2 Year Surgiversary Post - With Pics Galore!

Hey there, everyone!  The Waffleking is back and it's my 2 year surgiversary today! Wow, time flies when you're stretching your sleeve! I kid..I kid...kind of.  Anyway, I always loved when the people who were a few years out checked in on how thing were going years down the road, so here I am!  Living life with the sleeve and being in it to win it!

So how am I doing? Well, at this point I'm definitely fighting complacency with the weight loss. There was a time after my first year where I thought, "Oh yeah, I got this. Piece of cake. I can eat whatever, party all weekend and most importantly, never have to worry abou****ching my weight again!" I mean, I was skinny and that's what skinny people do, right? Eat crappy and sit around all day?  I'm not sure what I was really thinking but now I know that I will have to stay vigilant for the rest of my life or I could easily gain it back. So I've been bouncing around about 10 lbs up and down from where I want to be.  I started a new circuit training exercise program last week that is really kicking my ass but it's also kind of fun.  I need that exercise even though I hate exercising. 

As I look back on the past two years, here are some tips and things I learned:

• If you can, before your surgery, make a video of yourself talking to your new skinny self, reminding the skinny version of how you feel right now. I really wish I had done that.  Once you get used to the new way you look, it can be easy to forget where you came from.
• Your loose skin may still be bouncing back after a year an a half.  Mine is all done now but It was still moving and shrinking after a year and a half out. If you can hold on on plastics, I would.
• I can eat a LOT more.  It's scary!  Make those good habits of eating slowly.  I struggle with this part a lot.
• Once you get to goal, KEEP MAKING GOALS.  This is so important and the best way to fight complacency.  I had accomplished all my original goals by the end of last year.  I need to make new ones to keep focused on my new healthy life.
• I was not prepared for the different way strangers and family/friends would treat me after such a rapid weight change. Coping skills for this part is important.  Don't be afraid to seek out professional coaching/therapy if needed.

Now, on to the pics!  First, for those who weren't around when I was so popular on this board, here's a couple of before pics.

Doing my favorite past time back in the day - sitting on a couch.

Performing my comedy-rock duo with my brother

Now, here are some current pics.

I can rock the stage much harder without getting out of breath now

Sitting on Santa's Lap!

Having a neck = being able to wear a scarf

Tearing up the dance floor! I got the moves like Jagger! 

Easter fun!

As you can see, sitting on laps is a new favorite activity I have now.  I really hope that everyone out there is rocking there sleeve and if you have any questions, I'm always lurking!  To those sitting on the fence about the surgery,  I have NO REGRETS!

Time to celebrate my two years out!  Who wants wine and cupcakes?

Awe **** Chris, don't show me wine & cupcakes!!!  2 of my favorite things!!!! 

You look great & congrats on your 2 years!!!  Everyone earlier out than us need to remember it ain't always easy, even with a little sleeve.  It sure makes it easier though to get back on track when we need to, especially by going back to basics.  You will get those bouncy pounds off, I am ... we can do this!

Lurk?  Don't just lurk, POST!!!  Well, do whatever you want WaffleKing ... just keep rockin' it!!!

Oh man, those cupcakes were sooooo good!  Thank you and yes, I'm finally getting it through my thick skull that this journey means a lifetime of vigilance for me. But that's okay, it's totally worth it. 

I'll try to post more if I can!  But there's so many laps to sit on!

looking good, congratulations.....

Thank you!

You look AWESOME! Good job. Awareness is key to success, complacency will bring back the weight.

Thank you! I feel awesome!  And you are so right!  Complacency is the enemy!

Congrats on your two years my friend, you have done an outstanding job and are lookin good!! 

It was great to see you on here so don't be a stranger!

Thank you, sir!  I appreciate that. It's great to see you too!

You look friggin awesome!  Thanks for the much needed inspiration!