3 years out and coming back to OH!

Hello! Let me introduce myself!   My name is Mari and I am 23 years old. I have been a member of OH since '04. Mostly I lurk and have lurked since sometime in 2003. It is interesting to see how far this forum has come along. Back when I was more active in the forums, there weren't nearly as many people sharing their stories!   

At 20 years old, I had my ryn surgery on May 14, 2004 and weighed 320(size 28/30). I wish I would have kept better records of what I lost when(in terms of lbs and inches) but I guess I can't go back and change that now. A few weeks ago, I just had my 3 year anniversary. It's insane to think it has been 3 years now.   Currently, I am hovering around 155(size 10). My lowest(when I was exercising 3-4 times a week and really watching what I was eating) was about 142(size 6/8). My goal weight was originally to get under 200lb, then my doctor and I changed to staying under 175. 

On average, I'm usually around 150 and can go about 5-8lbs either way depending how much I'm exercising or if I'm paying close attention to what I'm eating. I have yet to have anything done in terms of plastics. That is my greatest wish and I really feel that would help me "complete" my journey.  

During the last year, I've had a lot of challenges I had to face and let my journey with wls fall to the way side. I'm an emotional eater and often turn to that when I have problems. I've decided to recommit myself and get back on track for the summer, hence my return to OH. I would love to talk to others about my journey(and yours!) I look forward to sharing what I've learned over the last 3 years. I've come along way and while my journey can be a constant struggle, as a whole I'm happy where I am. Feel free to contact me because I would love to talk to people(especially those in the PA area)

Hi!  My name is Colleen and Iam waiting for all of my paperwork to be approved and sent to insurance I should know on thursday if they have everything and if the treatment team is submitting my information to insurance! It is great to hear from someone who is so far out from surgery! Thanks for coming back to OH to share! I am from ohio but my parents have a place in North Kingsville PA not sure where that is in comparison to you...but I thought I would drop a line and say hello! Colleen

Awesome job, Mari!!!! It is soooo encouraging to hear from a young woman who's been so successful at maintaining her weight loss for three years.  It gives me hope that this is attainable. Thank you for sharing your struggles with emotional eating.  I get stuck in those same habits, too, and it makes me afraid for my long-term success with the surgery (I'm still pre-op.)  Have you developed any strategies/solutions for getting back on track?  It would be really helpful to know what's working for you, especially with emotional eating. Welcome back and thanks for posting. Heather