Getting a little down about the old timers

I am an old timer. Almost 6 years out. Still a success, still at goal, still working at the process.

Sorry if you feel people are depressing. But I tell it like it is. Bottom line. It's NOT easy the further along you are. It IS hard work and a struggle at times. It's just a fact. No glitter and rainbows from me. I will not avoid being honest about my struggles, successes, failures and triumphs.

These are all REAL experiences that will help and have already helped others. If you only want to read about "happy" things, maybe this forum isn't for you.

If you want real answers from REAL people who understand and have lived it, then you found your home. Everyone on this board is honest and frank about the journey they are going through. We all love, support and share with each other to be accountable for ourselves and share with others.

The point is, posting about struggles does not mean a person is not successful. I am very candid about struggles I have but am a HUGE success in my WLS journey. At 5 years 10 months out, I still maintain my weight loss.

I love all of my old timer friends and they have answered with grace,truth and honesty. It is what it is the first year is the easiest year of this journey. The 2nd year the real work happens and we are messed up....The head stuff is intense and it gets harder.....That is the best I can because they remove my rainbow glitter and sunshine spout when I had my RNY.

Hey Cindy,

I'm almost 3 years out.  And the best part - is that we tell it like it is.  I think there is a HECK of a lot of encouragement on this board.  We celebrate birthdays, SURGIVERSARIES, give credit where credit is do, encourage each other to eat right and to exercise through daily posts about the same etc.  And *most* times we ARE honest about ourselves.  Just recently both Kathy and I have admitted a lack of exercise, a lack of motivation.  And we realize this is an INTERNAL problem with oursevles.

I know I for one don't post things just to be a "downer" or to "warn" newbies.  Sometimes what WE need as older out people, is to SEE it, to admit it, and to get encouragment.  We are entitled to receive encouragement and congratulations in the areas we are struggling with and when we make corrections, but that would never happen if we don't post it.

There's also been a FLURRY of wow's on the board for those of us further out...which should be totally awesome for all to see and to make people realize that successing continues even years and years out, and that we can celebrate things too.  All very positive influences.

Stay strong, and allow people to be individuals.  You don't necessarily have to like everything everyone says, but realize there's almost always a reason, at least from their perspective, for them to say it.

Honestly, it is normal to rebound 15%.  Honestly, at 2mos. out you are approaching hair loss and a stall, please take your measurements if you haven't as that will help you if you get depressed about either of those two things.   One or both will happen to you.  It is medically ordained.   Take biotin, folic acid (800mcg) and zinc (50mg) daily and you'll be fine.  You'll get constipation; take peri-colace or a dulcolax suppository to unplug and then maintain with a colace every other day or as necessary.  Take Devrom if you get bad flatulence.   Try to get fiber where you can and use 64oz. as a minimum not your maximum in water consumption; the more water, the easier poop.   You should be on Pepcid at least 6 mos after surgery.    There is a drug to prevent kidney stones if you are prone to them you should be taking it because of the rapid weight loss but I don't remember the name, maybe someone else does.  Double up on birth control, releasing all those hormones the first 6 mos. can get you pregnant and you shouldn't unless you are done your loss phase.  It can also cause depression or euphoria.   If you are on meds for either, keep tabs as the doc may need to adjust them as you move along the first year.  ALWAYS get your labs and take your vites.  DON'T reintroduce sugar into your life, recognize anything that triggers you and avoid it at all costs, exercise your ass off faithfully 4X a week 1-2 hours, especially learn to weight train as you go into your second year (that's the second hour), and you'll be better off than your peers.  Always make goals and dangle them like carrots in front of you.  BE SELFISH.  You must always have SOMETHING to strive for or you will lose the fire. 

Just a little practical advice....

Thanks to everyone for the encouraging posts - this is more what I am talking about! Practical ideas and real suggestions - I guess I didn't quite express myself very well in the original post - I think Susan did get my point the best - it's specific comments that have been made to me personally - I'm going to try and remember when I'm further out that newbies are thrilled and excited - at this point I'm well aware of the struggles that are to come, all I was saying is that when a newbie expresses excitement about their new found control over food and their quick weight loss it's hard to have someone squash that enthusiasm by saying comments that aren't encouraging or helpful. Anyway - today is a brand new day! And I'm down 3 sizes! To me that's a huge wow!

Thanks everyone -

I can understand that, it is hard when someone is hell bent on destroying your buzz. Negative Nellies are everywhere, Ignore it, but do heed the pratical advice.

Hi.

I don't think we've ever talked online here, so I really don't know who/if anybody came along and rained on your parade. If you felt like that happened - sorry about that, but let me tell you one thing.

I've been skulking around here for a looooong time and I can tell you that if someone is taking the time to answer one of your posts, even if it is to share a thought that may intially ring as negative to you - they are most doing it out of generosity and an honest attempt to help you avoid some of the itfalls that are all too common in the post-op life.

Having said that, allow me to take my first opportunity to congratulate you on you sucess thusfar. I'd advise you to take heed to what people around here share with you - it's a invaluable resource.

And hey, we're all human. Everybody has a bad day, and sometimes that shows in what or how we write.

Cheers!

Since these are open forums you will see the good, the bad and the ugly. Putting your head in the sand does nothing. Learning by the mistakes we make and even being able to relate to our experiences will be both comforting and helpful to you.
It's a struggle many times but most here would agree it's worth it.