A time to reflect

How time flies. I can't believe that it's been two years since I had gastric bypass surgery. And what a difference those two years make. Where did I actually start? My surgeon has my starting weight at 398 pounds, but I know by the way my clothes fit, that was not my all time high weight, I must have been over 400 pounds at my highest. 400 pounds at a height of 6'3" is a B.M.I. of 49.9. I had sleep apnea, I was borderline hypertension, and borderline diabetic, the added weight aggrevated the osteoarthritis so bad in my knees, that I could not walk far or stand for long periods, I would get out of breath easily, and needed to rest often. I never like the way I looked, because no matter what I bought, clothes just didn't fit right. Buying clothes was a nightmare; because if I found something that fit, it usually looked like fat men's clothes and was expensive. So due to being OBESE,my health was bad and I didn't like the way I looked, or felt about myself. Now two years later, I weigh 220 pounds, and have a B.M.I. of 27.4. There is no sleep apnea, no borderline hypertension, no borderline diabetic, and even though I still have oestoearthritis in my knees, it tolerable and it doesn't affect what I decide to do. I can stand on my feet all day long, I can walk for miles without even thinking about, I can do what I want, when I want, without tiring out. It amazes me, on the weekend, when the day is done, and I realize that I worked all day long and didn't sit down for more than a minute or two. Or I walked all day and didn't stop for anything more than a quick bite to eat at lunch, and then I was on the move again. I can now sit in any chair I want without thinking about it, and this even includes wicker or rattan. I can now get in someone's little car, without having to squeeze in, or move the seat all the way back and tilt it back, so that I fit. Life is just so much better all around. Am I the perfect poster child for a WLS post-op, NO. In the last month, I have; dumped from eating an upside down banana split, gotten sick from eating too much at dinner, been lax on my exercise, and have had days where I have not drank my water. But I am keeping the weight off. For any pre-ops or new post-ops, I would like to offer a little wisdom that I have acquired during my last two years, take it for what it's worth. Find out what works for you, find out what is going to keep you in check. I personally weigh every day, so that I know exactly where I am, if I'm gaining, maintaining, or losing. I don't keep any clothes that are bigger than what I currently weigh; because I don't, if my clothes start fitting too tight, I have to lose weight, because I refuse to go out and buy bigger clothes. I don't believe in keeping some, "just in case". At two years out, I cheat when I feel the need, but I always know that I have to take off, every pound that I put back on because I cheated. Wait as long as you can, get as much weight as you can off; before you decide to try adult beverages again, or you decide to try chocolate and see if you dump. Get as much weight off, and get as close to your personal goal as you can, before you start straying from your surgeon's plan. But what ever you do, be honest with yourself, if you think that you can eat sandwiches three times a day, but you aren't losing weight, it's not working, get rid of the bread. Be honest with yourself, if it's not working,the only one you are hurting is yourself. Sorry for the long post, for those of you long term post-ops, I'm sure you have just about the same story. For you pre-ops and newbie post-ops, I hope you found a little wisdom, encouragement and inspiration in my post. Thanks to all my friends for being here for me, and supporting me these last two years. And to my surgeon, Dr. Barry Haicken; thanks, you are the man. Steve

What a great short story. thanks for sharing. You have come so far you shouldbe very happy.. We are proud of you.

Thanks, Steve, for your great success story. I am 4 months out and have lost 68 lbs. I am not sure I can find success the way you have. I know from the start, I cannot have adult beverages and banana splits, it would be the beginning of a dissaster for me. On the other hand, I can have a little bite of this and a little bit of that and that is enough to satisfy me. I think it is great that you are in such control and hope that will always continue. Congratulations. Carol

Congratulations Steve! You've done great! Happy Anniversary! A word to the wise--I have noticed something about the two year out mark--often times people have some regain around then. Don't know why--but just keep up the good work.

Congrad's steve!! You look great and feel great, that sounds like.. Goal achieved to me. Maitanence is something we will all have to do....forever 1 banana split will not ruin it... You've definately been a real encouragement to me and a new post op. Thanks!

Thank You Steve, your another inspiration that I'll do great too. Just read on my insurance site that I got the referal from my Primary, but it might be the Approval for the Surgery. I have to call first thing Monday morning. But it's only a matter of a few weeks to go. I've copied your Post-Op suggestion to stay on track and know I'll be attending those Gatherings like you just did in Richmond. I'm originally from Va.Beach (it's been 15 years) and can't wait to go back to suprise everyone. Mike