Any post-op "old-timers"???

I think this forum is great...but I noticed that most people posting are 2 yrs or less post-op. Since I'm only 2 weeks post-op, it does help me to learn from their experiences, but I'm also curious as to long-term issues... Are there any "old-timers" out there?? If so, any words of advice? Or willing to share good/bad experiences from over the years post-op? Thanks ~Kim

Hi Kim, My thoughts on the "old-timers" is that they are probably out there. Tammy (for sure) and Jana (I think) are 3 years out now and they frequent the board. In the past the board was not as active. I have been going through profiles of people that had VBG surgery further in the past and am emailing them to come join us on the board. It is my thoughts that if we reach out for them they might just reach back as to us. Sharon

Hi Kim, At over 3 years out from surgery, I consider myself kind of an old timer. I think it is VERY important to hold on to a support system like the one here in order to be successful long term. The most important long term issue is this- Do not EVER go back to your old habits surrounding food and eating. NOT EVEN FOR ONE DAY OR ONE MEAL!!! That is VERY VERY IMPORTANT! I think many WLS patients make that mistake (including me), and then the tool of WLS is wasted. I am now getting back to getting and giving support to keep my thoughts on what is important- utilizing my tool and not wasting it. I think some patients also forget about the WLS community after surgery because they are busy doing things thin people do that they never were able to do before. Good luck! Tammers

I was 3 years post-op in July. I agree with Tammy. Don`t go back to old habits. And take full advantage of the first year. Work really hard at it because it will never be this easy again. Our bodies sort of adapt per se and you will be able to eat more later. Not near what you can pre-op, but I find I can eat somewhat more normal now. I used to have so much trouble with any kind of meat, I can do pretty good now if I chew well. Tammy, did you know Dr. Hall moved to Dallas. I got an invitation to a new support meeting call New Beginnings. I have`nt been going to the support meetings, but I may have to check this one out. Hope everyone is doing well.

Hi Janna! Great to 'see' you my Angel! Yes, I had heard that Dr. Hall moved to Dallas. I've also heard he is doing more RNY now. That is good. I still wonder sometimes if I should have pressed having the RNY, but ultimately, I believe success is up to each of us, and not dependant on the type of surgery we have. My body has definitely adapted, because I went back to old eating habits, including drinking with meals. (BIG mistake). Now I can eat as much of whatever I want. I still remember how unhealthy I was though, so I'm working hard not to regain. I try to remember what Sharon says- 'eat for fuel'. In fact, I'm eating an apple right now. My fuel for the long walk up a steep hill during my lunch break. We don't really have support groups here in Oregon, they are just for local surgeons patients. But some of us from the local message board at this website get together and make our own support group (drinking and dancing until 2 am on a Friday night counts, right? lol.) If you check out the new support group, let me know how it goes! Tammy