Who is the Longest Post Op??

Whoever you are, how long are you post op? What are you eating now, how much do you eat? Have you gained back anything? Is it harder to keep it off if you are over 18months post op? Do you exercise? Just give us the scoop?? :) Thanks!!! Just trying to plan ahead....:lol: :jump: Deborah :angel:

Pretty sure I'm not the longest post-op on the board, but will be 3 years in September. I can eat anything I want in pretty much normal portion sizes. Probably not what you were wanting to hear, but that's been the case for a long time now. Certain things like pasta and rice I can tolerate less of. As for gaining, still working on losing, but I'll fluctuate up and down like everyone else. I weigh every day though so that I always know exactly where I'm at. I know people debate this, but for me it works. And I was doing martial arts quite regularly after 4 mos post WLS. I did this for over a year until I started my plastics in February of last year. Since then, I've had to give any major exercise a break. So for me, my regular life is 'normal'. You would never know I had GB now unless I told you. This is quite different than when I was newly post-op and people would constantly comment on how little I could eat!!!

I know I'm not the longest post-op, but one of the longest in LCBB ( just call me Grandma). I have had the pleasure and enrichment of watching most of our members pass through the stages of this process and emerge as beautiful butterflies on the other side (apologies to our male members). I had no support group when I had my surgery, so I greatly appreciate my dear friends in this group. I had my surgery at MUSC on 11/29/2004 which puts me at about 15 months out. I started at 278 and weighed 161 this morning. I'd like to lose some more around my stomach, maybe 10 or 15 lbs. I have never gained at any point. I've experienced the normal short plateaus along the way, but had one very long plateau, of 5 months. I attribute it to health issues unrelates to gastric surgery, so it really throws my information askew. I'm happy to report, though, that my weight loss resumed and I have lost 11 pounds in the last month. Dr Morgan's goal for me was 198. I didn't really have a number goal. I had really given up hope, since we're told that we can expect to lose the majority of our excess weight in the first year. I had assumed that my window had closed. So, there is hope - don't give up if you slow down. Just stick to the program! It hasn't become harder for me to stick with this. In fact, it's easier. It has become my way of life. I really don't think about having had this surgery anymore. At first it becomes the focus of your life because everything is changing. But when you settle into the groove of living your new lifestyle, it becomes what is normal to you and you don't have to think about it. The excitement dies down and you go about living your life. I know I will always stay with it because it works for me and I am content with what I eat and the way I eat. I eat low carb and high protein, especially because I'm still diabetic. Unfortunately, my diabetes is so stubborn that it improved, but did not go into remission. I do protein shakes every day because I like them, they suit my pouch, and I put lots of ice in them, so they help me get my fluids in. I get over 120 oz. a day - mostly water. I'm strict about my vitamins and supplements. I have at least one protein bar a day, because I'm on the run. I carrry one in my purse. I do about 80 to 100 grams of protein a day. I eat salads every day for dinner, vegetables, what I call "clean and healthy" food - usually meat is broiled or baked. I don't do bread, pasta, or potatoes. No sugar at all. I have fruit sometimes and a bite of this or that. I drink tons of de-caf coffee with fat-free Half and Half ( maybe not so good for me, but that's my vice). Couldn't live without Splenda and sugar-free stuff. I usually don't care about eating and do it because I need to (can't believe I just said that), but sometimes I get really, really hungry. That worries me every time it happens. But, I have found that it all evens out in the long run. I just try to make really good choices each time I eat and each time is a fresh start. If I make a bad choice I will do better the next time. What I think is "bad" makes everybody else I recently started back to the health club and that helped rev up my weight loss. I try to go every day with my son, but we make it about 5 times a week or we walk somewhere else. I do the treadmill or bike only because of a shoulder injury, but will hopefully eventually get back to weights. I love to exercise! It feels SO good and will definitely help you keep on track. Part of the key to long-term success is to continue to do what is good for YOU every day. It's easy to miss a few days and get out of the habit. That's why a buddy or support group is so important. I have LOTS of saggy skin and can't see plastics in my financial future. Losing a lot of weight is best done when you're younger and more elastic. I'm 50. But, I'd rather have saggy skin than 3 chins. I am so happy that I had this surgery. It is the best thing I could have ever done. My physician actually stood up and applauded me! That was mybest WOW moment of all.

After re-counting, I realized I'm 17 months out.

I was 3 years out last March . I am the one your Dr warns you about ! Not to scare you but to warn you and let you prepare yourself .. I started at 248 ..in one year lost down to 148 . 3 years and 2 months later I have gained 40 lbs ..yep 188 !! How did I do it ? I got ****y ..stopped excersizing everyday .. started drinking with my meals .. started eating sweets again ... thinking I wont gain cause I still can only eay half of what I ate before .. I grazeeeeee .. I still think about FOOD 24/7 .. I cant eat as much at a time but I can still nibble on chips and chocolate . I DIDNT CHANGE MT LIFESTYLE . and that folks is the bottom line ..IF you dont use those forst 18 months to change how you eat and how you think about food and excersize ... DONT LET ANYONE FOOL YOU !! You can and you will gain every lb back . I am now trying hard to lose the 40 I so carelessly let my self gain .. I am back to protein first ..back on my treadmill and I am trying to stay away from the sugar and white carbs . I dont want to burst anyones bubble .That first year is heaven and you really cant do to much to screw it up .. YOURE GOING TO LOSE BUT BUT BUT .. IF youre not using that precious time to lay the foundation for long term change ... well lets just say dont throw out your fat clothes . I was a size 20 went to a size 8 and now Im in a 14 If you have any questions please email me at [email protected] I dont want anyone to make the same mistakes I did .. hugs to you all , Ruthie

