Dawn R.

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It has been a long time since I posted and I know there are so many of you that want updates on people who have had the surgery many years out.  8 years ago today I was in that hospital room making a drastic change to my life that has been the best decision I ever made.  I can't say it is a miracle cure, though, people.  The first three years after surgery is the easiest by far, believe it or not.  I am battling with weight issues all of the time.  The farther out you get, the more easy it is to eat more food types and to eat more quantities.  I gained weight back.  I am at 220 lbs and can't seem to lose it like I did right after surgery.  I don't understand why it is hard to lose weight when part of my intestines are bypassed, but it is difficult.  I've accepted the fact this is my weight so I decided to change my physical activity.  For the past 8 months I have been doing Zumba 4 times a week for an hour each time.  My weight hasn't decreased but my cholesterol is back to normal and I feel better about myself.  I did have the lower body lift back in 2004 and regretted it more than anything.  It was a horrible surgery and I wasn't happy with the results.  $10,000 later I look the same but now I have to deal with my scars hurting when I try to do sit ups and such.  The bottom line is everyone needs to be aware that this isn't a miracle cure for weight loss.  What it is a way to jump start the process, get you back to the beginning, and then make smart decisions about your eating habits once you get that second chance.  I would do the surgery again without hesitation.  Other than having a hard time eating ice cream, which we don't need, I have had no long term complications.  No more ulcers, rarely throw up, and happy with everything.  Please, all, just be smart after surgery.  I unfortunately, gained back more than I should have and wished I would have caught myself about 30 pounds ago.  Maybe it will come off but I'm not hung up on it too much.  Good luck to you all.  Maybe I will post again in 5 years to give an update.