For newbies and those oldies returning

We have so many new comers and we have some oldies that are coming back around.  So, I thought we could post when our surgeries were and how much we've lost or if we are maintaining so we all know where we are in our journey. Laproscopic RNY  1/15/2004 (working on 4 years, hard to believe, gone by fast) 277 morning of surgery Lost 141 pounds in 11 months.  So, I have been in maintainance since Dec 2004 and doing well.  I gained a few pounds at one time but buckled down and got back down. My weight fluctuates between 136 and 145 depending on the time of the month and such.  I retain lots of water during that time of the month so I tend to be heavier then.  But it usually drops right back down when it is over.   Sometimes I get busy and don't concentrate as much as I should and I get off track, but increasing exercise and getting back to protein usually gets me right back in gear. Melissa

Good idea Melissa!  ;-) Surgery date, July 18, 2005.  Almost 2 years!  WOW, where has the time gone?  Highest weight, 275, surgery weight, 241, current weight, 126.  Like Melissa, I also fluctuate between 125 - 135.  I got as high as 139 and got back to basics with my protein and the weight came right back off.  I still weigh every day.  That works best for me.  The weight gain that I did have happened when my scale was broken and I had not replaced it.  I was trying to get away from that habit, but obviously it's what keeps me on track.  Not everyone feels that way.  I think the biggest lesson is finding what DOES work for you and sticking with it.  Even if it involves playing mind games with yourself!    I've come to the realization that at this point in my journey is when the "real work" begins.  Maintaining is harder than you think it will be.   Anyway...  it's been a great ride so far!

Maintaining is hard work.  You know I always kind of thought skinny people were just skinny.  But now I realize after really talking with friends and family who are small that they exercise and watch what they eat.  And after this surgery's honeymoon phase is over that is what we have to do too.  It is definitely not that magic cure.  The work is worth it though because I feel so good and have a great life being active with my husband and kids.  I weigh 2 to 3 times per week.  I used to weight every day, but my therapist wanted me to stop that, but I can't just not weigh.  I feel it helps me to stay focused.  You know what I mean?  So, my therapist and I comprimised on that one.  And I weigh 2 to 3 times per week instead of every day.  I am okay with that so far.   And you are right it is about finding that balance and what works for you.  And you can get some good ideas by getting on here and getting support from others.  Melissa

CRYSTAL MILLIERN SURGERY DATE  12/13/05 PRE OP WEIGHT 342 POUNDS                                                                                          POST OP WEIGHT 210 POUNDS OPEN RNY - HAD COMPLICATIONS.. NEARLY DIED.. BUT I MADE IT !!!  LOST - 132 POUNDS..AND STILL LOSING.

Hey Mel, How was your vacation?  I know you had a WONDERFUL time.  Glad you are back.  Girl you are never gonna believe who I bumped into at Target this past weekend.  Rebecca and her husband.  I begged her to come back to group cause I know how much everyone misses her.  Girl she just sparkles.  You can tell how in love those two are.  Hope to see and talk to you soon! Love ya Denise

We did have a great time on vacation.  The beach was beautiful.   I was thinking about Rebecca just the other day and wondering how she was doing.  I am so glad she is doing well.  I wish she would come back to group.  I will  be at the next one.  Got it on my calendar already. How are you feeling these days?   Melissa

Girl I am feeling WONDERFUL.  I have a secret about Rebecca that I just can not hold in any longer girl.  I hope if she comes on here and reads this she won't be mad at me but....... Let's just say I ran into her at Target in the baby dept as I was registering.  I wont say anymore.  lol lol  She looking absolutly beautiful!!!! and her hubby is the sweetest thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Girl I will be at next group to.  I already have it on my calender.  We go Next thurs for our sonogram.  I am very excited! well we both are! lol lol  Although we are not going to find out what it is still.  I have been feeling this baby move all over the place and Last night wally got to feel it.  Girl he was like a giddy school girl.  I was laughing so hard at him!  Then I go to bed and dreamed ALL NIGHT about going into labor.  lol lol  Can't wait to see you at next group.  Let's do try and get together before and do lunch girl.   Love ya Denise

So, Rebecca is having a baby too.  Well, that is great news.  Her hubby is sweet.  I have met him a couple of times.  They seem really happy together.   Maybe you, me, and Christine can go to lunch one day before the next meeting. Melissa

OH that sounds great lunch sometimes soon!  I can work around any schedule so ya'll just let me know what is good for ya'll! denise

My surgery date was 8-17-04 by Dr Whitehead here in hattiesburg.  I had open rny.  I was 319 day of surgery and lost 138lbs which I have currently gained 6lbs of that back.  Happily though since we are finally pg after 12 years well 11 years of trying.  lol lol  I am doing great.  Not doing good with getting water in which  I should have my butt kicked cause not only is that a good thing cause of our surgery it is even better cause of the pg.  I am starting today on getting better with that though.  Fell out of the habit of going to support group but have gotten in the hang of going back to that other than I did miss this last time due to the horrible weather we had here in town.   Denise