:-(Scared and Tired of the Negative Comments

Good Morning Everyone; I was reading a post from before and felt I needed to ask - Is there anyone out there that is 3 or more years out from the VBG? I am 2 years on 11/4 - I have lost to date 172 pounds and have reached goal weight. As well all know the number of comments we have heard and probably will continue to hear that we will gain it back. It makes me crazy - I actually have nightmares of blowing up over night, gaining back the 172 I've lost. It is so frustrating. I just don't see how it is possible, my doctor tells me that I will eventually be able to eat more, 2 years later and I still can't eat anymore than I did before. Some days I can't eat at all, nothing seems to settle right, and then other days I can eat my normal few bites, it is a real rarety that I could eat say a whole egg for example. Funny I am scared that I will get too thin, and then I am scared I will gain it all back. Does anyone out there have these conflicting emotions? And does anyone else ever want to slap the heck out of these people that feel the need to rain on our parade?

I wish I had the criteria that you requested. I'm only 12 days out, but I can at least comment on people! They simply don't understand all that you have to endure to get where you are today. I know that it is easy to just say that you have to ignore it, but you already know that you have to do just that. For whatever reasons, there have always been (well-intended?) people who have sabotaged our efforts --I'm sure if you think about it, you know who they were/are for you. Unfortunately, there are those among us who just can't "get it" unless they have experienced things for themsleves. Compassion and empathy doesn't seem to come easily for all of us. So yes, I think I can say that all of us "have wanted to slap the heck" out of these people. You certainly aren't alone there! If it is any comfort to you at all, your story is inspiring! I hope to be among you in the years to come with the same fears once I am at goal weight! Right now it is almost too hard to imagine weighing what I should. But I CAN'T WAIT to get there! It's helpful to hear both the good and the bad about getting there, and I thank you for sharing! Best of everything, Julie

Hey A Pike, I am only 1 year out -- there are a couple of people on the board that are 3 years out -- maybe they will see this post and respond. At 1 year out I have not noticed a bid difference in the size of my pouch. I can eat a whole fried hard egg with a slice of cheese on it. I have not lost enough weight yet that I am fearful of getting to thin. I am still at the stage of being afraid I will not be able to lose enough weight. I still want to lose another 50 pounds. Then I am going to check into plastic surgery. It is my personal opinion that the people that like to rain on other people's parade are the type of people that do not like to see someone else succeed in anything or make a choice contrary to their own. My reaction to these types of people is to not buy into their negative chatter/state of mind. I choose to not rise to their bait or to place myself in a position that requires me to defend my choices. I feel confident that I chose the right surgery for me. Selecting a surgery type is a personal decision. Based on your fabulous results you have obviously selected the right surgery for you!!! Congratulations to you. Sharon -117#

Hi, I was 3 years out in July. Yes, I have gained back some. I got within 25 lbs of goal. Then I started cheating a little here and there with sugar. Candy is my down fall. I need to lose 50 lbs to be at goal, but at least I`m not back to square one. I had a nightmare while I was in the hospital, that I could`nt quit eating chocolates. At that time I was not a sweet eater, that was not how I gained my weight so I did`nt really pay that much attention. Now I wish I had heeded that warning. I can eat a little more of regular healthy food. We went to Outback recently and I was able to eat most of a 7 oz filet. It was very tender. I also was able to eat the salad. Meat has to be very tender or I don`t do well with it.If I stick to a normal healthy diet, I cannot overeat. It seems like I remember my surgeon telling us years 3-5 are the ones to watch for. I am noticing that I can eat somewhat normal. Thank goodness, not near the volume I used to, such as two huge helpings of spaghetti, several slices of pizza, etc. You know, I don`t even crave those foods anymore. If I just had`nt started with that darn candy. I know exactly how you feel about the people who say we will regain. One older lady I know used to tell me about a lady in her small town *****gained every bit of her weight back after wls. I thought I would scream! I am determined that is not going to happen to me. I hope I did`nt discouraged anyone. I`m still happy I had the surgery. Before surgery, I had to take blood pressure medication, my lower back hurt constantly, I wanted to sleep all the time. Sometimes its good to remind ourselves just how far we have come. God bless.