I had a bunch of my stomach and small intestine hacked out of my body six years ago today to do what I couldn't do alone... lose weight and become (relatively) healthy. What I have learned:

1. It's a tool, not a cure
2. IBS and lactose intolerance sux. But it is what it is.
3. I miss ice cream. Banana splits especially. Anything with chocolate really.
4. Dry chicken and dry ground beef make Pouchy unhappy STILL
5. Anemia sucks, and so do nocturnal leg/foot craps so take your f*cking vitamins!
6. Dr. Atkins had the right idea. Any doctor who tells you it's OK to eat potatoes and oatmeal right after surgery is an idiot. I have stayed at the weight I am due to low carb and high fat... .
7. Booze and wine are OK, but ONLY if in moderation. A problem is a problem.
8. Ditto caffeine/coffee/sugar-free pop or soda. I live for my daily Diet Mountain Dew and occasional Rockstar Recovery (no fizz).
9. Don't ignore abdominal pain and assume it's just an RNY thing. I ignored it two years ago, and then almost died from a ruptured appendix.
10. Chasing my 3 year old grandson around and biking/sex/fun with my husband trumps all of the above issues
11. I would do it all again in a minute.

Six year ago:

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Now (around 163 in this pic):

Audrey

Thanks for sharing. I'm just at the beginning of my WLS journey and appreciate the candor.

Thank you for being here. Congrats on your success.

Congratulations, Audrey, I always enjoy when you share your voice of reason.

Hi Audrey,

Our stats are identical. My highest 340 and lowest 165 over the last 15 years. I am working my way back to that 165 now and getting closer everyday. You look great!!

Woohoo; 6 years and going strong! Thank you for the inspiration.

Amazing! Quite an accomplishment!

Fantastic job Audrey.

You look GREAT! Thank you for sharing and paying it forward.

Can I ask how tall you are? You dont look 163..you look a lot thinner. You have that thin athletic look to you (versus emaciated/not fit thin look).