Three-year surgiversary!!!

Hi everybody! Last Sunday marked three years since I had my life-changing open roux-en-y. I've been in Hawaii at a convention (yeah, I know, rough duty, but somebody has to do it) and took a few extra days there for sightseeing around Honolulu and Oahu. So I'm posting a few days late. On my anniversaries I like to take a few minutes to reflect on my journey. I'm still so tremendously thankful to have been given the opportunity to change my life in such a huge way. I had diabetes, was giving myself insulin shots daily, had high blood pressure requiring treatment with medications. Now I'm free from both of these co-morbidities and other minor ones. I'm more active and am in better physical shape than I've ever been. I'm at the place now where I could regain weight easily, my pouch has stretched to some extent so I can eat more at one time (of course not as much as I could presurgery). I still have to follow the rules the majority of the time, I exercise a lot, do weight/strength training twice a week and do cardio 3-4 times a week. I still don't drink with meals, I still eat my protein first, I try to limit snacking, etc. But all of the work I've done to be successful has been so worth it. I still have "food issues"---I still work with a psychologist because I still fight head hunger and emotional eating. But I feel like I'm winning because the pouch still works and, with the help of my friends, family, and support groups, I'm so thankful that I've maintained my weight (within a 10-pound-or-so variance) which I've never done before in my life. I still enjoy and appreciate good food. I now go more for quality than quantity with food. I enjoyed a few special meals in Hawaii, and now that I'm home I'm getting back on the bandwagon. I appreciate my OH family so much, I very much doubt that I would be this successful without all of your support, hugs, etc., etc., etc.!! Wherever you are on this journey, I wish you all the best. It's been a wonderful experience for me and has given me my health and life back. Hugs, Connie -147#

Congrats to you G/F!!!!! what a wonderful place to spend your wls anniversary. Darlene

Hey Sweetie!!! Yes, it was so gorgeous there, didn't want to get on the plane to come home. (Except I did miss my feline babies!) Love and hugs, Connie

Congratulations Connie!!!!!!!! Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!! Tracy B 328/150 5'9"

Thanks, Tracy!! It's been quite a ride!! Hugs, Connie

Happy surgiversary! Thanks for sharing your reflections on your journey! Best wishes, Kathy

Thanks, Kathy, I always enjoy reading your posts. Hugs, Connie

Connie, We share the same Rebirthday!!! I am still amazed that at 3 years I have kept the weight off (minus those 5 pounds im dealing with ) You look fabulous!!!! Congrats Diana

Hey surgery sister!!! Congrats to you, too! Five pounds is no problem, I fluctuate within a 10# range. Thanks for the compliment. Yes, I've never been able to maintain a weight loss, and also am still amazed that I've kept it off. The tool still works! Hugs, Connie

So how much did you lose and how much have you gained back?