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I have been working up to running non stop and I was able to do it! I had actually ran 3 miles straight at the gym a few days prior so I KNEW I had no excuse not to do it at this race. Prior to this I had been stopping at 1 mile but I knew that was my brain and not my body stopping me. I have another 5k this weekend and I can't wait to run that one too. By no means is this fast running but it is a start and I feel stronger and faster every week. If I can do this now it is exciting to imagine what I will be able to do with 50 more lbs off me! Sorry I just wanted to share this NSV.

How awesome! To not be recognized - that's an NSV for sure.

Hi! I'm 94 lbs down since surgery and this week started jogging on the treadmill at the gym. Kinda freaky for me but I have been feeling like I want to run. So I finally went for it Sunday and have been jogging all week I feel like I look stupid and huge but thank God my knees don't hurt and take it well and I CAN do it:) I jog and walk jog and walk... Makes me feel accomplished! NSV for me:) never in my life did I think I would jogging! .::SurgeryDate 7/25/12::.

Great NSV!!!!! I'm opposite also. I'm in 12's in regular size pants, but in tops, I'm a 16-18, or sometimes 14-16. I'm kinda big busted, but just carry weight funny. :girl_hug: Keep up the great work!

Am not in the best of moods as I write this.It's 12:18am, I've had a busy day and I cant get tucked up nice and warm in my bed.:phanvan Why? :Banane59: Well, I live on a pretty little square in Athens, it has trees and a fountain and makes me happy. It has a downside though...we live above a store. Doesn't belong to us. It was rented out before Christmas and the guy made a taverna! It didn't bother us too much until he decided, to drum up business, he'd have live music on a Saturday night.:think Drives me nuts. I'm on the 1st floor and his little stage is right below my bedroom. So I thought I'd come and waffle. (waffle to me being writing about anything, everything and nothing in particular.) I'm having a good time with my mum visiting and she is being really good at motivating me to get out and walk. We went shopping today..the first time I've ever been to the local shops with her. We were going to go into Athens to Monesteraki which is the place below the Acropolis but Athens was closed off today. :faint: There was a big anti war rally and no taxis would go near the place. We will try and go on Tuesday instead. I'm doing OK and the weight loss continues to be steady. I get weighed Sunday mornings (tomorrow) so I'll see what the new total is and if I'm happy with it. I haven't been an angel this week...nibbled a few chips and a piece of chocolate but I haven't been a disaster either. I have walked each day and my back is definitely easier. I wore some jeans today I couldnt wear before. They are still not perfect but wearable! My knee support bandage fits better now too which is the silliest NSV but hey I takes what I can get That's about it for now...maybe later!

Today's NSV -- I went to the movies with my daughter and husband and was able to put both arms down on the chair and have my daughter on my lap and was very comfortable! This hasn't happened in a LONG time!! Yay!!