WHAT FANTASTIC ADVICE, MS RUTHIE. I HAVE NO DOUBT YOU WILL NOT ONLY DROP THOSE 40 #s, BUT NEVER REGAIN THEM AGAIN. &, WHAT AN INSPIRATION TO THE REST OF US, BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T GIVE UP WHEN YOU MADE THOSE MISTAKES ... RIGHT BACK TO MAKING THE RIGHT/WISE DECISIONS AGAIN. THAT TAKES CHARACTER, MS RUTHIE, & WE'RE SO VERY PROUD OF YOU. PLEASE KEEP US UPDATED ON YOUR PROGRESS!! GOD BLESS YOU DAWN & NICK

lady D , I sent you a personal reply ...but also wanted to say here for the world to see .. YOUR reply warmed my heart and gave me determination to take it back off . I dont want any of you to have to lose it for the secong time . Its hard enough the first time right ? SO drink tha****er rather you like it or not ..and do some form of excersise everyday ..because you are FORMING NEW healthy habits . Those NEW habits will determine rather you lose the weight for a few years .. OR a lifetime .. I cant stress that enough ! Eat to live .. eat your protein first then fill in with low glycemic veggies and fruits .. learn to live with out the white stuff ( sugar and flour, white bread ) and you will maintain your weight loss . YOU ARE NOT an exception ... neiter was I .. Go back to the lifestyle that made you fat in the first place ..and WALAAA you will get fat again . and Lady D .. I am not saying this to you personally ..but to anyone whos reading this . Friends .. there is no magic solution and Gastric Bypass is no free ticket out of obesity .. its a head start ...thats all A HEAD START ! Its a tool to get you moving in the right direction .. the rest is HARD work and that dreaded word WILL POWER . If you think youre on easy street ...you will be sadly dissapointed . Helping yall NOT to make the same mistakes I made actually helps me .. because I need to listen to my own advice .. Please email me ..any of you who need a boost of will power .. or some advice ... At least if I can help you ..my mistakes were not all in vain and we learn together ...and after all isnt that what this message board is all about ? If you need me email me and I will even give you my # or call you ... For your information my Drs were Givens and Strickland in Lexington SC .. I reside in Chapin South Carolina ( lake Murray ) Hugs , to all of you , Ruthie

I wouldn't have minded at all if you had been talking directly to me, Ms Ruthie. I can get lazy just like anyone & make excuses for not doing the right things! We're all changing decades, if not an entire lifetime of bad eating & non-exercise habits & sometimes, that "devil" on one shoulder drowns out that "angel" on the other shoulder. So, I am definitely listening to you!!!!!!!!!! I'm doing well with the exercise now that we just adopted a very active dog from the SPCA. Walk, walk, walk. I'm also doing some exercise videos but am a total spazzzzzzzzzz-bo at that so I'm looking at the slower routines for now. I'm not doing great with my fluids, but just found "peach tea" Crystal Light & love it, so I expect to be drinking more now. I'm still at about 700-800 calories a day & most of that is in protein or Power Crunch Protein Bars, which I love the chocolate flavor. I have noooooooo desire for sweets & on the rare occassion that I do, I love SF popcicles the best & will on the rarest occassion have one piece of SF Russel Stovers candy or a SF Peacan Sandy cookie (oh my gosh, are they yummy), but I'm soooooooooo surprised that I really don't have any desire for the "real deal" when it comes to sweets, especially considering that I could eat an entire bag of Double Stuff Oreos myself in no time pre-surgery. My weakness is cruncy snacks so I'm having to really cut out things that I cannot control ... Like baked potato chips don't even make it to my grocery buggy. I'm ok with Quaker Soy Crisps if I put Ms Cheryl's chicken salad on them, then I stay with just 3 of them, but if I put my hand in the bag, forget it ... So, I haven't bought any more of them until I think I can make better decisions. I still dump on "white carbs" so that is miserable & keeping me away from most of them. After your story, I'll be even more aware of what I'm putting in my mouth, so keep on posting, Ms Ruthie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS BOARD HELPS A LOT AS DOES GOING TO OUR LCBBuddies MEETINGS & THEN, MS CHERYL & I KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON EACH OTHER, WHICH R-E-A-L-L-Y MAKES US ACCOUNTABLE! IT'S HARD TO FIB TO YOUR FRIEND!

Great Information! I hate that my appetite is gone one day, and full strength the next. I have found myself craving sweets again, even though I used to get sick to think about them...seems the 6 month honeymoon period is over. If I get hungry now, I try to drink first and then "starve" myself. Its hard when you are in a house full of men who snack all the time...I found myself snacking and grazing on the trip back and forth to Oklahoma, but only on nuts and healthy stuff, but I still like chips...so I don't eat them. I am doing Denise Austin once per day, and hopefully I can do 2 times per day soon. I like her and I feel like I am finally doing something. I do lots of crunches and leg exercises everyday and I just ordered a Body By Jake's THIGH and BUTT exercise machine...the ones I did in the gym. I am shocked there is not a good gym around here. That is a hard thing since I really wanted to join Bally's Fitness, but unfortunately there is not ONE in all of South Carolina!!!! If we get together and open a Bally's Fitness, I bet you money we would make $$$ Well, I am stuck at 180 and 179 and 181 depending if I am constipated, pooped that day, or drank a lot or not. I have found when I bounce between 2 pounds I know its water weight. I am trying to up my water so I can lose faster. I hope I can get this appetite under control again by wearing my hormone patch and also by taking my wellbutrin. Wellbutrin really seems to help me. Thanks for the great great info and I hope it will help others too....it was a real "wake up call" and a kick in the booty!! Deborah