3 yr anniversary - the good, the bad & the ugly

Today, well since it is after midnight, yesterday, was my 3 yr WLS anniversary and I feel compelled to report in...

Not to brag, but I was one of the one of those folks that "succeeded" with wls.  On my 1 year anniversary I was well below my surgeon's goal and even a few lbs below my personal weight loss goal.  I followed all the rules and even exercised some although I hate exercising.  My doctor called me " the poster child for WLS". 

I spent most of 2006, my 2nd post-op year, having reconstructive plastic surgery.  My 3 planned plastic surgeries became 5 due to complications but through it all I still managed to maintain my weight loss.  With the plastic surgeries I traded skin for scars and even with the complications that required additional trips to the OR, I have no regrets about the plastic surgery.   In Oct. 2007 I even lost another 8 lbs. during a time of severe family crisis.  For the first time in my life I understood the concept of being too upset to eat.  Whereas in the past, emotional upsets would have me eating the legs off the table this time I just couldn't eat a bite!!  That weight loss put me way too low for my height so I eased up on my food restrictions so I could get back to a better weight.  I began eating more carbs and gave in to my "sweet tooth", too.  That was the beginning of my downhill slide. 

By the time I celebrated my 2nd wls anniversary on 1/25/07 I was back to my goal weight but was having severe shoulder (rotator cuff) and knee problems as well as complications from my last plastic surgery (Breast lift w/ augmentation).  I was so tired of having surgery but knew I would need at least 3 more surgeries to correct the problems I was having.  Between recovering from all the plastic surgeries and the knee & shoulder problems I had been unable to exercise, just able to do routine "life" activities for over a year but still holding close to my goal weight. 

In March 2007 I had knee surgery & shoulder surgery 2 weeks apart, then physcial therapy for 3 months.  I completed my physical therapy, in June, just in time to have revision plastic surgery in July.  Needless to say, I was unable to exercise for most of the 2007.  I stopped keeping my food journal and continued to eat too many carbs and sweets.  During that time I managed to gain another 30 lbs. 

I am so unhappy that I've allowed bad eating habits to creep back into my life.  I worked so hard to have wls and to get to my weight loss goal but I seem unable or unwilling to do what it takes to get these re-gained pounds off.  Don't get me wrong - I have absolutely no regrets about having weight loss surgery.... it was the best thing I could have done for my health, both physically and mentally.  I lost over 140 lbs. and even with my re-gained weight, I'm proud of my accomplishment.  I know that my post-op health problems are the results of the damage done by years of morbid obesity.  So it really concerns me that I am not doing what I need to do to eat & live a healthy life. 

So as I begin another year in this wild, wonderful, wacky WLS journey I hope that by posting this I will feel that I am being held accountable by those who understand my struggle the best - YOU - my WLS buddies.

Vickie J.

Your story sounds alike like mine. I know it is discouraging to gain the weight and go back into bad habits.  Last week I went on the 5-day pouch diet and it motivated me to lose weight and get back on track.  Hang in there...and remember all the pounds you have lost!!!!

Thank you for your encouraging words.  I did the 5DPT but made the mistake of doing it shortly before the holidays so the lessons I learned didn't "stick".  I think I'll try it again and hope I can keep those good habits going. Vickie J.

Vickie thanks for sharing!

Your post should be read by all pre ops! Im 2 1/2yrs out now and have had a TT, and will get my arms done this summer. My story sounds alot like yours. I however havent got to goal, id like to loose another 20-30lbs, and struggle to do so. I think its important for people to know not everyone will melt down to goal, or stay there. WLS is a tool, not magic. Life still happens, and like pre op, we can still gain and lose weight. Its hard to stay motivated, it's a struggle to loose lbs at more than 2 yrs out, just like it was before surgery.

You've done awsome! If you put your mind to it you CAN loose those 30lbs. It just takes time and determination! Hugs

Kathy, Thanks for the encouragment!  I need all I can get!!  When I look in the mirror I get discouraged b/c I've lost that svelte body I had after my LBL - for the first time since my teens I looked like I actually had a waist!!  But when I look back at my pre-op pics, especially the nude photos I want to just slap myself silly b/c I look (and feel) so much better than I did before my gastric bypass.  I guess it is just human nature to want more - or in my case, less!   LOL!!!! Vickie J.

Vickie, Happy Anniversary.......wow sweetie I knew you had some tough medical situations to deal with I didn't know how many, I'm sorry and hope 2008 brings you better health. As for the regain, you can take control of it again.....I just saw a post yesterday on the grad board of someone 4-5 years post-op that had never reached goal, regained 50 lbs, got her head back in the game and not only lost the 50 lb regain BUT an additional 30 lbs she never lost during the honeymoom period....she is my idol to know that with determination it can happen. Refocus and know you'll get back to where you want. Good luck!

Thanks!  With 6 surgeries in 2006 and 3 in 2007 I guess I shouldn't be so hard on myself.  I know I can get some of this extra weight off.  I have no desire to get back to my lowest weight b/c that just was not a healthy weight for me.  But I'd love to get back within 5 lbs. of my goal weight.   I've decided to do the 5 Day Pouch Test starting on Monday.  I"m hoping that will jump start my weight loss & kick me back on track. Who is the long-term post-op you mentioned?  I'd love to read her posts & profile.  I need the inspiration, too! Vickie J.

Vickie, I thought I post this link for you already but don't see it so if you've gotten already, sorry for the duplication. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/wls_grads/a,messageboard/a ction,replies/board_id,5491/cat_id,5091/topic_id,3508012/

Thanks! Vickie J.

I am 1 1/2 years out.  I understand much of what you have said.  The thing about our surgery is that now we get bothered about a 20 or 30 lb. gain.  Before, that was not a big deal.  What is another 20 lbs when we weigh 260 or 360 lbs!  My weight could change 10 lbs. in a couple of days!  You have the 'want-to' and the tools to reverse this before it becomes too much of a problem.  Before, I just could not overcome the obstacles.  You have come so far, it is obvious that you can keep up the good work!  And we know it is work!  I have to admit, I did not know how hard it would be to maintain.  They made it look so easy.  Wish I had read some of these posts before, however, I have to say, I have been so very happy.  I went on a trip to Europe over the summer with a friend.  I flew up and down those double decker buses with ease.   Our family went on a diving trip over Christmas.  What a treat to feel like anyone else walking on the beach!   I have seen those couple of lbs. go up.  I am aware.  I am having oatmeal for breakfast now, yuck!  I am going to be positive about this and work hard!  I am going on and on, just to say, Vickie, you do it girl!  I can't wait to hear how you are doing!!!  I really can't wait!