OMG!! One year Post RNY fast approaching!!!!!!!

Hi All! It's been a while since i posted on this board. Stangely enough I am much less often on the OH website than I was as a pre-op. I never thought I would be where I am today. It's still surreal. I am- believe it or not--- now faced with the challenge of MAINTAINING my current weight which is between 140-145 pounds! Imagine that? My BMI is in the "normal" range- even if it is the higher part of the range. My challenge for 2007 is to incorporate a regular fitness program into my life. I have not beeen formally exercising since the surgery- but I am MUCH more active than I have ever been in my life. Coincidentially, my one year post op appointment with the surgeon is on my surgiversary- 1/17/07. Plus his support group is being held that evening. What a special day it will be! Now mind you my life is not carefree. I still struggle with IBS and lots of gas and lower GI distress. I suppose that will be my fate for life. I have just recently been able to tolerate a piece of fried chicken/chicken tenders, and chicken wings. These were my passion/addiction when I was MO. They taste great- just can only eat a small amount before I am full now. Yes, I do eat emotionally at times- especially with all the holiday goodies and candies around at work. Yes, I eat some sugar including Whitmans and Russell Stover type chocolate caramel candies etc. I get mostly gas for them which is sometimes worth it if is a good quality chocolate. I believe my body still has significant malabsorption of the calories. Not sure when that will change but I hear eventuially the body does start to absorb more. I have not had to watch what I eat or keep a food journal as I have always been losing weight since the RNY. I eat more carbs than proteins which I know is not ideal. I love citrus fruits- naval oranges, grapefruits, clementines. i eat bananas and apples regularly too. Hard pretzels are a staple food for me. 3 grams of protein per pretzel is pretty good. I really cannot do green leafy vegetables due to the GI distress they cause. I wish the best for everyone on their upcoming surgiversary dates. One of these days it will sink into my head I am not longer "fat" or obese---everyone keeps telling me how "skinny" I am but I still see lots of fat in the mirror- despite being able to wear small tops and medium bottoms in clothing. My head will hopefully catch up with my body in 2007!?! Maybe i will be visiting the Plastics messageboards in 2007!?! Hugs, Karen

Hi Karen So nice to see you. Congratulations on your successes. You are very much like many of us who continue to struggle with emotional eating and making good choices. While my insides were changed, nothing changed with my brain and that is something I will be dealing with forever. But as you said at least I can only eat a small amount now. I am sorry you continue to deal with the IBS and the gass. That must be very frusturating. I wish you a very happy and healthy new year and continued success. Regards and hugs, Ronna

Sounds like you are doing really well. Congrats on being "normal". Karla