missyinacage
Member
Tomorrow will be my 3 year surgiversary and it has been quite the ride. I started at 270lbs and am currently at 168, (after a boozy weekend lol) I stay between 5-10 lbs above my low, which was my steady normal for about 2 years. Everyone is different, so your journey may not follow my path. However, these are the things I've experienced.
While the weight came off almost like magic, keeping it off is WORK! I am 1 of 5 ppl in my family that have had WLS. 1 has gained everything back (4 yrs), 2 did not lose the percentage expected and 1 has gained approx 30% back. My husband is not quite 2 years out and is still losing, albeit very slowly. And I am under my goal but have gained these 5-10 (I keep a 5lb window).
I can eat much more than I was lead to believe would be possible. That was true almost immediately, so its not that I've stretched my stomach. So I must still meal plan, track and measure my intake fairly regularly. If I don't, that's when 5 becomes 10.
Surgery did not cure my mental issues with food. And I'm not sure that they will ever fully leave me. Food has been reward, love, comfort and support throughout my life. You can't change your history and changing the habits of a lifetime requires a constant awareness. It can be difficult to stay focused on healthy foods and amounts. I thought I would somehow become "normal" and no longer have to think about food. That has not been my experience. Actually, in talking to normal sized ppl, I've found that most people have to focus on healthy eating to stay at a healthy weight. That was a surprise to me.
I still believe its one of the best decisions I've ever made. I am SO active! After being physically forced to to skip out 1/2 way through a tour of the Vatican because I could not take another step (2018), I relish being able to go and go and go. We are going hiking in Sedona, AZ next week. Old me couldn't have SAT in Sedona in 100 degree temps, never mind walked anywhere!!
I also no longer have diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol etc. My esophageal damage has improved so much that I no longer require full time meds or yearly biopsies! At 53, I am healthier than I have been in decades. I walk, ride my bike, go to Zumba, cardio drumming, step and tone classes ... For FUN!! lol
A lot of people worry about the skin situation. I do have saggy skin. But I am pretty happy with how I look. However, I LOVE how I feel. And I love the freedom from worries about my health due to obesity issues.
I am 1000% happy with my decision to do this. And about 95% committed to long term success LMAO Sometimes, 5% of the time, a cookie will win
While the weight came off almost like magic, keeping it off is WORK! I am 1 of 5 ppl in my family that have had WLS. 1 has gained everything back (4 yrs), 2 did not lose the percentage expected and 1 has gained approx 30% back. My husband is not quite 2 years out and is still losing, albeit very slowly. And I am under my goal but have gained these 5-10 (I keep a 5lb window).
I can eat much more than I was lead to believe would be possible. That was true almost immediately, so its not that I've stretched my stomach. So I must still meal plan, track and measure my intake fairly regularly. If I don't, that's when 5 becomes 10.
Surgery did not cure my mental issues with food. And I'm not sure that they will ever fully leave me. Food has been reward, love, comfort and support throughout my life. You can't change your history and changing the habits of a lifetime requires a constant awareness. It can be difficult to stay focused on healthy foods and amounts. I thought I would somehow become "normal" and no longer have to think about food. That has not been my experience. Actually, in talking to normal sized ppl, I've found that most people have to focus on healthy eating to stay at a healthy weight. That was a surprise to me.
I still believe its one of the best decisions I've ever made. I am SO active! After being physically forced to to skip out 1/2 way through a tour of the Vatican because I could not take another step (2018), I relish being able to go and go and go. We are going hiking in Sedona, AZ next week. Old me couldn't have SAT in Sedona in 100 degree temps, never mind walked anywhere!!
I also no longer have diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol etc. My esophageal damage has improved so much that I no longer require full time meds or yearly biopsies! At 53, I am healthier than I have been in decades. I walk, ride my bike, go to Zumba, cardio drumming, step and tone classes ... For FUN!! lol
A lot of people worry about the skin situation. I do have saggy skin. But I am pretty happy with how I look. However, I LOVE how I feel. And I love the freedom from worries about my health due to obesity issues.
I am 1000% happy with my decision to do this. And about 95% committed to long term success LMAO Sometimes, 5% of the time, a cookie will win
