My thoughts on being 7 years out

This past week was my 7 year anniversary of my RNY (some of you may have seen my post on the RNY board). I have lost and kept off 200 pounds. It can be done, but it is hard work. Every day I fight for my health. I know if I do not, I will not only be in a bad place physically but even more so mentally. Here are some of my thoughts:

1. Surgery is not "magic". Do not ever fall into the trap of thinking the surgery will do all the work. IT WON'T. You have to work hard when you are losing and even harder to maintain.

2. Being thin does not solve all of your problems, but it does make it easier to deal with the stress of every day life when you do not have your weight in the way.

3. Stop making excuses. Do not fall into the "victim" mentality. This never helps. Take responsibility for your actions.

4. Forgive yourself if you mess up and get back on track immediately.

5. Learn to love yourself. I truly believe this has been my most important step in this process. I love myself enough to make the right choices for my health. I treat myself kindly because I deserve to be treated well (this also goes for my relationships with people- I do not put up with bull**** anymore).

6. Have a support network. Find a good support group. Stick around here. Support is important.

I could go on and on, but will stop now. Here are the obligatory before/now pics. Pretty good for an old broad 

You are truly an inspiration, for everyone here and for me personally.   I look to your posts for no nonsense answers and aspire to your success. 

Congratulations on your continued success and thank you for still contributing to this community and being a model for many of us. 

Cheers Laura!

You are awesome Laura! 

You are awesome, and thank you so much for sharing!  Good words of wisdom!!

You are such an amazing inspiration!  I had my surgery ten months ago today and from the very beginning I have looked to your posts on here for inspiration and wisdom. At seven years out I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and wisdom with those of us who are still in the infant stage of our own journey! It really is so important. Best wishes on your continued success!

You look great! I hope I can maintain as well 7 years out. What you said struck me. Esp #5. All these years of being overweight I have always put myself last. I need to start loving myself as I am.

Thank you

This is a really great post, thanks for sharing! It's always nice to see posts from the vets to show all the newbies like myself what can be accomplished & what to expect, or not expect from wls. I really like #1, surgery is not magic, it helps, but ultimately you still have to do the work.

I really like your no nonsense posts & look forward to reading more. 

FYI you're not an old broad! I know I'm not, you're 49 years young, just like I'm 45 years young & we're workin it! Holla!

Thanks for your thoughts, all so true. Even in my year+ I realize this is not a magic wand and I can fall into a rut easily, but I need to yank myself out. Encouragement is great, but you still have to do it. Looking awesome! Great accomplishment.

Congratulations on 7 great years.  Excellent post.  You look wonderful, have done a great job of maintaining, and so much of what you wrote above is crucial to success.  

I just celebrated 8 years out last month, but I still have 10 pounds of knee replacement regain to lose... And because of that small (and understandable!) regain I didn't post anything on my "surgiversary".   It is only 10 pounds but it does affect how I feel about my success. I think that falls under the "love yourself" category, above...

Lora

You have done so well! Are you saying the knee replacement caused you to gain 10lbs? I ask because I just had surgery in Aug and need a knee replacement. I am trying to wait a year in order to lose my weight first.