My thoughts on being 7 years out
I gained about 7 pounds with each of my knee replacement surgeries (5 years after my RNY). I was able to lose about 4 of the 7 pounds after the first one (the replacement was in March, and I did a lot of walking outside as part of my rehab), but then during that summer had a horrendous work schedule (70+ hours some weeks) and was often just grabbing whatever food was handy to keep my blood sugar stable, so gained a few pounds with that, and then when I had the second knee replacement that November, I gained about seven more. Since it was winter while I was recovering that time, I didn't walk as much afterwords so it has been more difficult to lose the weight.
Because it takes so long to recover from a knee replacement, and it also makes a tremendous difference in how painful the surgery is when you have less weight that that it has to support, I would definitely recommend that you lose all the weight that you can first.
I had just laparoscopic knee surgery at about 300 pounds and that hurt almmost as much as, and hurt for longer than, the knee replacement at only half that weight.
Lora
14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained
You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
Laura,
Congradulations on your 7 years. I couldn't agree with you more. I had surgery 9 months ago and I can honestly say this is the hardest work I have ever done. I keep hoping I can maintain so it is nice to know that you have in 7 years. Thanks always for your posts. You have always helped me.
Robin in Ca.
Great post, thanks for posting here - I didn't see it on the RNY board. Congrats on 7 years! I definitely love to see the posts like this from the vets. I appreciate having this kind of advice and I know I'm going to strive to follow it! My goal is to lose 200 pounds so people like you are the ones I look to :)
Melinda
HW: 377 SW: 362 CW:131
TOTAL LOSS: 249 pounds
LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!! You have been one of the biggest inspirations that I have looked up to from this site and this list is spot on. It is not easy even with our surgeries to keep the weight off but you have done a spectacular job. Keep up the amazing work and you look GREAT!! :)
KittyKarin :-) Starting weight: 362 / Surgery weight: 353 / Current weight: 190 (03/27/2017)
You are amazing!!! I have come here for support as it seems friends and family just aren't interested in my struggles of beginning this journey. I do feel alone most of the time with all of my thoughts. Was talking to DH the other day..kind of rambling about what happened at a seminar..I stopped and said am I bugging you with all this talk??? He said..nah, uou know me..I never listen. Grrr.
This past week was my 7 year anniversary of my RNY (some of you may have seen my post on the RNY board). I have lost and kept off 200 pounds. It can be done, but it is hard work. Every day I fight for my health. I know if I do not, I will not only be in a bad place physically but even more so mentally. Here are some of my thoughts:
1. Surgery is not "magic". Do not ever fall into the trap of thinking the surgery will do all the work. IT WON'T. You have to work hard when you are losing and even harder to maintain.
2. Being thin does not solve all of your problems, but it does make it easier to deal with the stress of every day life when you do not have your weight in the way.
3. Stop making excuses. Do not fall into the "victim" mentality. This never helps. Take responsibility for your actions.
4. Forgive yourself if you mess up and get back on track immediately.
5. Learn to love yourself. I truly believe this has been my most important step in this process. I love myself enough to make the right choices for my health. I treat myself kindly because I deserve to be treated well (this also goes for my relationships with people- I do not put up with bull**** anymore).
6. Have a support network. Find a good support group. Stick around here. Support is important.
I could go on and on, but will stop now. Here are the obligatory before/now pics. Pretty good for an old broad 
Hey laura! I, too, am in Texas and would like to maybe ask you a couple of questions about your plastics if you wouldn't mind. TIA. MAC
