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So today is the first day I woke up without a weight loss. I know this is super normal but emotionally I just feel like I’m doing something wrong. My clothes fit better- but nothing is too big for me in my closet yet. The second something is too big is going to be the best NSV ever. I’m gonna let myself have a bit of a lazy morning- getting some laundry done then I’ll go walk at the gym and just keep moving forward. One day at a time.

I was sleeved on 5/28, an in down 33 lbs! It has been an amazing journey so far, an can't wait for the more to come;) Still having hard time getting Protein in but I recently heard about click espresso drink, and ordered online. So looking forward to try it! NSV Since being released from hospital I Went from a size 22 to a 16! This is so amazing an I'm glad I didn't back out of doing this;) Good luck everyone:) SW 290 CW 257

This will be the first post in my new journal. I find that I am a slow loser. Sucks. I was banded Oct. 27 and am only down 16 lbs. About half of that was in the first 2 weeks on the clear/full liquids. I have been exercising the past month though and can tell the difference in the way my clothes fit. I have some pants that are just flat too big now. The janitor at my school told me I looked thinner today......there is hope.

why is this a bad day? It sounds like an NSV to me! I don't know how much you've lost, your sig doesn't state it. But if you've lost a significant amount of weight really fast, you will probably have dramatic results in your face. This is one of the first things that many people notice in many of the RNY people. and yes, 12 hour day when you first get back to work is a little much.

What a great NSV!! I think you should wear the ring. IT is a symbol of your parents. Not so much that the marriage didn't work out but to me it represents your parents union and out of that union you were produced. SO wear that ring proudly. Put a positive spin on it.

Susan, that is such an exciting NSV! I am doing the happy dance for you! :dance::wow2:

Don't know what made me try..but I haven't Ben able to wear my wedding band and engagement ring since 2001..I was pregnant with my daughter..was married in 1999..today..it fit. I was going to have them resized..but never got around to it. I am happy made the decision to go with the sleeve..I am healthier and happier for it.

Sooo,after a long day yesterday,I decided to take a rest on the couch. So I curl up and turn on The Bachelor finale. =) My 2 yr old daughter jumps up on the couch with me and curls up right next to me,and fits!! I have NEVER been able to cuddle on the couch with my babies right beside me,I was too big to fit with them before..It took me until commercial break to realize lol,but when I did I almost cried-I just hugged my babygirl so tight!!!! I love love love my sleeve,so much! I have lost 43 pounds combined since starting my pre-op diet to now(6 1/2 weeks post-op) and have gone down 2 pants sizes! Lovin it! =)

I absolutely love the NSV's! They make me want to just hug everyone! I know what you mean. We are going funiture scouting for our guest bedroom but spent the whole first time with him pullin me onto smaller chairs and going "Ill take her"! Embarassing but awesome! You baby girl will NEVER know a time she couldnt run and play and fit on the chair with Mommy! <3

Congratulations on your success! We are pretty similar — I had my surgery just a week before yours, and I have also lost 100 pounds since my surgery (I lost about 70 pounds before surgery). My initial goal weight was 180 pounds based on average weight loss (this was before I lost the first 70 pounds), but now I’m shooting for 150, although I honestly don’t care all that much about the number on the scale; for me, it’s all about the NSVs. When I stop and think about it, I’m in disbelief that I have lost such a massive amount of weight. I used to see people who have lost 100+ pounds and think it was impossible, and now I’m one of them. i also have the same sense that it doesn’t feel like I’ve lost as much as I have. I am literally half the size I used to be, and of course I can tell that I’m smaller, but I definitely don’t feel like I’m half my old size. I actually like to cook, and I spend a lot of time on Pinterest looking at bariatric-friendly recipes (I find a lot of recipe on keto web sites, even though I don’t exactly follow the keto diet, but a lot of keto recipes are good because they’re low-carb). One of the cool things about being a bariatric patient is that my portion sizes are so small that I get a ton of servings out of a single recipe. I made a batch of turkey meat sauce that came out to 27 portions! I have a freezer full of single-serving meals from just a few cooking sessions. I’ve really enjoyed finding new, healthy recipes that I love, and I hardly even miss the old unhealthy foods I used to eat. I recently discovered that I like spaghetti squash! And I eat cauliflower rice all the time. I hardly recognize myself anymore. Anyway, it’s great to see someone else enjoying great results from WLS. It is truly life-changing!

