FOUR YEARS ON MARCH 1ST!!!

Oh Happy Doos to Me! And you, too, soon! On March 1st, I hit my four years! I am so happy! I am scheduled to see my bariatric surgeon at the University of Virginia on April 17th and can't wait to see his face when he sees that my weight is THE SAME as it was three years ago!!! I only lost weight for nine months post-op and stopped. But at least it stopped and never budged again. I lost 120 pounds and flatlined. I weighted 320 when I had surgery and weigh 200 now. He told me I would lose 65% of my excess weight and I did exactly that. At my weight, I can eat normally and not gain or lose and am healthy. At 5'7", I wear a size 16 and have no complaints at age 55. I had a lower body lift in Sept 2005 and got rid of the excess skin that was causing my lower back to ache. As ya'll know, I did cross addictions and became alcoholic after RNY. I joined AA and also celebrated my one year of sobriety this past year. I now read People Magazine, drink coffee and Diet Cokes as my addictions of choice. I know, I know...we're not supposes to drink those things but compared to alcohol, food, shopping etc., I had to have SOMETHING!!! Besides, the Diet Coke bubbles up and keeps me from being able to eat as much. As for the chocolate addiction, Reenie, have you ever tried Overeaters Anonymous? The 12-step program (particularly Step 4) may help you discover the reasons why the addictions exist which is half the battle of overcoming them. Just a thought. Happy Birthday, Fellow Marchers! Karen

There you are!!!! Happy, happy anniversary! I've missed you, don't stay away so long. Oh, I'm very familiar with OA, once lost over 100 lbs. being in the program and have recently started thinking about going back. I have definitely cross-addicted to chocolate; it's so weird, I was barely a sweet eater at all before surgery - now the stuff is every bit as addicting for me as alcohol for - well, for an alcoholic. It really has a God-awful grip on me. Through therapy I had to wrestle with some very horrible things that happened to me as a child and drudging all of that up has not been easy - I think I continue to try to numb the pain with sugar. I so wish there was another way - and I continue to search for that path. At any rate, Karen, I am so very proud of you and your success. I was afraid when you stayed away so long that you may have run into some trouble with your sobriety - so glad to see that is not the case - look at you! You are a pillar of strength and courage - please don't stay away so long. Love, Reenie

i am so glad to see you post!!! and so happy for you on both of your anniversaries!!!! whooooooooo hoooooooooooooooooooooo !!!!

YAY!!!! Way to go, Karen! You have every reason to be extremely proud of yourself! You are winning the war against the demons and staying healthy. You are one strong lady. I salute you!!!!! Joanie

Congratulations, Karen! Thank you for being so honest and showing us a way through the struggles! Happy 5th year coming! Joy

Happy Anniversary!! & If I did not have the coffee this past 10 days would have died, So go figure. That is my choice too Glad you are doing so well. Keep posting you are an inspiration to us all!!] Ladybug Marilyn :wve:

Karen, I was thinking about you the other day and my thoughts were about how honest and successful you have been. It took real courage to be as open and honest as you have been and you're a wonderful example for all of us. I'm looking forward to your 5 year post. Hugs, Connie