Woot!!!

6½ years post RNY surgery, 5 years holding steady with every intention of continuing below goal! Woot!!!

My health, which was truly tanking before surgery, is now excellent. I very much like being small and being told I'm tiny, but I like feeling well and strong and self confident so much more.

What has been and is working for me: 2½ miles speed walking every single day no excuses no reasons why not, I thank my mind for sharing and sometimes screaming, and walk out the door. If there is a blizzard or downpour I do the dreadmill. The only only reason I don't go is if I truly absolutely don't have time- I think I miss 5 days a year at most. My walk centers my day and my imperfect self.

I eat healthy, protein first, but at this point whatever I want, within limits of course. I eat on a regular schedule, no more grazing. I walk by the bakery section and tell it to screw off (I literally give it the finger), it no longer has the power, and for the most part I win, and when I don't I get back on track immediately, though l do treat myself, especially at restaurants. I stopped protein shakes two years out. I weigh daily and I keep myself within 3½ pounds- I hate the losing part so extremely much I can only handle it for a day or two.

I get regular medical follow up and I go by my blood work, which I get done every six months, to see if I'm doing OK with vitamins and nutrition. I don't do the vitamins I did religiously for the first three years anymore, but I do minimally take my multivitamin and my iron. I do keep an eagle eye on blood levels and adjust accordingly..

i remember how scared I was when I hit maintenance. OMG. OMG. OMG!!! Holy whatever.

The other OMG was finding ASAP after surgery a wonderful lifegiving therapist and support and coaching.

My doctors hug me when they walk into the exam room. I hug them back because I'm so pleased they're so pleased that I'm doing what works for me.

May the good lord willing and the creek don't rise I shall continue on my speed walking and otherwise workable behavioral path.

Perfect? Yeah, right.

But given where I started before surgery, who woulda thunk?

PS Popcorn is a good thing.

LOL on giving the bakery the finger. I will start that immediately.

Thank you for sharing. I needed to hear this today. I need to give the bakery the finger, too! I haven't been indulging, but I do dream of one day being able to have a bagel.

Congratulations!

I will think of you every time I pass the bakery section! Thanks for sharing all of it!

-Jan