Long-term Grads (7 yrs plus?)

Hi There,

I'm back here on ObesityHelp after a very long-hiatus and my, have things changed!!  I had my surgery back in March of 2000 and used to come here DAILY and then it tapered off about a year post-op... this was the last board I visited and naturally the first one when I'm back.  BTW, the long hiatus is what caused my very long profile and information to disappear, so I apologize for not having more info out there.

I'm at a point now where I'm actually trying to lose weight for the first time in years.  No particular reason other than I started working out and feel really great and would like to translate some of that feeling into taking off a few more pounds. 

I'm 5'6" and never got much below 180lbs and I've been hovering in the 190's (other than my pregnancy where I got up to about 212lb at my highest) for about 6 years.  I've been pretty pleased with that - 14's in all my clothes and pretty fit in the sense that I can physically do what I need to do and I can keep up with even the skinny ones (and especially my toddler daughter!).  My pre-op weight was 306lbs!

So, that said, I wanted to come back and join the community that I found so helpful before and hopefully find peers that are in a similar situation.  I'd do weigh****chers or something else, but I'd always (still) feel different.  This seems a better fit.

Thakns for listening.  Hope to find some other long-term grads still out there!
Kind regards,
Jessica

3/20/00
RNY Open
306/182/196

Hi Jessica and Welcome Back!!! It sounds like you've done very well over the last 7+yrs~Congratulations!!!!

Welcome back Jessica!  I'm still a newbie compared to you, but it's good to see you and glad to know that our pouches do work long term if we work it like we should.  I haven't reached my goal yet, but I'm still striving.

Genie

Thank you!
Yes, the pouch still works, but I do get concerned sometimes.  It DEFINITELY has stretched - sometimes to the point that I don't know if its working at all as I feel I can eat anything I want.  The difference is that now my eating habits are just that - habits.  Everything from chosing protein firs****ching the liquids, and eating smaller portions still resonate even though most of the time I don't HAVE to.  But yes, it does still work, at least for me - just last week I made a cold rice/chicken salad and for some reason I couldn't eat it.  I only took a few bites and run to the ladies!  It actually made me feel good to know there are still some strict limits.

Good luck to you Genie!

Hi Jessica,
Welcome back!

I turned 7 yrs yesterday

I went from 233 to 133 to 170 now at 149

i agree the pouch has stretched but that was not my reason for weight re-gain.....mine was from failure to follow rules, depression, plastic surgery and inactivity, thyroid malfunction. BUT FIRST AND FOREMOST FAILURE TO FOLLOW POUCH RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We get comfortable with ourselves and one extra bite leads to two and drinking with meals not working out not taking vitamins not eating right so on and so forth........

But I am back on track.......joined a gym hired a trainer in March and have lost 20 pounds....I lift weights and do massive cardio and also started a spinning class,,,,,,,,now thats kicking my butt.

Remember......life happens....dont let set backs ruin your day....just get up dust your pants off and start over..........or better yet follow your doctors rules.....it is never too late to get back on track.

Take Care
Tammy

I'm just 5 years post op not 7 but have to work at it every day! It is easy at first then we all have to learn that the pouch is a tool not the answer!

Hi Tammy,
Conrats to you for not giving up and getting back on track!   It seems we have similar weight stats and I'll be 8 years out this August 28th.  I went from 240 to 139 to 181 and now 151#.   I have probably posted a gazillion times about my efforts to stay on track.  Posting here keeps me motivated and lets others know that there is life after weight gain.   Keep up the good work!!  Good luck and many blessings.
Char

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG

many of us are here. including some late 90's Goodman ppl.

we are 1+ yrs, with the majority being about 7-10.

if you are suddenly gaining, it's possible you have SLD, staple line disruption. have you been checked? Done lap or open?

Welcome back. I too am 8 years post op 7/2000.

This is a life long journey that we are on. It is good to stay connected to the bariatric commuity to learn about changes in both dietary protocols and supplememnts. A lot has changed in 8 years. Most all of us are having to deal with losing  some weight either from weight regain or never having reached goal to start with. On this board you can hear about what the WLS Grads are doing to remain successful. It is good to have you back.

Paula