One Year Ago TODAY!!

One year ago today, I had my WLS ( RNY) I feel very blessed. I have had no complications and a very uneventful year dealing with the new me - ( I mean that I feel I have had no problems or issues) I have lost 108 lbs to date ( 276/168) and would like to get to @ 150 and see how I feel. I have gone from a size 26/28 top - 22/24 bottom to my new outfit I am wearing today - size 10 top and size 8 slacks *Mostly I am wearing size 12's and Medium tops* I am able to walk 1.25 miles twice/wk on the treadmill in @ 20 - 25 mins. ***But I need to up my exercise !!! *** My knees no longer ache or hurt going up and down stairs. I have more energy and feel more confident. Both my wonderful Husband Phil, who had surgery 6months before me and I are doing great and enjoying our new life together! My daily intake (food/water) is: 16 oz water as soon as I wake up 8oz skim milk - to take vitamins ( Bcomplex/GNC women's multi/calcium citrate/ B12) = 8 proteins Breakfast: 8oz skim milk mixed with hot protein cereal ( Quaker weight control Oatmeal, or Kashi) 8 + 8 = 16 proteins Lunch: (usually) Salad -lettuce/tomato/onion/roasted peppers etc.. 4oz cheese & meat(usually turkey) = 28 proteins Afternoon Protein drink: usually Nectar Lemon Tea made with Crystal Light Peach Tea = 23 protein - 24 oz (calcium citrate again) 8oz water Dinner: 4 oz of either chicken or fish = 28 proteins with a side vegetable or baked/refried beans ( iron supplement) After dinner: 16oz water ( another multi vitamin ) 10 oz decaf flavored tea Snack: sometimes a small handful of almonds or a couple of soy crisps or pretzels or maybe some s/f pudding or a weigh****chers ice cream pop So - @ total water/liquid = 90 oz and @ total protein = 103 grams I don't really eat carbs, and rarely have had bread. I have not really had pasta or potatoes either ( just a taste a few times.) I always eat protein first - then veggies, and don't have room for carbs in my meal. I don't really feel that I am missing anything - food wise. I am able to have a taste of cake or pie (if there is a special event and only if I want to,) and not have a problem. I have had a few instances of "dumping." It's usually a feeling of being very tired, and nauseas, runny nose and sometimes watery eyes. I sometimes just have to lay down for @ 1 hr, and then it passes. I can't say there is anything specific that I dump on. I am glad I had this surgery. I have no regrets. I have been heavy my whole life, and still have a hard time as thinking of myself as thin. I still don't see it. My head has not yet caught up with my body I guess. WLS has given me a new healthier life. It is a TOOL that helps me to make the right choices regarding what I eat and put into my body. Don't get me wrong - I sometimes look at a big plate of pasta and wish that I could eat it "like I use to" - but thinking about actually doing it turns me off -and I actually have lost the desire to eat like that. I don't know if it's the worry about feeling sick (dumping) or worrying about sabotaging my weight loss success so far that stops me and makes me almost feel sick thinking about eating foods that I shouldn't. I wish anyone considering this surgery good luck in making your decision. Be well informed and realize it is life altering - but I feel in a good way. Make sure you do your research, both on the surgery and the Dr you will use. Dr Abkin is the BEST as far as I am concerned! I also wish anyone who has had WLS much success and all the best! Take care, Sherri

Sherri, you and Phill have so much to be proud of. What an awesome year. Thanks for sharing your routine I am sure others will find that helpful. Best wishes for much more success. We share the same goal.. a year ago I could nether have phathomed. Donna