vbenedict0208
February 24, 2010
Feb 24, 2010
Oh my goodness does the time fly! Document every minute of your journey people because it whizzes by in a flash. It's been about 8 1/2 years since my RNY Gastric Bypass. I'm loving life and thankful for the opportunity I was given with WLS. I've heard the term "rebirth" used with WLS and I think that's fitting. I became a new person the year I had WLS and my life has gotten even better year after year.
WLS and the results from having it gave me the courage to quit a job I hated, go back to school and finish my degree. I now work for a Fortune 500 company as a Facility Operations Manager. I have started to fulfill my dream of visiting every country on earth before I am too old to travel or die. I have checked five countries off my list so far (pre WLS I wouldn't even get on a plane!) My life has changed in every way imaginable and I am so grateful that I was given this magnificent tool to take my life back from french fries and milkshakes.
I try to come back to this site at least once a year because I remember when I was doing my pre-op research it was quite rare to find someone five years out or longer with recent updates. People who are just beginning their journey have lots of questions and I hope that my postts give them at least one answer they may be looking for.
I've said it before and I will say it again. WLS is a TOOL. You are being given the tool to lose the weight and keep it off for the rest of your life. If you chose not to use the tool, you can and will gain the weight back. Roughly 15% of all WLS patients eventually gain their weight back and it's because they didn't stay vigilant about keeping the weight off. I get on the scale often to keep myself in check. I have a number that I absolutely REFUSE to go past on that scale and if I see myself inching towards it, I cut back on calories and kick the workouts up a notch. I still do Yoga and Pilates and I started running (it relieves stress). Find something that you like to do and do it for YOU and no one else.
Something else I should mention: We all know that food is an addiction for us. When you have WLS, it's very common to switch that addiction for another. I became a neat freak and obsessively cleaned my house and then became obsessed with getting my college degree and wouldn't let anything (not even hurricane Katrina!) get in my way. I tried to funnel my addictive personality into things that helped me feel calmer and improved my life (a clean house does wonders for the mind). Others have not been so lucky. I have seen friends become addicted to alcohol or drugs. I have seen people get divorced because the originally supportive spouse can not absorb all of the changes that are happening so fast to their loved one. Before you have WLS, determine what your new "addiction" will be. A lot of people pick up a new hobby or do volunteer work. Find something that you've always wanted to do but didn't because you felt you were "too fat" or didn't have the energy for the activity on a regular basis. Do something you LOVE and live your new life to the fullest. Make sure you talk about your feelings to your significant other and let them share their feelings as well. Don't be ashamed to reach out for counseling to help you deal with your new body and all of the emotions that come with the "rebirth". The United Way offers income based counseling sessions for individuals or couples. Many companies also offer mental health benefits to their employees. Use them. This is a new you and you might have a few questions or concerns about how to live life as the new you. A neutral ear (counselor) can do wonders in helping you make sense of the "skinny world" you are becoming a part of.
Best of luck to all of you starting this journey. It is truly an amazing experience and one you should feel excited about embarking on. For those of you post op but still in the weight-loss process, remember to make the tool work for you and do everything your doctor advises.
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WLS and the results from having it gave me the courage to quit a job I hated, go back to school and finish my degree. I now work for a Fortune 500 company as a Facility Operations Manager. I have started to fulfill my dream of visiting every country on earth before I am too old to travel or die. I have checked five countries off my list so far (pre WLS I wouldn't even get on a plane!) My life has changed in every way imaginable and I am so grateful that I was given this magnificent tool to take my life back from french fries and milkshakes.
I try to come back to this site at least once a year because I remember when I was doing my pre-op research it was quite rare to find someone five years out or longer with recent updates. People who are just beginning their journey have lots of questions and I hope that my postts give them at least one answer they may be looking for.
