Yearly update. 14 years.

14 years ago I had my roux en y surgery in Ypsilanti, Michigan. It was my first surgery besides my wisdom teeth removal so I was quite the nervous wreck. No big health problems so I worried that I was trading good for bad. My bmi at my highest was 51.

The GOOD - no medications, no big health issues, mobility is good, no worrying about fitting in backseats of cars or other tight spaces. One size does fit all.
This body moves well and these legs are strong and bring me many places although they crack like the Dickens when I bend. Lol. I'm hitting 50 years of age in a few months.

The BAD - osteopenia from wrong calcium (take citrate, please!) but once I switched to the right calcium I had no more further loss. Reactive hypoglycaemia kicks my butt on the odd, odd occasion but I've learned to manage it very well. Iron is perpetually low and needs refuelling.

The UGLY- the food issues (binge eater) continue to be my struggle. It takes perpetual work to dust myself off, pick myself off and get back on track but I do it....constantly. I was the chubby kid, overweight teen and obese adult. This "lifestyle" is not naturally imbedded in my brain. It's work to maintain it. And yes I've had regain. But I gain, freak out, cry on my scale and throw a little tantrum with my scale and I realize that to keep it off it's ALL ME and MY FOOD CHOICES and I'm going to have to be consistent to keep it off.

The SUCCESS can be attributed to staying in support groups, attending wls conferences, talking with other patients, seeking help when I need it from self help books, weigh****chers, mindful eating classes. Whatever I can find I will often try for a while and it helps me to repurpose and refocus.

No one said it would be easy. It isn't. Long term it's the hardest work you'll ever do. But it is definitely worth it.

Wow such an inspiration! Congrats on your 14 years You look amazing and I'm excited to meet you some day once this COVID is over.

Keep up the great work... the smiling suits you so much better!

Congratulations, Dawn! You've been so helpful with sharing your stories with others on this forum. I'm struggling wit regain. LW was 161. I'm at 196. I too have to refocus :(

Dawn... you truly are an inspiration to all.... thank you for a great post!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!! and I have had the pleasure of meeting Dawn... an awesome person!!

Thanks everyone.

I try and visit here at least once a year so people know there's life long out. Not too many conversations like there used to be since it seems to be more about Facebook or

instagram.

take care :-)

Thank you Dawn,

I will always be thankful for your advise, guidane and inspiration . My success is owed to you. I remember how helpful and full of informative information that you wholeheartedly provided me. You are what prepared me for my journey. Thank you for all you did for me and the inspiration you are for others. You are amazing!!!

Your success is all owed to YOU ;-)

but thanks so much for the kind words!

Hi Dawn... yes this site sure has changed from the "old days".... prior to surgery I used to live on this site ... then had surgery and visiting this site slowed down.. now I hardly recognize anyone. Thanks to facebook I guess. Take care of you!!!

What an inspiration! Thank you for updating the group. I have read a lot on here and you are always so helpful with your replies. You are amazing!

I have a consult with a surgeon in two weeks! Just starting my journey

Fancy meeting you here ;)