Congrats on your success.

Yep, yep it has! 4 years ago today, I went through an 8.5 hour surgery to get the intestinal portion of the DS. For those who don't know, or don't remember, my story, I had a VBG in 1985, and a revision/repair in 1986. Because of the type of band used (Molina), and having 2 abdominal surgeries, I have seriously excessive adhesions in my abdomen, and on my stomach. I contacted several top-notch DS surgeons, and got the same answer - can't do the sleeve, but we can do an extended limb RnY. Nope, no thank you. I'll stick with what my original surgeon offered - the intestinal portion of the DS, leaving my stomach as is.

I'm 5' 5.5". My hospital weight was 326. I read normal BMI in 15 months. I made it to mid-range BMI, and my goal of 135 at 22 months. I had an upper body lift and a tummy tuck during year 2, making my lowest weight of record 126.8. I've since hovered between 131-134, pretty much regardless of my eating habits.

My labs have all been pretty 'acceptable' for most docs, but I've kept pushing to get them better. I had my 4 year labs done Monday, so I don't know how successful I've been, yet.

I still weigh just about every day - I don't pay it much heed, except Fridays . . . that's the day I make myself accountable by posting my current weight to a small group of friends, who also happen to be DS patients :)

I have no food issues, virtually no gas issues (except into the toilet every morning), no poop issues - not that I don't poop a lot, but that is totally a self-inflicted condition. IF I cut back on the amount of crap I eat (and I don't), my bowel habits would probably nearly a normie habit. But I'm fortunate in that I can eat anything - I mean absolutely anything, without issue or weight concern.

I do take a pile of supplements, and I wish I could find an easier way! But, I can't, so I take them. I'm post-menopausal, so the start of osteopenia on my last DEXA scan isn't pointedly a DS issue. That's the only issue I'm currently dealing with, but since my mother had it, I'd probably be dealing with it as a non-DSer.

I now wear a size 6 jeans (give or take a size, depending on the cut, style, brand) and I prefer to wear a large shirt, although I could wear a medium. The last 'dress clothes' I bought are a size 10.

The last photo I have is from 2 years ago, but I'm not even sure it's on my profile. Maybe after I post this, I'll see if I can find it (and if I remember how to upload one!)

I'm thankful to Tammy Bishop for pointing me to OH, and to the DS vets who got me here - you know who you are :)

Mary J

 Mee 2

YES!  I love the Monday Morning Weigh In and would be sad to see it stop!  It's a nice way to celebrate losses, commiserate gains and keep myself accountable.  Please keep it going!

This weeks results:

Starting weight:  303
Last week:  254.5
This week: 247.5
Loss:  7 pounds
Total Loss:  55.5

I had an exceptionally big loss this week, as I've been struggling a little bit with my employment situation and haven't felt compelled to eat much.  I've also been struggling with fluid intake so I'm sure some of my loss is due to that.  But I know this isn't the healthy way to be losing so I'm trying to get back on track by drinking protein shakes and keeping water by my side.  I was doing so well but this stress seems to be taking its toll.  Any suggestions are welcome! 

It's so weird because pre-WLS, my instinct when I was upset was to grab the highest, most fattening food I could find and comfort myself with it.  It just doesn't work now.  I tried to eat some ice cream the other day and it wasn't any comfort at all...instead it made me feel bloated and disgusting.  The same with soda.  I guess this is a good thing!

I had the RNY. I think it helps too that Candace is a revision and I feel really comfortable with her.