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Hi! I'm New Here

JMC17815

JMC17815

Member
Hi! My name is Jen, I'm almost 51 years old, and I had RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery in April of 2003. Yep, 2003...so I'm almost 18 years out. I can honestly say it was the best decision I've every made for myself. I also had my gall bladder removed during the surgery. I've managed to maintain over 100 pounds of weight loss by using the "tool" the surgeon gave me. My weight at surgery was 290 (I'm 5'9), and I currently weigh between 175-180. Would i like to drop 10 pounds? Yep, I sure would. Slowly, but surely I'll get there. I don't believe in quick fixes, and while I supplement with protein shakes, I prefer to get my nutrients from food. I'm an avid bike rider, powerlifter, crossfitter, and I like to walk. Needless to say, this journey has not always been easy, but it has been amazing.

I've recently decided to reinvent myself from a public school educator and university instructor to a health and wellness coach. I honestly feel compelled to help other WLS patients who are struggling with regain to help them rediscover their ''why" and help them uncover what's holding them back from the life they want/deserve. I've always hid the fact that I had surgery. I think I was embarrassed that I wasn't able to do it on my own (that's my perfectionist side coming out), but recently I realized that my journey, my struggles, my successes are all from me. My hard work and diligence, my commitment to wanting the life I always wanted, the being fed-up with myself for not sticking to my eating plan (notice I didn't say "diet"...i hate that word).....that's all a part of my journey and who I am. If I can help others, then I honestly feel that is what I'm supposed to do...it's my calling.

Anyways, I'm so happy to be here. If I can be of service to anyone, I'm here. I'm also trying to upload a picture, but it keeps saying the file is too big. I'll keep trying.
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3momchaos said:
Welcome! Sounds like you’ve done really well since your surgery. What do you think was most challenging afterwards (at any point), and how did you overcome?
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For me the most challenging part was when the weight stopped coming off so easily, and I needed to make sure my new habits were being implemented. It's so easy to fall back into the negative habits that got us where we were before surgery. I would say that's an ongoing challenge even to this day. So when I feel those old habits creeping back in, I stop and remind myself:
  1. I really like my new reinvented self. Life is so much more joyful and fulfilling when I manage my nutrition and my weight.
  2. I never want to go back to my old self. My body hurt, I suffered from low self-esteem, I would also say I was depressed.
  3. I have a really great support system. I lean in on those people.
  4. I am a cup is half-full, not half-empty kind of person, so when I do slip up, I don't stay in that negative mind-set. Positivity is everything.

I hope this helps.
 
JMC17815 said:
For me the most challenging part was when the weight stopped coming off so easily, and I needed to make sure my new habits were being implemented. It's so easy to fall back into the negative habits that got us where we were before surgery. I would say that's an ongoing challenge even to this day. So when I feel those old habits creeping back in, I stop and remind myself:
  1. I really like my new reinvented self. Life is so much more joyful and fulfilling when I manage my nutrition and my weight.
  2. I never want to go back to my old self. My body hurt, I suffered from low self-esteem, I would also say I was depressed.
  3. I have a really great support system. I lean in on those people.
  4. I am a cup is half-full, not half-empty kind of person, so when I do slip up, I don't stay in that negative mind-set. Positivity is everything.
I hope this helps.
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I’m definitely cup half full person, so I guess it’s good going into this with that perspective.
 
JMC17815 said:
Hi! My name is Jen, I'm almost 51 years old, and I had RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery in April of 2003. Yep, 2003...so I'm almost 18 years out. I can honestly say it was the best decision I've every made for myself. I also had my gall bladder removed during the surgery. I've managed to maintain over 100 pounds of weight loss by using the "tool" the surgeon gave me. My weight at surgery was 290 (I'm 5'9), and I currently weigh between 175-180. Would i like to drop 10 pounds? Yep, I sure would. Slowly, but surely I'll get there. I don't believe in quick fixes, and while I supplement with protein shakes, I prefer to get my nutrients from food. I'm an avid bike rider, powerlifter, crossfitter, and I like to walk. Needless to say, this journey has not always been easy, but it has been amazing.

I've recently decided to reinvent myself from a public school educator and university instructor to a health and wellness coach. I honestly feel compelled to help other WLS patients who are struggling with regain to help them rediscover their ''why" and help them uncover what's holding them back from the life they want/deserve. I've always hid the fact that I had surgery. I think I was embarrassed that I wasn't able to do it on my own (that's my perfectionist side coming out), but recently I realized that my journey, my struggles, my successes are all from me. My hard work and diligence, my commitment to wanting the life I always wanted, the being fed-up with myself for not sticking to my eating plan (notice I didn't say "diet"...i hate that word).....that's all a part of my journey and who I am. If I can help others, then I honestly feel that is what I'm supposed to do...it's my calling.

Anyways, I'm so happy to be here. If I can be of service to anyone, I'm here. I'm also trying to upload a picture, but it keeps saying the file is too big. I'll keep trying.View attachment 3284
Hi Jen,
I am new at this and how to respond to posts. I responded to one of your other posts as well. I am excited to hear more of your journey and I am looking to get re-inspired in my journey. Like you, I feel like I worked hard to lose the weight I did and I don't ever want to go back. I feel myself slipping back into old bad habits and I am struggling with regaining my strength and commitment. Any help or suggestions would be great.
Thanks,
Kate
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