I am 10 years out from surgery. So many highs and lows, but was curious as to how others were doing with their continued weight loss or maintenance of this weight loss long after, what I call it the honeymoon phase.

Would love to hear from those of you over the 5 year mark....what are your challenges? What differences have you been coping with as opposed to when you started.

I have gained some weight back, actually a lot of weight back and I am coping with getting back on track. So far so good. I am just merely taking it one moment at a time and going back to the basics. Would love to hear from everyone else....

This is a great thread and so informative. Really appreciate everyone's input. Ctrose, you were 220 and what's your weight now? And you gained 40 back from what you lost?

I am 4.5 months out and I was 210 and now I am 155. I am happy with the results but I want to keep up with what I am doing. I don't eat bread, Pasta, rice or sweets. My body doesn't want it anymore...

In your early loss, what was your food intake like? Just curious to know how your journey has been in the last 10 yrs. I am confident that you will get back to your goal. You are very determined and that makes a huge difference.

Started at 220....average weight for a number of years was between 135-145. Am currently at 170....give or take.

Started at 220....average weight for a number of years was between 135-145. Am currently at 170....give or take.

That's still pretty good. I have faith in you that you will def go back to 135-145. Just have to tweak your intake and add some work out and you will def get there.

Bottom line....weight loss surgery is a life long commitment. You only get out of it, what you put into it. Stay vigilant everyday! Your current success is only achieved by your continued, daily efforts......I just want each of you to stay healthy and happy! <br> ......

Well said xx

For the person who asked for more info about 5:2 - here's a link to a thread with lots of info:

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/291240-52-links-and-info/

thanks for sharing your story. nice to have a veterans view!

Bottom line....weight loss surgery is a life long commitment. You only get out of it, what you put into it. Stay vigilant everyday! Your current success is only achieved by your continued, daily efforts......I just want each of you to stay healthy and happy!

......

Thank you !

Thanks for this thread. Very useful to me.

appreciate an inside look at DS post postOp.

re: ".this tended to dwindle as years progressed. I have noticed that I just got complacent...lazy with it all...probably because the success initially was so amazing."

and

"I eventually just "allowed" myself to eat pretty much whatever I wanted. This did not happen over night,"

and

"I think for myself I just became soooo comfortable with my new look that I figured I no longer needed to do the things that got me there."

YES!! Very much RIGHT ON as far as my own experience goes.

I am currently at "about +30" from my maximum initial loss, and must confess the sins of OVER eating and UNDER exercising.

Current remedy to both appears to be producing positive results, as I have dropped a few pounds lately.

Even nearing 70 now, I marvel at the adaptability and wonders of our body balance.

That at nearly 10 years postOp I get along 'so well' so much of the time, yet find struggle and turmoil 'some' of the other time, is part of my own Journey.

I have to attend an appointment right now but will return for further discussion.

Thanks for the topic!

Jack - thx for the comments. Would love to hear about how u progress as well. Finding this site has been a huge help, but finding others who are past the 5yr mark has been a bit of a challenge....

Thanks so much for sharing your story. It is invaluable information for us researching and beginners.

in support,

triss

Well for my experience, and keep in mind I am not a doctor or a nutritionist, I eventually just "allowed" myself to eat pretty much whatever I wanted. This did not happen over night, as I struggled with being able to keep food down in the beginning especially this first two years. What I know now, is that my new stomach obviously healed and was not bothered by certain carbs. So, it naturally began to tolerate food I missed.....ones I probably should have just said simply no to.

What I wanted to let everyone know...and hopefully help in some way, is that we must always be careful with our food intake. You may be having some great successes now, but be aware that your body will adjust to where it feels you need to be...and probably at a very normal weight at the end of the process. It is up to you to be diligent everyday, for the rest of your life to continue with this new found self.

As for carbs, I just recommend you only eat healthy carbs in restricted quantities. Be very aware of how much you eat and keep tabs on your weight regularly.

I am not seeking to scare anyone....so I hope no one finds this thread offensive. Wls is a great tool...but just like any tool, it will need to be adjusted over time and require regular maintenance.

I think for myself I just became soooo comfortable with my new look that I figured I no longer needed to do the things that got me there. The reason I started the thread was because I was noticing some newer surgery people making comments about not logging their food (which is a personal choice, I highly recommend everyone continues), I have read about great success (however this was very early on in the weight loss process). I just am seeking to remind everyone, and just advise anyone who wants to know what my struggles have been...ones in which you may encounter if you are not careful.

Again, I am not attempting to be offensive...just putting out my experiences. All questions are welcomed.....

Thank you so much for your honesty and your authenticity. It is exactly what I have been seeking on some of the boards. I really needed to know the truth of what I am getting into (still waiting for a surgery date). I want to know about long term weight management and being able to keep the weight successfully. I feel like this is such a huge step. Like it is my last chance to lose this weight and keep it off. I don't want to fail. You have made it real. I hope you will keep us updated on your success!

that should definitely say "........being able to keep the weight OFF successfully!!" lol

This is very interesting to me. I am 18 months out and about 15 lbs to goal. I lost 126 lbs so far and am still losing, but slowly.

I know someone who had the surgery about ten years ago. She lost some weight and ultimately gained it all back. Watching her was key. She always drank while she ate. Always.

When I started to wait a full hour after eating to drink and making sure that I ate dense food, I found I was losing better. I find the hour wait to be critical. Of course, once the hour passes, I drink a lot!!!

Thank you so much for your post! It was honest and informative, something we all needed to hear. I have no doubt that you will be successful getting back to where you want to be! God Bless!