym again, just adding cardio. Over the past couple of months, my endurance and general condition has improved so much. When I first moved back to Colorado from California in mid-November and started delivering parcels for Amazon Flex, it was exhausting. Now, I barely break a sweat...so it was time to get back to daily cardio workouts. A great NSV is the fact that I've gone from a 52 waist pant worn below my waistline (and gut) to a 46 waist at my ACTUAL waist. I made the mistake of not measuring my waist before I started this process, so I'm not sure what it actually was...but I'm betting I started around 56" or so. So probably 10" off my waist to this point. I'm also fitting into 2x clothing now, down from 4x. My wife just had her first appointment with a surgeon, she's planning on getting the RNY during her summer break (she's a teacher). She's been impressed with the weight loss I've achieved thus far and is excited (and nervous) about following in my footsteps. It's the been the best decision I've made though, I wish I'd done it 10 years ago. Still got a ways to go, but it's coming!

Lisa, I'm not a guy. I'm an old woman (That's why I want to win the basket!) PS I had an NSV yesterday and bought a size 16 jeans. I thought I would sh*t myself!

Yesterday I made my modeling debut....LOL! We had a spring fashion show for work on business casual wear and I modeled for The Limited. This is something I would never,,,, EVER do before my VSG - but since losing 56 pounds I am gaining confidence! Not to mention it was a ton of fun! Here are a few photos.... One at the salon after hair and makeup (yes we were pampered!) The other me - doing my best Tyra Banks impression! Do they have a Americas Top Model for Middle Aged Women???? What fun!

Love this thread.....so glad we're back into communicating again!!!! I have lost 70lbs since 3/20/06 :target: I have had 2 fills. The first fill was 2.4cc they took out 1.8cc and put me up to 3cc and it was too much so went back down to 2.9cc. Complications/issues: the fill may be too much. My doc isn't sure he agrees since the barium on flouro goes through in 1sec. Of course, that was in the evening. I have lost around 20 of those pounds in the last 2 wks or so. I am on liquids for 2 wks more....I don't get sick w/ that.. but boy I sure do if I eat more than a bite or two...then it's throw up city!! People at work are just catching on because I didn't start there until after I had lost 30lbs or so. My husband has seen it but SUDDENLY he has REALLY noticed....I know it's tough since he sees me daily to catch it. My NSV's: I am in size 18....haven't been there in years!!! I was in a size 26/28--don't know if that's called 10 sizes or 5?!??! How does that work? :tea: Keep up the good work everyone WE CAN DO IT!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -70lbs

Hi Everyone! I'm happy to report that I started and finished the Couch-to-5k running program, and on Saturday, October 17th, I ran my first 5k race! It was called the Penguin 5k, and raises funds for the Penguins at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. Since I'd completed the Couch-to-5k program - a 9 week program that takes you from walking and no running to running 3 miles - I figured I was ready for a race. I took longer than 9 weeks to complete the program because I repeated some weeks when I felt I wasn't ready. That was one of the smartest things I've ever done - it let me complete the program injury-free. The race was fun - a bright, clear day, lots of other runners around. The course went from asphalt (roads) through a field (plowed / cleared but still bumpy and a bit muddy from recent rains) and then up a hill (tree roots, rocks, and more soft dirt - oh my!), through a subdivision (killer hill there) and into a cul-de-sac, where we turned around and ran back. When the race started, I kinda figured I'd be at the back of the pack, so to speak, and I was right! :eek: The "rabbits" took off in a bunch - they were really fast compared to me. There were some people who walked the course, and there was me and a couple of others, running slowly and chugging along. I finished the race in 45:10 - slower than I'd thought I would, but I was happy to finish! I was second-to-last, but the cheers from my fellow racers along the way and the thumbs-up I got from the volunteers along the route helped me to feel great about finishing. :wub: I'm going to continue to run, and while I may not do another race before Winter sets in, I'm already thinking about next spring and what races I'd like to do. I have a goal to reduce my time by 10% for the next 5k. My weight is pretty stable at 191 lbs, and I'm okay with that. My size keeps dropping, though - I am now fitting into size 14's (depending on label) and some size L clothes from Target. I'm so excited I can barely stand it - these are wonderful NSV's! I think my body has to have time to adjust to what I've done to it :huh2: I'm able to control the hunger so far - though I know that's as much a function of my band, "Jillian" as it is of my "willpower". I'm eating more protein and trying to balance the carbohydrates. I'm close to getting off my diabetes meds and I'm hoping November will be not only my 1 year Bandiversary, but also the month I leave the meds behind. I'm also adjusting my "head" - occasionally I am still surprised when I walk past a mirror and see the new, thinner me. I still think of myself as "plus-sized", though I really don't fit that designation any more. I've been a Big Girl for so long that when someone refers to me as "skinny", I often don't know who they are talking about! The head journey is going to be the longest part of this - while my body is adjusting, my head also needs to adjust, and so far, my head is lagging behind... Right now I am nursing a sore right hip - think I overdid it a bit on the race but that's not going to stop me from continuing to run and continuing to run this race to fitness and health. If you are not yet banded, I encourage you to do your research and determine if this is right for you. If you are banded and struggling, talk to your doctor, your nutritionist or a counselor, and get yourself back on track - you CAN succeed at this! If you are loving your banded life as I am, and making progress toward your ultimate goal of health and well-being, then GOOD FOR YOU and keep up the good work! Till next time...:wub:

