Question:
I would like to know the real feelings of people 2 years postop and more..

I am 2 years out.. and have a great support group.. but I am the farthest one out.. and I am looking for people 2 years and more out ... I want to compare how i am doing with others...how we are feeling physically, keeping the weight off... how we are feeling mentally... please share your stories.. thanks    — Janell B. (posted on November 28, 2002)

November 28, 2002
I had a duodenal switch in May 2000. I just had my last reconstructive surgery to remove excess skin. I was 239 pounds day of surgery and she removed 5 pounds of skin from my arms. I weighed in at my family doc yesterday at 265. Needless to say, I was less than thrilled, but I can feel the 30 pounds of swelling in my whole body. I am so damn happy I had this surgery. For the first time in my life, I know that my weight will return to 239 and lower without me having to starve, and yo-yo. I religiously take my supplements and am kind of enjoying meeting the "health nuts" I am chumming with at the health food store and gym now. My friendships have changed: one girlfriend no longer trusts me alone with her husband, my fat friends aren't interested in participating in any events that require distance walking (like the Degas exhibit at the Art Institute). I am at peace with my body. I feed it lots of protein, suffer through the stinky foamy floaters when I eat too much fat, which I do from time to time, simply because I like what I am eating. I have actually thrown out the rest of the candy bar because I was satisfied with the two or three bites I had, and I enjoy the fact that I can eat whatever I want now without constant guilt, worry or concern. As soon as my 6 feet of arm incisions heal, I am returning to my yoga class. My blood work studies are all good and I have no worries about nutritional deficiencies leading to osteoporosis, etc. I feel GREAT! So your question on the Thanksgiving was timely. I am thankful. Feel free to email me anytime you want an oldtimers perspective...
   — merri B.

November 28, 2002
I'm 8 yrs out. Still maintaining from my distal RNY. Lost 150, and they haven't found me yet. What I have to do to hide from them gets more complicated all the time. You might want to pop onto the Grad list. The posters are 1+ yrs out only, so you see the good, the bad & the miserable. As well as some solutions. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — vitalady

November 28, 2002
I am just over 2 years post-op and absolutely thrilled with my results. I had a baby in the middle of losing so I'm a little different than most. I've lost about 160 and ideally want to lose another 20. If I don't I'm more than happy at my current weight! I can eat anything I want, feel great and am enjoying my new life!
   — mollyhow

December 4, 2002
I am over 21/2 years post. I am a bit below my goal weight. I can do ANYTHING I want to; I have no limits at all. I work out, walk, run, water ski, snow ski, bicycle, etc, etc. I have a new & wonderful love in my life. I can wear almost any clothes I want to (except for sleeveless!) & look good... or better. I can cross my legs, tie my shoes w/o shortness of breath; I can reach all the parts of my own body. I'm not ashamed of myself & I don't feel guilty about anything. I don't feel embarrassed in public & if I hear children laughing, I don't assume they are laughing at me, the fat lady. I am still sometimes surprised when I see my own reflection & it catches me by surprise to remember that attractive woman is ME. I don't look that great naked. I have a lot of loose, baggy skin & I vomit sometimes. My weight stays stable pretty much without any effort, although I do keep fairly active. I do have to struggle sometimes with my nutrition levels. Overall, oh, yeah, life has changed from tolerable (barely) to wonderful. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
   — Kathy W.