2020 - New year, New Introductions

I told Grim we are going to make a little vest for our fat cat, Inigo, that says "hunger is not an emergency". But of course the answer for him is yes, he is always hungry enough to eat a chicken breast...

Yes she is the cutest thing! You did good!

Wow Jen what a project you've taken on! I love it and it's a great way to "meet" each other.

I'm Amy. My surgery was 11+ years ago, in the beginning of December. I can never remember if it was the 8th or 9th haha.

So far the benefits of my bypass far outweigh any negative experiences. I'd do it all over again daily if I had to in order to hang on to some of my hard-won gains. Just this past year (in 2019) I lost my 200th pound. My previous low post-op weight of 177 was comfortable to me, at least for a time. I've had three regains in the last 11 years. The largest was 60 pounds. I lost those sixty but then turned around and gained some back again. And took it off again too. But by the time my daughter set her wedding date in June of 2018 I was dealing with my smallest regain. My goal was 177 since I'd been so happy there earlier. At that point I was in the 190's but I was able to make the 177 happen.

The bounceback I expected from that last regain never materialized. I blew past 177 and finally stopped in the 140's. I was thrilled, but I felt a bit weak and "thin". Thin isn't a "feeling" I know. But I just felt like it was harder to do anything that required even minimal strength. My Mom was also diagnosed with terminal cancer at around that time and my life completely ground to a halt while we took care of her. She passed 11/25/19. A big part of me went with her. The other part of me starting eating. I don't even know why.

Today I'm in the mid 150's. I'd like to get down to anything that starts with a 1 and a 4 again but we'll see. Grief is the over-riding emotion in my heart and mind and life right now. Just getting out of bed is a fight because I do not want to know what the world looks like without my Mom.

Anyhow. Not sure why I wrote all of that; I guess I started to answer the weight loss surgery question and hit a rabbit trail. In summary then here is my weight history (as far as I can remember anyway)

hw: 347
sw: 309
gw: 155
lw: 140
cw: 154

Life is so much easier when I'm at my goal weight. But even when I had gained those 60 pounds back I was still happy because I could fit in places that normal-size women fit into. I'm also grateful to the surgery because I'd be dead otherwise. Seeing my family and life and being able to be "a part of" sometimes is a great experience. My life before surgery had come to a standstill. Basically I'd become a shut in.

Good luck to any and all of you regardless of where you on your weight loss journey. The surgeries work when we remember to do our part.

Hi Amy! Good to see you here! You are a great example of how we can continue to see positive gains no mater how far out we are, as long as we put the work in.

I didn't realize you had lost your mom so recently, I am so sorry. I hope you are able to find peace and take care of yourself as you deal with the grief process. Sending you a virtual hug!

Losing a parent is horrible. I've been there, too. It does lighten up, but I don't think you ever get over that. My heart goes out to you.

Thank you. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

((Hugs))

I'm Julia and live in the Portland, OR area. I had RNY on 2/12/18 I was at my highest weight ever 291, now I'm at 168 and wearing my size 12's from the last time I was at this weight. I would love to get to my goal of 145 but I don't know if I am truly determined enough to do it.

I work as a contract Outside Plant Engineer for a local phone company here. I've worked in this industry since I was 18 years old. Starting in the Marine Corps as an MOS of 2811- Telephone Switchboard Repair. Which is what got me into this business. I worked in multiple jobs in the industry, loved being a cable splicer but took a promotion to be an engineer and then was laid off in 2008 which is when everyone in this business was also looking for a job. So I spent a couple of really bad years and ended up working as a Cashier for Target for 2 years before I could get back into the telecom industry. As a contractor I have no vacation time or benefits, so I'm lucky to have my insurance from my retirement, which is very expensive. I would love to retire but can't afford it until I can get Medicare.

I've struggled with my weight since I was 19. I'm 5'5" now, used to be 5'7" but time has taken it's toll. The lowest weight I've been as an adult was 135 which was not sustainable for me. I worked with a personal trainer and lost 90lbs and maintained it for 5 years until I had a hysterectomy. Which I partly blame for some of my gain. But honestly it was what and how much I was eating that was the problem. I've lived alone for the last 12 years. I had a friend who is now my roommate ****il he gets back to work and can afford his own place) who got me interested in having WLS. It took me over a year to get the surgery approved and I ended up gaining weight on the physician supervised diet.

I struggle with anxiety and depression, living in the Pacific NW I have SAD and have probably always had it. I have a cat and a horse who used to race. I've been in love with horses my entire life, and he used to bring me joy. But right now I don't think anything does.

My roommate had RNY in October of last year and had a rare complication rhabdomyolysis and has been struggling ever since. In the first month he lost over 70lbs, and now I'm not sure how much he's lost. He doesn't like to follow the rules so this may be interesting. I try to stick mostly to high protein low carb, but I'm not always successful.

I have no regrets about having the surgery. I had GERD, borderline high blood pressure and really was out of shape. I still am trying to work on more exercise and was doing well in the summer when JB had the 60 mile challenge. Since the rain and cold I've pretty much been a slug.

I try to post on the daily menu thread, but I don't often put my menu because it's so boring and repetitive. I'm a Oregon Ducks Football fan and Seattle Seahawks fan. Football is the only sport I truly follow, except for some FEI Dressage and Show Jumping.

I count everyone here as a friend and have received so much support from this site. I thank all of you and appreciate you all.

I'm always glad to see you Julia! You continue to move forward day by day and that commendable!! I hope you get to a point where you get some of your joy back soon and get to spend more time with your horse!

Hi Everyone!

Im Back.. long story short im scheduled for surgery (RNY) at end of month. This will be my 3rd and final..

Started in 2005 with the lapband

revised to sleeve in 2015

and now preparing for RNY.

Went to my doc on monday the January 6 and because im revising due to GERD i dont have to go through the whole process of 6 months nutrition program, psych eval, primary care letters ect.. Just medical clearance from my primary. thats it.