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....

The weight can stay off long-term. I know this in seeing others who have had the surgery around around the time I did. I have made my mistakes, and ultimately and paying the price a bit on getting back on track. I am thankful I did not gain all of my weight back....in fact as of today I have about 30 more pounds I would like to loose. In essence, I did get out of control, but not to the point that I can't fix this. I am eating correctly, exercise and weighing myself daily (something I hate to do, because it just tends to work my mood). I am trying to stay positive and make better choices. Realistically, that is what everyone on this forum needs to do...stick with the plan the doctor(s), nutritionist, support groups and whatever else you have in place have discussed with you. Remain diligent! One thing I remember early on in this process, while attending a meeting (before having the surgery) was listening to other patients who spoke about their progress and results. I recall a few telling the group how they "cheated" on the food plan, eating 15 chips or whatever it was and that they were fine. Looking back now, I some comments like that made me think that you could cheat, I could go back to my old habits....I could be the skinny person that never had to diet.....hah! Wrong! If you are investing in this operation, whether you are self-pay, insurance covers, sleeve, band, Rny.....then you are very serious about your future. Take this surgery to be the biggest gift you could ever give yourself...cherish it!

This surgery has truly given me a second chance at life, I just understand that better now then I need years ago....

Thank you for this post!

thanks so much for starting this thread. also thanks to everyone who has contributed.

it is less than 2 weeks until I have a revision of my sleeve to RNY. Due to reflux which I had prior and a hiatus hernia 'return'. Had sleeve op about 26mths. I have a great surgeon who is supportive.

I am scared of failing yet again but know that medically I am having a hard time.

Totally agree that weight loss/maintenance is bloody hard, otherwise we would have WLS. WLS can be thought of as a helpful friend, there to offer support and encouragement but also going to let you know when you stuff up lol. I was only 9kg to my goal now about 19kg. I know I can get there as I told myself I don't want to go back to being unable to do things I can now. I am glad I went back to my surgeon.

bug hugs and god bless

As many have said, thanks so much for sharing your honest story with us, and for others for adding to it.

It's true, any WLS is just a tool, and it's up to us to nurture this tool. But, I can see how easy it would be to become complacent in our 'new skin' thinking that the hard work is done. In reality, it's never done. It's a work in progress.

I hope I will always keep this in mind as time progresses & life throws it's challenges at me.

Best of luck with your on-going journey. No doubt you will be successful

Great thread! Thank you Veterans for your insight!

Thank you!!!! I'm going to keep this thread handy to go back to when I need it :-)