2 Year Anniversary

[Danny Paul 761]

It will be two years since my Gastric Sleeve Surgery and it has been one remarkable journey. First off for myself, on the day of my surgery I weighed in at 221lbs. I took a combined 11 pills a day for a heart condition, diabetes, gout, GERD, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other assorted ailments. Today I take one pill for cholesterol everything else is under control without medication. In a little over seven months I acheived my goal weight (lost 63lbs). Since then, I have maintained my weight loss flucuating 3lbs up or down. I set a "red line" weight where if I hit it I will go into overdrive so as not to pass it. I have never done that in the past. Subsequently, I always regained the weight I lost.

I also found out that I am a compulsive eater. The surgery fixed my stomach but not my brain. I needed to work through this so, I go to a therapist and I attend Overeaters Anonymous (OA) meetings. It's a struggle for me everyday and I need to practice mindful eating. Throughout this journey I have inspired three friends and a family member to get WLS. I have a support group there that helps me and them immensely. I attend the monthly support group meetings offered by my surgeon as well as attending OA meetings.

Clothing wise, I went from an XL to a medium. One other thing that I learned about myself from this process is that I am was a compulsive shopper. When I started donating my larger clothes to the church I found out that I had scores of pants, shirts and other clothing items. I didn't realize the extent of my compulsive shopping. Today, I have a few shirts, pants and other clothing items. My closets and drawers are so much more manageable.

I used to frequent restaurants as much as 3 x 4 times a week. I rarely eat out anymore as I feel very uncomfortable in restaurants even at two years post surgery. I also stopped eating processed foods which is a staple in restaurants. At a group meeting someone asked how many calories each of us were taking in and for the most part the reply was, I don't count calories, I just try to get my 80 grams of Protein in each day. That pretty much sums up my eating process as well. I find that eating dense Proteins help to give me feeling of fullness and I don't eat too much.

As for the restriction, it has lessened somewhat over the two years but it is still there. I need to eat slowly, be mindful of what I eat and never ever try to eat around the restriction. I eat the same thing every day since I make poor food choices. I don't find this to be a bad thing as I look at food as fuel for the body and not as a source of pleasure. I used to live to eat now I eat to live. My friends who have had WLS can't eat the same thing every day and they crave variety. Unlike me, they can make better food choices. It's been two years and in the world of bariatric surgery I'm still in the infant stage. As I go into year three I'm hoping that I can maintain the weight loss as my health really depends on it.

In closing, I feel so much better than before my WLS. My health which was my main concern has gotten so much better. It's so much better that I decided to forgo collecting social security and wait until later as I feel that I will live much much longer. To all of you, good luck with your weight loss journey and most of all good health.

[Orchids&Dragons 9,047]

@Danny Paul Congratulations! I always enjoy your insightful posts and have benefited from the things you've shared!

[FluffyChix 17,418]

46 minutes ago, Danny Paul said:

In closing, I feel so much better than before my WLS. My health which was my main concern has gotten so much better.

Huge congrats!! Thanks for all the inspiration!! What a great post!

[rs 1,473]

Congratulations on your success and for learning more about what challenges you need to constantly manage. Wishing you the best as you continue your journey.

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

On 8/27/2019 at 4:54 PM, Danny Paul said:

11 pills a day for a heart condition, diabetes, gout, GERD, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other assorted ailments.

@Danny Paul

hey dude, nice to see you☺️

i kept trying and trying to lose weight since high school. Reason being i wanted

to look attractive. i realized soon, it was all about my declining health.

my health has improved beyond belief. Looking cute as a button too is a bonus!!🤣

Your medications/ health issues, gone/disappeared. seeing a therapist, OA too,

Moderation is key regarding ie food/restaurants, clothe shopping - too bad

your improvements have caused them almost foreclosure!! LOL

You realize/must always be mindful of proper eating, moderation etc. - You've got that down. you will continue to be a success!! You are totally ACES!!

keep up the good work for the rest of your healthier, happier, life - (SS can

wait a few more years to reap its full benefits!!!!!

kathy

happy surgiversary

[Stella S 613]

Awesome. It is great to hear you are able to focus on the living Keep the successes coming!! Hats off toOA as well. Great program.