Four-year checkup

Hi everyone: Just got back from my four-year checkup. This is actually the closest to my four-year anniversary of my surgery that I've had my checkup; all the other ones were in August because in the first year after my surgery, the center had to cancel that appointment and reschedule me in August. So this year, the PA who sees me had me schedule it closer to my actual anniversary date, which is Sunday (June 29). Anyway ... all is well. She was showing me my before pictures, and oh my God, was I horrible looking! So obese! The first photo I was at 312 pounds or so, but then they kept me waiting almost a year, so the second photo I was at 347 or 350 pounds ... I got depressed and kept eating and eating and gained so much more weight ... not what you want to do before surgery. I did lose about 23 pounds in the two weeks prior to surgery, however. So, here are my four-year stats: 170.5 pounds, down 177.3 pounds Waist, down 16.5 inches Hips, down 20 inches BMI, down 25 points (BMI is now 28.8) My fat percent is 39.6 percent (desirable range is 23-34 percent; the PA said that means I should lose about 14 pounds, but that could be taken care of by getting plastic surgery, something I may do in the future, but not right now) I lost a whole 1.5 pounds in the 10 months since I saw them last. Which means I'm pretty much maintaining my weight loss (take that, Mom, who thought I'd gain it all back); it's been hard because I have been stress eating, but seeing the psychologist has helped me talk it out and keep away from bad habits.  The ultrasound on my gall bladder came back and was all good, so whatever the pain is in my belly isn't from the gall bladder. Oh, and my blood pressure was 108/70. So all is good. This surgery is lifesaving! If only my knee replacement was as successful ...

Hi Eileen, I am so glad that yo keep on posting on this site.  I NEED to see successful people here.  I am almost three months out, and have had some amazing results so far.  Thank you for keeping us posted of your journey. Just thank you.

Good job, girl! Your a real inspiration to all of us. I'll get there someday, it may take me a couple years, but hey I didn't put it all on overnite either!!

Anyway, congrats on maintaining.....way to go!!

Hugs,
Pat

Pat, You will get there, too ... it took me three years to take off my weight; I didn't lose mine fast, either, and in a way, I'm glad, because I don't have a lot of flab (well, I have the panni and flabby thighs and boobs that hang down to my waist ... but then, don't we all?) Keep at it and you'll be where am I in a year, too! I believe in you.

Reggie, posting on this site has kept me from emotional eating. It has led me to so many friends that I wouldn't have met otherwise. I'm glad I can pass it on to "newbies" like yourself. Someday, you'll do the same, too.

Now that's a success story!  Congratulations on your 4 year surgiversary! Debbie

Debbie, it's because of my OFF sisters and brothers that I'm able to do so well. Without y'all, I don't know how I'd manage. And that's the truth!

Eileen, I would be safe saying that your surgery was successful and you are too. You need to take the credit for the work that you did. You are the one who used the tool you were given to work for you. I just think that you are an amazing woman and I get a lot of hope from you. I know that I can do it too. You keep a lot of people inspired.  I am sending you love and big old hugs, Eileen.

Eileen, thanks so much for posting your story!  It is so inspiring to those of us still working on losing.  I am 9 months out and am so afraid that when I get to goal(40 lbs away) that it will all just go right back on.  Congratulations to you, I know you have put alot of hard work into your success!                          Bonnie

Wow Eileen!  What a wonderful inspiring post!  You have done so well, and have maintained for all these years.   I think all of us worry about how we will do long term. It's great to see your success and to see you so healthy and happy.