10 years out today.

Things I learned.

OH is my support group. There are those that seek truth and offer that freely. There is no end point for recovery. It's everyday.

I believe people with less than 3 months are surgery patients and should be encouraged to drink fluids,eat protein, and call their doctor. And that it gets better.

I am grateful for the many voices I've heard here.

I had sugery at 378 with a goal of 260. That was the magic number to get on the kidney transplant list. I was very sick when I had surgery but as months went on I started to feel much better. Losing weight held my disease in remission. No one predicted that.

I got to 199 for a day. I stayed between 200-207 while I was on the list. I felt and looked good. I got to be an active participant in my young son's life. I wore his ass out at Disneyland.

The call came on MLK day 2012. I never was on diaysis and I was in the best physical shape of my life. My Rny brought me to that moment.

I have a beautiful functional kidney.

2013 I was not here. I was slowly regaining. I kept raising the parameters of an acceptable weight. I had too much horrible things falling down on me. Mother death.Sister death. And side effects that made work impossible. We are what we do. I really didn't know the full meaning of that until it was taken away.

I chose toast. You can eat an extra 250 calories every 90 minutes. I didn't come here. I bought bigger clothes. My greatest mistake was not getting on the scale.

I've been back maybe 3 years. I still learn new thing. I'm 18 months off toast. I do best on no sugar and white carbs. I don't have power over my brain on carbs. She is a one thought pony.

I have been compliant with these rules for 10 years.

Taking recommeded vitamins.

Waiting 30 minutes to drink after eating. I've spent many of those minutes here over the years.

Keeping track of iron status and maintaining relationships with doctors who will order IV iron when needed. I do not absorb by mouth iron. Low iron can feel like a dark and breathless place.

My goal since I've come back is to not gain weight. When I'm doing well physically it's easier to work on the losing part. I give and receive support. I know now I am worthy no matter a number. I am in an act of daily recovery.

Thanks to the million who helped.

Deb

My avatar is me and my boy. He's the reason I've worked so hard. I wanted to get him raised. He's off to college in 9 months.

I'm forever grateful that you came back to us. Congratulations on your 10 years and fighting, Deb xoxo

You get what's important and you have a very kind soul. Thanks for always being here.

DEB - I am sitting here, with chills, and in tears...

I love you, like a sister...and I don't throw those words around, carelessly

You have been more of a support system, to me, than I think you could ever realize - and you got me OFF toast !!

I have totally enjoyed watching "the curly headed boy" grow up

People who don't have "internet friends" can't understand how people who "haven't met" can actually CARE about each other...

They don't "know" the DEB I know !!!!!

CONGRATS, on taking charge of your health, all those years ago, and for sticking around, on OH

I love you and I'm glad we've had a Texas size love all this time.I've had to learn the same lessons many times. What I hear in your voice is "what you put in your mouth every meal matters.

That's a very hopeful statement no matter where you are post surgery. It saves me over and over again.

Deb - you're an amazing inspiration! There aren't a ton of people ten years out who stick around to provide advice and support. Thanks for continuing to help all of us who walk behind you. 18 months without toast is the real deal. Your son is a great reason to stay toast-free. You have every reason to be a proud mama! XO

A kid is a strong motivator.

You are an inspiration! I hope to be as straight forward, compassionate and consistent at giving back (and sharing my challenges) as you have been for all of us following behind!

Giving back helps me more. I try to be calm. There is so much to figure out.

I could always come here.