18 Months Post RNY: Update

It's hard to believe it's been a year and a half since my bypass. I seem to be settling into my new lifestyle.
I can eat more than the early days of surgery, but get full fast.. so I still try to eat protein first.  And I do pretty well at not drinking liquids too close to my meals. It kind of becomes a habit out of necessity. 

I had to learn the hard way that my new digestive system still doesn't like sugary foods. I ate some icing  from a cake the other day.... I became very tired, sluggish, my stomach was upset. It was not a pleasant experience.  I am actually at a point that experimenting with high carb foods like that is pointless.

But I now prefer a salad with avocado, light dressing, chicken (which I still must eat slowly or risk getting it "stuck" in my chest) 

I eat out at restaurants.. but order smaller portions.. It's been a slow process.. but slowly I am learning NOT to resent the fact that I can no longer go to an "all you can eat" buffet.  If a portion is too large.. I take it home to eat sometime later.

I actually like to exercise. I never thought that would happen.

Even during the winter months, I ride a stationary bike in the gym or a real bike for at least 45 minutes three or four times a week.
I do upper body and other work during circuit training three times a week in the gym.  I am making slow, but sure progress. Maybe I'm even learning a little patience... which has never been one of my virtues.

My shoulder and arms are bigger, but my waist is still the same 32 inches. The scale read 232 on Monday.  Doc still says I need to be under 200.. so that.. and losing some inches on the waist is a goal I look forward to reaching this spring and summer. (A good excuse to ride my bicycle more!-- as if I need an excuse)

Making the decision to lose weight and supplement that loss with WLS is the best thing I have done for myself since getting married to my beautiful wife.

Great work sir!!

Your change in lifestyle will set you up to conquer any future goals.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Chad

Good Job, Herc!

Great post.  I was having fears about what life would be like 18 months out and beyond.  I am only in my 6th week out but really don't enjoy eating any more and before surgery that was pretty much my life.  It is crazy.  I am learning a new way of life and reading your post helped me to feel like there is an end to the madness.  I like that you actually like to exercise.  I went on the eliptical at my gym for the first time and lasted 8 mins.  But you know, you've got to start somewhere.  It felt good although my legs were like rubber! 

Again, congratulations on your successes and keep up the good work.

 Herc, you are truly an inspiration to the rest of us.  Great to hear how your life has changed.  Also great to hear that 18 months later, you're still right on track.  Keep on bikin'!