I wanted to post an update, even though it’s kind of difficult for me to share pictures this year.

I’m three years out from my surgery. My start weight was 242 (I’m 5’1”) and my goal was 135 pounds. I reached my goal about 17 months post op. I was never really able to stay at 135 very easily but maintained almost effortlessly between 137-141 pounds. I was quite happy there and have no problems with that weight, even if it technically puts me in the “overweight” category. The BMI chart is a creation of evil, anyway.

Two years post op I chose to get pregnant. I gained 35 pounds between hormone injections and pregnancy. I delivered my daughter almost four months ago.

Today I weigh 143 pounds. I’ve been working to shed the baby weight. As before, the last 10-15 pounds just don’t want to come off. I know that my body will change a lot in the coming year as I get back to where I was prior to having my daughter. Right now I’m feeling pretty insecure about my hips/thighs and upper arms. I also don’t like that I feel “lumpy” – my smooth hourglass figure isn’t back yet.

But I can't deny that it felt good to climb into my size 20 jeans today to snap a quick picture. The ruffled top I'm wearing doesn't really help show the difference but I'm pretty sure two of me could fit into those pants. Today I wear a solid six and a small in most tops (sometimes a medium) so I really cannot complain.

I don’t want this to be a post about my diet or lifestyle; I’m here enough that you can easily search out what I have to say about those things.

I do want to stress that my third year was harder than the previous years. For starters, going from maintenance into a gain was HARD, even if I did it to have a healthy child. Shifting into loss again has been a real challenge.

I also find that the farther I get from surgery, the more I see that very little of my unhappiness stemmed from my weight. My weight was a symptom of the damage I had going on inside of me. Sure, I had some genetic causes to help me pack on the pounds. But the majority of it was all in my head. The sleeve was not my magic bullet. It doesn’t just work on it’s own. The only thing it does for me is keep me from burying my sorrows or my stresses in a tub full of ice cream (darn lactose intolerance) or from eating a pan of brownies. I can still eat ice cream (and suffer for it) or eat those brownies one by one.

Working on ME and trying to find ways to not rely on food or alcohol in times of stress has become critical and while it's not a daily struggle, it can still be a challenge at times. I still feel no hunger. But I do get hormonal and have the desire to eat. I do get sad and have the desire to eat. I do sit and mindlessly do what other people are doing if I’m not paying attention.

I say this over and over again and I’m going to repeat myself for the umpteenth time: If you do not work on the issues that made you fat in the first place, you are going to have a very difficult time with maintenance. Maintenance is by far the hardest part of this process and it DOES NOT END. There is no finish line, there is no “GOAL!” there is just the need to stay continually vigilant and to avoid slipping into those ingrained, years-old habits and feelings. This is not about food for most of us. This is certainly not about food for me. This is about me using food to self-medicate, to hide, for pleasure, as a cornerstone of socializing – as everything BUT fuel and sustenance. Removing my stomach only gave me portion control; it did not fix anything that caused the issues in the first place.

I’m heading into my fourth year and I’m pleased to say that I would do my surgery again in a heartbeat. I’m happier than I have ever been in my life, even considering the small personal struggles I've had to face since surgery. This surgery didn't just help me lose weight. It gave me a chance to live a better life. I can beat myself up and be unhappy about little, minor things but at the end of the day, I’m 100 pounds lighter and once upon a time I would have given anything to look the way I do now.

~Cheri

Thank you for sharing your story and pictures! You are gorgeous and such an inspiration! Also, your baby is precious as well. Congrats!!!!!

You look amazing and have done well

Even after the birth if your congrats on that plus three year out good job thanks for being such an inspiration to me and contributing to this forum even after three years thank and I hope you continue to stay on

Awesome! Congrats!

I think you are awesome!! Keep on doing what you are doing.

So, first off...

YOU.

LOOK.

AMAZEBALLS!!!!!

Seriously, so beautiful! Congrats on 3 years post-op!

Also, I am so, so glad to see someone sharing their story about working on your own personal causes for overeating and emphasizing how important it is to deal with the psychological component of it. I realized recently that aside from my weight (or perhaps tangled up in it), I have many, many self-confidence and men issues that must be addressed if this surgery is going to be a true success. I have started therapy and am on my way to gaining understanding of myself while, come August 19th, losing the weight! Thanks again for sharing your story, your lovely photos, and for being so honest. <3

Cheri-

You look FABULOUS! Congrats on your beautiful baby & your weight loss!

You are one haut momma!!! Such a beautiful person inside and out! You truly are a great inspiration for so many of us who want to follow in your foot steps. And girl those curves you have would make Kim Kardashin (sp?) jealous!!!!

Cheri, you look stunning! You are an inspiration to so many sleevers, not just because of your incredible success, but also because of your willingness to share not just your personal triumphs, but also your struggles.

Congratulations on your 3 year anniversary!! Your curves are amazing, and I love the tat!!

You once again, very eloquently, put to post what I'm sure so many of us feel about ourselves and our experiences. Thank you so much for sharing. It does keep things in persepective and remind us all that its a journey, and a lifelong commitment. I know you don't look for the accolades, but I'm gonna! Thank you, you've become a voice of reason, guidance and comfort to the lot of us that came after.

Congratulations on a happy, healthy you!

Cheri,

Thanks for a fabulous post. You are so spot-on with your comments.

I love your pics. Congrats on your continued success with WLS and your beautiful new addition to the family!

Lynda

Terrific inspiration and widsom. Thank you!

BEAUTIFUL! And the baby is too!

OMG! You look amazing!!

You look stunning and your baby girl is beautiful! Everything you said is SO true, although I'm far from goal. This has been far more of a psychological process than I had anticipated.

Woohoo! 3 years! You're doing great! Congratulations on your beautiful new addition to your family. I have a 10 month old and I understand how hard it is to stay focused with little ones, work, school, maintaining a house hold, etc. It's something to be VERY proud of. It's easy for me to be hard on myself and difficult to give myself credit for all I've accomplished. I can't wait to be where you are (if I ever make it lol)!