Maintanence is hard

Nov 07, 2010

I haven't posted in a very long time but I remembered when I was a newbie that I frequently read other people's profiles to see what I was about to undergo.  So here is my 3 year 3 month post-op update:

Starting weight: 242-size 22/24
Today: 149-size 8/10.
I just had an annual physical and my labs are perfect and I have NO medical conditions other than some arthritis that prevents me from doing a lot of exercise.

The one thing I want to stress, is that I find it so hard to maintain my weight the further out I get.  In the beginning, weight just fell off-it didn't matter what I ate.  Now I have to conciously think about everything I put in my mouth.  If I had not established good eating habits in the beginning, I know I'd be having an issue with regain.  I see so many of my friends that are struggling with this and it breaks my heart. 

Pearls of wisdom from a "veteran":
1.  Establish a good relationship with other WLS people-whether it be thru the TMB, OH, or a local suport group.  We "get each other"- no one else does.
2.  Change your eating habits from the beginning and stick to them.  PROTEIN first, don't drink with meals, shop on the outside aisles of the grocery store.  No fast food (or very little), avoid "slider" foods.
3.  Drink your water~ least 64 oz a day but none with meals.
4.  The CARB MONSTER is real and lives in your house.  Kick his butt to the curb-his whole mission is to sabattage your weight loss. 
5.  Be very careful about cross addictions.  A LOT of my friends are struggling with Rx drug addiction, alcoholism, gambling-these things are REAL.
6.  Seek out some professional counselling.  You got fat for a reason.  We are all food addicts and need HELP working thru those emotions.
7.  Vitamins are NOT optional.  If you had a RNY, you can DIE if you don't take them.  You made the decision to have the surgery so keep up your end of the bargain.


Don't let this post scare you.  My surgery has been the absolute BEST thing I've ever done.  I have met the most incredible people, have had more fun in my 50's than I ever had in my 30's, I still eat everything I always ate, just maybe prepared a little differently (no more fried foods).  The only food I can't tolerate is milk in large quantities-no biggie.  I still eat cake/candy but only a bite or two-and belive me, it's enough to satisfy me.  Being THIN is AWESOME and is well worth any sacrifice I had to make along the way.

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