6 years post-op

6/21/07

Wow, amazing. I am over 6 years post-op.I weight 189lbs and am 5’5””. I have maintained my loss with no complications. I have a happy, healthy, active life. I will be 52 in September and I will be married 28 years in December. I weigh less than the day we married, less than the day I gave birth to my son. I have developed a serious (LOL) shoe fetish, and I shop til’ I drop. I love clothes. Hubby has added another closet on the front porch. A quick re-hash. My highest weight was 360 plus. I weighed 342 the day of surgery. I had severe sleep apnea, but was fortunate that I had no other co-morbidities. By the time I lost 50 pounds, no more C-pap machine. I have been free of sleep apnea for over 5 years! I have had some weight fluctuation, sometimes almost 10 pounds up and back down. I don’t sweat it, just work it off, or work it down, or wait out “that time of the month”. (I’m going to be the first woman ever to never go through menopause!! LOL) I guess the best way to understand it is this. After the first few times it happened, and I didn’t gain any more, and my clothe still fit, and it went back down—I learned that it is part of my body’s rhythm. One of the great benefits of post-surgery life is becoming in tune with the signals my body puts out. I know what to eat, how much to eat and what to avoid. Do I always listen to my body?? Hell no, I ‘m human. But I sure pay a price when I don’t. And there are something’s that are still written in stone, even after 6 years. NO SUGAR!!!! EVER!!!! (I dump, still---this is a good thing!! LOL yeah rightL) Very limited fat. Protein first, always. I still do protein shakes, I still take vitamin supplements. I still drink 80 plus oz of water or sugar free drink---every day!. Rarely drink pop. But let’s get this straight, I in no way feel limited or deprived. There is too much in life that I have gained to even miss let alone mourn the foods I don’t eat. And after 6 years, the cravings are gone. I’m telling you this really –really-really works. It’s not “easy”, it takes work, and it takes a lot of mental changes.  But if I—a compulsive, sugar addicted 45 year old (in 2001) set in my ways, stubborn & belligerent fat woman can do this-----YOU CAN TOO!!!!! And one more thing! I am a success, and I am not a size 3, or 5 or even 10. I am the weight and size I am meant to be. I am healthy, I am happy. I am no longer morbidly obese and dying. This site has meant so much to me, the questions, the answers, the people. I don’t visit and contribute like I used to. I know I won’t have the time to be around a lot, life really does move on. But I’ll sincerely try to visit every month, not every 2 years!! And if any one ever wants to contact me, please---I’ll answer as soon as possible. Luv Ya!!! Becky

Becky, thank you SO much for posting this. It means the world to me to see how well you have done. At my surgeon's support group, the only grads who come back seem to be those who are struggling with regain or not achieving their goals, and it can be discouraging to those of us who are in the first phase of life post-WLS. Thank you for inspiring me and showing me that long-term success is possible!

Becky, You are an absolute inspiration!!!!!!!! I am so glad you posted... YOU are just what I needed to hear today.  Best wishes to you...

Congratulations Becky! You are certainly a shining example to all of us! I agree with so many of the things that you said, most especially the part about listening to your body's rhythm. That's so important. It sounds like you've stuck with  the plan for the long haul and you're a long term success story! I am so happy for you and for all that you've been able to  accomplish! HUGS!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for posting. It is wonderful to hear from a 6 year post op success. It  shows that by following the rules (the majority of the time)  we all can be successful  and happy with what we have attained. Sher

Thank you so much for posting. Too often we hear from the people who are gaining, and it is nice to hear from someone who has been able to maintain. Both points of view teach a very important lesson. I have to remind myself that food is just food, but the experiences I can have now are worth so much more than any cookie or cake. Congratulations to you. Hugs, Bridget

Wow!  It's soooo good to see another 6 year post op success!  I also work at it at times but I'm still not happy with where I am!  I have recently lost from 182 to 155 and I will get to 140!  It just takes dedication and do what works for you as an individual!   Congratulations girl!  You are an inspiration to others!

Thanks, and hey!! You look awesome. Congrats on your success. You and I statred about the same, and we have come so far. It's a good life, and it's important for people to know that it can be. Have a great Day!! Becky

God Bless you Becky, thanks for the encouragement, advice, and testimony for what is to come...you are an inspiration. Godspeed!