Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Non Scale Victories



Recommended Posts

I have to say I love seeing this topic. I was literally reading about Non-Scale Victories as part of me preparing for the Gastric Sleeve Surgery. Thank you for posting.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am a new sleever, and while my pants are looser and I have a coat that actually zips (non-scale victories), what I am amazed at is how many people mentioned they can sit in a chair with arms. I really thought I was the only one that had the issue. I know it is silly to think that, but no one else at my work or in my circle of friends/family understood what I felt like in those chairs! I am not to the point of no pain in the arm chairs yet, but I am really looking forward to it. I am looking forward to no more bruises from the arms. It's the small things that mean a lot . . . .

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, ckrewer said:

I am a new sleever, and while my pants are looser and I have a coat that actually zips (non-scale victories), what I am amazed at is how many people mentioned they can sit in a chair with arms. I really thought I was the only one that had the issue. I know it is silly to think that, but no one else at my work or in my circle of friends/family understood what I felt like in those chairs! I am not to the point of no pain in the arm chairs yet, but I am really looking forward to it. I am looking forward to no more bruises from the arms. It's the small things that mean a lot . . .

Yep! You're not alone! That was a HUGE NSV for me. I felt like a "normal" person!

I loved standing up just so I could sit down and do it all over again.

I must look like a Jack-in-the-Box! LOL!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Fantastic topic! I'm six weeks post- op and so far my non-scale victories are

1) Much better sleep - my sleep apnea and snoring are gone (after 40 lbs lost.) Incredible. I now sleep through the night when before I would awaken every couple of hours sometimes knowing I was choking.

2) Much lower food costs - and since I had to pay for the surgery myself (BMI was 34) I've calculated my lower food bills will pay for it within three years and after that it's money in the bank making for an easier retirement. As you can imagine prior to my pre-surgery liquid diet then now post-surgery I was spending a lot of money at the grocery store plus sometimes eating out. I could eat a huge amount at one time and was used to doing so. Now I average about 850-900 high quality calories a day and love seafood - no, not the breaded stuff I used to eat but salmon, shrimp, lump crab meat, etc.

3) My plantar fascitis is gone and I can now walk without pain or worry, though I make sure to always wear good support shoes with gel inserts - no way do I ever want that again (like walking on shards of broken glass.) Am looking forward to joining a local once-a-week walking/hiking club when they start up again after winter.

4) Lower blood pressure. Prior to surgery it was 140/90 - doctor ready to put me on medication. At my one month post-op check it was 100/60! The nursing assistant took it twice because she couldn't believe it but when I was younger and thin that was normal for me. My resting heart rate was 62 bpm but prior to surgery was 85 bpm. So my heart is not working nearly so hard. I don't know what my A1c blood sugar is now since it won't be checked for a couple months but it was pre-diabetes before surgery. Since I'm virtually off sugar and starches it has to be in the normal range now plus I no longer have to get up multiple times each night for the high blood sugar side effect of having to go to the bathroom frequently.

3) Planning to travel with my sister - before we couldn't share a room because of my snoring and choking from sleep apnea waking her up so we would have had to pay for separate hotel rooms, making it much more expensive so a lot less trips would be possible. Now we can share a room with separate beds saving money that can be used for more trips. And because my plantar fascitis is gone we can explore each location fully with long walks. We're planning on spending Xmas and New year's 2020-21 in Paris :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 12/28/2019 at 5:31 AM, sideeye said:

My sister gave me a structured dress for Christmas that’s a size 10 in a non-flexible fabric. It’s one that goes right up to my neck and has long sleeves. I took it out of the bag and thanked her, all the while thinking there’s no way this will fit.

Well, it does. PERFECTLY. I’m kind of boggled.

I also went on a two-week business trip with only carry-on luggage. I’ve been able to do this for vacations before, but never for a business trip. My clothes are smaller, I pack far fewer sweaters, and everything is interchangeable as long as I pack carefully - this used not to be achievable, since Slacks 1 only looked good with Sweater 3, and Skirt 1 could only be worn with Top 1... both my problem areas and the weird quirks of plus sized tailoring really made mixing and matching difficult. Now I can pack a pair of black jeans, and because they’re pretty high-end and I’m not overweight anymore, they just look great when paired with a sleek top and jewelry.

Wow, had never thought about the smaller-sized clothes meaning you can pack more into a carry-on suitcase plus mix-and-match more easily! Awesome - one more non-scale victory to add to my list.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow, had never thought about the smaller-sized clothes meaning you can pack more into a carry-on suitcase plus mix-and-match more easily! Awesome - one more non-scale victory to add to my list.
Yes... this is something I am super excited for. Last summer I travelled Europe with my daughter and she could pack 3 times as many clothes as I could I'm the same size bag. This summer we are hiking across Spain and carrying all our belongings on our backs. My pants will still be bigger than hers, but tops and everything else will be the same size and for me, much lighter. I am also lookinf forward to fitting in train and plan bathrooms better and having a less cramped plane seat.

Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went to the Health Unit at my job the other day because I was a little worried about my blood pressure. I automatically reminded the Medical Assistant to use the extra large cuff but she looked at me, squeezed my arm, and said, "No, I think the smaller one will fit." She was right and the added bonus was that my blood pressure is still holding steady at below 120.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had surgery on 11/29 and I’m trying to not focus too much on the numbers on the scale or on my clothes.
My non scale victories since 11/29
Had to have a spacer put on my wedding ring
I’m wearing a coat I haven’t worn in 2 yrs
I got rid of my pre-surgery work uniforms
I’ve cleaned my closet twice already
What are your non scale victories?!

No more diabetic medicine or blood pressure
Glasses are falling off face(which is quite annoying)
Can walk longer distances

Sent from my Z557BL using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Here are two more for me:
1. Went from a three or four hook bra down to a two hook bra. (Cup size is mostly hanging in there. 🙏🏻)
2. Walked into a DSW today and bought a pair of non-wide calf boots. Yikes!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

33 minutes ago, darcyjae said:

Here are two more for me:
1. Went from a three or four hook bra down to a two hook bra. (Cup size is mostly hanging in there. 🙏🏻)
2. Walked into a DSW today and bought a pair of non-wide calf boots. Yikes!!

I still cannot believe I can fit in non wide calf boots. every time I go to put my boots on now I always look at them suspiciously like I can't fit them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can zip and button my coats up! No more open coat!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites



2. I went hiking for the first time since my surgery on a Mountain I have hiked a few times before. This isn’t a huge climb, but has about 2000ft of elevation gain over about 2 miles with a few very steep sections. In the past this mountain has wooped my butt and taken me about 2 hours to reach the top of. I am usually soaked from sweat by the time I reach the top due to the effort of dragging my big butt up there. It also has always left me soar for days afterward due to the weight putting pressure on my joints when coming back down. This time however I was able to reach the top of the mountain in just over an hour while hardly breaking a sweat the whole time. Then coming back down I could immediately feel the difference on my legs. The lack of pressure on my knees and the softer foot falls were an amazing difference over before.

Yes!!!!!! This is one of the biggest goaIs I have. I want to go hiking so bad. When I was a bit younger I used to love being outdoors and just walking in the woods, even though I was still fat and couldn't do much. As I got older though even that was a hard thing to do. I cannot wait to get back out there and walk some trails or just pay in the woods. Such a country girl. Lol.



Sent from my moto g(6) (XT1925DL) using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Fantastic topic! I'm six weeks post- op and so far my non-scale victories are
1) Much better sleep - my sleep apnea and snoring are gone (after 40 lbs lost.) Incredible. I now sleep through the night when before I would awaken every couple of hours sometimes knowing I was choking.
2) Much lower food costs - and since I had to pay for the surgery myself (BMI was 34) I've calculated my lower food bills will pay for it within three years and after that it's money in the bank making for an easier retirement. As you can imagine prior to my pre-surgery liquid diet then now post-surgery I was spending a lot of money at the grocery store plus sometimes eating out. I could eat a huge amount at one time and was used to doing so. Now I average about 850-900 high quality calories a day and love seafood - no, not the breaded stuff I used to eat but salmon, shrimp, lump crab meat, etc.
3) My plantar fascitis is gone and I can now walk without pain or worry, though I make sure to always wear good support shoes with gel inserts - no way do I ever want that again (like walking on shards of broken glass.) Am looking forward to joining a local once-a-week walking/hiking club when they start up again after winter.
4) Lower blood pressure. Prior to surgery it was 140/90 - doctor ready to put me on medication. At my one month post-op check it was 100/60! The nursing assistant took it twice because she couldn't believe it but when I was younger and thin that was normal for me. My resting heart rate was 62 bpm but prior to surgery was 85 bpm. So my heart is not working nearly so hard. I don't know what my A1c blood sugar is now since it won't be checked for a couple months but it was pre-diabetes before surgery. Since I'm virtually off sugar and starches it has to be in the normal range now plus I no longer have to get up multiple times each night for the high blood sugar side effect of having to go to the bathroom frequently.
3) Planning to travel with my sister - before we couldn't share a room because of my snoring and choking from sleep apnea waking her up so we would have had to pay for separate hotel rooms, making it much more expensive so a lot less trips would be possible. Now we can share a room with separate beds saving money that can be used for more trips. And because my plantar fascitis is gone we can explore each location fully with long walks. We're planning on spending Xmas and New year's 2020-21 in Paris [emoji4]
Awesome!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I finally went up to my attic and took everything plus-sized and either donated it or mailed it off to my friend who's that size. Because I'm a size 12/14 (I have big hips) and I'm not going back to being that heavy again.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went zip lining and when the receptionist wanted me to sign a waiver said you have to be maximum 275 which obviously you are much less! That was a great feeling! Also zip lining was fun!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×