Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I am so glad I did this, and wish I'd done it years ago! It hasn't been without struggles, and I had hiatal hernia surgery in June 2021 because my sleeve had "slipped" up into my chest cavity. Still... all is good, I am SO MUCH BETTER since having the hernia repair, and I have kept all my weight off. I am just happy, and want to say to those with doubts... YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Congratulations.

Wow - 5 years. Well done!

That's so awesome! I'm so happy for your success. That's so inspiring to me.

So glad for you!!! This is exactly the post I needed to see, as I am a little over a year out and very scared about maintaining my weight loss! I’m so happy with the results, I don’t ever want to go back to before and I’m terrified of regain! Any advice you can give on what worked for you?

Congratulations!

30 minutes ago, Original Cyn said:

So glad for you!!! This is exactly the post I needed to see, as I am a little over a year out and very scared about maintaining my weight loss! I’m so happy with the results, I don’t ever want to go back to before and I’m terrified of regain! Any advice you can give on what worked for you?

I finally accepted that the "mindful eating" I'd practiced before and immediately after surgery wasn't just to be practiced then, but a whole new lifestyle. I guess I thought that the endless chewing, the limits on drinking around meal times, the "eat the protein first" were just caveats to help you get through the shock of surgery. However it's really how I eat all the time. I have learned to pay attention when I am eating- no TV, no computer, no reading- so that I pay attention to what I am eating and how much of it. I have a 20 minute eating window; when it's been 20 mins, the plate goes back to the kitchen. If not, I'll pick at supper over the next hour or two and eat the plateful, when in reality I was already full and didn't need to graze for the evening. I don't eat much carb- rice is hell for me, it swells inside and that's painful. Same with pizza crust, and most breads, so I just avoid them. I still do a protein shake for breakfast (Syntrax nectars with either water or unsweetened almond milk). Lunch is harder- sometimes cheese and crackers, sometimes soup. I'm not usually hungry during the day, but I will sag and drag after 3pm if I haven't had something to eat. Supper is usually some form of protein and maybe some veg. I also have dessert a couple of times a week, usually about a 1/4c of ice cream. I'll also have the occasional adult beverage, but I can't hold a lot of volume, so it's not too often and not too much- but a girl's gotta live! I think mostly what has worked best for me is mindful eating, small portions, choosing what to eat instead of just eating some of everything at a meal. Tonight we are having pizza and salad for supper (daughter got married on Saturday and we have quite a few leftover pizzas). I had the cheese and toppings from two pieces and ate them carefully. Can't do salad- it fills me up quickly and makes me feel gaggy, so although I love it I limit it to about 2 bites- just enough to satisfy the urge. Who knew I'd ever say the words "I miss salad?" but I DO!

Congratulations! I am happy for you. It will be 5 years for me in December (gastric bypass) and your post has really inspired me to keep mindful on my eating as I have noticed old habits creeping in! Thank you ??

Good job congrats!

Congrats ?