5 Year Surgiversary

I had my 5 year post-op RNY check up with my my Bariatric surgeons office on March 19, 2015. My doctor is still very impressed with my success. My labs came back great in all areas except low Ferritin (Iron Deficient Anemia) that developed this last year after 2 knee replacement surgeries in 2014.

I eat 1800 calories a day to maintain my weight loss of 199 pounds at my current weight of 132 pounds. My height is 5'4". I am 60 years young. 

I had not weighed myself for one year since my last 4 year post-op appointment. I rely on how my clothes fit (jeans) to determine where I am with my weight.

As always, I continue to follow all the rules. I have never swayed from my healthy eating plan that I developed. I eat every 2 to 3 hours. Every meal and snack I consume includes protein, whole grains and vegetables or fruit.

I am a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian. I eat at least 100 grams of protein a day. I eat dairy products (cheese, yogurt) and I occaisionally eat eggs. I eat simple carbohydate fruit. I eat complex carbohydrate beans, vegetables and whole grains. I do not and have never counted daily carbohydate grams. I take all of my supplements and drink 64 ounces of liquids minimum.

Maintaining the weight loss is where discipline and dedication have to take center stage. Thankfully, I am blessed with both of those attributes. I am very diligent and stick to a strict eating plan that I have developed with my personal tastes in mind. Adherence to weight loss initially, and then maintenance, is not for the faint of heart and it requires a complete lifestyle change. 

I now participate in an exercise program I developed for myself that fits my lifestyle and interests. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and have Thyroid issues. I am in constant motion and have boundless energy. I had right knee replacement surgery on July 23, 2014 and left knee replacement surgery on November 18, 2014.

I have not had plastic surgery, nor do I plan on having it. Yes, I do have some stretched skin on my abdomen and thighs, but not enough to warrant the pain and expense of surgery. At my age, if a potential suitor can’t deal with physical flaws, then move on down the road...LOL

I honestly feel that because I have always followed the rules, that I am a Vegetarian, and that I never restricted my calories to an extreme during the “Honeymoon” period, is why I am so successful. I do not do an excessive exercise program and I have tailored it to my age and health issues. I believe weight loss begins in the mind, not the stomach.

Deciding to have the RNY surgery was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I am thankful each day for the the success I have achieved. Please see my profile page if interested for it will give you more details about me and my RNY lifestyle.

Thank you for stopping by and sharing your amazing story. Very much things like us just starting this journey need to see and hear about!!

Thank you for your kind comment!

Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom. I am 6 weeks out and understand the need to make the changes. Not for the faint of heart hits the nail of the head. Good luck in your next 5 years!!

Thank you for your kind comment!

Wow what an inspiration! I am 53 and after my weight loss I will have to deal with knee replacements as well.  My orthopedic surgeon thinks I will be able to wait another 4-5 years for the knee replacements once I've lost the weight. I plan to make my journey a success, as you've done! 

Many thanks for stopping by with your story and thank you for the inspiration! 

Christine

Thank you for your kind comment!

You are about the age I was when I had my surgery nearly 3 years ago. I have RA and had partial knee replacements at age 32 and a total replacement in my right in 2007. I was in so much pain I was ready to have a total done in the left. With the loss of over 145 pounds my knee pain is pretty much gone even though I walk 5 miles a day for exercise. I am hoping to be able to hold off for a few years now. You will be so happy when you get the weight off!

Great job Cindy. You are like the Energizer Bunny.

Thank you for your kind comment!