I've said it before and I will say it again. WLS is a TOOL. You are being given the tool to lose the weight and keep it off for the rest of your life. If you chose not to use the tool, you can and will gain the weight back. Roughly 15% of all WLS patients eventually gain their weight back and it's because they didn't stay vigilant about keeping the weight off. I get on the scale often to keep myself in check. I have a number that I absolutely REFUSE to go past on that scale and if I see myself inching towards it, I cut back on calories and kick the workouts up a notch. I still do Yoga and Pilates and I started running (it relieves stress). Find something that you like to do and do it for YOU and no one else.
Something else I should mention: We all know that food is an addiction for us. When you have WLS, it's very common to switch that addiction for another. I became a neat freak and obsessively cleaned my house and then became obsessed with getting my college degree and wouldn't let anything (not even hurricane Katrina!) get in my way. I tried to funnel my addictive personality into things that helped me feel calmer and improved my life (a clean house does wonders for the mind). Others have not been so lucky. I have seen friends become addicted to alcohol or drugs. I have seen people get divorced because the originally supportive spouse can not absorb all of the changes that are happening so fast to their loved one. Before you have WLS, determine what your new "addiction" will be. A lot of people pick up a new hobby or do volunteer work. Find something that you've always wanted to do but didn't because you felt you were "too fat" or didn't have the energy for the activity on a regular basis. Do something you LOVE and live your new life to the fullest. Make sure you talk about your feelings to your significant other and let them share their feelings as well. Don't be ashamed to reach out for counseling to help you deal with your new body and all of the emotions that come with the "rebirth". The United Way offers income based counseling sessions for individuals or couples. Many companies also offer mental health benefits to their employees. Use them. This is a new you and you might have a few questions or concerns about how to live life as the new you. A neutral ear (counselor) can do wonders in helping you make sense of the "skinny world" you are becoming a part of.
Best of luck to all of you starting this journey. It is truly an amazing experience and one you should feel excited about embarking on. For those of you post op but still in the weight-loss process, remember to make the tool work for you and do everything your doctor advises.
Happy 7th Anniversary to me!
Oct 31, 2008
It has been seven years already! Hard to believe it. Life is wonderful and I don't regret having the surgery for a minute. I fluctuate between 135 and 145 and wear a size 4/6. I get on the scale regularly and cut back on "naughty" foods when I get closer to the 145 number. It is still a healthy weight for me but I feel better at 135 to 140.
I can eat pretty much anything without issues these days. Salads seem to be the only thing that really upsets my stomach. Dairy is an issue if I eat large quantities of it but I do fine with a few bites of ice cream. One piece of advice; cut out sodas, even diet ones, and you will drop weight. I held steady at 155 for 5 years. When I cut out sodas, I dropped 15 pounds without dieting over the course of six months. I drink water and unsweetened tea with sweet n low in it.
I can eat a lot more now than the first few years after surgery. I mostly eat lean cuisine entrees because they are quick and easy. I also practice pilates and yoga. Always remember that this surgery is a TOOL, not a miracle. You have to do your part and that is correcting the habits that got you to the point of needing surgery in the first place. The saying "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels" is really true. This surgery is life changing; don't take it for granted and you will do jut fine.
One more thing: Take your vitamins everyday. It is essential to your health and maintaining your weight after surgery.
Best of luck to everyone!
I can eat pretty much anything without issues these days. Salads seem to be the only thing that really upsets my stomach. Dairy is an issue if I eat large quantities of it but I do fine with a few bites of ice cream. One piece of advice; cut out sodas, even diet ones, and you will drop weight. I held steady at 155 for 5 years. When I cut out sodas, I dropped 15 pounds without dieting over the course of six months. I drink water and unsweetened tea with sweet n low in it.
I can eat a lot more now than the first few years after surgery. I mostly eat lean cuisine entrees because they are quick and easy. I also practice pilates and yoga. Always remember that this surgery is a TOOL, not a miracle. You have to do your part and that is correcting the habits that got you to the point of needing surgery in the first place. The saying "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels" is really true. This surgery is life changing; don't take it for granted and you will do jut fine.
One more thing: Take your vitamins everyday. It is essential to your health and maintaining your weight after surgery.
Best of luck to everyone!