I hit a couple of major NSVs today. I’ve lost 100 lbs (or near enough to count), and finally dipped down into the 100’s. I am pretty pleased with myself, and I am so glad that I had the surgery. HW = 299 CW = 199.4 SW = 280.0 Surgery Date = 07/23/2020 I follow my program of eating healthy extremely well. Cravings are at a minimum, but the weight loss isn’t a complete breeze. I feel like I need to make a conscious effort to stick to the plan. I’m a slow and steady loser, and weirdly each pound lost always feels like it’s going to be the last. Not sure why, because I am not a pessimist by nature. The body dysmorphia is strong, and I have absolutely no sense of how big or small I am now. I feel much better than before, and my clothes are getting looser, but I don’t *feel* like I’ve lost much weight. How very weird! It’s not disheartening - just kind of a clinical observation that my brain can’t quite figure out what’s going on. My initial goal weight was 165 lbs. I picked that weight because it was a goal just beyond what the average weight loss for my height was. I honestly didn’t think it was attainable. But now I do. I’d like to shoot for maybe 140 now. I initially didn’t think I was going to be interested in plastic surgery. However loose skin, age and gravity are not a winning combination. It’s on the table now! I’m glad I don’t have to think about it anytime soon, though. Other observations: * I log my food meticulously. I focus on high protein and low carbs, and feel like it’s a good day when my protein intake is > carb intake. I pretty much ignore the fat intake, but I am eating healthy so it’s just not a concern. * I’ve averaged about 1100 calories/day since the new year. * I don’t think I would have been this successful if i hadn’t been teleworking since the pandemic started. I live alone so I cleared out my kitchen of all temptations. * I walk 3.5 miles a day and I’ve grown to really enjoy it. I rarely miss - only if there are monsoon-like rains will I stay in. * I wear a Fitbit, and I think the most important and useful feature is the reminder to walk throughout the day. I typically average about 15K steps/day. * I have started jogging a little bit, and have been ASTOUNDED that I can do it. I’m super slow, but I can do it. This morning I jogged over 3 miles without dying a single time. 😂 * I do not like jogging. * I was going to the the gym, but stopped because of the crowd of ‘New Years resolution’ people who didn’t seem to be very good with the mask-wearing. I’ll pick back up with that once I get the vaccine. * I have become more limber, and a lot of my aches and pains have receded or disappeared. I love that I can cross my legs now. * My hair fell out. A lot. Started at about 3 months and it was just shocking. It was particularly bad around my temples, and around the crown of my head. It is growing back as seen by the scraggly hair sticking out in all directions. I am so pretty. 😱 It seemed to stop falling out pretty abruptly about 2 weeks ago. * Eating breakfast is still a struggle. I’ve always hated it and I still do. I almost always rely on the Fairlife shakes for breakfast. * I eat a lot of chicken, shrimp, salad, and Morningstar frozen vegan options. I am not a good cook, and as much as I think about food I guess I am just not willing to spend much time preparing it. I like the salad kits that most grocery stores have now. * I take a tremendous amount of joy in cleaning out my closet of clothes I can no longer wear. My closet is so empty! It is seriously so awesome! I’m not ready to do much shopping yet, though. I don’t need clothes for work (yet), and I’m hoping to still lose more weight. * I weigh myself every morning, and I think I’m always going to have to do this. It’s an accountability thing for me.

