Jeffrey Stern

Hello all...

On May 1st. 2018 it will be one year since my Roux-en-Y...gastric bypass..surgery. I had met my goal weight by the end of 2017...I have been able to maintain it since. It was the best thing I have done in my life. I had an easy recovery...(that's me..not everyone does). I did have some issues with "dumping" on occasion, that was the worst of it... ( but not many times)..but have done away with that issue..learning how to eat again..helps the situation.

I started my surgery with a 50 inch waist..and am now at a 34-36 inches (depending on the pants)..LOL. I started my surgery wearing a 4XL shirt and now wearing.. L-XL (depending on the shirt). It is so nice to walk into any men's fashion/clothing store and be able to pick something off the rack and buy it. NO MORE !!!!! big and fat stores for me !!!!!!  LOL People don't recognize me and tell me how great I look. WOW !!!...great for my ego !!!...LOL LOL LOL. I do have some flabby skin issues..and hope by weight lifting or have some surgery to deal with that..but my doctor says I should wait at least another year..in case I lose more weight.  

I feel fantastic !!! I am turning 58 yrs old on July 26 th and feel and act 25 yrs.... well maybe 35 yrs. lol lol lol. I wanted to see my 60th B-Day. I have lot's of energy..and have a whole new life. I started my surgery with type 2 diabetes... that was out of control and living on Insulin...I had high Cholesterol and high Blood Pressure..both for which I took medication to control. I no longer take Insulin nor medication for High Blood/Cholesterol. Medication free...yippy !!!! I suffered from Arthritis in my knees and ankles and was popping Type 3 Tylenol like it was candy. It did nothing. No more of that **** !!! LOL. My Doctor is doing cartwheels he's so happy for me !

I am eating healthier than I have in my whole life...I personally have made some serious food eating decisions. I "DON'T" eat white bread, pasta, rice. I eat alternatives. I eat "Gluten free" foods...mostly, well I try !!! lol lol lol . I don't eat enough to worry about calorie counting..I eat by portions...so that's not an issue. I eat a variety of legumes (beans). I eat lot's and lot's and lot's of fruits and vegetables. I am trying to..slowly (yeah not easy) to become a vegetarian. There is so much healthy, good and nutritious food to eat. Without feeling you are depriving yourself. I read labels and mostly buy low fat and fat free items. BUT YOU MUST WATCH FOR SUGAR AND SODIUM CONTENT OR IT'S FUTILE...I have even splurged and had some small nibbles of "junk food" ..chocolate, ice cream, cake, on a special occasion..but look you only live once and once it's out of your system, you get back on track.  I stay away from..and never will go back to fast food or anything battered and deep fried !!!!!!! No burgers, fries, pizza !!! there are alternatives for that. I do admit; I miss "Fish and Chips"..wwwaaaa!!!!!. Look there are websites and blogs out there to guide and help you with all kinds of recipes. 

The only thing  I can say is this (I'm not preaching) ...everyone is different. What's good for me may not be good for someone else. You must really want ..want ...want.. to be a better you !!!! It's will power.!!! 

I am happier than I have been in a very long time...I was an emotional eater ..like many of you. Like they say food can't give you happiness...only you have the power to be happy and healthy.

I hope this maybe inspiring for someone...I can only "wish you the best" on your adventure and eat healthy and be strong the outcome is near and it will reward you in so many ways.

ALL THE BEST !!!!