I still consider myself a success story. I had my surgery two years ago (7/13/2010) and I have maintained a weight loss of about 120 pounds. I look and feel better than I have in my entire adult life. I am writing today because I want to keep it a success story while I still can.

Here's the thing. I went to my surgeon for a check up yesterday and his first words were, "OK, now it's your be careful time." I gained 2 pounds since my check-up last year. His concern is that once the weight loss stops, your body re-sets itself to a new equilibrium and it is easy to re-gain weight.

Am I surprised that I gained weight? Hell no. I am surprised that I didn't gain more. For a long time time, I've been cheating like hell in what I have been eating - Cookies, candy, chips, pretzels, etc. -- all the stuff I have always loved. Why did I do it? Because I could, that's why. I have been able to eat those things, albeit in smaller portions than I used to, and I have felt some joy and excitement because I have felt like I was getting away with something. I wasn't eating because I was hungry, I was eating because I felt like it was a challenge to see what I could eat. How messed up is that? I either kept losing weight or didn't gain anything, so it really did feel like I getting something over on someone (Who? Beats me.) My first thought when I saw the gain of 2 lbs was, "No big deal, what's 2 lbs when I have lost 118?" But then I started to think, every bit of weight I ever put on came in 1 or 2 pound increments and it really started to scar the cr*p out of me. I will not go down that road again. I have come too far and gone through too much to allow myself to do that to myself again. One of the main reasons I had this surgery is that I felt that even if I could lose weight with diet and exercise (highly unlikely), I just could not go through all that hard work just to have it come back. Even knowing that, I have continued to sabotage myself. Man, the power that food has in my life is really amazing.

Anyway. I am writing probably more for myself than for others. I needed to admit these things and to make myself accountable so that I don't screw up one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Just wanted to put this out there and to remind everyone -- "Let's be careful out there."

Thanks for listening.

Brian

Awesome post. Not yet sleeved, but the reality of failing the sleeve is real. I dont ever want to go down that road!

Thanks for sharing, it is easy to slip down that slide again. Best of luck to you, you can do this!

I still consider myself a success story.

You are a success. You just need to work on continuing success. My PCP told me years ago that if I gained 5 lbs I should change my diet and loose 5 pounds. Weigh weekly but live life reasonably. 5 lbs. is a lot easier to loose than 120. So...loose two pounds. You know how to do it. (Hoping i can stick to my own advice when the time is right

Good Luck

Wow... Thanks for the great advice and keeping it real. I will remember your story when I reach my goal and beyond.

Thanks for sharing that.

This post is amazing. You made me chuckle. Keep up the good work~!!

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm just starting out...have a long way to go to goal, but I've already started worrying about the day when I lose control and start eating the wrong things again. I'm going to save your post and use it for inspiration. Good luck to you in losing your 2 lbs.

Thanks for sharing. I am sure it takes alot to admit what you have been doing wrong especially on these boards when sometimes people can be a bit judgemental. I wish you continued success on your journey.

Anyway. I am writing probably more for myself than for others. I needed to admit these things and to make myself accountable so that I don't screw up one of the best decisions I have ever made.

THANK YOU I HAVE NOT BEEN SLEEVED UET BUT THE REALITY OF STAYING AT 217 IS SCARY THANK YOU FOR YOUR HONESTY

Great post. I am 5 1/2 months out and it is a reality that a lot of us haven't thought about. Keep posting we like it.

Good for you! AWESOME loss, great maintaining, You've been slipping up lately, but are getting back into it, good job! I admire that 2 lbs was enough to get you back into the right mode. I hope I can be that disciplined.

Awesome post. Thanks for the reality check! I am 18 months out & needed to hear that. You are a success!!!

Took alot of guts to post your errors. I admire the hell out of that. We ALL know that is our worst fear. Thanks for being real and helping us all.

thanks for you honesty. I really appreciate your honesty about it and shedding light on all aspects of your amazing journey. All the best to you;)