Search the Community

Hi All So I am getting ready for my work day and I had to run back to my bathroom to get something I forgot. I got a glimpse of myself in the mirror and I did a double take. So I snapped a picture. I was at my moms and she gave me the picture on the left. My jaw dropped. I was 317 or more in that picture. I can't even believe I let someone take that picture of me. I was definitely anti-pictures. I realized that before I had lapband surgery in Dec of 2012 that I had actually lost 40 lbs on my own. Needless to say I am very very pleased that I had this surgery performed. I have been keeping my calories under 1200 a day and been working out 4 plus times a week. 58 more pounds to go to my ultimate goal. I would like to lose 6-8 pounds a month to reach my goal. The more weight I lose and the better I feel in my clothes the more motivated I get to eat cleaner and cleaner. Not just stay under my calories but make every calorie count! Hope everyone is doing well today. I had a couple of NSV's this weekend and am proud of myself and I wanted to share Take care, Reen

Today while I was getting ready for work, I put on a pair of pants I haven't been able to wear for 6 months! I was very surprised & happy when I buttoned & zipped them up without any problem. Yay! Also - started the Lifestyle Challenge at work today and at the weigh-in it showed I have lost 5 lbs in the last week. That makes 9 since surgery and 28 since starting the pre-op diet. I also stepped up the diet today to include a little more quantity. Still eating pureed foods, but more at one meal. To be honest, I feel really full after eating 2 meals today that were bigger than what I've been used to. Oh well...guess I'll be a good kid & follow the directions

Very cool NSV! I was a good yo-yo dieter and had everything in my closet from size 16-24. Now that I'm a 14 and a sometimes 12 I am finding good deals at Goodwill and other second-hand stores!

Becky, those are wonderful NSV's, and you are having so many of them, how exciting! I think the NSV's are just as great as the SV's.

Becky Congrats on doing so well. I love NSV's. They make transitioning from big to small a lot easier. How are fills coming? I've had two and would like to avoid another until I have lost at least 10 more pounds. (I hate the transition). Not to mention--I get stuck fairly often--and yet sometimes I can eat anything. Guess stress is my tightener.

I've done so myself many times, however, don't fret over a scale reading. It's a poor measurement of success anyway. As previously mentioned, strive for a better body composition by improving your body fat percentage. If after several weeks you have no progress on the scale or with NSV's, then it's time to make an assessment because you've likely reached your energy balance equilibrium and are stalled out. Don't get too hung up on the “muscle weighs more than fat” rationality though either. Yes, gram for gram that's true, however, most bandsters trying lose weight have a prolonged calorie deficit – and the odds of adding muscle while in a prolonged deficit is nil. I too have a bowflex that I use as one tool in my exercise routine! Brad

