6 years

6 years ago tomorrow I had my RNY. It was the best decision that I have ever made for myself. It has truly been a remarkable journey. For the most part it's been a smooth road but there have been a few potential detours. I really believe that if I had not had my surgery I would be dead by now. I would have never known what it felt like to have energy and to feel good (physically and mentally). Most likely I would have avaoided going to the doctor and catching the need for a pacemaker before I either did irrepairable damage to my heart or it simply gave out.

At 6 years out, the honeymoon is long over but the love affair is still there. "Oscar", my pouch, still has restriction and he lets me know when he's had enough. Like any relationship, I've grown accustomed to his grumbling and found ways to do it my way rather than work toward a common goal....thus the regain. We're rekindling the romance and 5 pounds have left me this summer. I'll take that. It's amazing what simply following the basics can do.

My advice to anyone considering surgery is to research, research, research. Don't simply take someone's word for what is best for your body and your situation. Read everything you can about long term...care, committment, side effects. If you're not willing to do the routine lab work and vitamin/supplement regiment (4ever) then seriously reconsider.

While you're on the honeymoon ---make the necessary changes to make healthy practices a part of your daily routine. Exercise!! I'd love to reclassify that word as a "dirty" word and strike it from my vocabulary but honestly my opinion has changed this past year. When my knees decided to be uncooperative and I had a lot of arthritis related issues to deal with, I found I really wanted to be able to exercise. It was like when we were at our heaviest and there was something that we wanted to do but we physically weren't able to ....at times that became part of the motivation to lose weight. So it was for me. I started looking forward to going to Physical therapy simply because I'd be able to move. Going to the pool for therapy became the highlight of my week. Now my gym membership has been dusted off and put to use. It took nearly 6 years for me to find what I really, really liked to do.

Without losing the weight I would never have met my wonderful husband. There's no way I would have had the confidence to go online and attempt on-line dating. I am forever greatful to the friends who encouraged me in those months after surgery to try it. Of course they also were with me when we crossed the finish line of a walking 10k. Again not something that I would have ever considered on my own.

Ironically, I'm thankful for my regain. It has humbled me and reminded me just how human I really am. When left to my own devices, I can do some damage. Getting back on track by myself didnt work out so well either but at least it led me here to you guys and for that I am so very, very thankful.

Have a wonderful day!!!! I know I will.

- Iris

Iris, Congratulations on 6 Years... times flies..

Glad to  have you here with us... your positive outlook even when things do not cooperate as you wish they do - is really uplifting!!!

Have fun - and celebrate - with a movie or great steak.. !!! (I take the steak if you don't want it)

Hala

Congrats, Iris!  Very well said!

I can relate with a lot of what you are saying. I will be 9yrs post op next month. I have literally gained half of the weight back that I lost (although I got too skinny anyway) at my highest I was 270 and at my lowest 125. 125+72=197 and 270-73=197 LOL I kinda thought that was funny when I realized it. But you are right it is a great reminder and very humbling to remember that we are human and if we don't keep ourselves in check we can and will still gain weight like anyone else. I've just recently gotten back on track and just came back to OH in the last few days. I had not been on in about 6yrs! Grateful for all of you here and congrats on your 6 years!