The advice that made my DS a success! PattyL, Carolyn, &Vitalady rock!

So I'm having a grateful kind of morning this morning and I've been doing some reflecting as I get going for my day.  Yanno, 2 years ago I wasn't a happy person.  I can honestly say today that I *am.*  Losing weight is not the thing that makes me happy, having my life back....a real life this time around is what makes me happy.  I have so many things to be grateful for, I feel my life is blessed.  Having my OH family has been an experience that has been unmatched in my lifetime.  You all are simply the best.

I'd like to take this time to properly thank three people that have been the key to my success with the DS.  I have lost hundreds of pounds in my lifetime, but had never learned to keep it off.  With the help of my DS and the advice of these three amazing women, I can truly say I feel like a success, and that my success will continue because of the plans I have in place.

First to PattyL, your advice to new post-ops about staying the hell away from carbs and sugar until they get to goal hit home with me as a pre-op.  You said, "Why chance it, lose the weight first, and then when you're at goal figure out what makes you gain weight.  It's only a sacrifice for a little while, not the rest of your life."  I took your advice to heart and have only had to watch carbs intensely for the first 8 months to get to my goal weight of 145 pounds.  Since then the only carbs I've had to be wary of have been the ones that cause me gas issues, such as white flour and milk. 

That brings me to Carolyn.  Your advice on your magical maintenance plan (MMP)made me learn to be aware of my weight.  It took me two years to have to actually USE the MMP, but just 6 days of lower carbs this week took me from 142 back down to 138.  I have chosen these two weights as my low and high.  If it hadn't been for you, Carolyn, I would've never thought to keep such close track of my weight.  In the past, I'd lose weight and spiral out of control gaining tons of weight before realizing what I had done.  I feel so prepared to have a plan in place.  I feel secure knowing that I am in control of my weight, which gives me freedom to know that I don't have to work my ass of ever again to get my weight under control.

Last, but by no means least, Vitalady.  I couldn't be where I am without you, Michelle.  You helped me design a vitamin plan, you answer all of my questions (patiently), and provide support that is unmatched.  When my protein tanked you didn't belittle me for having slacked with my protein shakes, you just held my hand and told me to add them back to the plan.  Eight weeks ago when we discovered my protein malnutrition, you told me that I could get better on my own without the TPN feedings that my surgeon said I would have to go on if I couldn't get protein levels back up.  I started back on my protein shakes immediately and have been drinking 5-6 of them a day.  And you, of course, were right.  I have my life back.  THANK YOU for being my rock in this journey to better health.  Keep doing what you're doing, because without you many of us would be lost, deficient and basically screwed.

My weight has been up, it's been down (way down), and now I've finally settled RIGHT where I want to be.  Don't know how I got so lucky, but today I so pleased with where I am.  Today I am celebrating being normal.  Today is simply wonderful.

Lori

 I have much to thank these three ladies for as well, and so many others.    I just told my surgeon's PA the other day, after she praised me for being such a "model" DS patient and asking if I'd come to speak at one of their orientations, that I couldn't have done this without my beloved OH group!

As always, thanks to all the vets who share their learnings here again, and again. All of us newbies are greatly indebted to you.

Oh Lori Honey it is SO wonderful to hear you sound so positive and well. I had to laugh when you said you now had to watch carbs again as we were both in the "scary skinny" range once weren't we? now I am watching the carbs too. I went up to 143 and after a few days of carb watching I'm back to 139. I am happy as long as I stay under 139, so it's all good!
You too are such a support to lots of people on the board and you have helped me stay positive lots of times !!!
I am so glad you are happy and well again, that really makes MY day!
enjoy your weekend honey.

Yorkie xx

Yes, you and I were some skinny broads not so long ago, weren't we?  Look at us now, both at the same weight!  Yay us!  No more revision talk in my future as far as I can see!  I shudder when I see some of my pics of when I was at my thinnest.  My eyes look sunken in and I never saw it at the time.  I am back in love with my DS once again!

Lori

 Love you, Tara!

Ditto.

You are an inspiration to me as well, Lori.  xo  Glad you are feeling good, girl!

Thank you honey!  I can't tell you how awesome it feels to be normal again!!!