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had .3 taken out today and it was so nice to eat dinner tonight without PBing or throwing up my hunger is still in check i will of course continue to make my good food choices. The dr said perhaps the weather caused my band to tighten. Who knew my band didn't like summer its my favorite time of year. Then again it doesn't like pork or bread and I love ribs and bread so I guess we still have a lot to learn about each other and compromise. But like any great relationships its about dealing with the stuff you may not like ut because I love my band I will tolerate it's decisions lol I don't have to like it!! I guess our honeymoon phase is ending but I will continue to follow my new life style and look forward to getting a fill if I need it in the fall or whenever I might need it. I am in this for the long haul. With all that said the only thing I would of done differently is gotten this band years ago. I'll take the ups and downs because there is way more ups loving th NSV like walking into any regular store and feeling like I belong and the sales people helping me because they can make a sale from me. White house black market victoria secretsThese are my new shopping spots no longer lane bryant!!! WOO HOO. They must think Im crazy because every time I make a purchases Im grinning ear to ear.

Mo, you should go ahead and start a Thread or Journal of your NSV's, your Non-scale Victories to keep you focused on the wonderful things happening with your body and life even during those times the scale doesn't move much, if at all! Blood sugar readings improved is a WONDERFUL accomplishment! How cool is that?! WTG! I lost 4.4 pounds in March. Yay! Here's to a great April everyone! Welcome to 'da CLUB!!!!!!!

I wondered what NSVs were - read about them but never knew - thanks! and yes - I am thrilled my diabetes is well under control - now for the cholesterol - I worry about the fact that it has gone up even with my medication doubled -- my dad died of heart attack during the night all alone - and I don't want that to happen to me! the doctor thinks maybe it is just heredity and lack of ability to exercise - any suggestions anyone? the cholesterol has got to go down! thanks everyone - it is so encouraging here!

Amazing NSV, I went to my WLS support group meeting and a girl I haven't seen in a while nearly feel out of her chair. Her eyes popped out of her head and she said " OMG you look amazing, you whole body has shrunk!" It made my night!

Hi all, just wanted to share the NSV I had today - I bought 3 new tops today two size 12's and a medium! I didn't expect any of them to fit, and almost fell over in the change rooms when I put them on and they did - they were from Valley Girl, Supre and the "teenage" section in Target! Woo!! The last time I wore a size 12 was when I was about 12!

Wow - so much has happened in so little time. I haven't been on the forum since May; we've had such a busy summer. Now that school's getting ready to start it's going to get even busier! When I was last on in May, I had just publicly made it my goal (posted it on FaceBook) to reach 100 lbs lost by my birthday, which was 8/12. At that point I had lost 70+ and was feeling on top of the world. I had even bought an elliptical machine from someone at work and was ready to kick up the exercise program a couple notches....which I did, along with adding water aerobics twice a week. HOWEVER, I hit a MAJOR plateau in June that lasted into July. Ugggghhh! I talked to the doc about it and he said not to worry, all was well, and plateaus are to be expected. He was pleased with my overall progress and said to keep up the good work. As the numbers in my signature say, I have not yet reached that 100 lb goal - YET!! I am very pleased to be at the 87 lb mark and closing in on that 100! After all, today marks only 8 months since I started the pre-op diet and that is what I count as my starting point. Some NSV's for me include: 1-starting in a size 24/26 and I just bought some 14/16's!! I found a couple ladies with some size 16's for sale on Craigslist and THEY FIT! Soooooooo exciting for me 2-starting at ZERO minutes of exercise per week and now, I exercise an hour a day at least 4 days a week, if not 5. I do the elliptical for 20-30 minutes then go for a walk outside to round out the hour (sometimes it goes past), or water aerobics twice a week for an hour each, and sometimes I just grab my husband and tell him we're going for a walk. This has benefitted him too! Today we walked 5 miles and had an hour & 40 minutes of pleasant, uninterrupted together time. <3 3-the compliments I have gotten from people at work and who haven't seen me for a while never fail to make my day brighter! ========================================================================================================================================= Things that haven't been so great: 1-After my last 2 fills, I have had nausea & diarrhea that evening - anyone else experiencing these sypmtoms? 2-I have gotten "blocked" a couple times and it HURTS!! It hasn't been so bad that I've had to go have an unfill, just pain that lasts until the food moves past the band I suppose as the band gets tighter, I have to pay closer attention to chewing, swallowing, and eating SLOWLY! 3-Constipation. I have had issues with this for a few years since I tried another weight loss program, but still had problems and finally started drinking MiraLax (or the generic equivalent) every day and this has worked well for me. ========================================================================================================================================== Am I glad I did it? HELL YEAH!! Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Am I loving the results? Oh yes!! I have reset the timeline on my 100-lb goal for the 1st of October. We'll see if it happens by then, and I would be ecstatic if it were to happen before then. But, even if I don't get there by then, I know I will eventually, and I just have to be patient and let it work. After all, I didn't get that big over the course of a few months and I shouldn't expect it to all go away that soon either

