1 Year Out

Hi Everyone,

My year out from RNY was yesterday and I couldn't be happier I went in for surgery. The whole process was scary to begin with. Even asking my doctor for my referral was hard. It was admitting to myself that I needed help and that I really couldn't do it on my own. I'm so happy I asked.

In the summer of 2016 I was 324lbs and 35 years old. I couldn't walk up a set of stairs without being winded, couldn't play with my kids, was embarrassed being seen by people I knew from my high school and my past. I would have to leave functions in the summer to sit in the AC. I was a mess.

I went from 324-304lbs starting my optifast on Boxing Day 2016. That was tough seeing as we have a family dinner every boxing day. Oh well. Start of a new life. 3 weeks on optifast and I got down to 290 for the day of surgery January 16, 2017.

The first few months was a struggle eating. Nothing tasted well and I ate too fast and would have to "Throw up" which is something I can't do now after surgery so it hurt. A lot.

April came and I was able to finally eat chicken and wasn't living on protein drinks/powder/cheese.

Fast forwarded to now: I'm down to 159lbs. I've lost 165lbs and am HALF the person I once was physically but emotionally I am SO Much more than I was. I'm still self-conscious BUT not like I was. I'm able to enjoy myself out. I can run after my kids, don't feel like the odd person out at functions (and there's a lot more now).

This was one of the best decisions of my life and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. The excess skin is there, especially my stomach after having 2 kids and being larger for years but that can be fixed. I think I am done losing... I'm 5'9 and my BMI is within normal range. I'm sure there's about 5lbs of loose skin on my body so I'm happy with where I'm at.

Sorry for the long post but needed to celebrate my year.

Happy surgiversary, and congrats on the AWESOME weight loss, and on all of the wonderful NSV's!

We have a lot in common; my Opti starting weight was also 304 and I'll be celebrating my 1 year surgiversary in 2 short weeks from now.

Isn't it amazing what a difference a year makes!

Can I ask, what are your stats now at a year out, calorie/protein/carb wise? I'm never quite sure exactly what mine should be.

Right now it varies per day. I got off track around Christmas and having a harder time getting back. Most days are but we have been having some social functions that I pick at stuff etc that puts me back.

I try for between 950-1200 calories a day. Protein usually 60-100grams and carbs have been sneaking up there. I would like to keep it around 50-60 grams but lately it's more like 80grams.

This weekend we have a hockey tournament for my son whi*****ludes a lunch out and a team parent social night which means Sunday I'll be back on track 100% and I've made that commitment to myself.

I've made great strides over this year but I still slip up. :)

Thank you! I'm never sure exactly how many calories I should be taking in My dietitian said it should be around 1200 calories by 1 year out. I get a minimum of 60 grams of protein a day but often go up to about 90 grams. I let myself have higher carbs over Christmas and New Year and had a hard time getting back on track. I have days where I'm not hungry at all and could care less about food and have to force myself to eat, and days where I feel hungry and all I want to do is eat...I eat more protein on those days. I have no idea why it fluctuates like that.

You've had an amazing year.

Sounds exactly how I am too. Some days I could care less and others it's all I want to do!

Congrats! Yay you!

Great job Jo!!

What an amazing, uplifting post!! Happy surgiversary!! Congratulations on all you have accomplished. You are truly inspiring... not only in what you have accomplished, but also in how you are living your life.

Thanks for sharing your story!! ((Hugs))

Thank you for sharing your story! Very inspiring! Congrats on your great success!

I'll add a couple photos. The before is a pic from a couple weeks- month after surgery and I had gotten down to 270. The other is a week ago at 159. I'm wearing my 8 year old sons hoodie - he's 85lbs and it's a bit loose on him. Lol