I got my band Sept 2010. I was approx 398lbs. Now about a year and a half later I am 330lbs. Many would consider this a failure, but I actually feel my surgery was a success. Here is why:

I have much more energy than I did before

If I had not had the surgery I would be either or very close to being significanly immobile

I would most likely weigh well into the 400's as my pattern was gaining about 20 a year and then 50-60 when my life was stressful. I got fired from my job in December 2010 and that would have sent me into a food tail spin

It is easier for me to get clothes and even shoes as my feet have gone from a 9extra wide to an 8.5 wide or even regular depending on the type of shoe

I started on my way to becoming scuba certified

I flew for the first time in a decade and was not mortified

I fit into my car and no longer have my side bitten by my seat belt or my gut being pretty much at my steering wheel

My doctor found an abdominal hernia which is going to be fixed, this could have been life threatening if it was not found or if my weight continued to increase

My menstrual cycle has normalized and I have been given the thumbs up to have kids and will have more luck as my weight loss has helped my PCOS

Of course I would love to lose more. My goal is to get into a jacket I used to wear in college. It is not even close to fitting, but I can zip it up now (with much stuffing and difficulty). I have bought a bunch of skinny clothes that I have had to pack away, but I also have lots of fat clothes I have had to pack away. I will be bummed if I cannot get into the smaller clothing but even more bummed if I have to go back to the bigger clothing.I have talked to my doctor and he tells me the same things as he told me at the beginning and he also continues to encourage me to make better choices. I have only had one fill and he would not do more because I am still having good restriction and to make the band smaller will not stop me from eating the crap I should not be.

If I do not lose any more I am still successful, even if I gain it all back, I will consider the surgery a success because I have had over a year to live a fuller life than I would have other wise.

You have made some significant NSVs. The great thing about the band it that it is always there to help us.

Stephanie, there is success written all throughout your post! Congratulations! You will continue to be a success and reach all your goals.

Stephanie,

Congratulations on your weight loss! You have been successful! Keep persevering and you will likely lose more weight. I hope someday you will be able to fit into your jacket the way you'd like to.

Thanks Folks! I appreciate the support. My Dr kept bugging me to come on here, now I see why:)

What is NVS?

NSV = Non scale Victory.

Congratulations, you are doing so well and maintaining such a positive attitude! Keep up the great work and continue to Celebrate your successes.