5 Year Anniversary!! (Warning-long but there's pics!)

jazzycatz
on 9/28/15 1:51 pm - Joppa, MD

It was on this day 5 years ago that I underwent RNY surgery as a last hope of defeating morbid obesity which had plagued me for most of my life. It remains the best decision I have ever made and I would do it again without a second thought.

When I started my 6 month pre op process I weighed 314lbs. I honestly don't remember what my weight was on the day of surgery. By my first year anniversary I had lost 164lbs and weighed in at 150. I really didn't expect to stay that low and good thing I didn't because I did bounce back to 160 within 8 months. Today I am at 167. Which is 2lbs over my personal panic marker of 165. I know what to do and I will do it. I have had a few carbs creep in and I need to get rid of them.

There are a few things that I believe helped me avoid massive regain. One, I have stayed active here on OH. It has kept me grounded, I think. The further out we get from surgeries the more "normal" we are and I think sometimes we forget where we were at one time. Sticking around here I haven't been able to forget. And I feel that I need to follow any advice I give out.

Second, I have never looked for replacements for food that we really shouldn't be eating anymore. I didn't work to find a spaghetti substitute. I just eat the sauce with a little shredded parm and call it "spa-chili". And it's amazing how easy it is to scrape the good stuff off of lasagne noodles. I never tried to find a sandwich thin or bread I could eat. If we have cold cuts for dinner I do a couple of lunch meat roll ups or a chef salad.

And last but not least, I tried to recognize early on my trigger foods or restaurants that caused me issues. I said good-bye to Taco Bell pre-op so I am just over 5 years Taco Bell free. And I am 4.5 years pizza free. I quickly found I am not one to just eat the toppings and be happy. I wanted the thin crispy crust. It called to me. So now, DH can only have pizza outside of the house.

I keep protein first and never drink with meals or until 30 minutes after eating.

Arthritis has kept me from being able to do aerobic work. But I do walk and celebrate every step I can take now. And soon I'll have new knees. A surgery I can't imagine having to do at 314lbs.

And now...Pics!

The night before surgery. Ugh. So hard to look at these.

And here I am last night. I chose this dress for the pic because I bought this in 2013. I looked at it every day until I finally got the nerve to wear it to work in May 2015. Why couldn't I wear it? It's fitted. I know right?

And finally a pic of me taken yesterday in the clothes I was wearing pre-op.

My Basset Daisy looking on in disbelief. "Really?? You wore these pants?? Wow! We could make 4 or 5 outfits for me out of that." Yep. She is a smartass.

LynnAlex
on 9/28/15 2:22 pm

RNY on 08/04/15

Absoutely amazing! What a difference. Love the last picture. I thought you looked great in the dress, but in the old clothes, WOW! what a weight loss. Congratulations

Age 61 5'4" Consult-6/2/15: 238 SW-8/4/15: 210 CW:145 (6/30/18) M1-16#, M2-17#, M3-14#, M4-10#, M5-6#, M6-5#, M7-1#, M8 -3# Range 133-138 DexaScan 4/16/17 19% body fat---- 2016 wt avg 142-146, 2017, wt. avg 132-136, 2018 avg weight 144-146 bounce back is real.

iloveravens
on 9/28/15 3:41 pm

RNY on 08/13/14

Such a success! You look fantastic! Congrats

Lanie; Age: 43; Surgery Date (VSG): 8/12/14 w/complications resulting in RNY next day;

Height: 5' 6" SW: 249 Comfort Zone: 135-140 CW: 138 (10/13/17)

M1: -25 lbs M2: -12 M3: -13 M4: -7 M5: -11 M6: -10 M7: -7 M8: -7 M9: -3 M10: -8 M11: -4 M12: -4

5K PR - 24:15 (4/23/16) First 10K - 53:30 (10/18/15)

peachpie
on 9/28/15 5:22 pm - Philadelphia, PA

RNY on 04/28/15

Congratulations! Thanks you for sharing your success and sticking around for newbies (like me!) I especially appreciate your perspective on substitutions,... I generally don't like substitutions since my mind only thinks about how much better it'd be with the 'real' thing

Fantastic pics!!!

5'6.5" High weight:337 Lowest weight:193/31 BMI: Goal: 195-205/31-32 BMI

NYMom222
on 9/28/15 6:08 pm

RNY on 07/23/14

5 years is great! Cute pup...

Cynthia 5'11" RNY 7/23/2014

Goal reached 17 months. 220lb Weight Loss
Plastic Surgery Dr. Joseph Michaels - LBL and Hernia Repair 2/29/16, Arm Lift, BL, 5/2/16, Leg Lift 7/25/16

#lifeisanadventure #fightthegoodfight #noregrets

Save

Grim_Traveller
on 9/28/15 8:44 pm

RNY on 08/21/12

You've done amazing work losing, and especially maintaining.

Everyone, EVERYONE should read your post, and take it to heart.

I'm really glad you and Daisy stuck around.

6'3" tall, male.

Highest weight was 475. RNY on 08/21/12. Current weight: 198.

M1 -24; M2 -21; M3 -19; M4 -21; M5 -13; M6 -21; M7 -10; M8 -16; M9 -10; M10 -8; M11 -6; M12 -5.

Daisydoo02
on 9/29/15 4:37 am - GTA, Ontario, Canada

RNY on 11/15/13

Congrats Jazzy! You look wonderful. I just love the pink and black dress. Thank you for letting everyone know that even at 5 yrs out it can be done and your loss maintained. I am super proud of you!

Keep up the great work, I wish you continued success!

Daisy (yes me and your pup share a fabulous name LOL LOL)

Daisy 5'5" HW: 290 SW: 254 CW: 120

Nov 15, 2013: RNY - Toronto Western Hospital, Nov 2, 2017: Gallbladder removal & hernia repair

Sept 7, 2023: three +1 hernia's repaired in bowel

10+ years post op, living & loving life!

karenp8
on 9/29/15 7:00 am - Brighton, IL

I love your Basset she looks like a sweetie! And you have done amazing at loosing and keeping it off. Thanks for sharing your journey with us! Congratulations!!