2 years out today...

Yeh guys...the big 2 years today.  Some big things have happened over the last year.  The biggest thing is I got bigger.  After hitting my goal of 190 (with a lowest of 187), I proceeded to gain 25 pounds back over those 2 years.  With the use of Pepsi (my old friend...or should I say nemrsis), fried foods, processed carbs, etc. I got up to 215.  July 25, 2008 I had my second heart attack (the first one was 9 years ago).  I had to have a stent put in.  It really woke me up concerning my life here on earth (I still need to make my teenage daugther's roll their eyes at me...with how "out of it" I am).  
I have worked my weight down to 195-196 over the last 2 months or so.  It has been a battle but I am doing alot better.  I still enjoy the Men's Forum, California Forum, and will look at the Main Forum sometimes.  Hearing questions like "I can't get in all my water or protein" from newbes can get boring after awhile...But we are here for support and try and give back (not just receive).  I have taken up bike riding more.  Enjoy it alot.  Sometimes I feel like a 10-12 year old kid on it.  When I want to stay just around the neighborhood I will ride the bike like a kid forced to stay "in the neighborhood" by his mom or dad.  I'll ride on the sidewalks, in and around cars, try some trick riding (to impress the girls...like riding with no hands!!).  Life is pretty good.  I am blessed by God.  Later, Brian   

Happy 2 year anniversary Brian.  I think it very noble of you to put yourself out there and tell about your weight gain.  I think that is very important.  A lot of newbies dont' realize you CAN gain a substantial amount of your weight back if you don't make the necessary lifestyle changes.

I also want to congratulate you on getting back on track, it can be very hard and you are making a great effort! 

Take care of yourself,

Renee

Hi Brian,

Congratulations for getting back on track.  It's more difficult when you're not in year 1 post op and you're to be commended for the extra effort it takes to get back to where you want to be!

Your journey reminds me to stay on track, always.  Thank you!

Hugs,
---jan---

Thanks...If a second heart attack is not enough of a wake up call...then I don't know what would be.  Brian

Congratulations Brian. I am always so glad to see you post and to see you at the Support Groups. You are an inspiration to so many and so full of knowledge. I appreciate how terrific you are and how direct you are. I wish you another terrific year of being free from the burden of obesity. Good luck on your continuing journey. I am so proud of you!

Wow!!! April you look HOT!!! Brain, I am happy you got turned around, Sorry, it took a heart attack to do it. And I am glad you realize that Newbies need that support too.

JOY

Thank you beautiful!

Congratulations and glad to see you back on track!!! Support is the most important ingredient to successful maintenance along with a good scale and anything else that works for us.

Kim

Congrats Brian. You are truly an inspiration. I look foward to your post and seeing you at the support groups.

Congratulations to getting back on track.  Thanks for posting

Linda