3 Years post op...........How did it go by so fast!

[Beach Lover 1,084]

Well I haven't been on her for so long and it is good to read all of your posts! My surgery date was actually June 7, 2013 I have been out of town but for some reason I really wanted to share a little of my journey.

I started this journey actually 2 years before I had the surgery. It took me that long to make the decision that once I had my surgery I would never turn back to my old eating patterns. Making such a change to your body was something I took very seriously and played the head games for 2 years. You know..........You can do this just eat right, exercise stay with the program! I was at the gym 3 times a week and trying so hard. I managed to lose about 25 pounds then my mother passed away. I kept up the same routine same eating patterns and despite all I gained 10 pounds back and finally said "That's it!" I knew I needed the help and made the decision to have the surgery.

When I started the 2 weeks of liquid diet before surgery I had my answer to my biggest problem. I was a carbaholic that was the biggest insight into who I was and what was controlling me. I knew then and there I could no longer eat useless carbs. They were and are still a drug for me. Have you ever noticed when you eat a good piece of bread, cake, chip etc. it makes you want it more? It calls you from the cabinets and the frig......."I'm in here so close just come and have a few more!" Damn carbs!! I still fight this but know myself so well now I know what trigger foods to avoid and what I can treat myself with on an occasion. I am not anti carbs just the bad ones that pull you in. Avoid them!

I haven't been the best at exercising but I do go twice a week during the school year (I work at a high school) and swim and bike ride during the summer. My goal weight was 160 pounds and I had a secret goal of 150 pounds. I knew I was going to make the 160 because I wasn't changing my body without a good outcome if I could help it. The day of surgery I weighed 293 pounds and today I weigh 149 pounds. I have been able to maintain this weight pretty easily (no boasting) and am amazed and give all the glory to God and my sleeve! When I returned home from my 3 week trip I had only gained 7 pounds and knew it was mostly bloat. By the end of the first week home it was gone and I marveled at how helpful this surgery actually is!

To this day I still do not have hunger pains.........Thank the Lord!!! I know when my body is in need of food because I get an empty feeling or show signs of low blood sugar but that doesn't happen to often. Only if I am really really busy and honestly forget to eat. No eating disorder here.......no worries I still love my food!

My body definitely has wrinkles all over the place and one day when I win the lottery I will have some surgery to fix myself up. The funny thing is when I was on vacation and was carrying some Water weight the wrinkles in some areas were not as bad. This is how I knew it was Water weight. I missed my wrinkles and was happy to get them back because I felt back on track. Proof of being where I was supposed to be. Weird!! I still get a runny nose when I get full and can eat about 8 ounces on a really good day. I eat a high Protein diet with a lot of veggies and fruit. I have become a gluten free organic eater it made the difference for the last 5 pounds. I do love a Crown and diet organic coke or glass of wine. I didn't have a drink for about a year or more after surgery. This is one thing I caution everyone with. I quickly caught myself enjoying a drink in place of carb foods and put a stop to that. I thought well there is little calories and carbs in a Crown and diet coke so I will be okay and I didn't gain weight but drinking should just be kept at a minimum. You could easily fall into a really bad habit. For some reason eggs are still hard for me to eat I can't eat more than 2 on a really good day. What is up with that? Scrambled eggs........Really!!

I take my Vitamins religiously and my blood work has come back great.......very grateful! One of my favorite treats is a cup of coffee with my half of a Premiere Protein Drink and some hazelnut Creamer. It's a great middle of the day treat.

I am still the person I was before surgery but with more confidence, self awareness and energy. I will protect this new person and body with all vigilance. The true answer to this surgery is getting to know the authentic self, recognizing your triggers and fixing them. Be it personal issues or food issues such as mine. Easier said then done I realize this full on. When I was on the liquid diet I put a whole new spin on being a bitch............My family was ready to run away! Every once in awhile I will go to a restaurant that overwhelms me and I tear up and get mad but I do not stray from my eating patterns. I know myself......... I would rather be mad for a few minutes than go down that slippery slope of gradual weight gain from getting addicted to carbs again.

This was pretty long so if you hung in there and read the whole thing........Thank you!! I'm not perfect by a long shot and I'm sure there are some that would criticize. Please don't this is my life and I am feeling pretty darn good about it. I wish each and every one of you the best and brightest of outcomes!!!!

[trekker954 421]

So happy you came back and gave us an update. Very inspirational.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Oh, wow! I read every word. I am so glad you "came back" and posted your three-year success story. You really do rock!

I loved every word. Thank you again.

(I'm almost two years post-op and doing well, too. I hope to be as successful as you are today in another year.)

And don't be a stranger. There's a great new veterans forum here. Check out this thread and chime in when you're in the mood.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/371260-veterans-only-please-one-year-post-op/

Again, you rock!

[Beach Lover 1,084]

Hi VSGAnn2014!

Thanks for the good words. Looking at your ticker tells me you are doing a fantastic job!! Support is the best thing ever, I was on this site religiously for about 2 years and then fell into a confident routine and just kept on living life. It is good to get on and read everyone's posts and remember my journey through what they are going through. I will check out the link.

Thanks!

[KristenLe 5,979]

I read the entire thing too! Congrats !! You look absolutely beautiful and more importantly - you sound happy and REAL! You are an inspiration!!!

[Beach Lover 1,084]

Thanks KristenLe! I am about as real as it gets!

[meimei25 28]

Congrats on your amazing journey!! You are a true inspiration and you look fantastic!! I'm only 3 months out and carbs have always been my downfall. I'm avoiding them as much as possible and I'm realizing that I don't miss them as much now that I'm eating mostly Proteins and veggies. Thanks for your honesty, it's a struggle but I think I'm finally winning with the help of my sleeve!!

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[reree6898 1,164]

What a great update! Thanks for sharing!

[barbarahadz1 84]

I feel like I just read my own update (except for the eggs & reaching goal). From the waiting two years to make the decision to the runny nose! You are ME and I am YOU. I feel like the sun came out and I am not alone. Okay a bit hyperbolic, but you know what I mean. Love the update and picture. You are beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[Kathy812 794]

There is nothing to criticize. You've done a great job at being able to maintain your weight for three years. Lately I've been reading a lot of post from people who have gained weight, so it's nice to hear that you've been able to maintain-it gives me hope. It's always good to hear both the good and bad.

By the way you look fantastic and I love that dress. Continued success.

[TXTinana 269]

Congratulations on your success! I am wondering if you might tell me how much you lost in the first year and then after the year mark. I am nearing the year mark with at least 70 more that I want to lose (and my secret goal of losing another 90 lol) but I guess I am just worried that after I reach that dreaded year mark this may be unattainable. I am incorporating more exercise now and making sure I stick to a low-carb lifestyle. I just want to know there is hope after I got so discouraged here recently during a 2 1/2 month stall.

Again, congratulations...you have done wonderful!!!

[oscodagal 25]

Awesome - awesome - awesome!!! You look wonderful!!

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