2 years post op - bittersweet (with pics)

I agree with everyone above... but I want to add that YOU. ARE. SUCCESSFUL.

You are a fighter, Allison. You haven't given up. You're still here. You're fighting.

More than that, you haven't stuck your head in the sand for very long. You are very aware of yourself and what you are doing and why. Honey, the extra pounds will come off - or they won't - BUT you'll never bee that 420 pound person again. You've got too much fight in you to let that happen.

Keep showing up and celebrate all you are doing right now. You look freaking AMAZING. 188, 204... whatever. The big point in your favor is the fight and the beauty that is you. You are absolutely gorgeous and are my little girl crush here on OH (still wanna share that bed in CA?) LOL :)

I ******g love you and I look up to you. I want to DO all the **** you're DOING, but I can't make my lazy ass and pained back get up and go do it. We all have our **** to deal with and you know... you're dealing with it and fighting for the right TO deal with it.

You care and you haven't given up. You're still a sexy skinny ***** and you are an amazing loving person. I'm so proud of you and congrats on your 2 years of success. Be kind to yourself, have yourself a big old 7 oz of greek yogurt and celebrate.

Love you, girl.

We can go have a crazy time in October and hobble back to our hotels holding our backs together and sleep in the same bed :)  (you might just want to sleep with one eye open because there's gonna be a lot of jealous people out there that you get to sleep in the same bed with me :-p)

Thanks for holding me over the last couple months - i appreciate you more than you'll ever know 

Let 'em be jealous... you're mine, baby! LOL

I appreciate you. Your "no bull****" approach has helped me more than once. You got this. I know you do. I KNOW you do. You have my number any time you want to talk.

Happy Birthday too... I hope it was amazing but I already know from FB that it was :) xoxo

Happy Birthday, and a big hug.

We seem to forget that we all have or had a problem with food.  And surgery is only part of the 'Fix' as you well know.  You have done so much to improve your life; I have followed all your postings of pictures of you doing a variety of sports and activities. You have forever improved your life.  

The smart thing you have done is to stop before you had a serious regain.  We see too many people who come back after gaining 25 or 30 pounds and have lost their way with food.  5 pounds is easily handled and shows that you are keeping track of your weight still.  

I had a 7 pound regain about 2 years out and knocked it back with protein drinks and a strict eating plan.  Gained 5 back and went back on the strict plan again.  Now, I can maintain within 2 or 3 pounds, just because I decided to give up some of the foods that were not helping me with my maintenance.  Thank goodness I am not a foodie and still have no great hunger which obviously makes it easier to maintain.    

Because you are active, you are in a better place than people less active or older, but you might want to consider investigating your depression before it overwhelms you again.  

The ironic part is that therapy caused me to really sink into a deep dark hole but.....im moving on and have a new therapist that will hopefully  be able to help. 

The good thing is that during the most of my WL - i did set up a lot of good habits and changes that still serve me now when I chose to stop binge eating, so I know I'll be able to get a grip eventually. 

Thanks :)

I don't know your whole story, but I've admired you ever since I started hanging out here. Losing half of your body weight is a wonderful accomplishment. Depression is a ***** and I applaud you for getting out and living life over the weekend. Your pictures are great - you are beautiful. Happy birthday, and re-birthday, to you!

I'm so glad you posted this.  You have always been one of the people I have met through this site that has really impressed me with your courage and tenacity.  I've continued to follow your triumphs and challenges from behind the scenes and I know, while you've been going through a rough spot, you won't give up. Anyone who says this is "easy" is full of crap.  Like many others have said, you should be so proud in what you have accomplished. I don't see how anyone can judge you...you just keep trying to live the best life you can.  Anyway, take care of yourself and you can always count me as an acbrown cheerleader!

Congratulations on a great two years!!!

You have come so far and done an OUTSTANDING job my friend, You are a true inspiration to me and everyone else on here!!!

And Happy Belated Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday(s) to you.  Growing up is freaking hard as ****!  I always said I'd never want to do it again (like going through teenage years), but that is exactly what we are doing since our "rebirth".  You are an amazing rock star who has touched so many of our lives on here.  Thank you for sharing your story.  You are more inspiring than I think you realize.

Enjoy the hell out of life...you so deserve it!

Happy Birthday ! You are a resounding success and an inspiration to myself and so many others. Whenever you doubt yourself, look back and see how far you have come. You have come so far and because of your increased awareness, there is no going backwards. Your pictures show a happy, healthy, young and beautiful woman, who is enjoying life to the fullest. Depression is quite a challenge, and ironically, therapy can make it worse in the beginning. It will get better. Congratulations on your success!

gail