Looking to connect with patients 5+ years post op

Isn't it funny that it took something so drastic for us to finally get it right? I always knew the rules about what to do, but it wasn't until I became so miserable and went through the surgery that it clicked permanently for me.

I  had my  By  Pass  in  2004  and  have  lost  207 lbs  and  have  maintained it ..  I  also  have  Low  Blood  sugar  issues majorly in  the  past  2  years  ... When  I  did  the  surgery I  knew i  had  to  make  a  permanent life  style  change .. I  am  dedicated  to  a  healthy  support  group  so  that  I  stay  accountable and  don't  fall  back  into  old  life  style  ..  Any  thing  worth  having  is  worth  working  for ..  I  am  finding  that  the alot  of  Dr's  are  clueless  with  a  by  pass  person..  I  keep  searching  and  have  finally  found  some  proactive  Dr's  that  are  willing  to  help  me  with  the  Very  low  sugars ...  

No kidding about the doctors. It is frustrating but you really have to be your own biggest healthcare advocate. A big part of how I got to the point of surgery was misdiagnosis and the subsequent meds. I now realize that I have to run everything told to me through a filter to see if it jives with what I already know about myself. With all the surgeries done every year it is shocking that the general population of doctors is so inadequately prepared to deal with post op weight loss patients.

RNY was five years ago this past April.  Maintaining 160 pound loss. 

That is amazing. Congrats. I would love to know more about your story if you are interested in telling.

I am 6 years out - was 267, went down to 145 and now at 165, with my goal being 135.  My husband got cancer and was spending so much time caring for him - lost my time to exercise and began bad eating habits.  I have gotten back on an exercise routine, but the eating has been a huge struggle.  I am not happy with my weight and unsure how to fix the problem.  I have tired so many times to get back on track, but im struggling every day.  

Any advice for you long timers? 

First of all, I hope your husband pulled through ok. I know that had to be difficult no matter the outcome. My best advice to start might be that if you can at all afford it, try to find a personal trainer you like or even just a friend with similar goals. We sometimes need a bit of outside influence and motivation to get us back on track. If you can get the ball rolling again you can probably run with it yourself after that. I have a long history of working out both before and after surgery, but I know that I need additional support sometimes to get me kickstarted.

I had a significant regain in 2004 (my surgery was in 2002).  I stay pretty close to my goal weight (155lbs) these days.  

My solution?  No alcohol and working out.  I'm a runner mostly but enjoy weight training and a few other workouts.  If I keep on that train I do pretty well.

Surgery isn't the total fix it, I have to work at it every day.

Hi Carol,

Thank you for your reply. I would really like to hear more about your story (what led you to WLS in the first place etc). I can be reached at [email protected] or through my blog at www.fromhelltohealth.com