Since having my surgery on October 20, 2011, I have set a "main" goal every year. Year one was obvious, get to the weight that my body wanted to be at. Approximately fourteen months post-op I hit 155 lbs, my weight loss leveled out, I felt great about my weight, about myself, and about what I had accomplished.

Year two. I had read so many times about "bounce back weight gain". Usually ten or fifteen pounds but sometimes much more. I researched everything I could find and there appeared to be no physical or metabolic justification for the weight gain. It was/is quite common, but I could find no science to explain it. So my year two goal became to avoid the bounce back. I established a window of 151 to 156 lbs that I was determined to maintain. I changed my weigh-ins schedule from my year one weekly weight checks to year two daily checks. My weight in year two was seldom below 151 (maybe two or three times) and never above 156.

Year three. As you get further out veterans who have "been there done that" often drop off of the forums. It became more difficult to identify potential "bumps in the road" that were common in the third year post-op period. Then over a period of time I read a number of posts by a five year veteran who repeatedly stressed that maintaining your weight becomes more difficult, m u c h more difficult, after the two year mark. And responses to this member's posts seemed to confirm that many had experienced the same difficulties. Once again I looked to science for an explanation and possible suggestions for avoiding or at least minimizing the challenges. And once again I was unable to identify any credible science to explain the problem. So my year three goal became more of a mental challenge than a physical one. I had lost 130 lbs. And I had maintained it for a year. The goal for year three became to maintain my commitment, and my focus, on following my plan that had resulted in the success I had achieved.

• Stay positive.
• Stay patient.
• Monitor my weight daily and respond very quickly to weight changes. Making slight increases or decreases in my calorie goal depending on whether I needed to gain or lose two or three pounds.
• Exercise to my ability.
• Continue to maintain a food log.

The result? I frankly never experienced any identifiable change in my diet, in the effort required to maintain my weight, or in my confidence that I was in complete and absolute control of my weight. No changes. None. Zip. And my weight this morning? 154.2

I only have one problem - I'm at a total loss for a year four goal! Everyone's thoughts, suggestions, ideas or experiences are most welcome!!

You guys have a terrific day and regardless of where you're at in your journey always remember - follow your plan and you're gonna love the new you!

Thank you so much for your kind words and a huge congratulations on your weight loss!! I'm betting you're lovin' the new you!!

Thank you DLCoggin, yes, I am loving the changes and the lighter me, but I still have ways to go!

About the walking, wow, another great post, never realized that walking shorter distances multiple times a day can be as effective as doing a long walk once a day.

I ditched my car when I had my surgery and I decided to walk everywhere. I do not take the bus, I just walk (mind that I live in a fairly small town that is pretty safe). So my workplace is on the top of a hill and I am huffin'and puffin' every morning by the time I climb up to work but it is a great workout, also my work keeps me on my feet all day long and I walk a lot. You would think it makes my feet ache but nooooo, my arthritis pain is gone for good and I feel fantastic even after a 12 hour shift. I walk to the stores, I carry the groceries, I try to turn everydays chores into a small workout - just like you by walking around the block while waiting for your prescription.

Yes, I say it again, the choice in in our hands, we have this amazing tool and I am so glad for it.

Your words of inspiration help me to realize just how important working out is. Do you ever get dizzy when exercising?

Hi DL. I had you e mail me a list of foods and snacks when I first had my bypass and my e mail messed up so o no longer have it. Is there any way you could e mail me again! Any tips or foods. Thanks jeaniek@cox.net

Wow I'm looking at my picture on here and it's crazy the change:) what a great gift we have done

Very inspirational story. love to here this narative, I hope I can show your dedication !!!! THANK YOU

• DLCoggin

Thank you so much for your post. I am 2.5 months out from RNY and down 70#. I am feeling great. However, I've been wondering if my appetite will change years out and that the old pre-RNY hunger will come back. I'm so glad to read your story that it doesn't.