Introductions

Since I haven't left the house since Thursday and I've been on OH much more than usual, I noticed a lot of faces I haven't seen before so I think it's time for another inroduction thread! :)

I'm Rebecca, I had RNY 14 months ago and have lost 100lbs and still have about 40lbs to go. I am a full-time, 22 year old, single student (without kids) majoring in Social and Behavioral Science with a minor in Criminal Justice. I plan on eventually being a counsler in a state prison. Since losing weight I am now starting to lead an active lifestyle...which I never imagined myself doing! Although I am not finished with my goal and still have a lot of mental kinks to go through before I am completely confident with myself, I still have so much more confidence in everything that I do and everyday is a new start. I have learned so much from others here on OH and there are people on here who I really care about.

One of my all time favorite quotes that I now think of several times every single day whenever I feel like I need to tackle something or I don't want to do something:

"people are always blaming their cir****tances for what they are. i don't believe in cir****tances. the people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the cir****tances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them."

Hi Rebecca,
I'm Sue and I had RNY in November and have lost 60 pounds with 38 more to go.  I work for the National Park Service as an administrative officer.  I amd 59 years old, have two grown kids, and five grandchildren, only one of them is a girl, Olivia, the light of my life.  I am so glad I had the surgery, it has put my diabetes into remission.  I also had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.  I feel better than I have in years, and owe alot of my success to my friends on this forum.

Congratulations on your career goals.

Congrats Sue you are more than half-way to your goal! :) I'm so happy for you that your co-morbities have disappeared as your weight has dropped...you will continue to feel better and better the closer you get to goal! :)

Hi there,

I am Michelle and I had the DS three and a half years ago. I was very active on the boards for the first couple of years, but then life got super busy. With that super busy came some unwanted regain (I know it was my own bad choices that caused this). So, I am being more diligent with diet and exercise and the daily food thread on the DS board holds me accountable.

I work full time outside of the home and have a wonderful husband and two terrific kids and a dog that loves his daily walks. I am very excited for the spring and even more for summer when we can be at the lake (hence, want to not only fit but look good in a swimsuit).

I don't post a lot, but if I feel I can contribute I will.

Hi Michelle! It's really great that you took the big step of posting your food and being accoutable for what you have eaten, staying on top of that can help you a lot! I know what you mean about the spring and summer, i'm so ready to be out there in a swimsuit on the lake as well! There is nothing wrong with not posting much..."quality vs quantity" :)

I'm Dee. I'm 2 1/2 weeks out from my VSG and down almost 15 lbs! From the start of all this I have lost almost 50 pounds from my all time high and have another 50-60 to go. (Surgeon's goal vs my goal) I'm a PA (physician's assistant) with two kids and a great partner who has been very supportive, if squeamish about the drains and all. LOL I joined a gym as part of the pre-op preparation and have found that I really enjoy it, which is something entirely different than my usual view on exercise.

I've learned an awful lot from reading this board. Knowing there are other lightweights that have gone through this and have been successful is my inspiration.

Dee, congrats on the first 15! You are on track to making it to your healthy goal. Joining a gym/getting active is such a huge part of this journey...you sound just like I did and now I love exercising and the confidence that comes with being active. You are right about other lightweights...SO many people on these boards are really inspiring, with both physical and mental transformations and words of encouragement! Best of luck to you Dee!

Good idea Rebecca!

Hi - I'm Jody.  I had my RNY in Oct of 2008.  My lowest weight I saw on the scale was 121, and I'm currently bouncing from 129-131.  Not real happy with that and trying to get back down to my goal weight of 125.   I maintained 123-125 for well over a year and a half until this past Christmas.... when I discovered I don't dump on sweets anymore... bummer!! 

I work full time and am currently trying to decide if I'm going to take the buy-out and early retirement being offered.  My job has been eliminated and its a pretty stressful decision - or to take my chances and see if I can find another job (I work for the USPS).  I've been applying for outside jobs but probably won't hear anything until I have to make the final decision. 

I have 2 grown children and a gorgeous grandbaby who is so much fun (she's 7 months now).  My son is a Pilot and my daughter a Police Officer.  I'm very proud of them both!

Hi Jody! You will get back down to your goal weight before you know it, you did it before and you can do it again! :) That is a big decision with your job...sorry to hear about that. Can you take the early retirement AND get another job? I'm not sure how your retirement system works since they are all different but I know . Sounds like you have a great family...my dad is a Police Officer as well! :)

Hello!

My name is Jennifer and I am 5 weeks post RNY.  Things are going well with recovery and it feels great to feel like me again!  I am 38 and a clinical social worker and I coordinate hospice and palliative care at one of the local hospitals.  Love what I do and am very grateful for that!

I have erxercised for years but recommitted during my pre-op process and was back at the gym post surgery two weeks ago.  I feel like this will be a key part of maintenance as well as losing.  I am getting close to the weight that I have not been less than in at least 10 years and that is exciting!  I lost a good amount of weight before surgery (a required part of my program) so the weight loss is slow but continues.

This board has been so helpful to me during this process and I have learned a great deal from everyone.  I was a lurker for a long time as I am a little shy!!!  I am very grateful for how supportive all of you are!!!!