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I had no pain what so ever. I had a NSV today. I went to Target. We don't have a Target where I live. They had some cute skirts. I have never wanted to wear dresses and skirts before I lost all my weight. I picked out a large and tried it on. It was too big. I looked and all they had were larges and extra large. That is a first. Usually, I tried things on, and I needed a bigger size and all the big sizes were gone. I didn't even think to look for a medium when I looked on the rack! The new image thing is weird. I was practicing my dancing with a friend. she brought out a full length mirror so we could watch our feet. I looked in the mirror and I could not believe that was me dancing. I did not recognize myself! I don't have a full length mirror at home.

My NSV weighing less than my husband for the first time in our 37 year marriage! Amazing feeling!

@@Daisee68 congratulations! What a huge NSV for you with your great labs! I can really relate, my A1C was 6.0 prior to surgery and at my most recent appt last week, it was 4.7 (I am 4 months post-op). While losing weight was been amazing, it is labs results like this that totally motivate me. Congrats again and I know you will keep watching that number go down.

Congratulations! NSV's can be such a boost and So is shopping. You are in time for the January Sales!

That's a great NSV!!!!!!!!!

Questions like this are red lights to whether or not you should have the surgery at this time - not ever, but you need to be really aware of what is going on. I see posts like this often (I have been here since November of 2011) and I know you are going to get responses – may have already got them in the time it takes me to type this – that it varies, maybe, if you exercise enough. Honestly, truthfully, if you are over 100 lbs overweight and hope to reach within 10% of your goal and stay there, the answer is that you cannot get away with the unhealthy foods, you cannot regress to the breads and fats and drippy gooey things that got you here in the first place. This surgery was NEVER about you losing weight, and somehow like it was an old war wound you forget about it in time, you maybe kinda get a limp that you compensate for but it is nearly automatic x amount of years or months out. It doesn’t work that way. You are putting your body through profound biological and physical changes and you were probably really heavy for a long time, possibly very ill, too. You are losing weight but you are really tampering with your metabolism. We (I shift from second p. to first p. singular because this includes us all) – we will not succeed unless we learn that this is not a cure-all, not by far, it is a really long road. We deal with our bodies, our heads, our memories, other people, and when we are taking a respite from that we deal with the current, back to the day to day, and then, we still have the future. It’s scary, and makes us hesitate, and sometimes really overwhelms. THEN we notice changes, less meds, less pain, more activity, clearer minds, deeper breaths, we have added years to our lives, playtime with pets and kids and family and even new friends. Maybe our pants fall down to our ankles, maybe we run up a flight of stairs AND down the hall before we realize we are not out of breath. The NSV’s everyone mentions here – let those be your guide to whether or not the cheese’s and fats and breads really matter. If they are still in your thoughts, think this through some more – get with your therapist and explore some more discussion and evaluation BEFORE surgery. Note I did not say don’t do it. Just be prepared that you literally are going to get what you put in.

I texted a picture of me skeetshooting to my sister and her family. My niece said I should send a picture of me. I said that is me. They didn't even recognize me. That was the best NSV.

Thanks for sharing. I too can't wait for these NSV moments. Keep up the good work!

Thank you Thank you Thank you! This post was exactly what I needed to put things back in perspective. Such a great inspiration. I am 8 weeks out and have lost 30 lbs so far as well as dropped 2 pant sizes (probably more like 3). I have been stuck there for a little over a week and have started to get a little frustrated but I know deep down that these "plateaus" happen (I just feel like I should have lost more by now...but there I go again pushing myself). Reading your post reminds me that I did this for me and my husband and my only regret was that I didn't do it sooner. Sure it hasn't been a total cake walk, but all in all it hasn't been that bad either. I can bend over without having to hold my breath now and tieing my shoes is easier than it has been in years and there is actual distance between the steering wheel and my tummy....good NSV's. I have been wearing clothes I haven't worn since 2008..woohoo!! I am slowly learning that food was not the enemy...I was my own enemy. I now feel I have control and am gaining more and more confidence every day. This was good!

I understand it. Especially in the earlier days, when it's harder to just drink liquids and the surgery is so "fresh." I feel like the surgery was drastic, the results should be drastic. I know better...I took a year to lose 85 lbs with the band. It's also a bit about the worry, too. Worry that this won't work, worry that I'll stay hungry even after moving to solid foods, etc. So looking at the numbers on the scales is a way to offset some of that worry and the more they move, the more comforting. I've been frustrated that the scales haven't moved since I've been home. I'm going to try to let go of that today and remember that they ARE DOWN from pre-op. I don't know what I weighed on my home scales before leaving, but they're down at least 5-10 lbs (in about 2 weeks). So I need to remind myself that I AM happy with that, I'm HAPPY that I'm wearing some blue jeans that I wouldn't wear before the surgery, etc. Being unhappy just makes me want to eat more. So I have to focus on the NSVs of recovery, those jeans, etc. So I don't think it's negativity at all...I think it's worry and frustration..just plain ol' being SCARED.