This has been a crazy week. One of those weeks where I worked every day and had some work event each night. Just exhausting. But...several interesting things happened: 1. A few different NSV's this week. I was able to wear several things from my closet that I haven't worn in a couple of years. That was really good.....I needed them for a couple of dressy events. 2. I totally got checked out by some guy at the gas station. I seriously don't remember the last time that happened. I tend to be oblivious to that stuff....but this was really obvious. 3. A couple people noticed and commented on my weight loss....they are basically the first that have noticed,....which is weird since I haven't lost in about two weeks....but whatever. 4. And the biggie...my first stuck and burping episode. My period came this week, unexpectedly because I have an IUD and haven't had a period in months. When I had surgery I was warned that some people seem a little tighter around that time, but didn't give it much thought because I haven't been having periods. I'm about 5 weeks post op and have no fill, so since starting back on "normal" food I have basically no restriction other than what I am attempting to do...basically just a diet at this point. So, Hubby and I take the kids and go out to dinner at a BBQ place he likes. I order some BBQ beef with roasted veggies. Have had it since surgery a couple of times, no issues. First bite, I guess it was too big or I didn't chew enough or both and BAM! Stuck! Painful, feels like a heart attack stuck. I tried sipping some Water, the water went down, but still stuck and still in pain. I sat for a couple of minutes but was getting increasingly uncomfortable so I quickly headed to the restroom. Then I started with the sliming. Never had it before and it was very unpleasant. Spitting and spitting and that hunk of meat feels like it is stuck in the middle of my chest. I spent about ten minutes in the bathroom, before it finally just went down, I burped and it was basically over. Dinner was over too, I managed to sip a little tea and that was it. Kept with liquids for about 24 hours after. So......my first fill is in just over a week. I suspect that I will have to be more careful than I have been and if my period comes again, super careful at that time once I have the fill added. First fill in a week,,,,can't wait!

It has been 2 weeks.... How is everyone doing? Anyone still feeling pain? How are your incisions healing? And NSV's to speak of? I am doing great.... I had my first follow-up appt with my surgeon. Everything is fine and on track so I see him again in 2 weeks. I saw him before but it wasn't a follow up as much as to take the drain out. Still pain free and completely comfortable but still itchy around my incisions sometimes. I have a few NSV's.... 1. I can wear my wedding rings and they are comfortable. 2. I am almost a full size down. 3. I am wearing undies that were too small before 4. My feet are changing and shoes are already getting loose. It's a start and I am over the moon about #1 And my surgeon says that I can start doing ab work and weights in a week. Yay!!! What about you?

Tapshoes, thanks so much for your encouragement, you're always so upbeat, and I just want you to know I really appreciate it! :smile: I thought I was going to be really sore after that long jog, but I took a nice hot bath that night, and it really seemed to relax and help. (Small NSV - I usually take showers, so it's been awhile since I've had a nice hot bubble bath. I just have to say how nice it is to have my body AND the bath Water both fit in the tub! :biggrin:) ShinyHappymommy, I'm so jealous you can run outside! :wink: I'm like tapshoes, I gotta wait until April or May. Although I still can't run - I tried it on my treadmill, I get out of breath and don't last long. Maybe one day, I'm working on it. Yesterday I only got 2 miles in on my treadmill . . . just a tiresome day, but I do try and get a little something in everyday. Writing things out here has been like a journal of sorts for me, it keeps me going! Keep up the GREAT work all, and thanks for all your inspiration! :thumbup:

PGIRL-We all have days like that. Tomorrow is another day. becacloud9-way to go on the NSV! krtork-happy belated bandiversary! Today- B-coffee w/torani syrup, yoplait yogurt s-string cheese L-cup chili w/sprinkle of cheese d-chef salad (I am struggling to chew this crap!)

