my 1 year check up-really bummed

I had my 1 year check up on Friday... And once again, I am a dissapointment....I have only lost 44% of my excess weight, and the surgeon said he would expect 50-60% at one year. I have some health issues complicating things. I have rheumatoid arthritis, and my liver is messed up from my meds. I had to stop my meds because of the liver stuff. So I am back on steroids again.. So its either I take the steroids and dont lose weight, or I dont take them, lose weight, but have to take more vicodyn and codeine for the pain until they get this liver thing squared away. I need to start exercising more. I havent been because of the pain, but I am going to have to just DO it, and work thru the pain. I am feeling sorry for myself.. I thought I was doing pretty well. I think I look pretty good...I have decided to stop the steroids, and hope that jump starts things. The dr noted that I have only lost 8 lbs from July when he saw me until Friday... Thanks for letting me vent.. I hope that my honeymoon period isnt over, and I can still lose weight. I want to be a success at this, because I have failed every other time I have tried to lose weight.. HW 299 SW 288 CW 219 -80 lbs. Jen

Hi Jen... I wish that I had some words of wisdom for you, but I'm fresh out. I was fortunate enough to not have had a lot of pre-exhisting issues to deal with after surgery, so I can only imagine how difficult it must be to coordinate all of your needs and yet still continue to lose at the expected rate. Perhaps your surgeon didn't take into consideration all of the factors when "chastising" you for your lower rate of loss. I think that you are a success simply because you have lost 80 pounds in spite of numerous medications and issues you have to deal with. You will have your pouch for life, and if it takes you two years to do what someone else does in one...so what? You will get there as long as you don't give up and you keep following your plan. Keep coming here so that we can support you! I keep hearing so much lately...good health is not a race or a destination, but a journey. We all have our individual "problems", if you will...but support from those that understand where we are and have been is crucial to our continued success on that journey. No one here would ever look at you as a disappointment. Sending you blessings for a brighter day...Suz

Jen- Don't lose sight of things- 80 pounds is a huge loss!!! I cannot imagine being on steroids that much- I was only on them for a few weeks and ate everything that wasn't nailed down and I swelled up like a tick- so I'm sure that's part of it. My father has RA as well and he is a firm believer in daily exercise- otherwise he starts to hurt. So maybe if you can get through the initial pain the exercise may feel good? He and my sister both have RA- she walks on a traedmill and he hikes in the mountains and they both are freaks about getting their exercise in... You think you look good and that should help you to feel good- and that coupled with the 80 pound loss makes you successful!!! I'm sure you have time left in your honeymoon period- hang in there!!! Holly

Jen - I have to agree with the others, 80 lbs in a year is really great ESPECIALLY considering the health problems you have right now. I'm sorry your doctor didn't see it that way. I am sure steroids are really playing a big part in how fast the weight is coming off. I am not kidding you, when I was on them I gained like 7 lbs in a week. So, coming off of them and taking vicodin is an option?? And it won't harm you health wise at all? If that's the case, go for it!! I'd much rather be on vicoden than steroids!!! Much, much rather!! Keep coming here and don't give up on you, you are a success!!!

Jennifer- You have done a great job.... 80 pounds! WOW! You need to think about the upside and know that you still have your tool. You can use it and you can do this. It is certainly not too late. I hope stopping the meds help jumpstart it for you! Belle

Jen, please do not feel like you have not done well. You have..like the others say 80 lbs in my book is a success. I know exactly what you are going through. I have the same thing plus Fibromyalsia. Occassionally I have to take steroids when it flares out of control and I do stop losing and I have a feeling that is why I fluctuate so much. You can do it. This is just me but if you are going to exercise you are going to need those meds. I was lucky and decided to exercise right from the get go and yes I do it even when I am in pain and like you said I just work through it. It depends on how I am feeling on what type of cardio I do and how much weight I lift. What meds are you on? I am on Enbril my doc has changed it to one shot twice a week which I give myself plus I am on 6 methotrexate a week. Before that played havoc on my liver as well but so far so good. It is just a matter of finding something that works for you. Demand it of your Rheumatologist...that's what you pay them for. I also take prednisone for when it flares up really bad. This morning was a tough one both wrists hurt as well as my right elbow. I've stopped running as it made my knees swell. Given your cir****tances I think you have done tremendous!! It's just going to take you a little longer because of the meds. You'll get there. Please feel free to call me. I am sending you a pm with my number. Sometimes it just helps to talk to someone. Hugs, Anna