Just popping in~~~~*

Just popping in..... Long time no post.  I just realized that I am well past 3 years postop as my surgiversary was in September.  Boy has it been a ride for sure.  Here I sit, still at goal and maintaining and feeling pretty darn good. I have my labs drawn religiously bi-annually and they have always been great.  Still tinkering around with various exercises and supplements as I am never one to do the same old same old forever.  As long as my labs are great I will change things around from time to time just to keep it "fresh"...  but that is just me I guess.   If someone were to tell me that I would be three + years out one day and maintaining and doing fine pre-surgery I would of just given them a wry "yeah whatever".  It just didn't seem like it was a possibility, let alone a future reality. ...  but here I sit and my wildest dreams HAVE become my reality and I am continuing to live my life the way that I know I have to in order to stay successful. Some days are easier than others that is for sure.  I will be the FIRST person to tell you that my past food issues are STILL issues and I have to face them down and deal with them on almost a daily basis.  But this wonderful tool that I was given have proven itself over and over again.  It gave me the edge to finally get the weight off and the benefits of having the weight off me continue to motivate me to do what is right for my health.   I guess that is what we all want , end result.  I feel for some folks who think that this surgery will "fix" their food issues.  It won't.  They will still be there, lurking and waiting for the weak moments when life throws curveballs at you.  For some folks, their dumping serves them well, but for some who don't dump as bad, bad habits can intrude back into day to day life and play havoc.   I weigh myself daily, as does my DH.  For some that is obsessive but it serves me well.  1 lb. does not become 2lbs and then 2lbs. becoming 5 or more.  I have a 5lb. variance that is within reason for my body.  No more.  Period. Just know that I think of many of you on a daily basis and you are always in my thoughts and prayers.  I know that some have faced great trials and many do not post any longer on this forum for various reasons.  I wish that they would come back.  But I guess I could include myself in that wish couldn't I?  When you get healthier you live a more active lifestyle and sometimes that takes precedence over internet time.  Hey I can vouch for that!  My time is so precious given I work 3 jobs right now that I sometimes meet myself coming and going.  Yet I DO long for those that I have sorely missed.  What a bond we had and what camaraderie....   *lol*.....   So if any of you's guys are reading this.... by all means speak up or post for chrissakes.   I miss you....  Well, enough prattling ....   I am way past my time to eat and DH just popped in and waved some freshly grilled hamburger patties under my nose! YUMMY......    Everyone take care ...... ...........blessings always.... Elizabeth~*

Congrats on your 3 years!!!!! Well said on the past issues, I don't think they go away either. We just have a great tool to help us now. Some people are born with a tool and some us weren't. You are a great example to the pre ops, don't stay away so long. Slow down and relax with us. Even if it's once a week. Those of us who are a few years out need to be there to answer those questions that the ones who are new. Again thanks for posting;

Elizabeth!!!!!!!  It's good to hear from you girl!!!  Another long-time member coming out lurkdom.  Sounds like you're doing awesome!!!!   I too still weigh daily - for the same reason.  Easier to know should the scale decide to go the wrong direction, and catch it early.      Thankfully, it hasn't.  Don't be a stranger - come back to posting.  It's pretty much a whole new group of folks here now from when we were all actively posting a few years ago, but they are nice folks.  They don't bite - I promise. 

hEY I HAVE MISSED YOU, glad to see you back again. Come help me with some extensive landscaping . lol  have 4 large bushes and 2 more trees that i need to move /plant.  I agree that all of you long term post ops need to stay on the board. we need you a lot.