8 years post op on Saturday

**willow**
on 9/20/10 1:51 pm - Lake In The Hills, IL

Saturday September 25th will be my 8 year anniversary post op. WOW. hard to believe. What is even harder to believe is how long it has been since I have posted. In my earlier post op days I was here all the time. Now, I just don't have time. Life has been busy. I'm still maintaining, I was 134 this morning. I still work out, fairly regularly. I live a more active lifestyle, I eat healthy most of the time. I still follow basically what I have followed since the first year. Daily - 6oz meat, fish chicken or vegetarian alternative, 3-4 dairy servings a day, 2-3 veggies, 2 or 3 fruits, and 3-4 whole grains. No drinking protein. It puts me at about 1500 - 1700 calories a day, and I aim for 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fats, although I havn't tracked on www.fitday.com in quite a long time. I think my diet has evolved a bit, I may eat a bit less protein and a bit more complex carbohydrates. I have not had protein shakes since my immediate post op period except for after plastic surgery. Every bit of research I have done that is actually done with studies shows that the balance over the long term is key to maintainence. I have never been on a very low carb diet. My tips for long term - 5-6 small meals a day. Always eat breakfast. No excuses, whether you want to or not. Your body will adjust and learn to like it. It makes your metabolism get going for the day. High fiber, moderate protein, moderate fats, moderate carbs, and physical activity every day. No excuses. whether you want to or not. Surgery is not a magic bullet. No matter what surgery you have, it is only a tool.

For those who don't know, I had my surgery on my real 42nd birthday. This year I turn 50. It is nice to say - I am healthier on my 50th than I was on my 30th.

10+ years post op and still maintaining!!! surgery 9/25/2002 260/134
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatric_journey/welcome/ if you send a friend request on FB make a note that you are from OH - thanks http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=586438255&ref=profile

also www.facebook.com/valshealthykitchen

Lisa Tucker
on 9/20/10 2:24 pm - Streator, IL

Revision on 04/19/13

Congrats on being 8 years out and maintaining your weight loss for so long. You are the proof that it can be done.

Huggers.
LISA

Start Weight   330
Current          219    BMI 38 I am in the normal range!!!
Goal Weight 180

**willow**
on 9/20/10 2:45 pm - Lake In The Hills, IL

RNY on 09/25/02

thank you Lisa!

10+ years post op and still maintaining!!! surgery 9/25/2002 260/134
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatric_journey/welcome/ if you send a friend request on FB make a note that you are from OH - thanks http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=586438255&ref=profile

also www.facebook.com/valshealthykitchen

Nicolle
on 9/21/10 12:00 am

DS on 02/22/08

Congrats!

Like you, I believe that moderation is the key. When we say things like "always" and "never," THAT'S when we get in trouble!

Nicolle

I had the kick-butt duodenal switch (DS)!

HW: 344 lbs CW: 150 lbs

Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea GONE!

**willow**
on 9/21/10 10:43 pm - Lake In The Hills, IL

RNY on 09/25/02

me too - the always and nevers throw me off track

10+ years post op and still maintaining!!! surgery 9/25/2002 260/134
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatric_journey/welcome/ if you send a friend request on FB make a note that you are from OH - thanks http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=586438255&ref=profile

also www.facebook.com/valshealthykitchen

berts4
on 9/21/10 12:02 am - Rock City, IL

RNY on 10/27/06

Yeay Willow!

Congrats on being healthieer and for the inspiration. I also find your "formula" very helpful. I get VERY confused as to what to eat and not to eat. It seems that everyone has a different opinion, but it is nice to see something that works long term. I need that little "push" right about now.....coming up on 4 years and starting to feel like I am "losing it".

Thanks again and Happy 50 and Happy Surgiversary!

Tell someone that you love them!
Dawn
253/223/167/127
HW/SW/CW/GW

**willow**
on 9/21/10 12:21 am - Lake In The Hills, IL

RNY on 09/25/02

Om my profile page is the eating plab I was given when I had surgety. I scanned it and posted it as a photo. Rhe original is srill on my fridge

10+ years post op and still maintaining!!! surgery 9/25/2002 260/134
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatric_journey/welcome/ if you send a friend request on FB make a note that you are from OH - thanks http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=586438255&ref=profile

also www.facebook.com/valshealthykitchen

lasolas
on 9/21/10 12:20 pm

RNY on 09/27/10 with

WOW is right! Great to hear from you. I want to be like you when i grow up! :) Thanks for the glimpse into the future for WLS.

**willow**
on 9/21/10 10:52 pm - Lake In The Hills, IL

RNY on 09/25/02

Aw, that's sweet. you know the whole journey has not been uneventful. I have had ups and downs. but if there are a good therapist is very helpful.

Along with following my eating plan givenme by the dietician at my surgery center, I also had therapy and the book How much Does Yor Soul Weigh by Dorie McCubbrey was INSPIRATIONAL. It along with ttherapy gave me hope that I can be and can eat like a "normal" person. and I do - like a normal THIN HEALTHY person.

and I plan in an accasional cookie. and have less sided effects, enjoy it more and am more satisfied if it is a real one. No sugar alcohols. full fat. but not every day. I don't eat "diet" foods. I eat real whole foods, no low carb pasta , - real whole wheat or barilla plus, no fat free salad dressings, etc.

10+ years post op and still maintaining!!! surgery 9/25/2002 260/134
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatric_journey/welcome/ if you send a friend request on FB make a note that you are from OH - thanks http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=586438255&ref=profile

also www.facebook.com/valshealthykitchen

Lucy M.
on 9/22/10 5:18 am - Conway, SC

DS on 08/25/10

Hi Val.

Congrats on your 8th anniversary my dear friend!

And, welcome to the 50's crowd.

Lucy

484.8/383.4/241/188/150

Pre-op/RNY day/pre DS day/current/goal- Realize Band 5/15/08; RNY 6/8/05, Removal Band and RNY to DS 8/25/10. RNY & Band surgeon was Dr. Guske.

8 years post op on Saturday

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8 years post op on Saturday