NSV for this week is that I joined a gym! First training session is this afternoon! Wish me luck!!!

I Didn't see this thread until later... Otherwise, I Would've posted my thread: NSV A Waist in here, instead creating a new nsv thread oops

That IS a great NSV Mandi!! No worries...in the future, if you feel like talking to the receptionist lady about the "other" part of your secret you can....but you don't need to feel obligated in any way; it is your business and you don't have to be a walking advert for the Band! You'll know if/when to talk about it to certain people. Have an AWESOME wknd in one of my former hometowns!!! Have a pint on tap at the Lower Deck for me and sing "Barretts Privateers"!

Here's an NSV LI'ers can appreciate --> I went to the Water park Splish Splash, out in Riverhead. I wore a bathing suit in public and had no worries on a few slides that had weight restrictions :thumbup: It was a good day :thumbup:

Green!!! Congrats on your weight loss and the great NSV Cloe, 2.5ccs hope it all goes well.

Heehee thanks! And to think, I have 2 bum knees. I never thought in a million years I'd be able to do what I do. I've always dreamed of being able to become a runner and every day that becomes more a reality. I think it's definitely one of the BEST NSV's I've had since having my surgery!! You are doing really great pre-op! Do you have a pre-op diet your surgeon recommends? Lots do, I did. Mine was pretty much all low carbs - no liquid stuff... TG!! It was very tolerable. I even lost 9 Lbs, which was excellent! That's 9 Lbs less to goal post-op *YEAH!!!* Take care, and try not to get too nervous, your big day is right around the corner.

I am currently looking for a job (took an early retirement settlement at the end of December). It is certainly nicer to be looking at a size 10P, rather than a 24W. I had a job interview last Friday. I wore a beautifully tailored navy suit with a tiny shadow stripe of a paler blue. Under the jacket, I wore a blue cashmere sweater that picked up the color of the stripe. I had taken the suit skirt to the tailor and had it shortened (since I am 5'4" - this is a regular thing) to be the perfect just-below-the-knee length. If I was still morbidly obese, like a year ago, I would have either worn pants or left the skirt long - almost to my ankles. I had to buy a new pair of panty hose - in size B - the only ones I had in my lingerie drawer were size Q - and they made my legs look like elphant's legs with all the wrinkles. Cross your fingers or say a little prayer that I hear good news from the company I interviewed with!

Sassy looking awesome girl B man I too have had hair loss and I have lost slow but I think alot of mine came from a perm I should not have gotton nat you are doing so good I am happy your fill is working that feels great right steph I love nsv they are awesome jill I feel your pain honey with the no weightloss I have lost in almost two wks sweethot - my doc is not a big fan of fills either I believe he has helped my weightloss being slow by being diffcult because brandi doc gives her fills alot she is lucky I am losing lots of inches ladies and at my family thing the other day everyone noticed

jill - are you a smidge depressed? That will make you not want to get up and move. I know you had a huge trauma in your life. I posted a really good article in the Yahoo group about getting back on track - maybe that will help you? Just promise yourself you'll do something. 10 minutes of movement is better than none. What a hippo-crit I am. I started to walk today, then remembered I hadn't gotten anything for my friend's baby shower, so we went to babies R Us instead. When I got home I was sleep on my feet. I'm in bed about to turn out the light. 6am is going to come early. We had KFC for dinner. I ate 2 boneless wings and was STUFFED. I think the food I ate today was too soft and thats why I could eat so much. I'm going back to chicken breast and turkey sausages. Tomorrow I'll be walking a lot, so I'm good then. I'll just have to limit my intake. I calculated my intake today at 800 calories, so I don't feel bad. Steph - WTG on the NSV. I can't wait until ppl start noticing my loss again. My fat ass plateaued for 2 months. LOL But I'm going on this diet called the UltraFit plan. It's for body builders. Nothing but proten and complex carbs. Hey, I'll post that one, too. I'm starting on Monday. It's restrictive, but as I recall, I lost 10 pounds my first week on that jawn. Uh huh. Yeah. 2 weeks of UltraFit and I'll be on my way! I think I'm delirious, no kidding. Sassy - glad you're feeling good about yourself again. It's SO important. Hey, I tried to guzzle Water earlier. I forgot that I couldn't. I had a huge PB - all water. It was gross. I won't be doing that again. b'man - sorry about your hair loss, but I'm glad that you have a thick head of hair to begin with. I've always envied your waves. So Dr. C thinks your phenomenally fast weight loss is the culprit, eh? Go figure. I think docs don't know what causes it, and they just speculate. SweetHot (I love "sweetheart," Steph!) - See about a fill. If you're eating hanks of meat and are still ravenous 2 hours later, you've not gotten enough restriction. Have a great day tomorrow, ladies! We're taking the train to Chicago to attend my friend's baby shower. I'll be back either late at night, or on Sunday. Keep up the good work! WHERE IS KAYDOLL!? N.

