3 YEAR CHALLENGE/SUPPORT

Hi Aliya Thank you for this wonderful post. I am three years post surgery and initially lost about 100 lbs. The past year has been a challenge as I gained back about 15 lbs. I just had surgery three weeks ago for an ovarian mass/cyst and since then I have been able to drop about five pounds and it has helped me get back on track. During this time, I had other problems that were fixed during the last ob/gyn surgery and for some reason my appetite has stabilized and I have been back regularly on my protein drinks, water regime, and walking. In December 2006, I lost my sense of taste and smell, and boy, that made it harder for me to stay on track, because I could not taste or smell my food. I went through a minor depression and told my surgeon and nutritionist about it and they were very encouraging. My ENT physician tested everything about my nose, head, throat, etc., and could not pinpoint the loss of taste and smell, but it may have been tied to some sort of allergy or cold or flu, which one I don't know. The OB/GYN surgery I had on March 14 has for some reason enabled me to regain a portion of my sense of taste and smell, although I am still experiencing about a 75 percent loss. However, being able to smell even unpleasant odors and sometimes very pleasant odors has helped me regain some control over my appetite and eating habits and for this reason, I really feel blessed. The ovarian mass/cyst I had was causing me to retain fluids and food as I had both bladder and bowel complications. The surgeon who did the last surgery told me that I was a total mess on the inside and this was from past surgeries (hysterectomy and possibly by gastric bypass?) as there was scar tissue blocking major organs, arteries, intestines, etc. I can't believe I had went this long with these problems but I am grateful that the mass showed up to the point where the removal was recommended and that I followed through. Nevertheless, I am determined to lose another 25-30 pounds this year and hopefully, I can get stay on track. I have been thinking about other support groups such as Weigh****chers as well so that I can learn more about good eating habits. I find walking extremely beneficial because I hate regular exercise; however, I did purchase an Ab-Lounger, which is great, but most of the time it is an extra clothes hanger in my spare bedroom! I am determined to do better and may finally join a gym such as 24 hour fitness or Curves. I hope everyone will be encouraged that we did not take this risky journey and route to weight loss for nothing, and that we will take nothing for granted, and that we will be able to use our initial huge weight loss as a catalyst for a marked change in our eating and exercise habits. I also hope that everyone will be encouraged to follow the nutritionist's initial advice given to us to stay healthy with our high proteins, lots of veggies and water, and try to stay away from fats and high carbs. My pouch can only hold so much at a time, but we all know after three years how to get around the limitations of our gastric bypass and eat more, and that is what I as well as others need to learn to control - the mental habits that threaten to creep back in and derail our past success. Thank you all for listening and for your prayers and support! Love and prayers Vanessa

Hey Vaneza, Thanks for checking in, sounds like you have been through quite a lot over the past couple of years. Sounds like things may be looking up for you. As you can see, most of us are trying to get back on track-and you targeted some of the most important things. Please keep in touch and let us know how things go for you. Aliya

Thanks Aliya and a special thanks to everyone. After reading the posts, I became interested in Daniel's Fast, and found some good information to share on the URL below. I am planning to try this fast: http://www.daystar.com/Daystar/Prayer/Daniel+Fast_landing.htm Thanks Aliya! Have a great week! Vanessa

Hi Aliya, I would be interested in your challenge. I have put back about 15 pounds and hate to see my new wardrobe starting to not look so good or the pants be too tight! I thought about going back to Weigh****chers again for the support but a part of me just hates the idea of starting all that again. Thanks for the idea, Jane