3 years down, life to go

tomorrow is my 3 year anniversary of having RNY. My highest weight was 337, lowest 193; and I've been maintaining at 210. I'd prefer to be 5 to 10# lighter, but have not consistently put in the effort to make it happen. So take-away #1... you will never 'win' this battle. You haven't cured yourself with surgery- weight will come back and be it 5# or 50#'s. This still requires work, and constant effort every day. And know that all because I'm not back in my comfort zone, doesn't mean I'm not working on it- it's still a fight every day to not gain more.

Am I happy, absolutely. I'm in my goal size, and love how my body looks.(take-away #2) That is a dangerous happiness cause it leads to complacency sometimes.

I exercise 4x a week: running 2x, gym 2x. I exercise for my health. To ward off heart disease, diabetes, etc. I don't do it to lose weight- but do hope it helps to maintain. My routine is sustainable and enjoyable for me. (Take away #3 love what you do to move the new you)

My calories goal is 950/day. If I stuck to it I'd lose the 5-10#'s I want to lose. But I trend up towards 1100 to 1200 and that's not my sweet spot for losing. I've always been less conservative for carbs, but I seek to keep them less than my protein, which I average 80-90g/day. >100g or carbs is a very bad day in my world. I track my food in MFP, 890 consecutive days. I don't weigh/measure as often, because I'm mostly a creature of habit with my meals. But my food scale isn't dusty, it's still used a few times a week. I do not drink sugary beverages at all- or eat any fried foods. I take my vitamins- iron, b12, calcium and multi's. I do not drink alcohol. I get in 64-80oz of water a day.

My sister sent me the pic on the left a few days ago, it's from 20 years ago when I was about 20ish. The pic on the right is from the winter, just after a run. The person on the left was masking a lot, the person on the right is at peace with all she was masking 20 years ago. (Take-away #4 get your head straight, therapy is invaluable!)

First, Go Eagles!!! If they can win the SuperBowl, then I/we can win (or at least tie) this battle with eating.

Totally agree with "not a cure" - even though during the first 1-2 years, it seems it might be. I'm at 3 1/2 post RNY, so I am discovering all the post-WLS realities that you mention and coming to peace with them - that I will still always watch what I eat, that it is easier, but not easy to maintain a reasonable weight. That my 18 mo post-WLS hipbones that could cut glass may not be a long term reality for me. (165 was the lowest I was in high school, so 145 may not be achievable while balancing work, etc.)

Some TV weight doc (not Dr Now) said, "WLS is a reset, not a cure."

Hope your 3 years of success turns in 30 years of success.

I have followed you since I joined OH. I have always appreciated your honesty and knowledge. You have so much to be proud of. You are beautiful on the left, but now you are peaceful and healthy. Congratulations on your three year Surgiversary Peachpie!!!

Thanks!

Congratulations Peachpie!

I'm a New York native -- but I'm not a sports fan at all really. I've never had a kidney stone- so I'm gonna assume that it's not an issue for me

Love your topic you posted so much life live is so tried. I refuse to have a bucket list since I am not ready to die.

You and your physical fitness is amazing. You have done a great job.

You look great too.

You already know it but I just love you Peach. You are one of the ones I try to emulate. It's not about the weight to me (maybe it should be, haha) it's about health and strength. You can see both of those in every picture you post.

Because of your example, I joined a gym this week. Even though there isn't much I can do physically I know that I can work to strengthen my core.

Congratulations on three years!