Thank you Cheri. You seem to know what to say and when to say it. Totally agree. I wish everyone a NSV this coming week.

My first NSV!!! My hubby and I are on date night and we are in the theatre waiting on the movie to start... I just looked down and MY LEGS ARE CROSSED AND MY PANTS ARE BAGGY!!! Hallelujah!!!!! I'm 27 days out and down 24 lbs! I measured today and have lost 29 INCHES!!!!! I have been in a two-week stall, but this new discovery has given me what I needed to push through the stall!!! Can't wait for the rest of y'all to get to this point!!!

Kudo's Nicole with your NSV list! I can definitely relate to most of those on your list. We have to remember, it's just not the numbers on the scale but how we feel, look and all the extras that come along with the lapband. I finally went for another unfill this morning. He took out .3cc's and told me he could see it was needed. I asked him if it's possible to be in the green zone with such a small amount of fill {as Nicki} mentioned and he agreed, it does happen. We'll see how things go in the next few weeks. I'm just so glad to finally say, "Uncle", as I was fighting it for some time just thinking it was the way I ate, chewed, bit, etc. It was periodic but this week it seemed everything I put into my mouth, I got stuck and PB'd 3-4 times. Not good. Hope this does it so I can eat normally, as well as getting enough protein in me. I'm losing my hair and I'm not liking that. This too shall pass. Onward and upward. Thanks for your words of encouragement, support and love. Sweet blessings today to all!

Hey Gals, Chrissy, I think it's called life, fortunately and unfortunately.:-) Sorry to hear about your favortie go-to food, our friend, tuna salad. I know how you feel about it. Have you tried Smart Ones Santa Fe Rice & Beans? That's my go-to food when nothing else goes down. I love them! Well, I finally broke the plateau and am down to 184.2 from 185. Hey, don't laugh, I'm going to take it! It was great seeing another number whether it was 184 or 186 because all I've been seeing is 185 for 2 months! Hopefully by tomorrow I'll have lost the 2oz and make it a true pound lost. LOL Well, I finally have great news. I got the job I had interviewed for and I start Monday. I now have to change my eating schedule since I've had the luxury being home {2 years} and eating late in the morning when my stomach allows me. I think I'll be doing the protein drink in the mornings like some of the rest of you. So, I had what I call an NSV today. I had to run to the mall and pay a bill and walked past Auntie Anne's soft cinnamon and sugar pretzels. I don't go to the mall much but when I do, I would hit Auntie Anne's and buy a few bags of those deliciously warm, tasty comfort foods, ok, you all get the idea. I past it twice, on my way back I almost tried to justify why I should have one bag, to celebrate my job, duh? No way, I pushed that out of my mind, passed it by and said thanks but no thanks! That was worse then passing by a fast food place for me. BUT I was strong and won!

Welcome mrshep12! Hey peeps! Hope you had a great weekend! I was a BAAAAD girl and ate lots of things I shouldn't have, but I had my 4th follow-up and fill today and the doc was very happy with my progress and wants me to write a testimonial. I'm down 40.5 pounds since surgery and my fill today puts me up to 5 cc. My next checkup is in 2 months. My NSV for the weekend was that I was able to stand for 3+ hours for an event we were doing! Might not seem like a big deal, but with my arthritis and the extra weight I was usually in misery after 30 minutes on my feet. I was also able to walk from the far end of the parking lot yesterday which would have been impossible before. YAY! I'm back on the bandwagon for food and exercise this week! I'm still hoping to be down 50 pounds by 5/25!

Hi everyone, Memorial Day weekend coming up got me thinking about last year at this time. I was dreading putting on a bathing suit, dreading trying to fit into rides at our local amusement park, dreading going to the beach on vacation, etc, etc, etc. Fast forward to this year: looking forward(mostly to wearing a bathing suit, super excited to take the kids to the amusement park, beyond excited for our beach vacation, etc. etc etc. I am looking forward to wearing shirts with no sleeves! That is a huge NSV for me. I was always so HOT in the summer because of all the clothes I felt I needed to wear. I would always look enviously at the women in sundresses, sleeveless tanks and other cute stuff. Finally get to wear it myself this year! What are you looking forward to this summer?