My surgeon has asked me to be in an ad for him! I was surprised and pleased. I have been interviewed by his ad agency, and the "shoot" will be later this month. I think it will be fun. There will be a video testimonial on his web site it may also be used in other ways. It surprised me because I am not some tiny size 4 person like some people get to at goal- I am happy with my size 10's and 12's. I am also not a "spring chicken" - I turned 55 last Christmas. I really would like to get rid of some jiggly saggy skin and would like my waist to be 2-3" smaller - but neither of those are happening before the end of the month! When everything is complete, I will post the link to the finished product. I am absolutely a believer in Dr. Nick (or I wouldn't have picked him). I am NOT becoming a "Paid Spokesperson" for him, or anything like that. I am doing this for him because I am thrilled with the changes I have made in my life since the sleeve. If I can help someone in their desision process to get WLS, that's great. So now the big question - what am I going to wear?

Don't worry! It's NORMAL to have doubts and question your decision. This is a big step you are taking! That said, 18 months ago, I weighed 230 pounds and today I'm at 153, two pounds under my goal (and 8 from my aspirational goal). It's a good feeling!! The thing that helped me the most during my pre-op questioning of my decision was to make a pro/con list about the surgery. Here is a link to my list. Once I wrote it out, the decision was clear. I read that list many times, and every time I did, it just reinforced for me that I was doing the right thing. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, I see that I really did make the right decision. This ride has been very enjoyable. I have loved all the NSVs, I haven't been hungry or felt deprived, and I was able to get free from feeling badly about myself and my body every single day. These days, I shop where I want, I am in the best shape of my life, and I actually LIKE how my body looks. I just wore a bikini on vacation for the first time since college, and I even put a photo of myself wearing it on my blog! I never imagined at the outset of this process that something like that would be possible, but it happened!! Definitely give the pro/con list a shot. It's a great tool, and no matter what you decide, at least your decision will be well thought-out. With best wishes, Catherine

@@White Sale Your topic seems to be common for many of us. My invisibility was also a comfort zone What people seem to be attracted to may be your positive happy vibe and your healthy/attractive appearance. When you go from invisible to people going out of their way to help you, holding doors open for you and getting attention from the opposite sex. It is seriously an uncomfortable and a strange phenomenon to experience. After weight loss, I truly realized how society places value on appearance. Family & Friends You will find out who is supportive and positive in life. They will except this is you and life become's normal. No more shock and awe over your changing body. I have had people be unnerved by my weight loss. Unfortunately, things became awkward. The relationships faded I cut off negative unsupportive people. People that wouldn't give me the time of day, Now want to be friends....LOL they don't get to do that. Dating: I'm married. Can't wait to see posts on that Attention from the opposite sex: It's flattering but uncomfortable when your not used to it. It take's time to figure how to respond and interact in that arena again. I had to give myself a compliment scale... Appropriate - I give a quick thank you and move on. Makes a great NSV. (please post them if you have one) Hilarious - Also makes a great NSV. (again, Please post them I would love to hear it) Creepy - need we say more Here is what science has to say: Physical appearance Our society places particular value on physical characteristics. Curvy body shapes, long legs and luxurious hair are characteristics that are often seen as desirable in women. For men it might include characteristics such as muscularity, tallness and a firm jawline. For both sexes there is youthfulness, white even teeth, and facial symmetry. There is a vast amount of media coverage implicitly favoring, and in the case of the advertising industry explicitly promoting, these models of attractiveness. Films, magazines and television all contribute to what might be termed the tyranny of body shape images. There is a whole industry that aims to mould consumer preferences, and so sell products, by distorting the reality of normal into the unreality of ideals such as the so-called ideal of women being size zero. Because the ideal of attractiveness based on physical characteristics rather than personality traits (such as kindness, intelligence, thoughtfulness, sense of humour) is continually being promoted in western societies, you might assume that relationships in the west would be based on physical characteristics. This assumption has been found to be true, but only up to a point. Whether or not it is true might be to do with the reason for the relationship, short-term fun or longer-term commitment. Some psychologists suggest that in order to understand why particular physical attributes are deemed attractive we need to consider human evolution. Darwin's theory of evolution and natural selection states that characteristics that give an animal or human the best chance of survival and of reproducing themselves will be prized. These psychologists would suggest that attraction based on physical characteristics is related to features which indicate healthiness and especially fertility. Viren Swami and Adrian Furnham (2006) have undertaken an overview of recent research which examined this suggested influence on attraction based on physical characteristics. Their research focused on the heterosexual male perspective. They pose the question of whether there are physical characteristics that are found to be attractive across cultures. If so, do these characteristics signal procreative potential as predicted by psychologists taking an evolutionary approach to explaining behaviour? Swami and Furnham conclude that there is research evidence to suggest that there are characteristics that have been shown to be attractive across cultures. The physical characteristics for females focus on body shape, especially the waist to hip measurement ratio (WHR). A WHR measure of 0.8 means that a person's waist measurement is 80 per cent of their hip measurement. The full article if your interested: http://www.open.edu/openlearn/health-sports-psychology/psychology/starting-psychology/content-section-4.5

