My Journey So Far at 6 Years Out (Extremely Long and Wordy)

 I love you.    And I respect you.  Thank you :)

Bonnie

(((((hugs)))))

It's been wonderful getting to know you on a deeper level the last little while Bonnie. :)

Dawn

Hi Dawn,

Thank you for sharing and I am glad that you had the courage to put your experience into words and you did it so eloquently.   A lot of times we compare ourselves to others and from the outside things can look so good.  But when you can learn from someone else's experience and struggles, it really is an eye opener.

As a "pre-op" I often hear comments from family that "oh - too many people gain it back - you can stretch the pouch so why don't you just eat less and exercise because you may end up gaining it back anyways."

I am bookmarking this and taking the advice you gave abou****ching the carbs and getting the bulk of the weight off in the short term.  I appreciate you sharing your experience with the head stuff that happens and what you personally are going through. 

Thanks for the nice comments. 

I think so many of us have it in our heads (whether unconscious or conscious) that losing the weight is going to make our lives perfect and well, we learn that it is definitely not so.  I'm glad something resonated with you.  If I can help someone with my words, even with the tiniest sentiment, then I've helped and I'm glad.

Embrace that first year - it truly is a wonderful amazing year!

Dawn

Hi Dawn

Great honest post....and I read every word...

I sure understand many of your struggles...RH and regain....and the conviction that  WLS is a gift to renew each and every day....I am also truly thankful for my health and feeling of well being.....and yes getting your head around where you are and where you have been,,,

The most important thing I hope others will take from this post is the euphoria of year one and two and the reality of year 3 and beyond....because it truly is different...

I hope OHérs will take your advice and get it all off in the first two years....and then some if possible...

What I think of as smartypants syndrome (thinking you have experienced it all in the first 24 - 30 months)....or getting real......is getting to the point that you really understand what it means to eat like a "normal"person....that they have to watch every morsel that goes in their mouth also....just like us.....that if you fall off the horse ....get back on it quickly....that your body will change the further out you go- and you might have to change your head to get you in the right direction..

Very sincere congrats on all you have accomplished.....and your support of others on OH....

Barb

 Thanks Barb as always for being there with your kind words. 

We can never take our journey for granted, can we?  I think that we have to constantly reinvent ourselves and try new things.  We have to learn that when it's not working the way we want, we are required to change.  

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post. 

Dawn

I think your statement that we have to constantly reinvent ourselves and try new things is important....

So regardless of how far you are in your journey....shake it up if you arent losing....add some exercise if you want to eat more at 2 plus years out etc...

Constant Vigilance

Hi Dawn - thanks for opening your heart here on OH. 

First ....congrat's on your six year anniversary 

Second.....I think many of can related to the "fat head" syndrome.  The surgery is an amazing tool to help with weight loss but I totally agree, it doesn't fix the emotional/boredom/binge eating.  CBT is a great type of therapy and congrat's for seeking assistance. 

Third....great advise for newbies and those of us along the weight loss journey....thanks again for posting this honest message. 

 Thanks for the well wishes.  I'm glad I shared today.  Everyone's responses have been so kind including yours :/)

Hi Dawn...great post!  I haven't had surgery yet - still at the info/orientation stage.  Not to "diminish" any of the serious things you spoke about, but -  you look amazing!

Kerry