I have been a bit down in the dumps lately because the past few weeks' weight loss has been really slow. But this week was great -- over 3.5 lbs. lost! I am now down to 192.2, very close to being in the 180s and so excited about that! I had a NSV today, too. About a month ago I went shopping for some new jeans, since my size 22's were getting pretty loose. I was really happy to find out I could fit into size 18WP jeans, even though they were a little snug. I bought two pairs of jeans. I am very short and the jeans were still a couple of inches too long, so I needed to get them hemmed (I can't sew at all!). I had a lot going on the past few weekends, so kept putting off taking the jeans to get hemmed, but today I finally did it, because the size 22s are so loose they are going to fall off any day now, and just *have* to go. So I went to the seamstress to get the jeans hemmed, and put on the size 18s for the seamstress to measure, and I was quite gratified to notice that they were looser than I remembered when I bought them. The seamstress made me stand on a little dias so she could get the length right and I was facing a large full-length mirror. At that point I noticed the new size 18's were actually already pretty darn loose in the legs, and comfortably loose around the torso. I started wondering if maybe I was getting close to fitting into a size 16WP. So, after I finished with the seamstress, I headed on over to Macy's and decided to try on some new jeans. I picked up a pair of Levi's size 16 short, the Macy's house brand of jeans, and a pair of size 16 capris. When I got to the fitting room, I picked up the Levi's first and was aghast because the size 16s looked really, really small. I didn't think I could even get them up over my thighs ... but I did. I even got them buttoned and zipped up, to my amazement. OK, I have to admit, they were tight, and I wouldn't have felt really comfortable wearing them, so off they went. I nearly bought them just to measure my weight loss progress, but decided to hold off for a few weeks and come back and try again in a month or so. The Macy's jeans, however, fit perfectly and so did the capris. I took my new size 16 jeans to the seamstress and had her swap out one of the size 18 jeans (which I will hem using that magic hem stuff I bought from Walgreens). So, I am officially able to wear size 16! Woo hoo! I ended up buying a couple of new bras this weekend too -- the balconette style from Lane Bryant, size 42DDD. I was pleasantly surprised at the nice shaping they provide. My girls are hangin' low, so to speak, so they need a strong support and shaping bra! Now I will be brutally honest -- I look like total crap with clothes off. I have horrendous cottage cheese thighs right now -- not just the normal cellulite area, but everywhere down to my knees, front and back -- ick. And as I mentioned, I pretty much have the breasts of an 80 year old woman. And I still have a big old gut and butt. And, I am sporting a rather nasty wattle on my chin, making me look years older. Every day I put bio-oil on my chin hoping to moisturize and firm the loose skin, but it doesn't seem to be working that great. My body is definitely smaller than it was, but by no means is it a body I would be willing to parade a bathing suit around in! But, all in all, I am totally thrilled with my sleeve and feeling better and more confident every day. I am really looking forward to the summer, when hopefully I will be down in the normal size clothes range, and will look and feel even better. I talked to my husband and we are going to try the couch to 5K program this spring, and sign up for a local 5K race this summer. That will be a HUGE NSV for me, to finish a 5K! I am really excited about the future!

Great nsv. I cant wait for my favorite boots to fit again; they have gotten way too tight.

I was in the store today and realized that I had slip on shoes that no longer fit! I felt like I needed to curl my toes to keep them from falling off. It was a good feeling but they are my favorite shoes and still in good shape! I normally just wear flip flops around the house (I work from home) or walking shoes if I am out exercising Not sure I want to buy new shoes yet as I have a lot to lose yet. I think I'll just wear my walking shoes when I go out.

I really love Lily Pulitzer clothing and a few years back they stopped making size 16. I was upset, but went ahead and bought a dress in a 14 at the end of one season (when it was like 60% off) with the goal of being able to wear it after whatever diet I was on at the time. I never once have been able to get it zipped, when I got really heavy last year, I couldn't get it around my hips. Well, this dress sort of served as my carrot. Every weekend since I started my pre-op diet I have tried it on. This weekend I had another big closet clean out where I try everything on in my closets, dresser, and under bed bins. I got to this dress and told myself that maybe in another couple of weeks it would fit perfect, but guess what...IT ZIPPED! I was so ecstatic!!! I had told myself that it would eventually fit, but to actually be able to zip it up was WONDERFUL. I had my husband take some pictures, I'm going to try to post one here and in my profile. The funny thing is, I don't really like the dress that much now that it fits, but it is such an accomplishment that I will always keep it. Edited: cannot figure out how to put a picture here, so it's just in my album.

I know that area. Congrats on your NSV. You deserve it, because it's not an easy ride.

Lots to talk about this week. My 6 month surgiversary is in 4 days. As of today, I weigh 170.4 lbs.; my 4th of July goal was to get to 169 lbs. so it is coming right down to the wire. I am hoping to be under 170 lbs. tomorrow ... maybe not 169.0 but somewhere between that and 170.0. When I had my surgery, I set several VSG progress goals on my weight loss journey. There were three progress goals in particular that were really meaningful to me -- first, to get into ONEderland; second, to weigh less than my husband; and third, to have a BMI of less than 30 (therefore no longer being considered officially obese). I hit my first goal the month after getting sleeved, and just hit my second goal today. When I saw my weight being right near 170 lbs. this morning, I knew I was very close to my husband's weight. I called DH into the bathroom, asked him to strip down to his skivvies (since I weighed in wearing only my skivvies), and get on the scale. Ta da -- he weighs 172.8, so I weigh 2.4 lbs. less than him! Woo hoo! June was a very tough month for me on the weight loss front. I was in a virtual stall for 3 weeks, and started eating really badly out of frustration. I hadn't been exercising, and started doing that last weekend. I really got into exercising this past week, and it definitely helped ... I dropped nearly 2 lbs. this week, even with a visit from Auntie Flo (which, when I think about it, probably also explains a bit why I went a little crazy with junk eating last week ... raging hormones + frustration = BAD NEWS). I have exercised a lot this week ... did a fairly tough 2.5 mile trail walk 5 times (including this morning). I've been getting up a bit earlier and walking before going to work, and it also helps me come to work with more energy and focus. I haven't been exercising really (except for gardening on the weekends) so I have been pleasantly surprised how much I like it. It is SO much easier and pleasant to exercise when I don't have as much excess weight to carry around. Each day I try to do a little bit more ... challenging myself every time. I am feeling good about exercising and wish I had started doing it much sooner (no doubt I would be much closer to my ultimate goal if I had started exercising 5 days a week a few months ago!). DH and I are having or 15th wedding anniversary this week and are celebrating it by taking a trip to Maui. I plan to spend a lot of time in the water (we have two snorkeling trips already booked) and am hoping that a week of downtime, and lots of fun exercise, means a nice surprise for me on the scale when I return from my trip.

