Can't believe I spaced it!!

Yesterday was my 3rd anniversary (surgiversity) of my RNY! Thank goodness that OH sent me an email or I would have spaced it totally! My 3 year check up is set out for a week or so.

The journey has been great overall...can't even imagine my life before. This is who I am now...it feels like me. I am comfortable with me. I watch some overweight folks struggle (went for a walk with my sister last month and she was panting a half a block in)....and I appreciate what I was able to do. Since then insurance requirements and my life has changed. So it would be difficult to do it now. I am more physically active (one of my goals), I can keep up with other people and my grandchildren, and I am on medications only for allergies and other things not related to the comorbities of obesity.

At times I can eat almost anything. Other times, can't. Have problems if food (meat) doesn't have enough moisture. Finally can do eggs and fish(most of the time). I do pretty well with my vitamins and drinking, do supplement with protein bars. Still need to eat slow and chew. I think I probably eat more than most WLS people do at times. I could eat more vegies. I really don't feel that restricted in what I eat. I can get the foamies (and sneezies) at times, and two much sugar makes me lightheaded. My weight is about 130-133 now. After surgery and ps I got down in the teens and that was way too low for me. I wear size 2-4 pants now and am glad to have some of my 'curves' back. I am almost done fixing some of the problems from my ps in Mexico....will be glad to have that behind me.

I have a much more active lifestyle....and try to work out several times a week. I do eat candy and things I shouldn't ....usually when stressed and it is available. Can't do the zoned out eating (pouch does not approve)....so finding other things to do is a better plan. Sometimes that just means crying and emoting.

I would say one of the most difficult parts of the journey has been dealing with emotional issues....I am not sure if it is the weight loss itself, the changes in body image and others' reactions or what, but that has been the hardest....to learn to go with the flow, not over focus on weight but being healthy and active and learning new ways to cope and express yourself and deal with problems as they arise. There are alot of reasons why people are overweight or use food...and when that is taken away you have to deal with it. I have friends that haven't and they end up 'eating around their WLS and gain it back'. Ongoing counseling and support is important.

Okay, if you are a newbie....just follow the rules, take one day at a time, and love and accept yourself wherever you are at today....that way you will make the best choices for you...

wish you all the best!!

deb366

Happy surgiversary, Deb. Thanks for checking in. You've done an awesome job! Don't be a stranger.



--gina

Thanks Deb for sharing your 3rd anniversary with us and how the journey has been. It is good to keep hearing how we must work our tool. With making the decision for this lifechanging surgery we need to make the decision to follow through with it too.

Certainly some food for thought in actually dealing with issues instead of shoving them down with food. I appreciate your sharing your truth.

Thanks "mom" and Liz!

Actually, without this board and help from the folks on it, I never would be where I am. Gina has been a wonderful help...This is a wonderful place for support, answers and inspirations!

deb366

Congrats on your 3 yr surgiversary! It's nice to hear about your experience AND encouraging.

Meg

Thank you for posting. It is nice to have positive feedback from someone three years out. I am doing well, but appreciate the reminder that this is a lifetime journey, which will have pitfalls. I told a friend this morning that I know I make mistakes (mine are salty crunchy, not candy), but that what is important is stopping and moving on.

I am happy to be off my diabetes meds and am looking forward to my six months labs in May, when I am sure my cholesterol will be low normal.

Keep posting, you are paying your success forward.

Thanks NDH, actually candy is not my fav, munchy carbs like popcorn and tortilla chips are...but candy is what my podpartner has available....work plus stress...still can equal stress eating. I try to keep nuts and protien bars at my desk at work...it helps. I do pretty good at home as long as I don't buy the stuff...can't eat it!

I am sure your new labs will be great...it is a wonderful feeling to be able to be more healthy!


deb366

 Thanks Deb for the update. I love reading about what my future may hold.  You seem to have a very realistic and positive view of things.  Don't stress too much over stress eating, as long as you are aware and don't overdo, I think you will be fine.
Congrats on being such a success!
janet

Deb - have missed you here!  Thanks for the update and its always great to see how others are doing - AND it sounds like you're doing great!

I think I am doing pretty good in regards to my WLS...I started doing squats and lunges for my son's birthday (I know, weird- wanted some way to remember the pain of child birth). I have kept them up (started in February) and it is amazing how my legs feel differently. I think I will think of new good habits as ways to celebrate.

Was feeling sort of down, and my dog and I went to explore a new beach and the garden store...it was very nice actually and I think we walked at least 3 miles...That is sort of the new life....talk or walk if something is bothering you...

Hope things are well with you Jody!