Social – Keeping Track of Your Success Beyond the Scale
August 1, 2025By: Janet Klein, MS, RDN, CDN, CDE
Categories: Bariatric, Blog, Health & Wellness
Social – Keeping Track of Your Success Beyond the Scale: Focusing on Non-Scale Victories
When we choose the journey of bariatric surgery, most of us start out laser-focused on the number. Pounds lost, BMI, goal weight — it’s natural to keep our eyes on the scale. But the truth is, your success story is so much bigger than a number.
Non-scale victories (often called NSVs) remind us why we made this life-changing decision in the first place: to live healthier, fuller lives.
What are non-scale victories?
NSVs are everyday signs that your health and quality of life are improving, even when the scale might be stubborn or slow. Some common examples include:
- Crossing your legs comfortably
- Fitting into an airplane seat or theater seat without feeling squeezed
- Walking upstairs without getting winded
- Shopping in a regular clothing store
- Sleeping better and snoring less
- Feeling confident taking photos or speaking in public
- Needing fewer medications or medical devices
- Having more energy to play with your kids or grandkids
Every NSV is a sign of progress, health, and freedom.
Here are some common (and powerful) examples of NSV’s by Category:
Physical & fitness-related NSVs:
• Increased stamina: walking farther or climbing stairs without getting winded
• More strength: lifting heavier weights or doing more reps
• Better flexibility or balance
• Clothes fitting more comfortably or needing a smaller size
• Rings, watches, or belts feeling looser
• Improved posture
• Visible muscle tone or definition
Health & wellness NSVs:
- Lower blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar
- Sleeping better and waking up refreshed
- More regular digestion
- Fewer aches and pains
- Improved skin, hair, or nails
- Better energy throughout the day
Everyday life & emotional NSVs:
- Feeling more confident or comfortable in your body
- Feeling calmer or less anxious
- Being able to keep up with kids, pets, or friends
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator without thinking twice
- Crossing your legs comfortably or sitting in chairs without discomfort
- Feeling proud of sticking to healthy habits
- Not needing to use food for comfort as often
Goal & habit-related NSVs:
- Cooking more meals at home instead of eating out
- Drinking enough water every day
- Making it to the gym or a class regularly
Ways to keep track of your NSVs
- Keep a journal: Write down the moments you feel proud or notice a change. Big or small, they all count.
- Start a photo diary: Monthly pictures in the same outfit can help you see changes you might not notice day to day.
- Celebrate with your support group: Share NSVs at our meetings. Others may relate or feel inspired by your story.
- Create a “victory board”: Pin up photos, ticket stubs from active outings, or notes about experiences you couldn’t do before.
Why it matters
Focusing only on the scale can feel discouraging during natural plateaus. NSVs remind us that we’re improving our health, mobility, confidence, and quality of life — often in ways that truly matter most.
Your success isn’t limited to a goal weight. It lives in every deeper breath, longer walk, playful moment, and brave step you take each day.
We’d love to hear from you!
What non-scale victories have meant the most to you? Share your NSVs in the comments or bring them to a support group meeting. Let’s celebrate together!