I went to Orlando this week on a business trip and while I was on my trip I hit my 3 month surgiversary. I actually lost 1 lb. this week, which is awesome, considering I was eating out every meal (but on the other hand, I was doing a lot of walking around in the evenings, which I think helped offset the extra calories). I was really, really happy to be walking around with other people who are not obese and able to keep up with them pretty well -- something I could never do pre-surgery! As of today I am 188.8 lbs. I had set an ambitious Easter goal to be at 180 by Easter and I am sure I won't make it ... I am thinking I will be lucky to be below 185 by that date. But heck, that is still great! DH just went out for breakfast ... he is going to our local, amazing donut shop called Legendary Donuts (and they are incredibly great donuts). I passed on the trip (yay for me, little NSV right there!) -- I am having crackers with sunflower seed butter instead (not exactly the best breakfast, but way way better than a donut!). Fortunately, the idea of a donut is not nearly as tempting to me now as it used to be. My appetite for sweets still is nowhere near what it used to be prior to surgery. I do enjoy a bite or two of dessert on a periodic basis, but usually 2 bites is totally fine and I don't want or need any more. I saw a friend yesterday whom I hadn't seen since before surgery. The first thing she said to me was, "You've lost weight, haven't you? I can really notice! You look great!" That made me feel really great. I told her I had been sleeved and she surprised me and said her mom had the same procedure, and she was very supportive. I have been very open about telling people about getting sleeved and so far I have not had one negative comment. I know my friends and family were truly concerned about my weight before surgery, and they are really happy that I am losing weight. I figured if I ever get a snide comment about having surgery, I'll know that person really doesn't have my best interests at heart and I should be wary of them going forward. Other than that, there's not much to tell this week. Oh, one last thing ... I did splurge and spend $60 at Sephora yesterday and bought replacement Bare Escentuals makeup kit (the last time I bought some was at least 2 years ago and I was thinking it needed to be replaced). I do wear makeup now most days, and I have to admit it does make me feel like I look better. I don't mess with eye shadow but do use foundation, blush, and lipstick, and if I'm feeling very into it I'll put on eyeliner and a little mascara. I've been shopping a few times and am already coveting some of the really pretty spring dresses that are for sale. I think I may end up being a real girly-girl once I get into regular sizes again!

That's a wonderful NSV! I was so glad to get out of XXL and XL.

So the "NSV Photo Thread" got me thinking....and seeing porclndoll's HOOOOT boots got me...well...hot. Where does a gal with big calves get cha cha boots? I mean the super tall super slutty kind? I want boots that go up to the knee (or over) and in black...and impossibly high. Talk to me ladies!!! Where are you finding this good stuff??? And as payment, I'll share the place where I just bought cute sexy stuff for Valentine's Day. www.lovefifi.com They have great stuff AND in plus sizes. Their sizing runs true and they have such a wide variety of stuff from regular ol' bras and panties to full on costumes!! It's a great place, enjoy!! Now tell me where I can find some killer boots for this outfit I just bought!!!