Whew. This has probably been the busiest month I've had in years. But I wanted to take some time to reflect on my year since my band repair and Celebrate a small joy. It's been one crazy year - almost to the day - since my 2005 surgery. This time last year, I had my band access port replaced to a lower profile port, the access area moved to a different part of my body - and my tubing repaired due to a leak. (And I just found out from reading my medical records, I had some never-before-mentioned-to-me minor surgical things tweaked during the '05 procedure.) In other words I was practically rebanded a year ago.(I was banded 5 years ago originally, but after major league complications, I struggled mightily to achieve and maintain any real loss with my band. But almost one year ago to the day, I began a sort of "second chance" with the band.) Since my doctor insisted I treat this as a new band as if I was "brand new," that's what I did. I tried life almost as a "new" Banded patient again. One year later, the experiment didn't quite work as we thought. But I am grateful for some of this past year's progress. No, I'm not considered much of a success after only losing 51# -52# of my 70# goal in all these years but although I may have to now consider other non-band & surgical options to get the weight off, I am trying to reflect on some of the positive things that have happened at least in this past year. One difference - with the newer band I once again felt, at least for a time, some real restriction which was really good. It's helped me to have some renewed success and to help deal with the Monster of "Head Hunger" vs "Real Hunger". That's a good thing as a popular domestic diva might say. But now I'm overdue for a fill. Once I get some things settled and situate myself with a new fill doctor I'll be on my way again. Stay tuned. The positive stuff? Well after a busy 2-week period including an out-of-state trip and then some parties and events, I had a small Non scale Victory (or "NSV"). Well, non-scale victories are the only ones I have since I haven't had a "SV" since I got my weight into OneDerLand. But hey, a girl has to take her joys where she can find them. Here's what happened: I had to go shopping to find things to wear (most of my clothes seem curiously big, and although the scale isn't moving much I think my tummy tuck is finally starting to 'kick in'). As a shopped I saw a Clearance Rack for regular (non plus sizes). I rarely can find anything good on the sales rack in larger sizes (A silent curse for the tiny size 4's who can always find something good on sale or clearance :phanvan ) Well, as I browsed, I saw a great dress and grabbed my normal size 16 and put it over my arm. When I peered at it later, I realized that size 16 might be too big after all. This is a major relevation. Some of the thinner among you can't possibly fathom this - but eyeballing a size 16 and having it possibly be too big? Omigawd, that's a big deal for someone like me. I had to make myself hold the dress up and keep looking, because in my head, I didn't believe it, although my eyes were clearly telling me the dress was just too large. On a good day I'm a 16 in jeans, especially with slimmer-fitting brands. [ Background: Now keep in mind I'm a Professional Fat Person - I sometimes feel like being fat, or fighting fat is what I seem to concentrate so much of my energy on. I mean, I'm the girl who can't get her BMI under 30 after having had WLS 5 years ago :rolleyes so my weight is a constant struggle. So after dieting, exercise, LapBand surgery and then a "Well, Dang, I had LapBand 4.5 years ago, why am I waiting? Tummy Tuck" operation- I am usually a size 14 / 14W or so. Sad but true - after all this money, time and effort - honestly I'm grateful just to be able to get to the "regular bigger sizes." Habit still makes me head for the Plus Sizes & Womens Sizes clothes rack. My larger frame means they usually fit a bit better. And really, I'm a Size Tall so there are no regular sizes in Jeans/pants for me, but hey, that's life, eh? But being taller makes my rather uneviable heavier weight a bit more tolerable as I have a larger frame to space my fat out on.] So I'm in the store, right? After arguing with myself for the longest, I drag myself back to the dress rack so I can pick up the same dress in a size 14. I avoided dresses for the longest due to the hanging pouch of skin at my belly. Now that's been minimized quite a bit. So this is the first dress I've bought since my Band Repair and my Tummy Tuck. And although I didn't lose a pound (actually like most TT patients, I initially gained weight due to swelling & Fluid retention) I think my abdomen is finally starting to look trimmer. I have to convince myself to pick up the size 14 but since it's the only one left in that size, I do get it. I really had to quiet my self doubt just to grab the Size 14. Later in the dressing room, I go to pull it over my head and wiggle into it, only to realize it's too tight. I'm crushed - literally. Then I realize two important things: #1. It has a hidden inner zipper which I never bothered to undo - once I unzip it, the dress slides down and fits. #2. Although it was on the Size 14 section of the rack, the dress is tagged as Size 12. Yep, me, NewSho - Professional Fat Person managed to get into a Size 12 slinky silk spaghetti strap dress. I couldn't believe my eyes. I had it on, and it wasn't ripping or splitting. When I saw myself in it, I almost cried. The lady in the next fitting room probably thought I was having a Nervous Breakdown but I was so full of emotion. I never thought I'd see a size 12 again - and although this wasn't my real size, it felt great. I just twirled and twirled and twirled around in the fitting room - I couldn't believe it! Now reality is - I'm not delusional - I can't wear size 12 jeans or shorts. But this dress actually got on my body. Honestly, I need a Boob Lift but until then I have to solve any breast-related issues with well-engineered bras. So this dress does call for a bulletproof strapless bra. Plus my butt really is a size 14 - that should have been the size I should have bought but since the Size 12 actually got on, looked OK and since it was on clearance - that baby came right home with me. A beautiful little silk slip dress in size 12 - and I actually got in it. It was worth its weight in gold. Me? In a 12? Even for just one night, it was so exciting.:confused: I wore the dress to the party that night. There was lots of media & TV coverage of the event, but I felt confident. It did the job, but after losing some weight (and after treating "The Twins" to a much-needed Boob Lift) I would look GREAT in it. But for right now, just getting in it was the victory. I'm still fighting the war but it's nice to win a battle now and then. Thanks for letting me share this. It ain't all gloom and doom over here, all the time. And though I'm always fighting the Battle of The Bulge, at least I got one good shot in this war. :clap2: Happy Band Journeys To All, New Sho (a.k.a. "I ain't a size 12 but I got to play one on TV, just for one night :kiss2: ")

