Mommaslp

Don't let your goal be "thin". Let your goal be your HEALTH! Numbers on the scale will fluctuate and change with time and age. Don't let this be about the numbers. Your health is primary and numbers will reflect that. Keep on your plan: Protein, exercise, Water. The rest will happen on it's own!

"Finding Your Bariatric Brain" is a WLS Magazine article posted on this site. It helped me remember the rules. You may want to check it out for a boost as well. We can do this!!

This weight loss process is lifelong. It's easy to give up when we feel the loss of control. Just remember that you still have your tool in place but we need to use it as intended. In the early days it was easier to be compliant because we would have nasty consequences if we didn't. That seems to diminish with time so it's harder keep those stringent guidelines. I struggle with making smart choices all day long. It's not one-day-at-a-time, it's one minute-at-a-time. For me, food will always be an addiction and I need to force myself to remember that I am the one responsible for what food I buy, what I make for my family and let's face it: it';s cheaper, easier, and more convienent to make junk vs. healthier foods. Support is important that's why I'm on this site. I'm gonna try today to go back to the basics: 89-90 gr. of Protein shakes, 64 oz. Water, and at least 20 minutes exercise. I will try to focus and make this my goal for today. I'll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. Best wishes and don't give up. You're too important. You can regain control. Start in this moment. You're not alone!!

I had 2 children post-op. First pregnancy was 13 months post surgery; second pregnancy a year after that. I gained 9 and 11 pounds respectively. The were born 6.0 and 6.14 pounds. Both children were healthy and academically gifted. They are now ages 15 and 16. Be sure to stay hydrated, commit to your supplements, Protein and follow your doctor's advise. I'm sure you will be just fine. Best wishes to both you and your babies!!

Hi Everyone. My journey started in 1996 with my gastric bypass. I'm now 18 years post-op and have maintained a 130 pound weight loss. I have had 2 pregnancies post-op. My kids are now 15 & 16 years old. My surgery was open and lapriscopy wasn't an option then. I've dealt with issues of birth control and anemia. I had no setbacks until my 10 year anniversary when I developed an internal strangulation hernia that required surgical correction. I also had an upper Gi bleed this past January. Other than those items, my surgery enabled me to have the lifestyle and become the wife and mother I had only dreamed of previously. I keep within a 10 pound window for maintenance. It gets harder to keep within that window as I get older; however it is achievable by keeping to the same rules used for weight loss to maintain. We all need to be mindful of our Protein, limit the carbs, exercise and keep hydrated. I think having support is so important and I'm greatful to have found this site.

Thanks for the reminders. I know I need to recheck my brain every so often to stay on track. Our old selves still lie deep within and can send those: "just this one time" messages that got us in trouble in the first place. I'm thankful for the support of these forums to keep me in line!

So often we get hung up by the numbers on the scale that we lose sight of the bigger whole picture. I didn't have a goal end weight. My goal was to be healthy. I didn't care what that looked like in terms of the numbers. I stayed the course, did my workouts, drank my Protein, avoided white carbs, made sure I stay hydrated and when my body found it's own comfort zone I stopped losing. I'm now 18 years post-op and keep my weight within a 10 pound range. I still need to follow the same rules to maintain as I did to lose. It is a lifelong process but don't let "number" get in the way of being healthy. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Good luck!