New to this OH

Hi guys!  I have been lurking for a bit and decided it was time to introduce myself.  My name is James and I had my stomach stapled 11 years ago.  At first, I lost a great deal of weight, but I never learned why I ate the way I did.  I gained all of the weight back with interest.  I even started smoking again.  The only difference was I couldn't eat as much at one time. This past summer my wife and I finally bought a RV.  I have wanted forever.  The problem was I could barely enjoy it.  My knees constantly hurt.  I couldn't use the toilet as I just didn't fit.  I couldn't even tie my own shoes.  I kept thinking I should really do something.  I even talked to my doctor about having surgery again.  What I decided to do was examine why I was hiding behind food.  Taking a real look at myself.  Something I have never done.  I started keeping a food journal and I started making small changes.  This was on December 7th.  The day after Christmas, I finally decided to weigh myself.  I was at 488.  Now I am pretty sure that I lost some weight in that first couple of weeks, but will never truly know. Today I am at 94 pounds lost.  I can tie my own shoes.  My knees rarely ache let alone the pain I had before.  All of this in just a little over three months.  I felt like such a failure for so long.  Now, I feel free.  I am dealing with all the reasons I used food.   Do I still have bad days?  Oh yeah, but I deal with them differently.   I deal with food differently.  I can't ever go back to that sad, depressed, angry guy I was. I want, and need to be a part of this group.  I have read through a few of your profiles and wow, you guys give me hope and inspiration!

Camprman 0

Hey bro - Welcome back to the loosser's side! Man it is do great to hear a story like urs. I goes to show that this WLS works, regardles of which one you have. You have to learn how to work it!!! Once you learn to work it - you will see the lb's fall off (as you have seen already).

Now - maintain, improve and deal with the issues. Dont do this monthly or weekly, BUT DAILY......

Keep up the great work and keep us informed..

Welcome to the locker room, James and thank you for posting your very, very thoughful WLS experience. Quite frankly, you are exactly what I've been looking for on this board as a 2 year WLS old timer who struggles daily with maintenance.  I am saddened by your weight gain post-WLS but am inspired by your nearly 100 pound loss since December. That's awesome, man!! Please keep us informed as to your continued success in regaining your life. By the way, I grew up in Clarinda, Iowa but don't know where Letts is. Go Hawksters!! Boner

Hi James and a warm welcome. Yours is a great story for us. I'm not yet two years out and have been surprised to discover how much more complicated my "relationship" with eating is than I thought it was pre-op. I used to think that I just liked to eat, but there's more to it than that as you no doubt know. I am glad you've come aboard and wish you well. And congrats on the 94lb loss! That's quite a feat. Enjoy the RV!

Welcome aboard James! Glad you are back on the losing side and getting healthier again!

Welcome to the locker room James.  Thanks for sharing your story.  There are others with the same experience as yours who have not taken the time to evaluate why they are hiding behind food and just stay stuck with the weight they have regained.  Yours is a story of inspiration and encouragement.  Congrats on the 94 pounds lost.  Look forward to hearing of other success as we journey together. Bill

Welcome James and thanks for posting.  As you have noticed the guys here are great and will be supportive when needed or kick your ass when needed so no matter what just keep posting and you will hear what you need to hear and be at your goal before you know it.

Hey James, greetings from Southeast Florida and welcome.  This is a great place to come for advice and to make good friends.  I hope you continue on your path.  Trust me, I understand food addiction, we all can relate.  Feel free to ask any questions to myself or the others here.  A great group of guys.  Be well. John

James, welcome to the Locker Room and thanks for a great post.  I am only 6 months out but one of my greatest fears is to regain my weight that I have lost.  I am still learning to deal with my issues with food.  And figure I will have to struggle with them the rest of my life.  Right now I am trying to learn to eat properly and healthy and the guys here in the Locker Room are great help.  They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.  Congratulations for taking the lead and start getting your life back on the healthy track and for the 94 lbs you have lost.  That is just fantastic!!!!  It takes a lot of courage to admit you have a problem and then do something about it.  I will pray for you and the journey you have embarked upon.

Welcome! Yeah, those reality checks suck don't they?   Congrats on getting your head back on straight!

 

Dale