5.5 Years Out

Hi all -

I used to be very active on these forums, but as I continue on my journey I have found myself relying less and less on this platform. I do like to check in occasionally to provide insight, encouragement, perspective, and more to those who are about to begin their journey or in the first few chapters.

A little about me- I had VSG surgery in May of 2018. My highest weight was about 260 and I was put out on my body and my weight affected all aspects of my life. I lost a total of 140 pounds and have maintained (most) of that weight loss. I am up about 10 pounds in the last year or so, but mostly muscle as I have begun weightlifting so I am not too concerned. I had two plastic surgeries after my VSG to help with loose skin and such.

My favorite non-scale victories over the past few years:

Being able to walk into any store and find something that works for me

Having my boyfriend be able to pick me up as if I weigh nothing

Being able to cross my legs when I sit!

Feeling cute in my clothes

My quality of life is exponentially better

My most unexpected experiences:

I am ALWAYS cold

I quickly pass out if I stand for too long

I struggle with iron intake

Vitamins can make me feel super sick!

I get an upset stomach very easily

I suffer from acid reflux (something I never experienced before)

My unsolicited advice:

Listen to your doctors

Get active

Drink your water!

Eat your protein

Having one bad or off day is not an excuse to have a bad week

You can still enjoy things in moderation

Thank you for this.. I am schedule for sx on 11/29 and I am so nervous and excited at the same time.. I like to hear about success stories and how people are doing years after sx...

Thank you for this.. I am schedule for sx on 11/29 and I am so nervous and excited at the same time.. I like to hear about success stories and how people are doing years after sx...

I just love to hear about people who have maintained such a huge loss. Thank you so much for sharing, it gives the rest of us hope!

Oh congratulation!! What a wonderful result and maintaining is such a dream man, I'm so glad it is working for you!!

6 hours ago, ashsleeved21 said:

Having one bad or off day is not an excuse to have a bad week

I love this advice!

It reminds me of something I heard a long time ago, that when you're walking across the street, if you trip and fall, everybody knows you just pick yourself up and keep going from that spot. But a lot of times we act like when we make a mistake or have a set back in other parts of our lives, we somehow get dragged all the way back to the corner and have to start all over again, when it's not true at all.

22 hours ago, NickelChip said:

I love this advice!

It reminds me of something I heard a long time ago, that when you're walking across the street, if you trip and fall, everybody knows you just pick yourself up and keep going from that spot. But a lot of times we act like when we make a mistake or have a set back in other parts of our lives, we somehow get dragged all the way back to the corner and have to start all over again, when it's not true at all.

This is so true! Before VSG I would always have the mindset of "starting tomorrow". If I messed up, I would say "Okay I'll try again next week". Consistency isn't about being perfect, it's about being able to stick with something long-term. I, like everyone, have my days. Sometimes I just gotta have a Snickers bar after an exhausting long day. But I sure as hell don't eat one every day after that for a week! The quicker you can learn to pick up where you left off without starting over, the easier lifestyle changes become. Wishing you the best on your journey. Don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.