September 2004

Hi Gang, Just stopped over from the Sept 2004 board to let you know that yes, we are STILL alive and well and "almost thin" almost TWO years after WLS. I've lost 135 lbs. in 22 months and have 15 lbs. to go. This has been an INCREDIBLE journey for me. I've not had ONE complication (Praise The Lord). I am VERY blessed to be one of the "few" who can say that. I have been pretty compliant during the past 22 months. NOT PERFECT, but about 85% compliant!! I ALWAYS keep my protein levels high (75-100 grams daily) and I ALWAYS take my multi-vitamin. I don't drink carbonated beverages and since I'm sensitive to gluten (wheat, oats, barley, and rye) I don't eat any bread or pasta or cake or cookies, etc. Now for the OTHER 15%. I CAN eat chocolate and other non-gluten containing sweets without dumping and I don't exercise as regularly as I should. Although I do have a pretty good routine of eating 6 small amounts each day, I do sometimes "snack" in between times. I am still losing weight, albeit VERY slowly, but I live in almost constant fear of gaining weight again!!! I still have a "desire" to eat almost all the time, and have to fight those same "food demons" as I had before surgery. BUT, it is STILL much easier to fight since I am not "physically able" to hold an overabundance of food. That, and the fact that I feel soooooooo much better keeps me "on the path" most of the time. I'm wearing size 10/12 clothes which I NEVER thought I'd be able to say. I once wore 30/32 or 4x. I am still learning to "just say no" to my head hunger, and have found out that you CANNOT eat what you do Not have in your house, desk drawer, purse, etc. I can't tell you that the battle gets any easier, but I CAN tell you that it is sooooooo worth it!!!! Congratulations to all of you on your 1 year anniversary!! Keep on keeping on!! Hugs, Pam

Congratulations on your journey. Thanks for the update Sandy

Thank you for your encouraging words. It has been a hard struggle and I like you had absolutely no complications. I wouldn't trade this for the world. The information about how many meals and what you do and don't eat is of tremendous help. We are all struggling with the "what do we do now" questions. I find that everyone seems to do things a little different and as I move through the stages I will take a little bit from everyone. If 3 meals only doesn't work- which for me it doesn't - just know that some people have had success with more smaller meals makes trying it a little less scary. Its good to know that you are still losing. I need to still drop 2 pounds to become normal weight, 14 to get to my ideal weight and 22 to get to my own personal goal.... Once again thanks for the help, I am sure you will hear from others--this group is awesome. donna

Pam, thanks so much for the visit!!! What an encouragement you are! I am sure most of us needed to hear from you and we hope more from your board will visit us! ~~em

Hi Pam and thank you thank you thank you so much for stopping by. I was sure hoping someone would take the invitation!! First, congratulations on your amazing weight loss, and for the fact that at almost two years, you are still losing. Wow that is definitely encouraging. I mean most of us have slowed down, but I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say if it is slow but continuous for two years, well, we're happy!! I appreciate how your 85% compliant -- I think that's probably realistic. I don't think I'm as good in lots of areas as I need to be, but I do try. It was helpful to hear about the small meals, I think that is probably how I am ending up since I don't seem to eat much at all at a serving. Pam, if you have a minute I would be interested in seeing what a typical day of eating looks like for you -- do you still do protein drinks (I see you like the nectar too, I love it)? Anyway, thanks again for posting, and feel free to post any time you want! love donna