I got a shock of my life this morning when I got on the scale. I lost 3lbs! I finally broke the plateau and I'm 1lb away from losing 40lbs! Was it that I go off my butt after 3 weeks and did a 5 mile workout yesterday, I highly doubt it but it didn't hurt. After eating those tortilla chips with cheddar cheese, peanuts and fiber thins for the past few nights I am in shock. So, now my question is, what IF I hadn't eaten all that junk? Would I have lost more lbs? Damn!! LOL Seriously, I'm fine with the 3lbs Also, I had two NSV's this weekend. Sat night we had dinner at my sister's and one of her friends told her how great I looked. The following day, I bumped into one of her other friends {both gals I haven't seen since last summer}, who texted her saying how great I looked. Mind you, my sister is a size 7 and her friends are even smaller then she is! And the fact that my sister shared that with me was priceless as she's so happy for me. And guess where I'm going after writing this, back upstairs to the gym and working out! The Memorial weekend is upon us, I need to get in some exercise to keep the weight down.

Hi there! My bandiversary was Saturday. I have my physical with my primary doc today and also my 1 year check up with my surgeon. I can't wait to see what my bloodwork shows as far as my numbers go, see what's up with that. Sarasota- as Nicole said, start walking as soon as you can! No lifting above 10 lbs for awhile, but definitely walk. Sue- congrats on your size 12's! I wish I were in them. I still can be, just have to get back on track! BUT- a small NSV- I had been wearing some Just My Size shorts I had bought before my surgery, and they are really big on me, I just tighten the drawstring. But I was cold yesterday, and I went into a dresser drawer I hadn't ventured into in years and pulled out a pair of knit pants- not tight like leggings, but knit- if you know what I mean. Anyways, they were size xl, normal xl not womens, and they fit just fine, not tight, looked okay! So that was good. I just need to freaking stop with the ice cream! We were having bad weather here, and so I justified it. So dumb. Speaking of bad weather in NC, where is NJ2NC? Did you survive the ice??? And where are our others- Otaknam, etc????? Everyone have a great day! MEREDITH!! I fell off the bandwagon hard, with my nemesis, ice cream. I mean hard. And I did it again this past weekend. I had done well for a couple weeks, then birthday cake in the office meant all my good stuff went out the window. Sigh. But it's a process, it's not like it's easy, even with the band. You will get back your mojo, let's get it back together, as I need it!! Nicole- all your suggestions are very good! My DH is absolutely against counseling of any type. Like, absolutely. So that's why I post here a lot! Y'all may not be "counselors" but you sure help me! I love your trainer post, the YMCA I go to offers it for free for 6 weeks, and I really should take advantage of that. Amica, you speak the truth- I TOTALLY know when I'm eating emotionally, it's the stopping I seem to have a problem with, LOL. My surgeon didn't require any counseling, beyond the prerequisite for insurance.

Hi Meredith...welcome back! What a great NSV!!! In the midst of my complaining the other day, I totally forgot to mention an NSV I had. Well...I guess its partially a scale victory..but I call it an NSV because the scale really hasn't moved much. However, how my clothes fit has. I went to Goodwill looking for some slacks because my 18/18Ws are really loose. I bought two pairs of slacks that are a 16!!!! I can't wait to wear them to work. They are washed and hanging...just ready to be shown off! LOL. And...I did NOT step on the scale today. That's something else I'm working on. Have a great day everyone!

126dee...welcome. Wow...I am so far behind on catching up with everyone's posts...so I'll just say "Great job Everyone!" Even if the scale isn't moving,we can still find things to celebrate. For instance, all my rings are spinning around my ring finger. I'm having to wear some on my middle & index fingers. I put on a size 20 skirt this morning...and honestly...I think I could wear an 18 right now! So my point is...whether the "metal monster" is moving or not, look for those NSV's to keep you going....and come back here for honesty and encouragement. We're all in this together!

Oh I forgot my NSV, I have a smaller booty! Was beginning to think I would just keep changing bra sizes forever and nothing else.

Well my update is I finally made it past 190, I was 189.7 for a whole day, now I am back up to 194, but it felt good to know I can do it. I do have a great NSV One of my goals was to be able to wear knee high boots that did not come from LB or Avenue. So I bought these great boots that felt a little loose I wore them for a full day and was shocked how loose they were, Well I looked at the box when I got home and they were "wide calf" so totally deflated I took them back and asked to try on a normal pair and the fit!!! I love NSVs!!

