I am about 4 1/2 months post op. As I reflect on the time since surgery I know I've had many ups and downs. This past month has been harder for me than the others. It's summertime, I'm reconnecting with my social life, and basically living life again. I went on a mini-vaca with friends. I drank and had fun. While I know this doesn't help with my weight loss (and yes the scale slowed during this time) I had a lot of fun with my friends, which has been a long time since I let that happen due to not wanting to be around many people when my weight was higher.

Now that I'm home and back on track the pounds are coming off. I've lost 70 pounds since surgery and 133 pounds since starting the process. Some NSV's I've had:

1). not having to worry about fitting in a booth at a restaurant

2). fitting comfortably in the seat while I drive

3). fitting comfortably in a seat at the movie theater

4). having more confidence

5). working up to an hour on the elliptical (yay!)

6). getting into my smaller clothing

7). being comfortable enough to attend social events

8). having more energy to babysit and play with my nephew

9). being able to plan future vacations and book fun, adventurous activities

10). being able to smile again and feel happy (no more fake smile!)

There are so many more but that is what comes to mind right away. I know I still have a long way to go but I know I will get there eventually! I'm so happy I had the sleeve and am ready to focus again and hit more milestones!

10). being able to smile again and feel happy (no more fake smile!)

This is my fav. All of the others are AMAZING too, but I think this sums it up so eloquently. Tears of joy for you SunnyD. Uggh, I'm wrecked for now...*sniff* In a good way!!! Sooooo happy for you,

Susan

Congrats! you are doing amazing!

This was the favorite part of your post because you are exactly on point. Its not JUST about the scale going down its about reclaiming our lives and doing things we couldn't or wouldn't do before. Congratulations!!!!

While I know this doesn't help with my weight loss (and yes the scale slowed during this time) I had a lot of fun with my friends, which has been a long time since I let that happen due to not wanting to be around many people when my weight was higher.

It truly is the little things like spending time with friends that make us happy. So glad you are able to this again, you deserve to smile and be happy!

Great post Sunnyd! We are learning how to live the rest of our lives in a healthy way both physically and mentally. It can't be all about the number on the scale. We have to relish all of the victories as we make our way through our journeys. I am going to stop and smell the flowers along the way and enjoy the NSVs.

What a fabulous post! Congratulations on your losses and on your gains!!

You are doing so great!!!! Congrats, I love all of your NSV's!!!!

Congrats!! Loved reading your post and relating to them. You have done amazingly well, and I'm so happy for you!!

YOU ARE DOING AWESOME! I'm so happy for you!!!!!!!!

Excellent post! I got a little tear in my eye for you, but also for every one of us on this incredible journey. It's truly amazing how this surgery, how finally being able to lose the weight, changes us and improves our lives. I am SO happy for you, and I hope you continue onward with great success as you reclaim your life and your body.

Congrats!

~Cheri

Thanks all! I do think it is important to stay on track but equally important to enjoy life and our friends and family! I'm so happy to living life again!