Decisions, decisions...

Something I love about you Gary, is your introspection.  Frankly, I think that quality is highly underrated when it comes to being successful long-term -- because people are so concentrated on the physical changes and the rapid success of the actual surgery that they forget that a lot of what brought us to obesity came from within.  Eventually, the magical honeymoon period ends, and one is left with the work and changes they've put in.  Sadly, for some people the end of the magic is the beginning of a round (pun intended) trip journey. 

 You've shown a tremendous willingness to look within, contemplate, and most importantly learn from others who've been down this road before you.  It never made sense to me to forge a new path when scouts had already successfully navigated the landscape and even offered directions.  In my opinion --- and perhaps a not so humble one, that is a sign of intelligence.  You're obviously a smart guy.  

One thing I will warn you about, which I never believed is that hunger will likely return.  I know this isn't true for everyone -- and hopefully, you will be one of those people.  However, I had lulled myself into a false sense of security as I made it to nearly 19 months without hunger really hitting.  I will say it is nothing like it was before surgery.  However, it has returned and it does make things a bit more of a struggle now than it was before.  

You're too nice Kat. I find it quite amazing that people with great knowledge about all things WLS, are so willing to come here and offer invaluable advice to so many people. When I see that you've answered someone on something. I'll always read and consider it as a way of honoring the commitment made by certain mentors here.

It is easier because mentors like you Kat. The time you spend advising others is time I save searching for guidance. It helps my family have more 'Daddy time'. It makes this journey, not so frustrating. I would rather come here and get expert advice than make an appointment to ask my pcp as many questions as I can in the allowed 15 minutes per visit.

I've seen you give advice that changes the course of someones journey. That's powerful stuff Kat.

Hopefully you'll stick around & become a vet yourself & help all the other newbies coming up. Your ability to be so introspective (like Kat said), really is invaluable & hopefully you'll be able to pass on that ability to others so they can look inwards to themselves rather than outwards. (i.e my meds made me fat, my spouse made me fat, everything under the sun, except me, made me fat, etc,etc).

You've also been a huge help for me T. You carry a world view of things that helps me stay grounded. I'm lucky to count you as a friend and mentor. Hold down the 'East Side' for me.

that's awesome Gary,,I am 1 point away from being a diabetic and so sick with high b/p I am waiting   for all the paper wk to get finished and hoping to have my rny in Feb,,,I am. Trying to make friends that understands what's going on ? thanks for you testimony

You're welcome.