Posted this in the WLS Grad forum, but that part of the forum doesn't get much traffic.

I rarely post on here. Which is part of the problem. I am not a part of the bariatric community locally or online. My username is FitChickinOnederland. This is no longer true. My lowest weight was 157 (I thought I was a fat whale). Had a panniculectomy almost 2 years ago, finally had a flat stomach and STILL thought I was a land whale. Here I am on February 27, 2020 I sit at 217 pounds. I have gained a whopping 60 lbs. Feeling sick, I went to the immediate care center a few months ago, and test revealed that my sugar was elevated. I was probably 20 pounds lighter, so I can only imagine what it is now. Last night, my aunt noticed a dark spot on my neck, my mom noticed it too. A slight discoloration, just like when I was insulin resistant at 314 pounds. That was my breaking point. My rock bottom. I am not going back to Metformin, I am not going back to my blood pressure meds, bladder problems, joint issues. Not fitting in desk, restaurant booths, seat belts, shopping in plus size stores. I cannot. I will not. I refuse to go up another size.

I will be using the next 39 days of Lent to get back on track. Getting back to the bariatric basics. I just had my first meeting with my campus dietitian, and we're coming up with a game plan. I have been attending Over Eaters Anonymous meetings, and I just got a sponsor. I will also be looking into getting a personal trainer on campus, once my finances allow me to do so.

I am posting here as accountability. I need to immerse myself in the bariatric community. It's one thing to be a part of the weight loss community, but people who just lost weight, don't understand WLS struggles. I need WLS surgery buddies. If anyone wants to, please reach out to me. I have amazing friends, but they don't understand WLS. I need bariatric friends. Message me if you want to connect.

Hi buddy! I wish you so many blessings on your new journey. I didn't even think of trying sf gum. I can't believe we'll be there in a week!

We're surgery buddies! Except I'm getting RNY :) I check in at 9am for an 11am surgery. I feel you on the pre-op diet. Sugar free gum has helped with that need to chew. I've had horrible headaches and fatigue, but I'm just trying to chug along. We can do it!

Thank you, As do I for you....keep us posted on your journey. If you want you can send me a friend request

Congratulations Kami on your up coming surgery...I just had a revision from sleeve to bypass on 2/12 so I know that excitement feeling . I also get the struggle with the miss chew factor, So I did alot of ice and sugar free popsicles. I dont know if your plans allow it but it's truly a help.