Today is my 10 year anniversary!!

Hard to believe how fast the time has gone. May 20, 2008 I had my RNY surgery. For me the first 7 years were easy. I think when I went through some stressful, life changing events (starting 3 years ago) is when I noticed my regain started with a high of about 40lbs regain and currently still at 25 lbs of regain to lose. I lost some but didn't stay my course. I need to stay the course and want it bad enough to get it all back off. Not easy as the years go by. Still so much healthier.... no blood pressure med for 10 years. Worth it and would do it again. Not easy.... I am on that Merry Go Round.. forever.... constantly battling like always. Unfortunately that part does not vanish especially as time goes on. Living life and happy.

Thank you to this forum for the strong and smart advice. I have learned so much this past year since joining.

My town here in CT just suffered a tornado last Tuesday . The devastation has been horrible.... tough week. Our house was spared many have not. We had trees down and power ripped from house and costly to gave it fixed but nothing compared to others. Trees through roofs for 3 neighbors. Every tree torn up from the roots. Makes you appreciate what you have. Just got our power back about 2 hours ago. My cellular service this week was awful hit or miss and I missed the O H support. Awful week for eating For me... now power back and back to basics! No more eating out.

My advice to new people is stay with O H forever.... I did not have my first 9 years and it has been so therapeutic and helpful. Follow the rules .... take your vitamins, drink your water, have your labs drawn and go yearly to your WLS to make sure all is good. Be your own educator and do your own research. As years go on don't go back to sugar and carbs... once you do it is harder to stay on track and regain will catch up with you. Move every day if you can... even a 30 min walk.

Pics of me before WLS, about 3 years later and now....

thanks for all .... this group has become so valuable to me.... xoxo

Megan

Congratulations! 10 years is an accomplishment. I agree sticking around helps.

Thanks Cynthia!

Congratulations !!! Job well done. Just look at your toned arms!!

Sorry to hear about tornadoes. Mother nature is cruel sometimes. Glad your house was spared.

Congratulations on losing part of the regain. The rest - as you are well aware- can be gone as long as you get to it and are dedicated.

The dedication part is often the difficult part. I am also 10 years post op, and right now I am working on getting rid of 18-20 lbs of regain. I know I can do it. And it takes me no time to gain the weight. But I know I have to work hard to lose it. My best estimate is 1 lb a week, so I am looking at 18 weeks or 4+ months. Sure I can try to lose faster, and I expect first 2-3 weeks to lose more than that, but I know that when I get closer to my goal my weight loss would slow down.

One day at a time!! One meal at a time !!!

Thanks Hala. You are the best. My upper arms are a different story! Lol! ;) my problem is getting down about 12 -15 from goal and slacking back off and yo yo back up. Like all of us so easy to put on if you are not diligent in every morsel put in your mouth. My brain is so much clear and crisp and smarter when eating right as well... fog lifts! so worth it on many levels. When I don't eat well my brain does not operate as well,do you find that? Especially as years have gone on something I noticed.

I hear you on the fog...and joints pain. I hate getting older. I don't mind getting smarter, though someone watching what I do - may oppose to "smarter" .

I normally don't eat bread. Once every blue moon, maybe. And I often take just eat the crust. Fresh crispy crust of well done french baguette.

But last Friday I REALLY wanted some carbs. My friend had frozen bagels so he offered one to me.

I warmed it up, and I ate the bagel with some PB (someone ate my butter). It was not even that good. I should have stopped after a bite. But I did not. By the time I got home - my legs were swollen and my joins were screaming in pain. That should teach me - no?

Grains are are strong inflammatory foods for my body. It took me almost 2 days to start feeling better.

The aches and pains on Friday evening reminded me why I need to decarb. That should help me lose the 15-18 lbs. yea..older not always mean smarter...

I have been guilty of the same and also notice those achy feelings when eating too many carbs along with the stupid fog! :). Today has been good ... one day at a time as you said! :)

MEGAN - I don't believe I ever realized how truly beautiful you are, on the OUTSIDE!!!! I knew about the INSIDE, of course, from your wonderful posts, and responses

So, so sorry to read about the devastation, from Mother Nature. She can sure be a ***** Many, many prayers, for you, and you and your neighbors

THANK YOU, for your positive spirit, that shines thru. It helps ME...more than you can know

10 Years is such a MAJOR milestone, and you handling it beautifully!!!!

Thank you Gina.

I have a tendency to beat myself about regaining some. I guess after staying rather perfect for 7 years is why. Would have loved to had my 25 regain off yesterday at my 10 year mark! My fault I didn't make that happen. I was on a roll before Easter taking it off and fell off. I know we are all our own worst enemies sometimes and have to accept some faults in ourselves. Pick ourselves up and do it again!

Thank you for being here.....:) your posts help me so much. I love your beautiful positive vibe that shines through as well.

Thanks for the kind words regarding the tornado. I never have seen such destructive damage by a storm. Puts some things in perspective.

(edited for a spelling error)

Congrats on your surgiversary.