8 years out.

Hi all:

I am 8 years out.  All I can say is wow.  The surgery is no magic bullet.  In order for it to work long term, you truely have to ue it as a tool.  You need to change your lifestyle and your views on food.  I still struggle every day.  I do not do everything right.  Listen to your doctors and take your vitamins.  As a result of surgery, I now suffer from IDA, which require iron infusions every six months.  Otherwise things are good.  I still dump 8 years out.  Feel free to ask me any questions.

Starting weight 280
Lowest weight 143
Current weight 153-158.

At this point, its all about how the clothes fit.

Shawna

Congrats! You look amazing! I found out that taking vitamins is the hardest thing for me but I'm doing much better each and everyday. Thanks for your post Ms.R.

I take a chewable multivitamin or I drink a liquid vitamin.  Neither can keep my iron levels high enough. 

Re: surgery - would you do it again?

Yes, I would do surgery again.  I would be more educated though.  My sister had surgery and gained back all the weight.  Things people need to know are: you can gain the weight back and you cannot live the way you did presurgey.

But the benefits outweigh the changes 99% of the time.  It is only when you are at a party and have to limit food and drinks.  or you have a bad week and you are a stress eater.

Congrats to you for working this wls thing as the life mission it is. 

congrats on 8 years..

 You look wonderful!

So happy for you and so glad you posted.  I'm not on here often anymore and I dropped in today and did not see anyone from my time.  Keep working your tool!
Denise