2020 - New year, New Introductions

Hi...I'm Dawn. I live in western Wisconsin. I am 59 years old. I am kind of a jack of all trades. I hold cosmetology license, a Real Estate license, and I was a florist for 14 years. I currently run an office for a local Realtor...part time. I'm an avid gardener and fairy gardens are kind of my thing.

I had my first WLS n 1986 which makes me a 34 year veteran. It was the old VBG surgery, which was a nightmare that caused a plethora of complications that I don't have time to tell you about. Short story...my first surgeon was not qualified and totally messed up my digestive system. After 25 years of suffering with daily pain, and multiple specialists *****fused to help me, I was referred to Mayo Clinic in 2010, where they totally rebuilt my digestive system and saved my life. I had a one in four chance of not making it through the complicated surgery. Since that revision I have had three bowel obstructions and am dealing with Barrett's Esophagus from 25 years with severe GERD (now gone after my revision) , but I'm so thankful to be alive and healthy now!

My highest weight was 272. after my first surgery I lost down to 175. I had regain from my first surgery of about 75 pounds and was back up to 250. After my revision to a modified RNY I lost down to 145. I currently weigh 165 and am working on losing 15 pounds. I will be 10 years out from my revision and maintained my weight within 5 pounds until this year. I lost my motivation and made bad choices. I started to buckle down on Friday and I'm seeing results. Regain can be conquered!

You have really persevered through some crap! I had no idea -- glad they finally got you fixed up and good for you for being successful so long (and again!)

I know you have a daughter in Madison - if you ever have extra time sometime when you're here, let me know - we can meet for coffee or something!

Hi Dawn! My MIL is obsessed with fairy gardens, and I had no idea they were a thing. She has made some beautiful creations, and we have a fairy garden on our property now!

I'm Jo, live in Missouri about 20 miles east of Kansas City, married and semi retired. I had RNY 10 1/2 years ago. Lost about 75 lbs. and was so happy with the results I didn't forge ahead and lose another 15 lbs. I've had a little regain and would like to lose at least 20 lbs.

I joined OH in 2008. I recently did WW online but decided I don't want to pay to lose weight. I think WW is a great program but I still ate too many carbs. I plan to start posting my meals on OH.

I'm work part time at a car dealership. My hobbies include quilting, reading, knitting and I love to cook. I tutor reading to 2 boys once a week, help out in Sunday School with the kids and other church activities.

Hi Jo! I'm in your neck of the woods at least once a year; my sister lives outside of St. Joe. Look forward to seeing you on the menu thread!

Hi everybody. I'm Jim. I am 16 months out from RNY. I post on the daily RNY board, in part, because, lets face it, i've screwed this weight management thing up in every way and manner conceivable. Hopefully, by staying on the board and staying focused I will fare better. Also, I quite like the other posters.

I am an accountant, live in Chicagoland and have three children, one in college and two in high school. I like reading, travel, 60's and 70's rock and roll, and Crossfit. I am currently trying to learn olympic weight lifting. I will run if everybody else does it.

Some times I try and make the ladies on the board laugh, but I have been slacking at that lately. Too much work.

Yay! I've missed your posts. I hope you had a great vacay!!

Jim, you are one of the funniest people on the thread! I always look forward to your posts!

This is so helpful- I see so many newer names and am glad I can get to 'know' folks. I'm Peachpie- I prefer not to offer my real name in public forums, but many of you know it. I'm 42, and live in Philadelphia, work as an HR Manager. I'm not as active as I prefer for the past few month...work just won't let up.

I had surgery- RNY- April 2015 so am creeping on 5 years out. Where does the time go?? At the peak I lost 145#, I like to maintain a weight loss of at least 125#. I'm currently 7# off that target, so working on it. My only goal I ever truly wanted was to wear a size 12, mission accomplished. The number on the scale is so fickle and I never desired to be at the medically app'd BMI. I like the idea of always needing to work towards something. It's taken me a long time to figure what to focus on- and maintaining a total amount lost has worked best for me.

I've become very active since surgery too- developing a love for running. I run 4 time a week- 2 short and 2 longer runs. The short runs are coupled with other cardio and strength training. I did two 1/2 marathons and a 10-miler last year. I'm focusing on nutrition for he 1st 80 days of 2020 to get back to my happy place, then will see what races I can do in 2020.