5 years out

I haven't been here in a long time, but wanted to give some encouragement to those making the decision for sleeve gastrectomy, or those who have already had it.

I had mine with Dr. Allvarez in January 2008.  What a scary decision process.  I was desperate at 58, accepting that I would never get the weight off without this kind of help.

I have lost 115 pounds AND KEPT IT OFF.  I went down 105 pounds the 1st year and a few months and only about 1 1/2 year ago reached my goal with the extra 10 pounds.   Before reaching my goal I went up 10 pounds and panicked.  I knew if I continued to gain, I had no more options.  I also knew that as vain as this sounds, I would go in the tank emotionally and wasn't sure I wanted to live like that again.   The panic and fear got me back on track and I lost those 10 plus 5.  Now I fluctuate about 5 pounds.  When I hit that 5 pound limit, I leave off the stuff that got me there and head back down.

I've had a body lift and though I am 62 now, my husband says I have a fabulous and very sexy body.  AND YOU KNOW WHAT, I agree and let myself be happy and praise myself.

My surgery was a breeze and I had NO trouble.  I hope you who are scheduled or have just had your surgery have it just as easy.  Either way, it will be worth it all.   Hang in there and this wonderful gift of life will save yours.

Wow Jane, thank you so much for coming back on here to share your story. And of course it's so reassuring to hear when someone has kep all their weight off. Congrats on all your success!!!

Thanks so much for posting!  Congratulations on your weight loss and keeping it off!

Wonderful! Congrats on your dedication and success!

Thanks so much for posting, you must've been hearing my thoughts for the last 2 days, OMG, thanks for the encouragement, have a great day!

That's really great and it's so good to see you keeping it off.  That's my biggest challenge and hope I can do it.  Can you tell us how you eat from day to day.  Do you still exercise?

Gosh, I wish I could say I exercise and eat right.   When I gained the 10 pounds, I began ignoring my restriction and eating more.  I began eating sweets for the 1st time since the surgery.  I went on a retreat with a bunch of women and my roomates brought brownies.  I could not pass them by without eating one.  When I got home was when I panicked.

When I get to my weight limit I go back on protein and leave off my excess sweets, though I may eat one thing each day.  I try to be sensitive to fullness, because the restriction is still possible to feel when I "want" to feel it.   I wish I had never gotten back on sugar again, it is  my downfall.

My secret is just that I "have to do it".   I keep a picture of my before in a drawer in my bathroom when I open it to get my dryer out, I glance at it.   It does not make me feel bad or guilty, but it makes me say "I won't go back".

I will always have a battle.  It will never go away.   I have faced it and have determined I can't go back again.

We can all do it.   

Well that's great news.  I hope when I get to goal I can cut back on the exercise.  I'm doing a hour to an hour and a half a day five days a week.  You are doing amazing and thanks for sharing!

You are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this!!

Hello,  Nice to hear from someone who has had the surgery 5 years post op.  I am 2 yrs post op and I have been struggling with the gain of 16 lbs.  Scared me to death that I was going to be back at 205 or worse, 235 which was my highest weight.  I went to ww to get back on track.  I have lost 13 lbs now, and am 150.  Did you get medicare to pay for the body lift?  I need one, but have to pay about $12,000 to a private surgeon, because Kaiser will not approve me.  thanks.