So much has happened to me since I had my VSG 3 years ago. I look back at the man I used to be with sadness in my heart. I used to hate myself. I was sick and tired of well .. being sick and tired. I had no energy so I slept all day. When I wasn't sleeping, I was thinking about what tasty treat I could devour to sooth the pain of my existence. I hated my job and hated socializing with people. I simply wanted to stay home in my protected bubble full of various electronic entertainment devices and a fridge full of goodies to dull the pain. At the time I was married for a total of 8 years. During those 8 years I continued in my lazy slothful and selfish ways. It is impossible to truly love someone if you do not love yourself. She has forgiven me, but sadly we have peacefully went our separate ways. There comes a point in relationships when too much damage has been done and no amount of effort can fix it. During those 8 years I had aspirations of becoming a Pharmacist. Year after year I talked about how I was going to go to college but never took action. As the years passed, the weight continued to pile on making my dream fade away. Deep in my heart I knew that if I could conquer my weight that the rest would follow. I was desperate and willing to try anything to get thin and healthy. After tons of research I came across the information regarding the VSG and knew without a doubt that this was the answers to my prayers. I began my fight. The first step was to figure out how to pay for it. After some investigation I found out that my insurance from work covered VSG after a 6 month required waiting period of seeing a Doctor and nutritionist. Of course I ended up gaining weight while waiting which luckily didn't affect my approval. Finally the day had come for my procedure. Everything went smoothly and I woke up in not too much pain. I remember it feeling like I did 1 million crunches and was super sore but not in agony. I did have very bad gas pain after the third day, but after lots of walking the gas was gone. I was now on my way to the promised land of the skinny. I followed all the doctors orders and dietary recommendations. I followed all the do's and the don't s to a tee. I was not going to risk screwing up this last chance at a new life. I picked my high school weight as my goal weight since I didn't really know which number to pick. After about 6 months I lost most of the weight. About 6 months ago I decided to really kick things up a notch and finally get to goal. I already exceeded my goal and weight 180 now. I did get an extended tummy tuck as the icing on the cake after all my hard work with my weight loss. I really wanted to be able to hit the beaches and not be ashamed to take my shirt off. Honestly the tummy tuck was MUCH more painful that the VSG. It was a pretty rough surgery indeed. I really recommend you not only reach your goal BEFORE getting any plastic surgery, but also be stable at your healthy weight for at least a year to make sure you can keep off the weight. Trust me - you do not want to have to endure a second tummy tuck - not fun. While my results look awesome I did lose most touch sensation around alot of my stomach especially near the bellybutton. I was a little dissapointed, but I have no regrets and was more than happy to accept the tradeoff. So now for the latest update. I have been attending college for more than a year now. I will be graduating from community college in August 2016 and will start Pharmacy school the following year. I have exceeded my goal weight and currently weigh 180 lbs and wear a size 32 waist and Medium to Large shirt depending on the style. I have experienced so many NSV's (non-scale victories) that I have lost count. I now have high self esteem and confidence in myself. I know that now that I have defeated Obesity in my life, I am an unstoppable force filled with drive and passion. There are no ladies in my life now, but I know one day I will attract the lady of my dreams. Matters of the heart cant be rushed. If you are debating whether or not VSG is worth it - for me it was a second chance a life. Embrace the VSG blessing and enjoy the incredible journey and absolutely life changing miracle that this surgery is. And now here is some before and after pics for you. - Be inspired - Shayne

Weightloss isn't consistent nor linear. You won't lose weight on the scale every week, doesn't work that way. Maybe focus more on NSVs and measurements. Two weeks without a decrease on the scale is hardly a stall/plateau. Good luck!

i was banded dec 13th, so far i feel great . i lost about 6 lbs pre=op and about 6 lbs afterwards. now im in "bandster hell" as my appetite has returned. i know this is temporary, as i have my first post op appt jan 9th. hopefully i get my 1st fill too. ive had 2 nsv's so that made me feel good even when the scale is stuck. best of luck to all bandsters !!

