Update from an old timer

Hi all!
I recognize a few beloved of you from my time here. I always wished people who were further out were on the boards, so here I am. I'm writing via my phone, so this may not be as comprehensive as I hoped! Lol
So generally about me: I had rny two years ago. I lost about 95 lbs, about 10 lbs short of my goal. I was always active-truly- but my weight loss allowed me to teach more aerobics classes, which I love. Needless to say from someone who never wanted to be noticed, wls has given me confidence and happiness!! I've been in a relationship for 7 months. I wear a size 4. I had some plastic surgery to help with my body image. Glad I did!

So that's the easy stuff the first question: why did I stray from the boards. 1) it's natural as people find their wls surgery way and take off the training wheels 2) life gets fuller...and busier..and sometimes overwhelming as you delve in (there's a lot of lost time to make up for and 3) this is me, not everyone: it was hard to deal with my wl ending, not meeting my goal, experiencing setbacks, and seeing other people exceed their goals in what seemed like an effortless way.
What have I learned? Something new every day!!
1) for me, I can't tell I ever had rny. I try to watch portions, but I don't feel restriction. I don't dump, though in rate cir****tances I get unwell from sugar consumption if no protein is involved.
2) I have more issues than a slow metabolism. Don't get me wrong, mine moves at a snail pace, but I am a true addict. I will binge on yummy food. I will seek it for comfort. I will eat in private if I feel someone is monitoring my eating. Like AA, that's one day at a time. I have to resolve to make better choices and stay engaged. I also stay in therapy.
3) wl changes your behavior sometimes and you have to decide who you are. Moat people do that over a lifetime. We do it in a year (ongoing process however)
4) relationships change even if you don't. Not all mind you- but some people are off put by your change. Even in a totally benign way, having a little more confidence can challenge some relationships.
5) I need support. I'm being honest that I may not be here as much as I would like, even now. I've made my schedule overwhelming. I need to figure that out. Nonetheless, no one, no matter how wonderful, understands wl like people here.
Well, there's lots more I can say, but time to get ready for work!
Love you all and can't wait to hear from you!

I'm glad you're back as much as you can be!  Folks need your insight and maybe you can get support from us as well.

--gina

Great post for us newbees.  Thanks.
It is a life long journey.  Those of us post surgery are or have kind of gotten the hang of the loosing part but the maintaining part is still a little scarey.  We have all lost it before and gained it back.  This time we have resolved to make it different.  But I really think the only way we can do that is to learn the habits now, then keep them up and keep the support from here, our local groups, where ever.

Thanks for your veteran perspective.  I find it very valuable to read others accounts and insights.

Thanks for your post. Being so close to goal, sometimes I think my journey is coming to an end. Your post reminds me that this is a lifetime and I must attack it one day at a time. Thanks for the reminder!

Its great seeing you post again.  Hope you stick around.  Cindy

Welcome back!

I saw your post earlier on Ava's question re: carbs, and thought "she really knows her stuff!" I'm glad to know more about your journey now.

I get what you're saying about why you fell away from the boards for a while.  I hope it's true that you never really fall away, that you just take a break.  I know everyone is glad to see you back, and I hope it's good for you to be back!

I'm inspired by your aerobics instructing.  I've had a long-held dream of becoming a spin instructor, though I don't think I'll do that - I've shifted to some other things like ballet dreams, now (that are coming true!) but still, I think it's really cool that you're doing that.

Thanks for coming back, and I look forward to hearing more about how all this unfolds for you.

-Rosa (my middle name)

Hi Rosa!
Good to meet you. Thanks for your post! Yes, the aerobics thing is a blessing. I have to be CRAZY active to maintain weight loss, but the plus side is, I have good muscle tone and I'm healthy. Can't complain. Teaching aerbobics doesn't make me any money, but it does make me accountable. I HAVE to be there, even if I have a bad day.
I started with kickboxing, but now I teach weights/resistance, cardio intervals, Zumba and Hip Hop, and I'm hoping to add step, at least temporarily. I don't know if my knee would tolerate it long term. Anyway, it makes exercise fun, and I feel like I've accomplished something. I can't beleive I look forward to talking with a mic in a room full of people :)
I LOOOOOOVE ballet. Took it for a long time. I'm so happy for you! Keep on keepin on with your dreams, goals, hobbies...whatever brings you hapiness!

Talk with ya soon!

Nice to meet you! I think you were gone before I came, but I love hearing from people who are further out. I have been gone for a week because of schedules and such, but I usually don't stay away that long.

Hi Katie!  I love your new avatar!!

You're SO right that this is a continuing venture - I've found that very true for myself.  While I did hit goal (my goal, not what my Dr had first recommended) I'm finding old eating habits creeping back in.  I did dump, but now I don't think I do anymore - as I tested my limits with sugar recently and they didn't push back. 

I need to get more active - but like you said, life gets busy.  New man in my life and well.. with work and him.. I'm just busy... no excuse - I know!! 

Great to see you again!