My fill is working like a mug! (remember when people used to say "like a mug?") Anyhow, I have to sip slowly, otherwise liquids get backed up. JUST LIKE WHEN I WAS FIRST BANDED! I'm hoping that this was the tightening I needed. No more gobbling steaks and other junk. I went for a walk yesterday w/my little one. I felt really good about myself, too. We'll do it again today - except I'll put his little busy butt in the stroller instead of letting him walk, too. Yesterday was SUCH a stressful day. I'll have to tell you about it in Yahoo, since I don't like to post work details on the open net. Needless to say, people have lost their damn minds. I'm most proud of myself for not self-soothing with chocolate. (laugh) It's MAY you guys! Shit. By month's end I better be closer to 230 than to 235. And I better be one size smaller. Claudia - how are you doing, baby girl? I'm so sorry your friend wasn't honest with you. I have been there. It's heartbreaking and hurtful and so incredibly unnecessary. I hope you're feeling better. JillyJill - how's your little diva? I was thinking about her yesterday as I was walking with the little man. How are YOU doing? Has she healed up? Steph - That email made me howl. I'm not kidding - I had tears in my eyes! I'm going to send that to my girlfriend at work, but not through work email servers. Way to go on the NSV. No one has said "you look skinny" to me in a while. That's cuz I haven't lost shit and am looking fat again. LOL Annie - I love your May goal. I'm right there with you. I have to be a bit more stringent with my May goal. No sugar, no alcohol. And yes, I'd love to exercise 20 or more times this month. Additionally, I have GOT to get back to journaling my food intake, Water intake and exercise output, planning EVERYTHING ahead of time. VaB - I'll get one of my people to scan these articles for me today/tomorrow. Posting them in the FILES section of the Yahoo group is a good idea. "I CAN'T HEAR YOU" made me giggle. YES WE ARE! ((laughing)) bk's boy had the b'day. My DS's b'day is in June. And no, we'll not be celebrating here at my place! LOL bk my love - how are you doing? How's the tummy? How's the job? How's the hubby? What are you doing for the boy's b'day? I was thinking of themes for my son's b'day in June, but have no idea. Personally I thought Happy Feet would be cute, but.... we'll see. B'Man - Ooooh, honeybunch. I wish I could make it all better for you. Purge that mofo from your life, and take time to heal and cry and mourn and believe that you won't always be affected by his memory. One day he'll mean nothing to you. Way to go on running a full mile - you can run farther than I can! Last week at the hotel, I ran on the treadmill - 3 minutes. I thought I was going to pass the fuggout. ((laughing)) I also decided not to join a gym yet. I am going to kick my own butt on this elliptical and get back into the swing of exercise. Sassy - Glad you got your fill! Can you tell a difference? How do you feel? What did the doctor say? I have also found that it helps to lie... er, exaggerate when you talk to your surgeon about needing a fill. "I'm hungry ALL THE TIME." "I Can eat a full loaf of bread." LOL "I sucked down a filet for dinner." I hope this one helps you! Okay - it's 6:30 and it's definitely time for me to get up and get moving. UGH gotta work again today. I feel like I have to put on a suit of armor to go to work now. It's like a warzone. Hope I didn't miss anyone - love you guys! Stay tuned for articles! N.

Excellent! Great NSV!

