Non-scale victories can be the sweetest

Often we get so caught up with what the scale says that we lose sight of the other accomplishments we achieve during this journey. True, losing 10, 20 or 50 lbs is a remarkable accomplishment and reflects to the world that we are regaining our health. However, there are other non-scale victories that are often overlooked by people on this journey but are just as important if not more relished when achieved.

I know I was thrilled when I could finally shop for my clothes in a regular department store again instead of a big & tall men's store. When I no longer needed a seat belt extender when flying on an aiplane, I knew I had really made significant changes in my waist as well. Being able to wash my feet in the shower without straining or tie my shoes were also wonderful non-scale victories. For me, the most wonderful one was being able to participate in the game of life again. To not feel sidelined by my weight. Now I can go to an amusement park and ride the rides or go on vacation and actually walk around a town and enjoy it instead of trying to minimize how much walking I did.

WLS has given me a new lease on life. That is truly a victory that nothing to do with the scale. It has everything to do with my new lifestyle-- making healthy eating choices, measuring my meals and incorporating exercise into my daily life. Doing these things (and taking my vitamins, drinking enough water and a few other things), has really changed my life from a sedentary one to an active one.

I would encourage each of you to think about the things that have changed for the better in your life since you have begun losing weight. Whether you have had surgery or not. Maybe you are on a pre-surgery diet. The idea is to find inspiration to keep making healthy eating choices and moving your body each day and to want to continue to lose weight or to maintain your healthy weight.

Whatever your non-scale victories (NSV) are, the wonderful feeling they give you often stays with you longer than the instant gratification you feel from the food item you are craving when you have a moment of weakness.  That's why there's the saying, "Nothing TASTES as good as skinny FEELS."  Once that food item is swallowed, the pleasure is usually over and you are left with guilt and the calories. But when you lose a dress or pant size, you have a wonderful buzz that often lasts for days if not weeks!

Good luck on your journey!

sooo true. I now cross my legs while sittin, my body is further away from the sterring wheel(hehe)...I bend down faster than those younger than me...oooh the joys of flexibility. :) I don't weigh everyday sometimes not even everyweek. I KNOW that I'm moving in the right direction..I get cardio in daily after work and it's working wonders...I'm excited about my new life!