Two Year Surgiversary (Photos)

Today is my two year anniversary of when I had RNY surgery. As I noticed the date and realized it was 'the day' it really made me stop and appreciate all the things I love about my life with RNY.

When I had surgery I was 43, wore a size 22 or XXL and weighed 265. I had knee and hip pain constantly. I rarely had energy to do much beyond get through a day of work, throw some sort of dinner together for my family, and then put my feet up and watch TV. That was my regular weekday schedule. Weekends I would go and do and be adventurous...but always within reason. If there was an event that required lots of walking I would find ten reasons to miss it. Life was much more narrow.

Me, surgery day in 2015, weight 265.

Today I am 45, wear a size 0 or XS and I weigh 125. I have been maintaining within 2 pounds plus or minus for the last six months or so. I have tons of energy and am always on the go. My knees and hips are not even something I think about. Walking? Sure...why not. Go for a hike? Cool. I don't even stop and think about it anymore. It is the new normal. Life is wide open and full of possibilities.

This is me today, 2 years out, weight 125.

I still meal plan, pack my lunch daily, watch my carbs, calories, and fat intake. I take my vitamins daily. I weigh myself every morning and every night. I still struggle with body image issues. I have to work everyday to make choices about what I eat. Pretzels and graham crackers are my current 'demons'. Most days I win these struggles. I will always, in my opinion, have to make mindful intentional daily effort to make sure I continue to maintain but I can say it is less stressful and less work now than it was during that first year. New habits that I had to work so hard to develop have become mostly thoughtless. I never drink when I eat, I keep count of protein to make sure I hit my daily goal, and I read labels like it is a paid job.

If I could tell myself one thing back on surgery day? Hold tight...this is fixin' to get real! So many changes, so much that I thought would change that stayed the same, and so many wonderful new experiences I never could have predicted. Wow...what a ride.

Here's to the next ten years of healthy living! Have a great day everyone.

~Elizabeth

happy anniversary and thanks for sharing. I am only 4 months post-op, but I imagine myself being a lot like you in 2 years. I know that I will constantly have to challenge myself not to fall back into old habits. I also know that life from here on out will be trying to be diligent with food tracking. You are clearly following the habits of those who succeed and I want to as well.

Thanks for being an inspiration!!!

Happy Surgiversary!

Happy surgiversary! You look great and are a real inspiration! Thanks for the reminders of what works.

Thanks for sharing Elizabeth!! You've been an inspiration to me on my journey.

LOVE IT !!

So happy for you.

You are so awesome!!!

Keep up the great work my friend

I love seeing your pictures and how much you've accomplished during these two years!

You are an inspiration for all and your candor is super informative. You look terrific! May you have MANY more healthy years (than 10)!!!!

Happy Anniversary! I so loved reading this update! You are an inspiration! You look great; so happy and healthy and fit!