I'm a WLS Graduate! WOW

February 20, 2006 was the day I started my life over.  I had open RNY and it's been the best decision I've ever made for my health.  It's been an incredible year! I went to my surgeon for my one year check up on Friday and he was pleased.  I am down 140 lbs. and all my bloodwork was great except for my vitamin D level.  He gave me a prescription to take once a week for ten weeks and then have the bloodwork done again.  I told him my goal was 145 with 150 being my red flad (get back to basics) weight.  He said he thought that would be too low.  He recommended 165 with 170 as my red flag weight.  I said even at 145 I would be over weight according to the BMI charts.  He said he doesn't go just on that.  He said he looks at the person (and he said I look very good - :-) -I don't see it, so it was good to hear), labwork and BMI.  I am not a small boned person nor am I a large boned person... guess that makes me a medium!  Anyway, I agreed that I would see how I feel at 165.   Now....my problem is that I have been able to eat so much more.  I'm getting afraid that I'll start over eating again.  I do track everything still on fitday.com and I go to monthly support group meetings.  I don't want to go back to where I was pre WLS.  My weight hasn't moved for a few weeks, but I know it's my own fault.  I've been stressed over selling my home (PLEASE GOD LET IT HAPPEN SOON!), buying a new home, my son getting married in May and what ever else is thrown my way!  So I've been making the wrong choices too often.  I'm getting a handle on that though.  I know you all understand what I'm saying.  I am hoping that reading the Grad Board will give me inspiration, motivation and ideas on how to keep the weight off.   The honeymoon is over and the real fight begins!  It's called LIFE... right?   Margie

Margie: Congratulations! You have done awesome! Welcome to the Grad board!!

Thanks Cheri!  Congrats on the pregnancy too!!!  Margie

Hi Margie. Congratulations on your WLS journey and success. Welcome to the WLS Grads Board. I can hear you about being able to eat more. I am in the same boat. It scares the heck out of me. I noticed that I am eating faster and need to slow down. I'm making a conscious effort on this. I have to learn how to deal with my feelings without giving into my old ways - eating comfort foods and too much of them. I started to keep a journal of my feelings at the time I want to eat. It's not that I am hungry, I'm just trying to push down the hurt feelings. That is how I dealt with it in the past and that is how I got SMO. Remember your successes and focus on that. You've come a long way and are here to stay. Best Wishes, Lucy

OMG Lucy... you are so right.  I am also eating to push down emotions.  I knew it, but seeing it written out makes it real.  I need to start journaling when I want to eat and what I'm feeling too.  That is a great idea.   It's been relatively easy so far to lose the weight.  I just don't want to get comfortable and eating more and then it start coming back on!  That (like everyone else) is my biggest fear.   You've done great and it's members like you that encourage me and keep me grounded!  Thanks. Margie