Hey Bigdaddy - my band does get tempermental at times it seems - especially when you do have good restriction. Sometimes, its cold liquids, or a certain food, time of day, which way the wind is blowing (just kidding - but it is that erratic). But I have a good feel for it and just work with it. In terms of lifting - At 6'4" I am a pretty big guy. I used to lift when I was younger and could easily bench in the 350 range. Nowadays, I completely agree with Plain. I am so much more focused on reps and trying to get toned. That said, I can still bench more than my body weight today (a NSV for me as I have not been able to do that in a long time....) and I am happy with that. Good luck !

mjrevel great when things like that happen - many more NSV will happen too happy for you

Congratulations!! I love to hear everybody's NSV'S Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Great job...congrats!!!! Crossing my legs was a HUGE NSV for me !!!

Congrats on your NSV!!!!!!

I had severe pain in my feet, so right after surgery, I wasn't able to walk. But I did what I could at the time - which was a few laps around the inside of my workplace. And parking as far from the entrance to stores to force myself to walk a little more. I didn't do any continuous walking till about my 2nd month post-op - I was able to work my way up to 20 minutes of continuous walking each day. Now at 12 months post-op, I walk 4 to 5 miles a day, 4 to 5 days a week. I was able to easily lose weight without exercise for the 1st 6 months, but after that, my body adjusted to the lower caloric intake and it became more difficult. Here's the blog post where I tracked my walking progress. http://www.bariatricpal.com/blog/9018/entry-31216-nsv-2-you-best-step-off-b-hatch/

Tuesday 198.5!!! Yesterday was my 5 month anniversary and I am down 30 lbs! I am thrilled!! I have refused to compare my loss to anyone elses, I am losing at the rate I lose at! I have consistently lost about 6 lbs a month. I have so many NSV's I cant begin to list them, but I need to...just to look back at. 30 lbs has made a HUGE difference on my body, especially from the waist up. 1. My waist is SIX inches smaller. 2. Ribcage under my bra is FIVE inches smaller....36 inches and one inch smaller than my waist!! Goodbye back fat. 3. My arm at the bicep is only 12.5 inches, ! 4. From size 20W pants to size 16 and 18.....16-18 misses, not W!!!! 5. My boobs stick out farther than tummy...no longer look 5mo pregnant. 6. There is not ONE coworker, friend, family that has not noticed and commented on the weight loss (and I am still in the closet with banding) 7. First time under 200 in about 4 years. 8. My face is getting thin enough I am starting to feel really pretty again. 9. I feel 'heavy/normal' and not huge, bloated, puffy 10. My ankles never ever get edema anymore. 11. I have zero nighttime reflux anymore. 12. My DH says it is like having sex with a different woman because he can FEEl such a difference in my body. 14. My back is completely smooth. No roll above waistband or around bra. 15. Blood sugar stays very stable (thanks to no bread, lmao) 16. OFF BP medicine....was only borderline and now normal. 17. Gone from (bust,waist,hip) 48.5,43,51 to 46.5(-2),37(-6),47(-4)......big fat gut is so much more in portortion now, hell! its gone!!!...maybe that is why everyone notices I have lost weight. My shape is still big but back to being very shapely now. I could keep going but these are the major ones....in no particular order.

i was walking in the parking lot yesterday and this lady stopped me and said."i really love your outfit..too bad they dont make that in big girl sizes"! OMG!!! i was elated to think a perfect stranger doesnt consider me a "big girl"! BEST NSV YET!!!!

That has got to be one of the best NSV's I've heard yet. Congratulations

those are all NSVs! sweet!!!!