Thanks to some genetics and my weight, I have rather bad knees and back problems. The result was I would get really tired just going up one flight of stairs - and would try to avoid them whenever possible. I couldn't walk more than 5 minutes without getting winded. I couldn't even stand in place for 5 minutes without breaking out in a sweat. Then I had VSG. Today - just 2.5 weeks after surgery, I was moving some stuff into my new apartment. I totally forgot about the stairs. There are 4 steps up to the front entrance, then 8 more down to my floor. I did all 12 steps at least 8 times today (both ways - so 16 times total I suppose)! I also unpacked my trunk twice taking stuff into the apartment and putting it away immediately. For me, this is a MAJOR NSV! Boy am I tired now though. Oh, and because I forgot to pack my lunch, I stopped at Big Boy for lunch (plus I wanted to sit in air conditioning for a bit - my apartment has air, but no furniture yet). I ordered the Grilled chicken dinner that came with 2 sides (I chose cottage cheese and baby carrots). My eyes are still bigger than my stomach. I barely made it through the cottage cheese (which was about 1/2 cup). So, I asked for a box when the waitress brought my meal and immediately packaged up the chicken and the carrots that turned out to be glazed carrots. I left the roll on the plate. My "doggie bag" will be at least 3 meals for me - I just have to puree it first. So although I'm really tired, I am proud of myself today. Now to rest up a bit (my back is really bothering me right now, so I'm resting) and then re-pack the car with more stuff for moving tomorrow. At least tomorrow my furniture will arrive at some point in the afternoon, so I'll have a chair to sit on!

~giggles~...PBBBB will have that smirk on her face during the whole vidio and you do have a point about AJ....get a memo out to PBB about that name up grade.... and I swear I didnt rat you out....I cant even find half the post your girls are on half the time... I think im going to have to stop with home work and falow you all more... But for now im off to see the kiddies Halloween parade in school and help out with a party.... This is a NSV today for me...I never wanted to be a room mother...but this year I offered !!! Be have girls.....~wink~

I just want you to know, that i'm right there with you. My surgery is in a week, and my emotions change every 5 minutes. Sometimes i'm happy, sometimes i'm nervous, sometimes i'm calm and sure, other times i'm completley ready to chicken out. Usually when i'm feeling down and scared, I will look at the before and after pictures on this board, and read everyones NSV, and i know i'm doing the right thing REALLY deep down.

Long term maintenance has definitely been the toughest. Looking back, Those first couple years were so exciting and easy. It may not have seemed that way at the time, of course. There was the liquid diets, the diarrhea, the constipation, the fatigue, missing out on eating a lot of good foods, struggling to stay hydrated, the emotional break downs, etc. But these things were all temporary and the perceived sacrifices were rewarded with weight loss, lots of NSVs and a new wardrobe! But maintenance is forever. Its boring, NSVs are nearly nonexistent and the scale doesn't really move unless it's in the wrong direction. You have to be diligent and stay on plan day after day after day. Like Bufflehead said, the way you eat to lose is very close to how you will have to eat to maintain....for the rest of your life! I have no doubt I Would not be able to do this without the psychological tools I got from my therapist and from the support and advice from those that went before me. You are doing exactly what you need to be doing....asking lots of questions. The better prepared and informed you are, the better you will be able to deal with all the little negatives along the way. A good attitude and keeping your energy focused on the long term rewards will go a long ways in making everything easier.

NSV is any accomplishment or victory that you've achieved that doesn't include a scale. It could be a smaller clothing size, someone paid you a compliment about your weight loss, fitting to an airplane seat or another seat, crossing your legs, etc. anything that maybe you wouldn't or couldn't do before. It's a victory to be celebrated even if the scale isn't moving (or if it's not moving enough or the right way!) Celebrate every little thing and be proud of what you've accomplished. It's the little things that add up to big success.

