Katesheart

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I can't believe it's been 12 years since my surgery but I have GREAT news!!!  I started at 371 got down to 204 and stopped loosing weight.  It then became time to do things the traditional way of watching what I eat in order to lose more.  That didn't go so well and I started climbing back up.  I got back up to 261 and then said OH NO THIS IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN!!!  I WILL NOT LET EVERYTHING I DID BE FOR NOTHING!!!!  So I got serious and focused on protein, protein, protein as my doctor had told me years ago.  Unfortunately I was one of those that chocolate didn't bother much and I could still eat sweets.  This is what lead to the weight gain again.  I remembered all the lessons and support groups I went to, even speaking at some of them!  I would preach and preach how the surgery is a TOOL and that I didn't have surgery on my brain and that I am still a compulsive over eater and always would be.  I had to take back control.

Well I am happy to report that after 12 years I FINALLY met my goal and 180 and then some!  I am down to 175 and I feel GREAT!!!!  I no longer think about food; for the first time in my life, at 50, I feel like I have control over food.  I suffer with a lot of medical issues, such as Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, Edema, etc. but being at 175 the pain is not as bad. A lot has happened in the 12 years.  I had to resign from my job, I have had a lot of joint replacement surgeries to name a few, but I don't let that get me down.  I know there are others that suffer with a lot more than I deal with on a daily basis.

My point is DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!  Don't ever lose sight of why you did the surgery in the first place.  Would I do it all over again??? YES! It was still the best life changing decision I ever made and I don't regret any of it.

 

God Bless you all!!!

 

I couldn't believe it when I got an e-mail telling me happy anniversary for 9 years post-op, WOW!!  It has really flown by me quick!  I am happy to report that 9 years later I am still down 135 lbs. from 371 lbs. and I feel GREAT!!!  I get my blood work done every 6 months and I am also happy to report that all levels are great with an over-all cholesterol of 159!  Blood pressure is great and glucose levels are normal. 
I know in my heart that had I not made the decision to have the surgery I wouldn't be here today.  At 371 lbs. there was alot of damage done to my body.  One year ago in January I had double knee replacement as the weight damaged them to a point where I couldn't stand the pain.  I also know that I most likely would have had a heart attack or stroke.  Having this surgery saved my life and I would do it all over again if I had to.
I use my head, eat protien bars and take my vitamins as I know what I was given was a "tool" and not a miracle.  You have to always pay attention to what you are doing to your body because it's the only one you are ever going to get!
To those that had the surgery years ago like myself, Happy Anniversary!  To those that want the surgery and those that are scheduled to have it, God Bless you for thinking about it, or making the decision!!!  It takes a strong person to make the decision and don't ever let anyone tell you that it's the "easy" way out.
I always remember what someone once told me...."You have to take care of yourself FIRST so you will be able to help those around you"!!

Well April 14th marks my 7th year since surgery!  I am happy to say that I feel I have done very well!  My lowest weight was 204 down from 371 and today I am at 240.  Yes I did gain some back, but I am on my way back down as I have (and NEVER will) forgotten how I felt at 371lbs.  I will NEVER allow myself to get that way again and I must always remember that I was given a TOOL and I must use it wisely!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO EVERYONE ELSE THAT SHARES MY DAY!!! MAY WE ALL CONTINUE TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE YEARS TO COME!!!

Wow!  I can't belive it's been three years since I have been on here checking out things.  I had my surgey in 2003, it will be seven years on April 14th.  I guess you could say that I have done pretty well.  I started at 371lbs. and I am currently at 237lbs.  I got down to 204 after surgery and gained back about 60 lbs. because I abused the TOOL!  HOWEVER I am happy to say that I am back on track and losing once again. 

I have NEVER forgotten the physical feeling of weighing 371 lbs. and that is what keeps me in line most of the time.  Coming on here after all this time and seeing my before picutre adds 100% more reasons to keep things in line.  Unfortunately I am not one of those that eats sugar and gets sick.  I am still able to have chocolate and therefore I induldge in those terrible things that got me there in the first place.

I would have to say the most important aspect of this surgery is the it is a TOOL.  They do no operate on our brains and therefore I am still a complusive overeater and I must never forget that.  It's all about making healthy choices!  The surgery for me was a gift and it saved my life.

If there is anyone else out there that is 7 years out and would like support in staying on track just let me know.  Heck doesn't have to even be 7 years, let's talk if you need support!

Hopefully I will make it a habit of signing on here more often and offer any ideas and thoughts I might have about how to make the most of this wonder gift we have been given.

1/5/07 - Well it's been another year and I am still here and ALIVE!!!  I have been very very busy with my current career and haven't had much time to post here as you can tell!  I travel alot and therefore I am not able to go to the support groups much either : (   I have been doing o.k. although I need to lose some weight!  I am not one of those lucky ones that can not have sugar at all.  I am able to still eat chocolate and that's a BAD BAD thing.  I have found that I don't have an interest in food as far as preparing it at all.  My husband does all the cooking now and I find that I would rather have something that I can just grab and go!  Unfortunately most of those things are fattening!  SO, this is my year to get back on the ball and get serious!  I will be 4 years post-op in April and as I have said before, they didn't do surgery on my brain just my body so it's still a stuggle not to get caught up in the old eating habits.  HOWEVER I will NEVER be like I was before and I do have a much greater appreciation for what I have done so far and I intend to keep it up!  The traveling is very hard on me especially with the Fibromyalgia but I hang in there as much as I can.  I do know that I am looking forward to the new year and getting back on track.  Coming back here to post will help a great deal!