This is a great thread! I think I shall put in my fourpenneth. NSV's suprisingly already achieved!: 1) Dropped 2 dress sizes 2) Able to lie in my bath with space either side and don't have to heave my heavy bod out. In fact in some ways that was easier lol, now I have to rely more on my shoddy knees, it takes me longer to get out because the bath sides aren't supporting me doh! 3) Wearing boots without cutting off my circulation! My calves are now just the muscle not the flab that hdad creeped on as well! 4) Standing on a scales and being elated with the result. NSV's to be achieved: 1) To get down to a size 14 (UK) Currently 18 so have another 2 dress sizes to go. 2) Being at a healthy BMI. 3) The ability to wear my mums diamond ring. 4) To be able to stand in front of a cmarea and not feeling like I am in front of a firing line. 5) To be able to look at a pic of me nad smile instead of feeling that I have ruined what could have been a great picture. 6) To go to Disney and have all the photos taken that were done last time and being happy to put them on display! (This one may take a long time to achieve) 7) To go out on a date. 8) To have confidence to know that I am beautiful 9) To feel human again. (Sheesh I have some issues! :Banane17: ) I am sure there will be a lot more NSVs as the days and months go by but these are all I can think of at the mo. S0rry for prattling on Suzannexx

I am glad you commented, I have a friend who feels the same way you do. She is enjoying the new me and loves and laughs that I now have a voice. She also sees this as a NSV. She understands this is such an adjustment for me and change from not speaking up to always having something to say.. She does say it is very different to have me make comments on topics or to people who I would never of called out before. To her this new voice is fun and enjoyable to get to know a different side of me. She doesn't think I am being rude or too harsh and others should deal with it. She believes others are taking it harsh or more shocking because I have never spoken up before, not how I am saying things just that I am addressing issues at all. Instead of beating myself up over this change, I think I will learn to adjust to it. It will mellow out as you said and I will find a groove.

I had a Spouse's (my husband's active duty Air Force for those that don't know) club Breakfast this morning, and was so nervous that I had talked myself out of eating. I had told everyone that I had breakfast with my son earlier that morning ( I didn't really eat). I had walked around a huge conference area meeting with vendors, and socializing, so I knew that I needed to eat. Once the other ladies at my table were chowing away at their breakfast burritos, fresh fruit, and hashbrowns, I decided to venture to the buffet line. I took a small portion of the sausage, hashbrowns, and some cantaloupe. All of it went down wonderfully, I mean it was a small amount 3-4oz total, and I wasn't "scared" of eating anymore. A lady in line said "Tiffany, you're being good." I whispered to her that I had surgery, and she said "Good for you, you're braver than me." She was the sweetest lady, and told me to not worry about eating a lot, she would eat enough for the both of us. She seemed to understand, and was very kind. I'm not too worried about people finding out I had surgery. I'm a really open person, and find it's easier to tell people rather than finding an alternative answer. Most people are generally open to listening, and are curious. None of them at my table asked why I was eating so little. I ate slow, and enjoyed my "first meal" out with strangers.

Good for you CG. That is a great accomplishment. We dont realize how much that kind of thing makes a difference. It's a great NSV to me to hear that from you.

Like the 50s song "Little Thing Mean A Lot" Even a NSV when things are stalling.[emoji13] Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I LOVE this idea! I am putting my scale in a closet until next month! I am three weeks out and my NSV is I put on a pair of pants yesterday for the first time in quite a while. I never wore them because I could not button them and yesterday they were TO BIG!!!

One of my favorite NSV thus far at only a few weeks out is that I can sit in the recliner and my 2 yo can sit next to me! Usually I would just have to hold him (and obviously I love to do!) but he climbed up right next to me and we both fit. I almost cried! Also, all my clothes that I have t worn in 2 years before I had by son now fit! It was fun going through all my clothes and trying some things on. Some were too small still but that's okay, I will get there! Then I will get to buy more!

I am almost 3 months post RNY (Tuesday will be the official 3 month day). Today I am feeling really good about where I am. I am down 41.8 lbs since surgery (83.4 since starting). In addition I have a few great NSVs: Lost over 25" total (including 5" off my waist and 4.5" off my hips) My arthritis pain in my knees is virtually gone I am walking 2 miles a day with ease Almost all my clothes are too big. A bunch I've had to pull to donate because they simply aren't wearable, and the rest are getting close. When we are out of social isolation I'm going to need to do some shopping before going back to the office. In addition, I had my 3 month group appointment last week and was released to drink caffeinated coffee again (just need to ensure I don't add a lot of high calorie items). SO Excited. I hope everyone else is doing well in their journey and staying positive during this trying time! Lori