Any other 4 year post-ops (RNY)?

I am right behind you, I feel that 10 pounds creeping back, even though I am only 21 months out. Gotta get my HEAD STRAIGHT, right? Tracy ps. I liked her common sense advice and the theory of not being perfect.

I will be 4 years post op at Thanksgiving this year. I am 51 years old, single but dating the man of my dreams. I lost over 150 pounds in less than 18 months and maintained that for the next 2 years. I don't do a lot of exercise but that is changing, we are doing more bike riding, kayaking, hiking ,etc. I have had a gain back of about 15 to 20 pounds but am very serious about getting it off and then maybe some more. I am currently working 2 jobs so I am having to eat on the run a lot, but I am making better choices about what I pack with me. I am very interested in how everyone gets back on the protein bandwagon and kicks in their weightloss this far out. Carla

Hi Carla. Congratulations. Sounds like you have had a lot of success in many areas of your life. Somebody else is going to have to respond to the protein bandwagon thing...I am all about making changes for life, not temporary fixes. Perhaps you have read the rinitial post (mine) and the reply thread and none of it called your name. What I do is like a second job, for you it would be a third! No matter what you choose to do to reach your goals, know that the unthinkable is achievable and your dreams are within reach. PS: If you are interested in making changes that will help you reach your goals and stay that way forever, I would love to help.

Hi Karen. I just read your post. Congrats on your success. Just wondering if you could share with our group the following: What vitamins do you take? Do you have your labs drawn annually? Do you see your surgeon or PCP on a routine basis? Do you belong to a support group? Any complications or side effects from RNY? Any regrets about WLS this far out? I'm a year postop and just wondering. Thanks! Cathy

I offer answers to your questions with the following caveat...I had my surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Although a world class hospital, when I had my surgery they were in the early stages of developing their bariatric "center." CCF did not have a clearly defined follow-up or process for support (they do now). They did offer a monthly meeting, my comments regarding the group are below. So, here is my caveat or disclaimer...WLS has come a long way and I navigated this thing mostly on my own. I am not a model post op (although recently I was asked if I am a Petite Model...I know, petite/model/me in the same sentence!!!). I am however someone *****alized early on that the only thing that changed was that I had a surgically altered stomach and that would not be enough to insure a lifetime of success. Answers to your questions Vitamins that I take: 1 multi-vitamin daily (or when I remember to take it) Labs drawn: Once, 3 years post op Visits to surgeon or PCP: My surgeon is practicing in Maryland, I live in Ohio. I saw him up to 6 mos. post op. PCP, if that means Personal Care Physician then yes, I see her annually. Support Group: Went once as a newbie post op. Thought I was going to scream when the discussion centered around the joy in feeling full from eating one pretzel...I needed to find ways to change the behaviors, choices, etc. that made me fat in the first place...not revel in the wonders of my "tool." I did attend a support group recently...it was mostly populated by pre-ops. Somebody referred to me as a thin person. I am not convinced that the local support has evolved as I would have hoped. Support Group addition: as I did not find what I thought I needed at 6 wks. post op, and realized that I needed to change behaviors, I found someone locally who works with those committed to weight loss and teaches them behavior modification (replacing old negative behaviors with new positive behaviors). Not covered by insurance. $125/wk. Best investment I have made to date!!! Complications: None. Regrets: None. I will add that WLS is not magic. Yes, the initial weight loss is fast and dramatic...but the key to success (at least my success) is to make life long changes in the way you think, the things you tell yourself, your self-awareness, your commitment and your acceptance that you deserve great things and you make great things happen!