starting weight on January 5 was 300 lbs. January 5, 2006 weight = 300 lbs measurements: neck = 17 inches upper arms = 18.5 bust = 53 inches waist = 48 inches hips = 57 inches thigh = 32 inches calf = 20 inches January 16, 2006 weight = 296 lbs measurements: neck = 16.75 inches upper arms = 17.75 inches bust = 52.5 inches waist = 47.5 inches hips = 55 inches thigh = 31 inches calf = 19 inches January 23, 2006 weight = 292 neck = 16.75 inches upper arm = 17.5 inches bust = 51.5 inches waist = 47.5 inches hips = 54 inches thigh = 29.5 inches calf = 16.5 inches January 29, 2006 weight = 290 neck = 16.25 inches upper arm = 16 inches bust = 50 inches waist = 46 inches hips = 52.5 inches thigh = 29 inches calf = 16 inches February 6, 2006 weight=290lbs. neck = 16.25 inches upper arm = 16 inches bust = 50 inches waist = 45 inches hips = 52.5 inches thigh = 29 inches calf = 16 inches current weight = 290 lbs total weight loss = -10 lbs. total inches lost = 20.75 inches A new NSV!! I'm shrinking!!!!! :bounce:

starting weight on January 5 was 300 lbs. January 5, 2006 weight = 300 lbs measurements: neck = 17 inches upper arms = 18.5 bust = 53 inches waist = 48 inches hips = 57 inches thigh = 32 inches calf = 20 inches January 16, 2006 weight = 296 lbs measurements: neck = 16.75 inches upper arms = 17.75 inches bust = 52.5 inches waist = 47.5 inches hips = 55 inches thigh = 31 inches calf = 19 inches January 23, 2006 weight = 292 neck = 16.75 inches upper arm = 17.5 inches bust = 51.5 inches waist = 47.5 inches hips = 54 inches thigh = 29.5 inches calf = 16.5 inches January 29, 2006 weight = 290 neck = 16.25 inches upper arm = 16 inches bust = 50 inches waist = 46 inches hips = 52.5 inches thigh = 29 inches calf = 16 inches current weight = 290 lbs total weight loss = -10 lbs. total inches lost = 19.75 inches A new NSV!! I'm shrinking!!!!! :bounce:

Wow! what an amazing NSV, don't you think? This is really wonderful, wonder-full. I'll be chearing you on from Idaho!

Week Five post op Challenge weight: 203.4 Last week's weight: 191.0 Today's weight: 188.8 (down 2.2 pounds) Goal weight: 180 This past Saturday I discovered ice water with loads of lemon. Evie Sleevie tolerated it very well and it moved the scale. Lots of NSVs every time I wear something. I LOVE my sleeve!

Finally a place I can call home. Yes, I have had good losses at certain times - during pre-op diet, after surgery, after fill 2 (overfill) but now I'm settled down and am pretty consistently losing .4 - .6 pounds per week. Last month I did a little better - trying to win the holiday challenge - but I notice that I'm not even a contender there and I ended up with so many blisters on my feet that I can't hardly walk. So I will come here to post my nsv (none lately) and scale/inch victories. Thanks for starting this. Celeste

Okay, I managed to lose .1 pound last month - according to my dr. So I decided we need to start recognizing our NSVs here. I bought purple jeans about 3 weeks ago that were tight - and today they fit just fine. I lost my measurement book so I didn't measure for awhile. Then I found my measurements for June and July. Holy crapole, have I lost inches... I have never worn 12s (and baggy 12s) when I weighed this much 178 in the past. Somehow I keep losing fat and not muscle. I have tracked body fat with my scale and my measuring shows a total weight loss of 35.6 pounds with only 4 pounds of that being lean mass and the remainder fat loss. Okay, some other wabbits need to post their NSV. I'm guessing we will really slow down with the holidays so its time to recognize the victories. Celeste