Belated 3-year anniversary post

The 3-year anniversary of my RNY gastric bypass was October 25th.  I was preoccupied with recovering from a tummy tuck at that time, but I wanted to post about life "now" versus "then." 

10/25/05:  I weigh 386 pounds
10/25/08:  I weigh ~180 pounds. 

10/25/05:  My heart was pounding and I had to stop and catch my breath after climbing a flight of stairs.
10/25/08: I can climb 50-60 flights of stairs on the stairmaster, then do another 30-40 minutes of cardio on the elliptical, stationary bike or rowing machine. 

10/25/05:  I have to stop and rest after walking for 5-10 minutes.
10/25/08:  I can walk for hours, and still keep going.

10/25/05:  I'm on two medications to control my blood pressure, and one medication to keep my periods regular.  My resting pulse is around 80. 
10/25/08:  My blood pressure is normal and my periods are regular, no medications required.  My resting pulse is around 55. 

10/25/05:  I don't fit in airplane seats, or movie seats, or restaurant booths. 
10/25/08:  I fit easily into airplace seats, movie seats and restaurant booths. 

10/25/05:  I only shop at Catherines or from the Lane Bryant or Roaman's catalogs.  In many cases, I'm buying the largest sizes they offer....
10/25/08:  I shop wherever I want.  I can wear medium and large tops/shirts, and pants in sizes from 14-18, depending on the cut/style/fabric.

Although I still have issues I'm struggling with (body image issues are something I'm having a hard time with right now), I've made a lot of progress in three years.  It's been hard work, with some terrible lows but some fantastic highs as well.  It hasn't been an easy journey, but it's one I would not trade for anything.  I've made some great friends along the way, including some great folks in this forum (esp. Kix, Jenn, PJ, Jan), and I've learned a lot about myself. 

Anyway, that's my story at three years out - just wanted to take a moment to reflect and share some of my thoughts...

Kellie

Congratulations on 3 successful years Kellie! I know the road can sometimes be rough, but in the end its all worth it. Keep trying to work thru those issues (like most of us are doing) and you'll end up a happy, healthy person both physically and mentally. We are all works in progress!!!!

Thanks, Tracy.  I totally agree that, rough road and all, it's worth it in the end.  Like many of us, I initially thought many of my problems would be solved by losing weight and becoming a more "normal" size.  While my physical health problems were resolved by losing weight, the emotional and psychological issues were not.  I continue to actively work on those issues so I can become the happiest, healthiest me I can be!  I intend to be a work in progress until my end of days...

Kellie

I just want this post to go to Kellie if possible. I too am yrs out of surgery. Lost all the wt. was told to gain a bit back and now cant stop gaining. Even with dieting. Need someone to chat with at times who has been there like Kellie. Is this possible.  Joy

CONGRATULATIONS!!