4 years ago today (post your update!)

I'm a 10-12 too, up from a 6. But I looked kind of sick when I was that thin. To many wrinkles.

Wow, it has been awhile. Up until recently, I was holding steady at about 135, but in the last few months, 15 pounds have taken my thighs hostage! It seems like it came on overnight, or maybe like a thief in the night. I am truly thankful to be where I am, but am terrified of gaining anymore weight. I had such a hard time finding foods my pouch would handle(still have issues), but unfortunately, carbs are some of the best ones. I have got to get back to where I was. People remarked that I was too thin at 135, but I felt safe there. There was almost a cushion, and now that cushion is gone. How scary! Good to see everyone is doing pretty well! Erin

Hi all it has been four years ago today for me and I can't believe it. I go up and down 5 pounds but I'm maintaining at 150 which is still 120 pounds less then what I was four years ago...LOL Just started walking again to work some more of this weight off would like to lose 20pounds. Congratulations to everyone on here. Robin

My anniversary was yesterday, 4/28/08! I can't believe that it's been four years. In that time, I have: -Lived in three different cities (Pittsburgh, Boston and Arlington) -Traveled to Italy, England, Amsterdam and Mexico -Met the man of my dreams, who I share a townhouse with in Arlington, VA. -Adopted an adorable 18 month old Shetland Sheepdog -Graduated from university -Been hired at an amazing library in a great position ....and kept the weight off! I have no idea what the future will bring, but what I do know is that I am going to continue to be healthy. I don't ever want to go back to not being able to do everything I want to do. There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thankful for what gastric bypass helped me achieve. Best wishes to all of you! *Neen*

Hey there Lara, I was sorry to read your other post and hope things are going better for you! I put my latest update/photos in my profile. The jist...I'm up 25lbs. Now trying to lose. Time will tell if I slay this formidable beast! Rachel

Hey all of my April Surgery Buddies ! It's good to see familiar faces . It seems quite a few of us are all in the same boat...up 20-25 pounds...me included . When I read Rachel's profile (before coming to the April surgery message board****pt nodding my head...I could have written more than half of it on my own profile. In a weird way I am comforted to find a lot of us with the same challenges. In another way I am alarmed. The day of surgery I was 274...lowest at 146...now I am around 266. I was happier around 150. I know I have come too far to go back. But I seem to lack the motivation to rid myself of all of the bad habits I have allowed to creep in. I am wearing size 12's now...but they are getting snug...and I liked my 8's more. I refuse to buy the next size. I won't even buy new items in a size 12. Every morning as my selections get slimmer and slimmer, I know changes need to be made. Any suggestions for added accountability? What are you guys doing that seems to work for you? Besides the obvious items...any tricks you play on yourself to stay motivated? We should be there more for each other! Would any one be willing to be more involved in accountability/inspiration on a more daily basis ? Mae

Hi Mae, Good to hear from you. I'm sorry for your struggles, but it is comforting to know I'm not alone. Here's what I've been doing over the last 3 weeks to stay motivated and accountable. 1) I'm coming to terms with the notion that I will never be normal in terms of food and weight. I must stop comparing myself and focus on what I need to do to stay healthy. 2) I've started the 5 day pouch test diet to get my mindset back to only healthy food in my body (in the bariatric sense of the word). Also to remind me of the early days post op when the future was so bright (weight wise). 3) I've started posting again on the california board. I'm including my weight and my general eating journal. I'm also doing the pouch diet with about 3 others on that board. So I have support and I'm accountable. Time will tell how effective this will be. For now, I'm feeling optimistic! What are your plans? Rachel