So I'm new here. I had gastric bypass surgery on February 7th 2012. I had decided about a year prior that it was the best decision for me. At that point in my life I had attempted every type of weight loss aside from illegal drugs or starving myself. I was a gym addict. Portion controlled. No snacking. I was seeing a dietician. I had been checked multiple times to see if there was anything health wise that was hindering my weight loss. Nothing. Couldn't lose a pound. So at age 23 and 311 lbs. I had RNY. It was difficult at first. I remember the miserable feeling when I woke up that next day. The first time I tried to eat something my stomach didn't agree with post surgery. But I knew I would be a happier me after all was said and done. I struggle with depression still. Not from the surgery but just in general. So it hasn't been easy for me. But now, here I am, 4.5 years later and I've hit a plateau at 180lbs. I'm me. More me than I've ever been before. I work my butt off. I hike and swim. Practically lived in a bikini all summer when I wasn't at work. I'm at the gym religiously. I eat right and take my vitamins. The worst part still is meeting someone. My self esteem didn't change with the weight loss. I had dated someone for 6 years up until a year or so after I had the surgery and it ended suddenly. I've dated on and off since then but I struggle. So I'd like to meet someone who is on the same playing field as me. Someone who understands the emotions and struggle associated with this new lifestyle. Just looking for a friend.

I am rooting for you AmandaKaye. Life is difficult at best, a lot of the time. If we can learn to separate our problems into little individuals hills to climb, I think we are better off. One hill was needing/wanting to take the weight off. Check, you did that. You wanted to get rid of that depression. Check, it is still a work in progress. Now, one relationship is gone and you are open to another. Check, another work in progress. Personally, I think that you are doing fantastic because it sounds like those works in progress have no slowed you down. You are not backing down on your commitment to keep the weight off, staying active and maintaining your physical fitness. And, lastly, you did not sound completely pessimistic, but realistic and optimistic about finding a stable relationship. You know exactly what that will look like...you will know it when it happens!

Kudos to you!

That is awesome that you are able to wear a bikini!! Did you have any plastic surgery? If so, where and what was your experience?

I did not. I believe I'm too young for plastic surgery. I'd love to have children one day and if I ever have plastic surgery I'd rather wait til after I have kids.

I am rooting for you AmandaKaye. Life is difficult at best, a lot of the time. If we can learn to separate our problems into little individuals hills to climb, I think we are better off. One hill was needing/wanting to take the weight off. Check, you did that. You wanted to get rid of that depression. Check, it is still a work in progress. Now, one relationship is gone and you are open to another. Check, another work in progress. Personally, I think that you are doing fantastic because it sounds like those works in progress have no slowed you down. You are not backing down on your commitment to keep the weight off, staying active and maintaining your physical fitness. And, lastly, you did not sound completely pessimistic, but realistic and optimistic about finding a stable relationship. You know exactly what that will look like...you will know it when it happens!

Kudos to you!

What amazing advice!! <3

im just starting my journey towards getting rny and i gotta say now that ive wrapped my head around the concept im very calm i just cant wait for these next 3 months to pass with insurance requirements and doctors visits i have some stuff i have to do on my part including tracing down a 5 year weight history which might be hard because my insurance has changed a couple of times in the past 5 years but i cant wait till summer of 2017 when i can rock that 2 peice