Ten Years Post Op.

I don't post here often but I thought I'd drop by and say hello!  I'm more often on Facebook than here but I think it's good when long timers pop in and remind newbies that there is life after Wls 

10 years ago I had RNY. I had been overweight since childhood and became obese as an adult. My highest weight was around 290 lbs.

A year after Rny I was 140. Some said I was too thin at that weight.

The last 9 years I've played with bounceback, anywhere from 5-25
lbs on any given, day or year. Always trying to get back to that elusive 140.

THE BAD

Side effects of surgery: osteopenic (told the wrong form of calcium by my program. Please remember your surgeon is NOT God, folks!).

Reactive hypoglycemic. Took me a while to master the effects of low blood sugar but now I totally know how to manage it.

Iron deficient. Always trying to normalize my levels.

THE GREAT:

Mobility is not an issue. Five half marathons completed and numerous 5Ks. My knees don't hurt and my back is barely an issue. My migraines disappeared completely for many years. I rarely get them anymore.

I can shop anywhere. It's wonderful. One size fits all - does actually fit.

I no longer am afraid of the backseats of cars, climbing up bleachers, turnstiles, walking by groups of teenagers, whether a seat will hold me, going to parties, etc.

THE LESSONS I'VE LEARNED:

Surgery does NOT fix your head. It doesn't. It won't make you happier, it won't stop your eating issues, it won't cure your desires for sweets and junk. Long term issues will be back. Eating becomes very very easy after a few years. Very normalized. Your eating issues WILL be back. Therapy is a good thing.

I still struggle with self esteem. I still struggle with body issues. Even plastics did not fix the underlying self esteem issues. Our heads need even more attention than our bodies so. The psychological aspects are the toughest.

Your program and surgeon is not God. Read and research and advocate for yourself.

Support groups are critical: in person and online. Sitting and talking with friends who get it is the most beneficial therapy you can get. Stay active in groups. Jus****ch for the sellers trying to be your best friend.

Setting new goals is critical. Trying new things is a good thing when you are struggling. Doing the same old, same old when you are faltering doesn't cut it. Reinventing yourself life long will be a challenge.

My pouch tolerates everything. My head still wants everything. The only way I have kept it off is because of MY CHOICES. I choose to get back on track ASAP when I fall. I choose to stay in my support group. I choose to limit alcohol. I choose to get active and physical. I choose to be accountable on a scale. I choose to always work on me, my eating issues and my habits. It's a choice every day. Behaviours, habits and accountability are what keep me in line.

Surgery helped me get off the weight. I give it less credit for keeping if off. What I COULD eat and what I CHOOSE to eat are two different things. I can gain weight really easily. I can easily eat bigger portions if I don't measure or watch carefully.

That said, I could not have lost the weight without surgery and kept it off. It's a gift AND A RESPONSIBILITY.

I wish everyone the best journey possible. Have a great day!

if you want to add me on Facebook - my first name you know.... Last is the last name of the singer of the band No Doubt. ;-) 

You're amazing Dawn!

Wow......thanks for that Dawn!!!!!!!!     You are AWESOME !!

Great post Dawn. Nice to hear from you. I followed your story four years ago when I started this journey and I appreciated your honesty. Thanks for keeping it real.  All the best!

monica

Excellent post Dawn.. You nailed it..Always love reading your posts...Take care...Krista..

Great post!  Thank you for sharing.

Yeah...for all recent "graduates"....what Dawn said is all you need to know.

Congratulations on your success Dawn.  You truly are one of the inspirations on this site.

Thank You for posting. I have not had surgery yet but your description is how I assumed it would be after and its nice to understand I'm on track.

Thanks!!

Good luck on your surgery