My 3 year surgiversary is TODAY!!!

Well folks, it was 3 years ago today that I had a surgery that has changed my life, definitely for the better. I started out at my highest at 218, and my lowest was 121, with my goal being 125. I’m currently holding at 132. No, not real pleased with the gain, but I’ve had people tell me I don’t look as gaunt as I did… looking back at those pictures I can see where they got that – but DAMN, I looked good in clothes!! But I still think losing 5 pounds wouldn’t be a bad thing. I liked the 125-127 range. My smallest size was a 2/4, and I’m now in a 6. I still have some of my 4’s I can get into. Of course it all depends on the clothes. I'm also finding clothes fitting me much different this year than last year, because of the redistribution.  I also say “just because you can fit in them doesn’t mean you should wear them" LOL…  I weigh now what I did in high school. I had a pretty easy time of incorporating foods into my diet. I did dump on sugars and only realized last Christmas that sugar didn’t bother me like it used to, but guess I’m lucky that I’m not a big sweet eater anyway… my downfall is the carby chips. I’ve never thrown up, although there are times I wish I could have. Me and the foamies got to know each other well, and I still do have them on occasion, usually if I eat too fast or too much.   This past year has thrown me a lot of changes that I’ve had to go through, most of which were really pretty good. I met Tom almost a year ago (Nov 12^th will be our 1 year anniversary), I moved in with Tom in March (yes, there definitely have been challenges there), I got notice my job was eliminated and I had to make some tough choices about what to do. I took an early retirement and ended up getting an even better job (yes it’s all in who you know…) and with this new job I have been traveling a LOT (and not getting on the LW board much at all, which isn't a good thing). And because of that my routine has been knocked off and I have gotten a little lax in the past month or so with my vitamins and protein. My last trip I did much better with my vitamins and ok with my protein. I head to San Diego next week and vow to do better than last time.  I eat normal. I realize the term “normal" is relative, but I eat quantities that no one would even think I’ve had surgery and are acceptable for someone my size. I don’t eat nearly as much as I used to, and eat until I am satisfied. I still concentrate on protein, then veggies and rarely eat the starch, in fact when I go out to eat, I usually ask them just not to bring it. My thought patterns and eating habits have changed definitely for the better. I find myself looking at menus now thinking “wow before my surgery I would have ordered the loaded baked potato, fried fish, etc." Now I ask for the veggie instead of potatoes and ask for my food to be grilled or baked. But – something I thought I’d never do again, is I have, in the past week or so, indulged in some Diet coke/pepsi. The first day I did it my pouch was grouchy and I realized that “hey – that doesn’t taste too bad". I’ve had a few more since then but have no intention of making it a habit.  Yes, my demise has been my adult beverages (that’s the main reason I’ve gained this weight, oh, plus I stopped exercising when I moved in with Tom, who lives out in the middle of nowhere). But – I got my elliptical machine out of storage, set up in the garage (it’s heated) with my big TV and now I have no excuse. I have significantly reduced my adult beverages and am to the point where I am totally cutting them out.  I have developed Reactive Hypoglycemia. It’s really something I wouldn’t wish on anyone – BUT, I find it keeps me on track. Carbs set me off, and I found that if I eat processed carbs (bread, chips, etc) with a beer – watch out! (and a very good reason to cut the beer out) But lately I’m finding that I don’t even need to drink alcohol to have RH bite me in the butt… its carbs that will set me off. So – I need to be careful with what I eat. And it keeps me in check.  Maintenance has been much harder than I thought it would be. It’s hard to know when your “honeymoon" period is over and malabsorption stops. One day you wake up and the scale is up a few lbs and you’re like “what the heck – I haven’t changed anything!!". But it happens. Also, be prepared for weight redistribution. I’ve hated my thighs all my life. The year 2010 has been the ONLY year I’ve loved my thighs, even with all the hanging baggy skin. This year they’re back to the way they used to be… and I found the redistribution happening even before I gained these 10 lbs.  I did have a tummy tuck and a breast lift/augmentation. They both definitely were worth it. I’d do them both again in a heartbeat.

Ok – I’ll wrap this up – but I want to thank everyone who has seen me through this journey, who has been there for me, who went shopping with me (Grin Gina!). I’ve also been fortunate to have met many of you in person through my travels with my old and new job. I plan on sticking around. I know I have been MIA in action lately, and it will happen on occasion, but I do get to get on and do some quick reading on those days I don’t post. 

HAPPY SURGIVERSARY!!!  SOOOOO glad we're friends!!!!  

Hugs,

Tia

WOW JODY!!!  What an awesome testimonial and I'm sooo glad to see your post because I had no idea your job was what was keeping you away.  So good to see you and I'm so impressed with the clarity you have regarding what's what in life after WLS for you!! 

A heated garage???

I'm JEALOUS!!!

Congratulations, Jody!!! You are truly a success story.

Gail

Thank you for posting this Jody!  I miss reading your posts too!  Congratulations on all your successes!!

Congratulations Jody - I'm so glad thinks are going well for you.  And your new job has turned out great.  You are very inspirational, and I loved reading your message.

Take care,
Sue

Congrats on your 3rd year Babbeee!!

Looking good. Have been missing your presences here, but a paycheck is a good thing!

Thanks for sharing and inspiring me on my journey!

Love ya Jody!

~Maria

Happy surgiversary, Jody!  I think we need to go shopping. When will you be back?



--gina

Happy 3rd Surgiversary, Jody....we do miss you around the board but understand. If you ever head to Eastern TN, look us up!!!

Liz

Hi Jody,

What a great Post. Happy Surgiversary!!!! 

Sheri