Recent Posts

Surgery Status?    Post op
Surgery Type?      RNY
Surgery Date?   March 2, 2009   (17 months out)

WeightHighest:    312  (that I KNOW of - I quit getting on the scale after that)
Current:    166
Goal: 155

Starting Sizes:   
Pant:      Size 28
Shirts:    3XL
Shoes:   9 1/2 wide

Current Sizes:
Pants:   10 pants
Shirts:  large shirt or blouse
Shoes:   9 wide

How do you feel?   Extremely good - very energetic

Any WOW moments?   The first time I looked in the mirror and REALLY saw the NEW me.  Also, my new "pixie" haircut that really fits my body for the first time and doesn't make me look like a bowling pin!

 

Hi Mary,

It looks like you are working your band for all it's worth and reaping the benefits. I can really relate to your wow moments. Being able to cross your legs is something that 'normal' sized people take for granted, but is a real benchmark for many of us. It seems that as that marker passes, we also find that we are able to do so many of the other things that the rest of the world can do and take for granted. I don't know that I will ever take these things for granted. 

I also really understand your concern about gaining the weight back, but to be honest, that concern is a good thing. Those who are not concerned are most likely to experience regain. We have all lost and regained so many times, it's natural to question, even doubt if you'll really succeed this time. But remember, you never had the tool you have now before. This tool will not only allow you to get the weight off, but also the time to learn the behaviors that will hold you in good stead in the long term. 

Your question about whether this ever gets easier is a good one. I really think that we have a 3 part journey to weight loss. The first is deciding to do what we need to do to get it off, that includes the decision to have surgery, deciding which surgery and going through the pre-surgery testing and evaluation process. The second is where you are now, the weight loss phase where you are actively working on getting that excess weight off. For many, this stage takes an enormous amount of focus and to be honest, more so for those who opt for a restriction only solution as you have. The final stage, maintenance takes a different type of focus and concentration, but it is a bit like riding a bike. Once you get it, you'll be fine. 

Again, congratulations on your progress to date and wishing you continued success,

Hi Kara,

Welcome and no, you are not in the 'wrong' place. Most people still have the RNY, so there are proportionately more RNY patients, but this is an inclusive group that has representation from just about every surgery type available. While there are some differences in the experiences that people have from one surgery type to another, it has been my experience that overall, the experiences have much more in common than you might imagine. 

Like you and just about everyone else that I know of that has gone through this experience, I have to say that this truly is a life changing experience in ways that I could not have imagined before. I look forward to hearing about your experiences as your new life unfolds. 

Donna,

I'm glad to hear that you are getting the support you need from your siblings and I understand about deciding who to have close and who to keep at arms length. You need to do what is best for you right now. 

Wishing you all the best,

Yay!!