My 8 year Surgiversary is Today!

I had forgotten all about it - and had someone remind me it was!  Then I had to go find Roz to congratulate her on hers.

I still have my bookmark for this site and log in pretty much everyday - I read often I just don't post much.  There is another private site I visit too.

So - it's been 8 years!  How time flies!!  But everyday I'm reminded I had the surgery... as my tool and pouch reminds me!!  I have developed reactive hypoglycemia and when I first figured it out, thought it was the WORST thing that could happen!  But - I'll tell you, it keeps me from eating stuff I shouldn't because I don't want my blood sugar to fall.  Honestly if I didn't have this, I'd probably have gained a LOT more than I did.  Sugars and simple carbs will throw me into a spin... I control mine 100% with diet.  I eat a lot of protein based meals and veggies.  If I have bread it is wheat... I rarely eat pasta but pizza still is on my plan.  But - my pouch and tool also is still very good at restricting just how much I can eat!  I think I eat "normal" portions for someone my size now - but I did have a lady last year comment several times that I don't eat very much... I finally told her why.  

Like Roz says all the time - regain is REAL!  Yes, it is and I'm living proof it can happen.  My first 2 years I could eat pretty much anything I wanted and lose/maintain. Then you think that is the "norm".... My high weight before surgery was 218, I got down to 123 and stayed there for about 1.5 years.  I then went to 127, which was ok, then 132, which was ok, then it kept going up... I hit 153 earlier this year and KNEW I had to do something.... I had been saying I needed to for a couple of years before that when I was in the 140's... but I knew I'd never see the 120's again, just was unrealistic, but  if I got in the low 130's I'd be happy.  

In March I started my "new" journey to get my regain off.  I do think my issue was related to "grouchy pouch" syndrome.  I was on PPIs for the first few years then the ones I was taking was taken off the market and I didn't like pills so I stopped taking them.  OTC ones just didn't work as well.  So I'd feel hungry and eat, grouchy pouch would feel better, repeat... so I was grazing ALL day it seemed.  I work from home so I'd prowl the kitchen every hour - never found anything different and I don't keep unhealthy snacks here but still.... I also was cooking a lot of "low carb" casseroles, meals, etc.. but very high in fat and calories and I determined that still counts... at least with me.  I found when I ate simple (like a chicken thigh) I would lose 5 lbs pretty easily... then look back and say to myself "oh that's what it was"....

So - I got my grouchy pouch figured out and "fixed" more or less.  I wasn't hungry after all my tummy was irritated.... eating made it feel better.... so the repeat above.  

I'm happy to say I'm now 127 again!!! It took me 6 months to lose 25 lbs... which was ok.  Yes, I've got melted legs again, but I'd rather have that then the fatter ones.... I also found the redistribution is different.... 

So anyway, not to write a book here, but having this surgery, while it has had it's challenges, was the best decision I've made!! 

I know there's some new(er) folks on here and I just wanted to share in the condensed version format my experience.

Thank you for sharing your story!  Congrats on getting back in the 120s!  You're truly an inspiration!  I'm only 6 months out and look forward to the day I can write a post like yours!

Thanks Ginny!  You'll do great, I'm sure.

Regarding your "stall" at 6 months.  I had kept a DAILY weight journal and entered it into a spreadsheet every day (pretty much).  When I thought I was "stalling" I'd look at trends.  So if you're looking at a month being 1-30 of each month, I'd look at 15-15, or 20-20, kinda like that.  I'd see a very different trend and realize it wasn't as bad as I thought.  

Just an idea.  

Hi Jody and welcome back. 

I am so proud of you getting back to the 120s.  I hope you can inspire me to.  I have crept up into the 130s and really need to get a handle on it.

Happy surgerversary!!!!

Thanks Price!

Congrats Jody!

What a pleasure it has been to share my journey with you! Congrats on your success and glad you figure out you hypoglycemia issues. Good attitude about that.

This is just what I needed to hear today. I still lurk. Struggling with regain. I just need to be patient and keep eating my protein first! Thanks for the inspiration. 

Thanks!  Sent you a facebook message!!

I'm so proud of you!  Happy surgiversary!  

--gina

Thanks Gina!!  Of course it's settled differently than the first time, but that's to be expected!

Congrats JODY!