X-post: Lessons learned: Two Years Post-op

My two-year surgiversary was May 24th so this is a few days late.  The last two years have brought an incredible amount of change to my life; in other, and more significant ways, nothing has changed.   

Tracy's Life Lessons via VSG: 

1.  Keep adding obesity-fighting tools until you've got everything you need. I'm a walking encyclopedia on nutrition; I have an unofficial PhD in exercise physiology; I can quote chapter and verse out of Overeaters Anonymous 12x12; I have smart doctors helping me; I'm a trained therapist for god's sake(!) and have years of therapy under my belt.  None of it ever kept me thin. Most of it didn't even get me close to being thin.    

Adding VSG gave me a very powerful tool that made all the other ones much more effective. If you are struggling, add some tools to your toolbelt! 

2.  I am a compulsive eater with a food addiction.  Born this way, never to be cured.  Each day I don't stuff my face with sugar or flour is a gift.  I am only given this gift by being in "fit, spiritual condition".  Figure out what that means for you and get there.   

3.  Sugar, flour and diet soda are the devil's playground.  I dabble with the unholy trinity to my detriment much too often. 

4.  Months 1-18 are the honeymoon period.  Months 18-24 are where it gets real, really fast.  I've had 7-10 lbs. of regain in the last 6 months and it ain't from muscle, folks.  And it's no secret why...

5.  ..it really is all about the carbs.  I'm a firm believer that my body is fundamentally broken and does not process high-glycemic carbs like a normal person. Never has. I'm working out harder than ever and not eating a lot more.  But I started eating differently and - boom! - regain.  I know what to do but it's humbling to realize how easily it can happen. 

6.  I will be fighting the battle against obesity until my last breath....and that's OK.  After working in social services and healthcare for most of my life, I can say with certainty that "I gots no problems"!  I'll keep the hand I was dealt in this life, thank you very much, and be grateful for it.   

7.  I am married to the most supportive, unselfish, loving man on the planet.  And for some crazy reason he loves me unconditionally.  Believe me, I'm no picnic!  The man will go straight to heaven when he takes his last breath 

If nothing else, the last two years have been a master class in discovering myself - the good, bad and ugly.  Figuring out who I am, what motivates and inspires me as well as what sucks the life and energy out of me.  It's been quite a ride and I'm excited to see where I'm headed next on the journey.  Thanks to all of you for coming along for the ride! 

#7 is the best one in my opinion.  Congratulations on it all.

Thank you so much for this.  Congratulations on your success, and thank you for your positive honesty!

Everyone should pay close attention to Tracy. You couldn't ask for a better role model.

Dude, this role model has feet of clay :-(

Sorry. You're it, whether you like it or not.

Excellent post!  Yes, even with surgery, weight control is a lifelong battle and as soon as you start flaunting the "rules" it will bite you in the ass (and thighs and hips...).

Soldier on! 

You're so right, Lora!  The second I start thinking I'm a "special snowflake" who can sneak some candy or eat some bread and "get away" with it (especially if the scale has rewarded my bad behavior in the past), I'm in for a very rude awakening.  

The crash landing is harsh, so harsh 

So much truth. Thank you for this, Tracy.