Happy Birthday To Me!

[joyfulinga 24]

I have avoided this forum for so long. I had RNY in June 2008 and have gained back weight. I started out at 328 lbs. and lost down to 175 lbs. I was doing well and had continued to lose. In December of 2010, my oldest son passed away suddenly as a result of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Cirrhosis) due to meds he had been on since a brain tumor in 2001. That completely threw me off track and it has taken a year and a half to get myself together. I had gained back up to 246 by not following the food plan recommended by my surgeon. When Brandon died, I really had no appetite but people kept saying "you have to eat, you'll get sick". I take full responsibility that I took those words to heart and dug right in. Empty calories, slider foods, way too many carbs and no exercise had taken it's toll.

I felt like a failure! I was given this opportunity and wonderful gift and screwed it up - again! I didn't feel very victorious. Well I'm happy to report that I AM a success story. I am back on my plan just like post-op and have lost 22 lbs. towards my 70+ pound goal. My pouch is intact and I am able to do this!

Tomorrow is my 51st birthday. When I look at myself over the past 25 years, I spent the majority morbidly obese, feeling tired, fat and hopeless. I no longer feel that way and that makes this all a success. I am not bad, I am determined. I took a few hard knocks and got back on that horse that I climbed off of. I started a forum in here called Back on Track and I believe that if all of us "success" stories who have been derailed, stick together we can become super success stories.

Thank you all for your brutal honesty and commitment to your health. It is an inspiration and I have such hope when reading your entries....even the sad entries. If I can do this you can too! Smooches to everyone and God bless you!

[JustJenn 542]

Happy birthday to you!!! I am so sorry for your loss. Hard situations can have a big effect on how we eat. However, congrats on your actions to change. You are doing what you need to to lose.

Keep us updated and I would love to hear about your journey along the way. I find this forum such an inspiration when I'm feeling blah:)

Have the best birthday xx

.::SurgeryDate 7/25/12::.

[Vicki Loichinger 444]

Joy so glad you shared your story. So sorry for the unimaginable loss you have suffered. Happy Birthday. Here is to a year of climbing back on the horse and riding it all the way to success, again. You can do it. Do it for you. Do it for the love you have for your son and you know he would want you to be healthy. I am really excited to hear that your pouch still can help you. Please stay with us and teach us.

Big Hugs to you, Big Big Hugs.

[LosingItForMe2011 320]

Joy...Happy birthday and THANK YOU for telling your story. My deepest sympathy on the loss of your son. I can't even imagine what you had to go through. You're on track and telling your story, I believe will not only help others here but, also help you in that we're here to support you and work on our journies together. Congrats on your weight loss thus far and I wish you the best and offer my support in your journey in losing the rest. YOU CAN DO IT GIRL!

[cookier224 238]

I have avoided this forum for so long. I had RNY in June 2008 and have gained back weight. I started out at 328 lbs. and lost down to 175 lbs. I was doing well and had continued to lose. In December of 2010' date=' my oldest son passed away suddenly as a result of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Cirrhosis) due to meds he had been on since a brain tumor in 2001. That completely threw me off track and it has taken a year and a half to get myself together. I had gained back up to 246 by not following the food plan recommended by my surgeon. When Brandon died, I really had no appetite but people kept saying "you have to eat, you'll get sick". I take full responsibility that I took those words to heart and dug right in. Empty calories, slider foods, way too many carbs and no exercise had taken it's toll.

I felt like a failure! I was given this opportunity and wonderful gift and screwed it up - again! I didn't feel very victorious. Well I'm happy to report that I AM a success story. I am back on my plan just like post-op and have lost 22 lbs. towards my 70+ pound goal. My pouch is intact and I am able to do this!

Tomorrow is my 51st birthday. When I look at myself over the past 25 years, I spent the majority morbidly obese, feeling tired, fat and hopeless. I no longer feel that way and that makes this all a success. I am not bad, I am determined. I took a few hard knocks and got back on that horse that I climbed off of. I started a forum in here called Back on Track and I believe that if all of us "success" stories who have been derailed, stick together we can become super success stories.

Thank you all for your brutal honesty and commitment to your health. It is an inspiration and I have such hope when reading your entries....even the sad entries. If I can do this you can too! Smooches to everyone and God bless you![/quote']

Happy birthday, we all fall down, but you have gotten back up and i am sending big hugs. Great job!