It's been years! My journey in a nutshell

Hello, everyone!

It has been years since I've been really active here on OH, but I have been feeling the need to reconnect with fellow WLSers.

Allow me to re-introduce myself. My name is Celia and I live in beautiful Colorado. I had RNY on October 18, 2011. At the start of my journey, I was 385 pounds, at high risk of becoming diabetic, had sleep apnea and a fatty liver, and was just miserable. I had a beautiful 2 year old little girl who needed a healthy mom, and a desire to have more kids. My surgery allowed me to do just that.

At just 5 mos post op from my RNY, I found myself pregnant. I had a little boy in November 2012. Five months later: pregnant again. I had a little girl in January 2014. When I was 19 weeks pregnant with her, my nephew revealed that my husband at the time had been molesting him off/on for 2 years. I kicked my husband out that very day. He was eventually charged and got 3 years in prison after taking a plea bargain.

A little more than a year after my husband and I separated, I started talking to a former co-worker. We started dating and two months into the relationship I was once again pregnant. I finally filed divorce papers in November 2014. The divorce was final 3/13/15 and I married my current husband (the former co-worker) four days later on St. Patrick's Day. We welcomed a son in August 2015, and he is my last baby.

As you can probably surmise, my weight loss journey has not been a smooth one. By the time I had my first post op baby, I was down to 225 pounds and I stayed there for a while. During my second post op pregnancy, I saw as low as 202 pounds, but saw a little regain after she was born. I maintained in the 225-235 range until the time I started dating my husband. Happiness does wonders for the figure lol. After my last baby was born, I was holding steady at 210-215 pounds and then something happened. Not sure what exactly it was that brought it on, but I suddenly had little appetite and lots of restriction. I've had my pouch checked and everything is in tip-top shape. I started losing weight again.

In January of this year I finally saw Onederland. I had pretty much given up the idea of ever being less than 200 pounds. And I wasn't really upset about 210ish being my new normal. I had come a long way on my journey and was so much healthier. So Onederland was a very pleasant surprise. In the last three months, I have managed to get down to 175 pounds, which puts my total lost now at an insane 210 pounds! I am now starting my journey toward skin removal and I'm hoping to realize that dream by the end of the year! :) For the first time in my life, I like the way I look. I feel fan-freaking-tastic!

Tonight, I've volunteered to share my story at a weight loss options seminar given by my surgeon's office. I remember being so inspired by the person who shared their journey at the seminar I attended and I can't wait to provide that inspiration to others! My decision to have WLS was one of the best things I've ever done for myself. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner!

Here are some before/after's:

Welcome back Celia!   

Congratulations on the marriage, the new baby and the arrival to ONEderland!    You look amazing and have accomplished additional weight loss after the birth of your children.  You have a lot to be proud of!  I hope to see more of your posts on the boards!  

~Nik

Congratulations Celia!  Sounds like things are looking up for you!  Unfortunately for me I have gained about 50 lbs back and I would love to know what you did to get back down.   You look awesome!

~Cathy

Yeah, that's a journey.

I'm guessing you haven't needed to see a fertility specialist. 

Welcome back Celia! Quite a journey and good for you for sticking with it through all your pregnancies and ups and downs.... Just shows we still have a tool to use even when we are further out. We have very similar starting weight and current weight...so I totally get the desire for Plastics. I just had a lower Body Lift on 2/29 and am having a Breast Lift and Arm Lift on 5/2. I live in NY but traveled to DC to have it with Dr. Joseph Michaels... I realized I wanted someone who specialized in this, well worth traveling. Not that he is the only one out there, but highly recommend a specialist. I went on 5 consultations- 2 local and 3 specialists.... it makes a difference, we don't have easy bodies to deal with. Good Luck!

Way to go! What a story!

Congrats on all your babies, your marriage and your successful weight loss!  What a story!  I am so thrilled that you are losing weight again and your "tool" still works. Just proves that even years after surgery as long as you follow the rules you will lose weight.  

So happy for you, thank you for the update, so glad you are healthy and happy!

Best of luck for the future, hope you will have time to stick around!!

Oh wow, I remember you!!!!  We have very close surgiversaries! 

I am so proud of you, and of me, and of everything we have survived and accomplished.  I always say RNY fixes the physical, but the mental is another story.  You overcame a lot of crap... whatever happens after this is icing on the victory cake, even if you never lose another pound.

Regards,

Audrey