5 Years Gone! 3 years strong!

Sept 6 was 5. 5 alive! Alive and kickin'! Start 289. Today 159. Total loss -130. Maintaining for 3 years! I'm active and alive and have almost forgotten who "she" was. The "before" she. Some things I've learned: 1. I did NOT get a lobotomy. Changing my stinking-thinking patterns took effort - hard, hard work. But I was worth the effort! 2. There are DAYS when I have to make myself eat because I'm doing life. I eat to fuel. I'm so grateful to not DWELL thinking food thoughts. Took time. Took effort. Worth the effort. 3. I didn't - haven't tested myself with sugar. I always thought that if I DID try sugar, I may be one of the ones who could tolerate it - then my surgery would be for NAUGHT and what a waste. 4. I DID test myelf with fatty foods. I was not so hung up on them before. I know my limits. I know my triggers. (french fries taste soooo good --- but I only eat them FRESH and I only eat them SALTED and I ONLY eat 2 - 3 of them!!!) 5. ...I feel "full" and have food in my mouth - I SPIT out that last bite!!! I'd like to say I quit BEFORE I put in the last bite. BUT I figure when I'm chewing & I feel full or get that "gaggy" feeling - better DISCRETELY spit it into the nearest napkin! 6. ... to be choosy about what I eat. My portions are still small ( I always use a saucer for a plate)... so I want the food to be tasty. Hi nutrition for the calorie. 7. I've learned to be choosy with my TREATS (Go Sugar Free Blue Bunny Turtle Sundae Ice Cream Bars!) I allow myself some sugar free treats. BUT, if trying something new and I don't like the taste I DON'T SWALLOW! My consumption is so limited - I don't like to waste it on crud! 8. ...that if I don't eat well-balanced LIFETYLE then I will suffer the consequences of unhealthy body--- poor nutrition while thinner is as bad as having poor nutrition while heavy - poor nutrition is bad! 9. ...that extra skin (without rashes/infections) is better than having no skin. At 50 I deserve some loosy-goosy skin! (It took a while to come to PEACE with my skin) 10. That the "real me" took years to emerge - even when the "moat" was gone - she HID very well! 11. I've learned that "me" is far more that what size I am or am not. (ya think?!) I am alive and vibrant. I am becoming the "me" I was created to be. I am learning more & more what / who she is as I step into new adventures - things I limited or prohibited myself from trying before. Oh, by the way. Am I perfect? NO NO NO! Do I learn from my imperfections? Sometimes, hopefully, more now than ever! But I keep going and keep growing!!! This is an awesome ride! Happy anniversary to me! woo hoo!

Congratulation Judy! I pray regularly that I will continue to do as well in the next year, two and beyond...Its challenging re-training the brain, still working on it, sounds like you've got your pretty much re-programmed... Alesia

Congratulation to you! I will be celebrating 3 years in November. And it feels great to be able to maintain weight loss....Keep up the great work!!! Cathy

Judy, You are a TRUE inspiration! Congratulations on all of your success! You certainly seem to have the "secret" to wls success for the long haul! Enjoy your anniversary! Hugs, Tracy B 328/150 5'9"

Congratulations, Judy! I love what you wrote. What a great attitude you have. I hope to be posting something very similar when I'm 5 years post-op. Kathy

Wow what an inspiritation! I am 23 months out today. I only wish that I could say that I didn't try sugar. I swore that I never would but did. I am trying to get back on track. You have inspired me to try harder!