3 years ago I was 301, now I am 174 and holding.

I haven't updated in a long time because I keep staying very busy. I just wanted to put something in here at the time of my third anniversary. I continue to maintain a good weight which fluctuates about 5 pounds from summer to winter. I eat what I want, even sugar, fats, alcohol with little problem. Sugar on an empty stomach is still a bad idea and results in nausea and dizziness. However, I am able to eat anything in a small amount and that is completely satisfying. I was afraid that I would never be able to eat a rich dessert at a special restaurant. I was willing for that to be the case when I decided to have the surgery but I am pleased that I can eat "bad" things on occasion. The biggest difficulty for me is remembering to eat slowly and chew well because that has not been necessary for me since shortly after my surgery. But when I notice my weight creeping up, remembering to eat slowly seems to solve the problem. My weight does not want to go below 168-175 unless I significantly alter my diet - go on a stricly liquid protein diet. I am not willing to do that on any kind of regular basis and really don't think it is healthy. Meanwhile I love being a normal size 12. I have not had plastic surgery since WLS. I had an abdominoplasty 13 years ago after significant weight loss on Optifast and despite regaining the weight after the plastic surgery I did not develop an "apron" so I have not needed that surgery again. In fact, my belly is quite firm with only a little bit of loose skin. I also had a thighplasty 13 years ago which resulted in significant complications in lymph drainage in one of my legs. I consequently have chronic swelling in one leg and ankle and have had a blood clot in that leg as a result. Knowing what I know about the potential lymphatic complications and the significant scarring that accompanied the surgery, I would not do it again. Even though I am glad my thighs are shapely, the scarring prevents my feeling comfortable in shorts or bathing suits unless I keep my legs tightly together. Fort hose reasons I have elected not to have my arms done even though there are significant batwings. I realize that the scarring associated with arm-plasty would keep my from wearing sleeveless clothes because I would feel I had to keep my arms down all the time. I use Bariatric Supplements System as the source of my vitamins because the are tolerated well. I am unable to use calcium supplements because of chronic kidney stones. Bariatric Supplements are specifically for WLS and are easy to order from the Internet at www.bariatricsupplements.com. I am so happy that I had the surgery. I am able to work long hours on my feet as a physician and I no longer take Prilosec, blood pressure meds, or require CPAP for sleep apnea. I have a congenital immune deficiency which makes me susceptible to many respiratory and skin infections - but I noticed today that I have not missed a single day of work this year because of illness. The complications of having had the surgery are only that I had to have my gall bladder removed a year after WLS and i have suffered chronic kidney stones for the past year and half. I am fortunate in that they sledom cause much pain. Sometimes the only reason I know I have one is that I urinate a lot of blood and then I realize that I have had some twinges or a backache. I am very lucky in that regard because I know how bad stones can hurt. I was hospitalized twice in 2004 for them but since significantly increasing my water intake, apparently they are small and pass easily. I hope everyone is doing well.