2 year surgiversary! 2 year post op RNY

Hello! I haven't posted in this forum for a long time but since it's my 2 year surgiversary I thought now is a good time to provide an update. When I was pre-op and even shortly after post-op (and now) I enjoyed reading how people were doing.

I had RNY in May 2016 with Dr. Klein at HRRH. Fairly routine with no major complications. Had nausea but nothing serious (my previous posts address this).

I was 280 lbs at my heaviest and I was 5'1". This morning I am 142 lbs and I'm now 5'2" - almost half of what I was before. I lost almost all of my weight in the first year so really make the most of that first year! I gained an inch in height because my joints weren't as compressed from all the excess weight.

I follow plan most of the time but now that I'm in maintenance I do have some "treats" but still in strict moderation.

Pre-op I remember being worried about missing my fav foods and worrying that I would never be able to enjoy social functions with food again. I was SO wrong! I eat normally now. I eat at restaurants but almost always have leftovers to bring home (bonus!). I don't eat fast food anymore because I don't like it. I enjoy finer food now and its more about quality and not quantity. I love me a good steakhouse!

I can chug water - this was a big deal for me in the beginning and I couldn't for over a year. It doesn't bother me now but I'm still careful.

I limit my carbs and especially sugar. I choose not to eat bread or pasta. I only drink water and herbal tea. No alcohol or pop ever.

After losing about 125lbs I had a lot of excess skin. I went for a "Lower Body Lift" in March 2018. This procedure is like a tummy tuck, butt lift, outer thigh lift and muscle tightening all in one. I also had fat transfer to my butt.

Life is amazing! I have so much energy. I sit with my legs crossed often and comfortably. I do yoga regularly and I'm never worried about whether I'll fit (in places like booths at restaurants, airplane seats, whether chairs will hold me, etc). I often get called "tiny" - wait what?? I shop at any store I want and now that I've had plastic/reconstructive surgery I can wear anything - even low rise jeans and crop tops! I even bought my first bikini - ever in my life that I may wear this summer.

My only regret is not doing this sooner. I remember being so nervous. You have to do what is right for you but for me this was the best decision ever. Food is an addiction for me and I could not have lost/kept the weight off without this tool.

Good luck on your journey and thanks for reading!

Thank you so much for posting your story. It's great to hear about successes because my biggest fear is that it won't work long term. I appreciate hearing what you've done to maintain and that your loving life. I was wondering what PS you used and if you felt his/her prices were comparable to others in T.O? I'm not ready yet but I hope to be in the next year:)

Amanda

Hi Amanda - I had/have the same fears. I still worry that the weight will creep back. I weigh myself daily but allow for 5lbs up or down before I really start to worry. Time of the month, retraining water, etc can now influence my weight by up to 5lbs!

I used Dr. Nandagopal at Usculpt clinic in Vaughan. For my LBL and autologous fat transfer it was about $18,000. He removed 9lbs of fat. Honestly, I loved my experience. The aftercare is AMAZING! I text them and they respond within 5-10mins no matter what day or time it is and they are super helpful. I highly recommend this clinic and Dr. Nandagopal and his team. I went to see him at about 14 months post op (RNY) and then had surgery at about 22 months post op (RNY). I wanted to try to lose a bit more and get other quotes. I went with Dr. Nandagopal based on my meeting with him and the reviews I read on this forum.

If you have any questions just let me know :)

Good luck - you/we got this!

Thanks I'll definitely be saving his name. The price seems about what I expected and it's great to have someone that you've heard good things about.

Congrats and continued success!!

Congratulations!! Happy 2 year surgiversary. :)

Thanks for updating us with such a great post. It's awesome to learn how well you're doing, and all you still do to maintain your loss. This really is an incredible journey, and one that we have to work at. Changes happen quickly... both ways.

Sounds like you are doing amazing!! Love hearing about the plastics - you must be so excited to have a new body. Congrats on all your successes!!!

Happy surgiversary!! Congratulations on an amazing 2 years!

For a pre-op like me, it is inspiring to see the success others have had - it is good to know that you eat and drink normally now (probably much more "normally" than we do pre-surgery).

You sound so happy and I am so happy for you!!

What a wonderful post!! Thanks for coming back to share. We all need to hear how everyone is doing, and it sounds like you are doing great!! All the best to you!

Barb

Great post, thanks for sharing. It's good to know how people are doing as they get further along the road.

Thank you very much for sharing this...I am just at the beginning of my journey and in "wait" mode. It's nice to hear someone say after two years that they are happy with the decision. Good for you and thank you for sharing :-)