6 yrs ago today

Wow, 6yrs ago today I had my life changed forever...it seems
like it was just yesterday that I had my surgery.  I have had my ups and downs but I would not change a thing.

It has been such a body & mind transformation for me. I find it amazing that I no longer grab for junk food and even working in
the best Chocolate Shop in NH, that I would now rather have fruit over candy...don't get me wrong...I have had my share of
"testing" what we sell at Swan's, but now one or two bites are enough to satisfy me not the whole pound...I managed to stay below goal for my first 5yrs and over the past year I have back tracked my 20% gain....which I am now trying to get off and get back to my goal weight again....I just feel better at the lower weight.

For all of you waiting to have surgery, I wish you a safe journey, don't expect over night changes, it does take alot of
hard work after surgery, those first 8 weeks are the hardest but after that, things get better day by day and the results are just amazing...always remember to eat your protein first, then eat your veggies and last a small amount of good carbs.
My good carbs are fruit, so it feels like I'm having dessert after dinner too.  use a pretty glass (I use martini glasses)
I add the fruit then a small dollop of SF/FF whipped cream and it makes a wonderful finish to my meal. I don't do this every day, sometimes it's just naked fruit but it's a far cry from before I had surgery.

I wish everyone a great journey, enjoy every moment because time does fly and before you know it you are 6yrs out and looking back is wonderful now not something to forget. or regret....Laurie

Laurie,

You are a true inspiration for all.  To be 6 years out, and be where you are is amazing.  We hear so much negative about the surgery, and our choice, it is so nice to hear the positive. 

Congratulations, and here it to your next six years, and the next six, and so on and so on!!!

Thank you so much, We are all in a special club and have to be there for each other. No one can understand better than those that have gone through it and I believe in paying it forward...I glad that I can sometimes help others and I know I have learned so much from fellow WLS friends...so thanks again for your kind words and I hope you are feeling better these days...hang in there and feel better...Laurie

Hi, I will also be 6 years post-op this August, and I remember how much I gleaned from you and your experience in those first months.  I was one of your followers - a "groupie" of yours - if you will. 

 Thank you so much for sharing your experience with those of us who followed you.  Thank you also for your encouragement, to keep us on track and faithful. 
I applaud you for  an awesome job that is truly WELL DONE! 

I wish you the very best for your future, and I am right there with you - getting back on track to take off the small % of re-gain that I have.  So - I'll become your "groupie" again - following and being encouraged through your success! 

Always,
Rose

Wow congratulations to both of you!!! 6 years and still going strong. What an inspiration.

Rosemary

Thanks Rosemary, its been a wide ride but I wouldn't change it for anything...it's all been a great learning experience and I keep learning new things every day...

THanks again...Laurie

Hey Rose, so good to hear from you and thanks for your kind words. As you know its been a wild ride and we all learn so much from others.

You can be my groupie any time...keep up the good job and let me know how your weight loss is going...I have to take off my weight for my niece's wedding in SC in November I think...haven't been given the exact date yet but I want to look great so the I need to get my butt moving again...I let my daily exercise slip so now I need to get back on the wagon...

Have a great day and so great to hear from you...Laurie

Hi Laurie,

It sounds just like you and I are going through the same things.  Most of my problem is that I've allowed myself to slip away from my exercise routine also.  I was religiously faithful - up until my last surgery - brachioplasty revision.  After that, my daughter and granddaughter moved in with me for awhile which took away my exercise room.  So the more I was away from it, the lazier I got about doing it.  When they moved out, I did my video one time and just couldn't get my good habit back.  I'm not giving up though. 

I have some wonderful plans and goals for this year that I'm very happy about!!!  With that being said, I've got to get these re-gained pounds off and get to my original goal.  I'm going to do it, and I know that you are too!  Girl, let's do it together and keep in touch.  We'll be each other's cheerleaders!    That's the plan!

It's always so good to hear from you Laurie.  Have a wonderfully blessed Friday, and we'll talk again soon!

Always,
Rose

Your on Rose,  I have big plans too. My niece's wedding is my motivation..that is if I get invited. My sister has not spoken to me in two years...guess she doesn't like it now that we are the same size. But I pinning my hopes that my niece will invite us, we will see.
I got a new recumbant bike for X-mas, a nordic track...the only piece the manufacturer put together was put in backwards. So I am waiting on the parts to arrive so we can schedule an appt for the repair person...hope it won't take two weeks but with valentines day coming soon, the candy store I manage is getting all my time...one big headache...but as soon as it's fixed I have it right in front of the tv so I have no excuss but to get on it for 60 minutes every day....then I have to figure out a routine for doing weights and I'll hopefully drop these found pounds...
Lets check in every few weeks...you can do it Rose and I can too. Talk to you soon....Laurie