I gave up all processed sugar and flour on my pre op diet and now that I am almost 5 months out and can eat anything. I still have not had one single bite of a cracker, bread, chip or anything with processed sugar or flour. It is my slippery slope. I made myself a promise not to consume anything of the like until year's end. I think I need that time for me to adapt to my new me. I don't miss it right now and am ok but yesterday, I almost buckled and gave in as to not hurt someone's feelings. I have a group of friends and we meet for lunch once a month. We Celebrate birthdays, usually with just a card and small gift. My birthday is next week so we were celebrating mine. One of the ladies brought me a fancy cupcake with candles on it. I just cringed inside but thanked her. None of them know about my surgery but they do know that I have changed my diet. She was already annoyed with me because she had chosen the restaurant I commented that I was looking for a Pasta free dish and she asked why? I simply told her that I was not consuming any processed flour or sugar for the remainder of the year. She made a little comment about how it wouldn't hurt. I just said thanks but there is a great looking Cobb salad and changed the subject. About 5 minutes later it hit her that I may not eat the cupcake. She asked loudly so are you NOT going to eat that cupcake then? It got everyone's attention so now, all eyes were on me. I had to decide at that moment which was more important to me. My promise to myself or cave in and let someone pressure me? I decided in that moment that I was more important and worth keeping my promise to myself and just said, No, since I have made the commitment to not consume processed sugar this year, I would love to share it with you all or I can take it home and freeze it, it was so sweet of you to think of me though. She snapped at me and said, "well, I think you should eat anything you want, just eat less and you'll be fine." That pissed me off so I told her, "thank you, but I AM eating anything I want, however, I am also NOT eating what I don't want and I am very happy with my decision." That shut her up. A few minutes later I think she realized she was out of line and said, "you know, you should do what's right for you and I didn't mean to sound like I was telling you what to do." This is the place my mouth usually will get me in trouble but I just smiled and said, "thank you for saying that and I am doing what is right for me." I felt like It was a big victory for me, in realizing that I am worth following through with me! So, does this qualify as NSV??

And what 2 things in 5 years will be your NSV? Mine will be not cringing at the size stage or having to constantly verifying prices to know if I can afford it. Small things but I believe it will bring me JOY!

@@butterfly23 Congrats on your amazing NSV!! It feels so good when you don't have to hide from the camera. I am sure most of us have been there. You look fabulous.. Keep on taking those selfies!! @KindaFamilar Now you have us all curious.....

Congrats! That's a great NSV! That's how I felt the first time I was able to slide (that's right I said slide as opposed to squeeze) in a booth at my favorite restaurant.

Thats a great NSV... In a creepy kinda way!

That is awesome to read!! Congratulations! I'm 5'1 and 217...I'm soo tired of my thighs throwing sparks (feels like!) as I walk from the friction! Looking forward to that NSV myself Please post some pics!

Well, after having to reschedule my EGD several times, it finally happened yesterday. Everything looked great. No hernia, erosion, or slippage. There is no explanation why I have had such a difficult time with my fills kicking in a month to a month and a half after I get them, making it impossible to eat or drink. I have a friend who was banded a month after me and she is experiencing the exact same issues that I am. Getting a fill and a month later she couln't eat or drink. Is anyone else having this same experience? I would be curious to know. I talked the doctor into letting me get another fill after my EGD and they added .2cc's giving me a total of 1.4 cc's. I was so hungry yesterday, I guess because I hadn't eaten all day. I had some very soft grits this morning with no problems. I hope now knowing I haven't slipped and have been filled at every possible level...1.5 too much...1.3 not enough...maybe 1.4 will be my magic number. I have been so frustrated with the fill thing and just don't want to have to ever get another one! Anyway, the doctor was pleased with my weight loss and said it is okay to lose it slow. One NSV for me was that a couple of weeks ago I went out with a group of people. Two of the girl thought my husband had a new wife! They couldn't believe how great I looked. I guess dropping about 30lbs has made a difference!

My legs do not touch or rub when I walk! Not even the very tops of my thighs! Woohoo! HW 228 CW 125 total loss to date 103! Thank you VSG and Dr. Almanza and all my VST friends!

Glad to see you are doing well. Hang on to those NSV's they will keep you going for the long run.

Last time I tried to ride a bike was unpleasant. I felt re-donkulous, little bike, big person. My husband had bought a "big girl seat" for me which made things slightly less uncomfortable. However, I noticed the bike tires looked flat. I got off to check and they were not flat, just flattened by my weight. Good times... I hope that I will once again be able to ride bikes with my kiddos after surgery (fast approaching). Anyhow, congratulations, guess this is an nsv, yes?