Nsv I'm looking forward to: 1. Less back pain 2. More clothing options 3. more shoes!!! 4. Getting on a plane and not worrying if the seat belt will fit 5.not being winded when I walk up the stairs 6. People not saying " your cute for a big girl" 7.no more cuddy chasers( they can be creepy ) 8. I can go zip lining

That is such a big NSV. I bet you are feeling good. Congratulations, and good luck with your next goal if you have anymore . ~~~Stephanie

Congratulations! But, I don't believe it was your first NSV...there had to be size changes, seat belt changes, etc...so, fess up! I am so excited for you! Cindy

Yes it is true and possible, however keep in mind - she is a woman and she weighs less (so her metabolism is going to be quite different). It's not going to be as easy to lose as it may have been for you. Regardless, Congratulations for you're really doing amazing!!! Lila, wow - I agree so much with feed's Dr. I follow that same guideline that I will find my successes in more ways than just the scale. I specifically look for NSV's every single day! My weight loss has been much lower than most others around here so that is what I do to keep positive and know I AM doing a good job. Though I do use my scale as a guide on whether I can try harder or not. However I am very content on my losses to date!! I do set mini goals but and I have set dates attached to try to work to get there. It is disappointing though when I don't make them. I just set the bar lower this time, to something I personally know I can do. Good luck to you!!

I don't own a scale, either. When I was losing, I only weighed at the doctors office, I think I stepped on the scale 5 times in the first 3-4 months. If you are following the plan you will lose whether you weigh yourself or not. I had a hundred NSVs confirming it. I've actually found the scale more useful once I was in maintenance. I step on the scale at work a couple times/month, especially after a vacation or holiday or particularly carby weekend. This is fully clothed, after Breakfast and coffee, so it's not 100% "accurate", but it gives me a general trend and good enough for accountability. The non-scale method has worked for me for almost 2 1/2 years and I Guarantee I had a less stressful time in the beginning than 90% of the people on here that obsess over the numbers....I just wish I had a buck for every scale related complaint on here.

And I’m down to 256lbs… I’ve lost a total of 10 pounds since my last doctor’s appointment back in August and he was very happy with my progress thus far. I went in today (9/12/11) and weighed in, chatted with him about what exactly I was doing to progress my weight loss. I told him I cut out carbs and still am cutting out carbs as best I can. Most meals only contain meat (protein) and vegetables. Everything that is processed/packaged I look at the contents and if there’s carbs I put it down. I am so proud of me, I should make this an NSV! People, or I should say non-dieters, don’t realize how hard it is to nix carbs all together. Especially since it’s been a part of your daily food intake for years! But I’m doing it. I can say I don’t eat something carby here and there, but not nearly enough to cause me any issues. I was off work for fiver days recently and I did so well not eating carbs. I did enjoy a bowl of cereal over the weekend, but that was it! No bread, no pasta, no rice, no sweets! I’m committed to sticking to this no carb diet because if I drop lbs like I’ve done these past two weeks CONTINUOUSLY then I could possibly make my mini goal come November 6th. I’m 36lbs away and I have 58 days to do so, which is roughly 8 weeks plus a few extra days… but that’s like 4.5lbs a week. I know I didn’t get RNY, and that’s asking a lot to lose that much weekly, but this is what I’m aiming for; 220lbs by November 6th! I Can Do It! J Other than dieting, I’ve been taking two hour Zumba classes (when offered), I’ve been walking, doing jogging/power walking intervals for 30 minutes at a time while on my breaks at work; I’ve also been doing the sedentary bike for 30 minutes at a time while at home… I plan to do a little more toning… my arms are slimming down, but I don’t want the flab… I hate to say this but I definitely see a TT, Brachioplasty, and Breast Lift in my future (hopefully covered by insurance)! It’s not all bad, I mean I love lifting and pulling my rolls aside and seeing my TRUE body frame and shape that’s being hidden underneath. It’s like shaking a wrapped gift before opening it. I’ve been trying to guess what’s inside for the longest! J Overall I’m SOOOOO HAPPY with my progress. Today I re-read my journal entries that I started writing when I started my PreOp diet, and I’m happy that I’ve progressed so much since then… I’m 256! In one of my entries I was saying how happy I was to be 278 because that meant I weighed less than my Dad… but now I’ve progressed so much it just blows my mind! I’m almost -50lbs down… just 1 more pound to go! I’m sure I’ll drop that in a day or two! WooHoo!!! I’ve gone from 305lbs (my highest) to 256lbs!... I’m so proud…