I see so many posts on here from people stressing over the numbers on the scale...."I'm stalled", "I'm a failure" , "what am I doing wrong?" "How much did everyone lose at X months out?" "Disappointed" "only down X number of pounds" etc etc. Seems like a lot of unnessecary, made up unhappiness over a stupid number. The scale has become the transfer addiction for so many.

So for those of you obsessing over, and making yourself unhappy because of what the scale says, I challenge you to STAY OFF THE SCALE FOR A MONTH! Check in on this thread once/week, just like the other CHALLENGES on this forum, but instead of a number, report your latest NSV.'s Whether it's an improvement in your health, a drop in Meds, a smaller clothing size, an activity you couldn't do before, a nice compliment, a new, healthy food choice, whatever. Tell us something that made you feel good about your decision to have WLS. Something that has nothing to do with the scale. After all, these are the things that matter.

At the end of the month, go ahead and weigh. Hopefully you can see how much easier this journey is when you Celebrate the NSVs rather than fretting over numbers.

I've had SO many NSV's in the last year, but since I just went on my first couple horseback rides of the season this last week I'll start there... I can hop up into the saddle without needing to find a stepping log or rock. And I LOVE the new saddle I had to buy last summer because my butt was way too small for my old saddle. And I had to tighten the thigh straps on my chaps at least 3 inches for them to fit.

Comon...let's hear what made your week!

Oh yeah, and this isn't meant to be just an NSV thread, it's meant to be a stay off the scale and celebrate your NSVs thread.....No weighing for a month!!!!

Looks like I may be the only participant left in this challenge. But this week was huge for me. My best friend killed himself last Sunday. Despite the grief and anger and guilt and despair and helplessness, I managed to make it through the whole week without turning to alcohol. Five hour memorial get together yesterday and I drank 5 bottles of Water instead of getting drunk like most everyone else. And considering I drank every single day for almost 2 years after my brothers death, this was no small feat for me.

Despite being nearly suffocated with emotions, we have to go back to work tomorrow (his widow is my other best friend and work partner). That might be even harder than this last week has been and I will be taking advantage of the meds my PCP prescribed. He also has a 10 year old son that is our #1 priority on helping get through this tragedy with the least amount of emotional scarring as possible.

He was the kindest, gentle hearted, most generous and hard working man I ever knew. The pain he hid so well and my inability to help him will haunt me forever.

Sorry @@Kindle! I know that pain all to well. It's awful but I am glad to hear you were strong enough to stay away from the bottle. You and your friend are in my thoughts.

So sorry to hear this.

My thoughts are with you. Tragic.... No more pain for the participant... But a lot for those that are left... Please be around that 10 yr old and hold him... He will need some love and time( like all)????

@@Kindle ...

I've thought about your so much as you endure and recover from this loss. So impressed by your decision and actions about drinking since your friend died.

Just know I'm sending you my support. Please reach out to me if I can help.

Ann

@@Kindle

How are you? In my thoughts.

Thanks @@tomi71 . Just wishing we could all just wake up and this nightmare would be over. Running on auto pilot, going through the motions of life right now. The numb days and the angry days are the best days. The other ones are nearly unbearable.

So I guess my NSV for the week is that I'm still here.

I think this is a great idea. I'm so in but my month won't start until 5/26 because in working on another challenge.

My greatest NSV yet has been being able to run a distance without gasping for air at the end. I'm down almost 50lbs, when I gave my son a piggy back ride I ran about 5 steps before I had to stop. My son is 50lbs so having that reminder of what I've lost was wonderful!

I am only 2 weeks out but have never weighed myself at home. I want to be surprised at the doctors office. I am afraid that our scale and doctors are "off". So next office visit I will compare the two of them, to make sure. I am not one to weigh myself often, so I could hit a stall and not even know it! LOL I just want to feel good and look decent.

Thanks @@tomi71 . Just wishing we could all just wake up and this nightmare would be over. Running on auto pilot, going through the motions of life right now. The numb days and the angry days are the best days. The other ones are nearly unbearable.

So I guess my NSV for the week is that I'm still here.

Keep your chin up. The fact that you're still hear is a wonderful NSV!