6 Years since my RnY! How time flies.

Good Morning, I just wanted to check in, as I just realized it has been six years since my surgery! I can't believe it, how time flies.  All is well, my health is GREAT, and the weight has stayed off. Although surgery is not right for everyone, it did work for me. My only issue is taking enough iron so that I do not develop anemia. Otherwise, I do just fine.  On a side note, I have realized that I am allergic to gluten/ wheat, but this has been an issue for me since way before WLS, I just did not know it. For those of you who have been diagnosed with IBS, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, etc you may seriously want to consider giving up gluten for a few days to see if gluten is making your symptoms worse. My health improved immediately and I felt great after giving it up.  I wish you all the best of luck in your journey. Life is short, enjoy the ride!!

Congrats on your anniversary! It is good to hear from members that are farther out than some of us - and even better when we learn you're doing well!  I'm just over two years out and have also done well after surgery.  My only issue is avoiding the temptation to graze.  That's an old habit that is hard to break, especially when inside so much over the winter. Keep up the great work! Matt

Congrats on your 6th anniversary!  I'm glad to see you kept off the weight, that's good to see!

congrats on your 6 year anniversary. its nice to hear good news on the board here.  some days many of us all struggle with food or health issues. i wish you many more happy and thin years. hugs, jacki

Happy 6 years!!! WOW!  It's so nice to hear from someone as far out as you and doing well!  It's nice to hear positive news for a change... Good luck with the iron...I have the same trouble here at 4 years out...That's interesting about the gluten....But I'm a glutton for gluten! LOL My arthritis only mildly bugs me on rainy days....but I'll keep that in mind if it ever starts to really bug me! I wish you all the best for the rest of your life's journey! Thanks for coming in and sharing! Hugs

Congratulations! This really gives me hope for the future (I'm not quite 2 years post-op and wondering what the future holds). What's your secret? Do you work out a lot? Do you count calories? Did you cut out carbs?

Thank you! Truthfully, I am not a "model" patient.  I don't exercise near enough, I constantly fight grazing issues, and I do admit to eating junk.  I think I am just plain dumb lucky, and my doc did an amazing job. I still get sick if I overeat, eat too fast, or eat meat that is not super tender.  I have to honestly say that my gluten issues have kept weight off, (the bad way,if you get what I am saying) and then ditching gluten in my diet ( wheat based bread, flour, pasta, etc) now keeps me slim ( the good way). Also, my body no longer likes fatty foods, which is a problem, cause I DO!!!!!  Two things I am a stickler about:  I always eat protein first, even if I want to eat jun****ep almonds at work and at home, so I have no excuses.  Second, my doc was adamant about not starting people out on shakes as meal replacements, as she felt that sweet drinks will eventual lead to sweet treats and then to snacking. So I really don't have much in the way of sweet drinks, and I never did the shake thing.  I do have an occasional diet pepsi, but not daily.  I drink unsweetened coffee or water or unsweetened iced tea. Who is to say if this is really helpful, but this is what I do.  For me, food was an emotional drug, and I have worked really hard on this piece. I think therapy or support groups are critical to changing the way I think about food.  And I never lose sight of the fact that I could gain it all back tomorrow.  Wishing you all the best!!!

And they call me an old-timer? Seriously, congratulations for the hard work you've put in.

I have to say, I nearly fell over when I got the email from OH reminding me that it has been six years. I can't believe it has been that long. I am now surrounded by people who never knew me as obese, which is always interesting when the topic comes up. Then I have to dredge up the pictures to prove it. ( If only I could whip out my extra saggy tummy skin, ha ha.)  Congratulations to you as well. Are you really as furry as your picture implies?  ;)

Happy 6yr Anniversay!!! Congratulations on all of your success!!!!!!!