I'm new to this site and looking for all the support I can get (tough love is welcomed, I can handle it)! My story started nearly 13 years ago when I had a VBG (vertical banded gastroplasty). At the time I was committed to living a healthier lifestyle (making good food choices and exercising everyday). Over the first 18 months I lost 114 lbs and gained a new baby. Yes, four months after wls I became pregnant (that's a whole other story), and a little over a year from the date of surgery I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Needless to say, my focus became all about taking care of a new baby. Over the years the weight crept back on (poor eating choices, no exercise, a bad attitude, depression, frustration, etc.). In January of 2013 I decided to look into having a "revision". Many things had changed in the world of WLS and I was hopeful that a different type of procedure would be the answer. I met up with Dr Schwartz, shared my previous experience with WLS, and thus began a new journey. I jumped through all the familiar hoops that one must jump through in preparation for WLS along with a few other hoops that are required for someone seeking a revision. All went quite smoothly, however it did take some time. In November 2013 I had my revision. I did not have a single complication...the procedure was relatively painless. In the months since my surgery I have lost 50 lbs. I had expected that having a RNY would force me to change the way I eat, what I eat, how much I eat; like it does for so many others. I will be honest, in my desperation to be thin, I hoped the RNY would force me to change the way I eat. I wanted salty snack foods, sodas, sugary foods, etc., to make me sick! I didn't want to have to rely on self-discipline to stay away from the things I shouldn't eat. After all my extra pounds are not the result of an underlying health condition, simply put they're a result of years of bad choices. So where do I go from here? Another Weight Watcher meeting, Medifast, LA Weight Loss, or a "supervised" liquid diet through my local clinic? I don't think so. I choose to go here...I choose to work the WLS program, but I need your help, encouragement, SUPPORT. I'm looking forward to hearing from all you WLS winners!

Welcome! You are not the first, nor will you be the last, person to need the occasional kick in the pants! We all need tough love, encouragement and support; you came to the right place.

I'll tell you what my surgeon's office drilled into our heads during the pre-op days - 'weight loss surgery is not a quick fix, it's only a tool to help you lead a healthy lifestyle'. You have to commit to following the plan laid out for you by your surgical team. I admit, there are days when I struggle with 'the plan'. Most days, I have to force myself to exercise. I'm not a big fan of it, if you must know the truth! But, I find that once I get started, I enjoy myself, for the most part. I sometimes struggle with food choices. I've never experienced 'dumping', but have been queasy a few times because of a bad reaction to something I ate.

The best advice I can give is to stick to the plan your surgeon gave you, drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of Protein, take your vitamins/supplements and exercise at least 4-5 days a week. Contrary to what some uninformed people might say, weight loss surgery is definitely not the easy way out. It is a lot of hard work every day for the rest of your life; but, in my opinion, is so definitely worth it!

Stay strong and visit these boards on a regular basis for encouragement and info. Everyone on here is awesome!

Continue to follow what the surgeon and nutritionist gave you as a plan for getting and staying healthier.

Do exactly what they say with your protein, water, etc.

That's the only way it's going to work for you.

Exercise at least four to five times a week. It's very important and change it up to challenge yourself.

Take all your vitamins and supplements.

It might not be easy at times but it sure is worth it to stay with it.

Come often people here are always willing to help if they can.

Thanks for the advice....I can't hear these words often enough. You've been very successful, so you must know what you're talking about

I'm 12 years post op RNY. about three years ago I found myself back at 234. Even though those foods did make me sick, I was still able to gain the weight on other foods. I'm now 30 pounds below goal, yes, below. I'm having complications and guess what? I'm diabetic now!! Crazy. I went to therapy to figure out WHY I was eating like that. It was painful, but worth it.