Nicole! That is an AWESOME list of NSVs! I also no longer need acid reflux meds or my CPAP machine! I "tried on" a skirt I wore six months ago, this morning...and was able to pull the waist of it about 8 inches from left side. WOW! I tried to get a picture with my laptop cam but I couldn't do it. I'll get hubby to snap one when he's awake. LOL. I also didn't gain anything during TTOTM this time! Yay!! Meredith & Lady B: Keep us posted on what's going on. I'm going to ask my doc if some meds will cause the band to tighten as well. I noticed that during my TOTM this time, on the days I took generic Midol, I seemed to have more of a problem getting food down. He told me it would be tighter anyway because of the fluid retention in the body, but on the days I didn't take the med, I didn't have any issues. weird. Meredith...have fun at the reunion. Work it Girl! I agree with what has been said about still seeing the "old me" in the mirror. I think part of it is because I don't have clothes that fit properly. I mean, they are wearable, but not all of them really, truly fit. Part of it is that I still have work to do toning lots of areas of my body. So, I've started trying to only look in the "big" mirror when I'm fully clothed. I also try to focus on areas where, to me, the loss is really noticeable...like my waist, neck and chest. That really does help me start to visualize a skinnier me. However, its still hard to wrap my mind around the possibility of being in a single digit size. I mean...I haven't been since I was like, 15. LOL! God bless of each you today. Look to Him for your strength in every moment. Love & Hugs,

Hi Gals, Long time, no talk. I had a crazy week here with relatives visiting for a few days, then two picnics yesterday and dinner and a show last night. Saw Diana Krall nearby in Ocean Grove. The perfect end to a long, fun week. Sounds like all of us in bandster world for most of us going into our six month bandiversary are continuing to see positive results. Ups and downs, stucks, PB's, NSV's, wieght fluctuations {hopefully Water more then fat} and scale numbers' going lower and lower. Amica, congratulations on your Old Navy buys. It's a wonderful feeling we can all relate to and love to hear that other's are experiencing it. Chrissy, you are someone to be reckoned with. 70lbs! You're melting away! Despite all the food around me this week, I have to say, I have been good. Not by choice, but by band. I've been fighting going back to the dr's to get an unfill. I'm only at 3cc's and I seem to get stuck more then not. I chew, I don't drink fluids, I take my time but I still have a problem a few times a week. My food of choice is mainly SanteFe Rice and Beans Lean Cuisine and some turkey chili, and tuna fish, which are safe foods, my hair is falling out, and I'm seeing major acne on my forehead when I didn't even have it as a teen! My DH thinks the acne is also due to lack of nutrients. Who knows but it's not pleasant. I just started back having my Protein drinks for Breakfast {yesterday} and think I should continue since I don't eat my breakfast until lunch time. This coming week is pretty quiet and I need to focus on eating, journaling in MFP and working out, getting back on track. My 16 yr old step daughter is visiting us from SC. She asked me if I would bring she and her girlfriend to the Cake Boss' {TLC} store in Hoboken, NJ next Sunday to buy cannoli's and other Italian pastries. Ugh! That will be an accident waiting to happen!! LOL Everyone have a good day. Stay cool, be cool and just laugh at what ever life brings today.

Sounds like everyone is doing well as usual! Erica, that's a bummer that somebody blabbed at work... I haven't told anyone except a relative at my workplace either, but I have a feeling some may know because no one ever asks me about my current eating habits and they always used to on every diet (many!) that I've been on. That's one of the reasons I didn't tell people, because I can't stand it when people ask for updates (how much have you lost? How much do plan to lose? Etc). It could be that they are just not that interested anymore, but either way, I've decided that I won't make it an issue anymore. Glad you're taking the "super-model" approach! Kymie, thanks for the info link ... And Amica, for the recipe. Crissylu and JustDoIt, you guys are my role models and so inspirational! Nicole, congrats to you on some revved up positive attitude, you'll do great, and Meredith, great NSV. Last time I posted I was having irritation when I swallowed food. I guess I was overreacting, because it went away after a couple of days eating soft foods and has been OK since. I went for my fill on Wednesday and even though I've only lost 4 pounds in the 2 months since my last fill, the doc gave me a .2 cc fill and said I was doing quite well, slow and steady. He asked how long did I feel "something" after the last fill and I told him for about a month and he said I was probably getting very close to where I needed to be, and that very small amounts make a big difference at this stage. Anyway, I totally forgot to ask how much I have in my band at this point!! I think it's like 3.5 or something. My goal to the end of the month is to crank up the water, get in more exercise, eat only "healthy" choices as well as small portions, and to rev up this weight loss! Cheers to all of you, love reading your posts.