I started out at CJ Banks today and hit the fitting room with my usual armload of clothing--the girls all know me by name in there I am there so much! Anyway, they didn't recognize me--its been over 50 pounds since I shopped! once we got going I found nothing in there that fit--only isze 16W pants but I've decided to wear the 18's until I fit comfortably into a 14--ie can breath after buttoning them! I ended up leaving there empty handed with an escort from the store to the Christopher and Banks store in the same mall. I ended up buying nothing, but the XL tops were too big, L fit beautifully, but we don't go on vacation until end of July so I am holding out in hopes of medium! Pants were a whole new issue, no W after the number! I still left them all in hopes of 14's. SO NSV's moving from 24/26 to 18's and larges fitting in the non handicapped lavatory when out fitting into the little seats in the HS auditorium when my DD has a cello performance dropping two shoe sizes dropping from a 48DD to a 38 C I go to my reg Dr. in a few weeks and I can't wait to see my bloodwork numbers--hopefully by then I will be able to go off the cholesterol meds!

Awesome NSVs so far! Keep 'em coming! :ohmy: I think buying smaller clothes is always a good one! And, feeling like you have a handle on food and won't go crazy - that's a BIGGIE, too!

BMan...Holy COW! 70 pounds!??? YOU ROCK!!!!! That is amazing!!! I am jealous! :confused: But I know that my 40 isn't that bad either...I'm just pissed b/c I can't seem to get off of this stupid pleateau I've been on for a month! I can't wait to go get my fill on May 2nd! STEPH....My son wrestles in HS now...and is pretty good, but hasn't made states yet. Let me know when your son is on and I'll have my son watch him! :cool: Congrats on the NSV!!! NAT...You Hot MAMMA You!!! Sounds like it's time for you to look for a new job where the people won't drive you crazy! :eek: I have only told a few close friends and family...no one at work knows about my surger, and some of my friends don't either and I'll keep it that way! As it is, no one has really noticed my 40 pounds loss.....so I certainly don't want the scrutiny, plus, as you guys said, this is STILL WORK!!! I gotta get my arse back on the elliptical now that I'm 99% over this cold. This weekend! TGIF All! I have some friend from college in town so they're coming over tonight for a BBQ and then we're going to do touristy things in DC tomorrow and go to a comedy show in the evening. Hope you all have a great weekend!

Two days in a row. Gotdamn I rock! ((laughing)) So I had a good day. Well, in terms of the AMOUNT I ate, but I didn't necessarily do well with my protein. Morning 1 cup coffee. Lunch 1 cup veggie broth soup w/bread. Dinner 1/2 chicken breast. I tried to eat more for dinner, but I got full up after 1/2 the chicken breast. The GREAT thing is we had a lazy night (Wendy's) and even though I ordered a sammich, I ate no bread. The baby ate more than I did tonight. I will go back later for an Isopure drink or something. Steph - California Closet is a brand name of a company that does closet organization. I'll post a pic in Yahoo so you can see my closet. It looks amazing. You can see their work at www.californiaclosets.com I think. Annie - We are both pears and both the same size girl! I'm a 14/16 up top and an 18 (20) down below. Too much junk inna trunk, I guess. NSV. The janitor (facilities) guy told me I look good today. He's about a 55 year old white guy, but it still made me blush. I walked away thinking "Awww yeah, he wants summa my brown sugah." ahahahah I have been giggling about that all afternoon. He's right though - I did look especially hot today. Brandi - I'm convinced that your body works on momentum. So you can work out really really hard for 3-4 weeks, then slack for a while and your body will still be reacting to the work that you put in previously. I need to get busy and melt some of this ass. I could lose so much faster if I'd just moooooooooove. I suck. Claudia - have a BLAST in Chicago! It is my favorite US city, and my 2nd favorite city in the world. Paris tops the list. If you can, swing by and treat yourself to a small bag of Garrett's Popcorn. It is to DIE for. And way to go on not boozing it up the other night. That is some will power, girlfriend! bk - I hope your day has gotten better, and that you are having a wonderful evening. It sounds like such a terrible ordeal. Big picture: you weren't at Va Tech this morning. (Not to make light of your series of mishaps.) Do something special for yourself this evening. How come you think you need a fill? Are you throwing up frequently? I'm sorry, I should page back and read a bit more. I discovered today that most of the foods I'm eating are TOO SOFT. I know. You've all said it before, but I'm a hard head. I need to eat less whips and cottage cheese, and eat more solid pieces of chicken and fish. I think Ill stay fuller longer and eat WAY less. I was thinking I needed a fill, but I'm going to eat better and work my band. I may schedule a fill for after my trip to Charlotte. We'll see. Size. 12. I AM SO JEALOUS! I AM SO JEALOUS! IAMSOJEALOUS! I have to get off my ass and quit making excuses. EVERYONE is busy, right? shut up and mooooooooove, bitch. (That is me motivating myself) I think I'm going out to get on this elliptical now. Okay - more later. Big Love! Nat