15 mo post-op checking in

Hi all, Haven't been on the board in a while so it's been good to check things out and get re-motivated.  I have been in a bit of a rut but know what I need to do to get out of it.  One thing that helps is reading or hearing about people who have gone thru the surgery- lost a lot of weight- only to regain.  I can never understand how that is possible- but on days like today I can see why.  PMS big time and having had no real sugar or sweets for a number of weeks now, I caved today and have been a bottomless pit.  However, I am sitting here at my computer- clearly having a slight dumping episode and it doesn't feel good.  What I am grateful for is that I can have a bad day like today- and I am not beating myself up and feeling overwhelmed because I am 100 lbs overweight.  The gift of this tool is that it has psychologically helped me to change my coping skills.  If I have a bad day- it doesn't have to become a never ending saga- one day after the other of a food binge that never stops- my pouch inevitably kicks in again- and puts the brakes on- if I want it to.  Physiologically before- I never reached a point of satiety- so that made things very difficult.  At least now if I want to self-sabotage- it doesn't feel good at all.  When my depression lifts- or a better day comes along- I take care of myself better and my body follows suit.  I remember before feeling so defeated because my head would be in a good place and it seemed that my body continually fought against me. I started out at 256 (a lightweight.......!) and now weigh about 168.  I could probably be less if I worked more at it- but I am happy with where I am at and living a full, busy life.  I wear a size 10/12 and look and feel a lot younger.  I know a lot of people who have had the surgery and no one has ever said that they regret it---- I am glad that I had the opportunity----

Karen, I can relate to so much of what you've said. Congratulations to you on all of your success!

Your post is so right.  You have hit the nail on the head about everything. All the years I'm sure we all felt we were alone in this struggle but in reality we were all the same. thanks for the great post. Koukla 339/179

I agree, Karen. For so long I felt like I worked very hard at the Psychological and emotional issues and made great progess in them...but my body fought me tooth and nail and I never made as much physical progress as I wanted. Now my body will work with me...as long as I work it. And that is such a better place to be than where I was. Jeannie

Thanks for the replies- glad to hear others feel the same.  I have to come back to the board from time to time to remember where I come from -much like my AA meetings.  Clean and sober 18 plus years now but I still go to meetings- one every couple weeks or so to meet up with friends- but also to remember where I have been - and also to "give it away".  It is important to share with other people our experience, strength and hope--- Great day to all- spring is here!