I can't believe it's been nearly 5 years that I had RNY Gastric By-pass surgery!  I began my journey the spring of 2007 and then had surgery Oct. 31st, 2007.  I have been extremely blessed to have very little complications or issues.  My start weight was 324 lbs and today I've lost over 160 lbs.  It wasn't always easy, but I kept at it and am totally focused on my health.  The few health issues I have include anemia (which I take an iron supplement for), I have an ulcer which I take meds for, and I'm very lactose intolerant which cause bloating and discomfort.  I don't have as severe a reaction to sugar as I once had but I will every so often so I avoid sugary foods when possible.  I can eat practically anything but I follow the rule of volume so my pouch stays small.  My pouch has grown, but not excessively and I will immediately feel when I've over-done it.  I exercise regularly- 5 days a week for an hour or more.  I can walk 5 miles or more a day and have become known as the 'walker' in my little town...lol.  I also do yoga and pilates. Being nearly 50,  I'm not as young as I used to be so I try not to over-tax myself.  My check-ups are consistently good (fingers crossed)- no diabetes (never had it to begin with), or high blood pressure (which was a huge problem before surgery).  I have hanging skin on my upper arms, thighs and belly and will need lifts, tucks, and lipo to correct it.  I wish I could afford to have this done, but my insurance considers it cosmetic.  Anyone interested in funding this for this hardworking and dedicated girl, please call me...lol.  I'm just kidding ;)

I've had to not only make physical and behavioral changes, but I've had to make psychological changes as well.  No one tells you how you will feel afterwards on a day to day basis.  The first few years were focused on my body and the physical changes that were taking place. I had to have constant validation from my friends and family that I looked different because I could not see it!  When I looked in the mirror I saw 324lbs and was constantly amazed I could physcially do the things I could do, fit into a booth in a restaurant, sit on the floor, cross my legs, or just wear normal sized clothing again!  My shoe size even when down!  I took pictures of myself so I could 'see' the transformation.  I still continue this practice.  It's not that I have an inflated perception of myself, but that I need to see it.  I still ask my family and friends for validatin and support.  All the' issue's I had before surgery were still very real afterwards.  I still suffer from low self-esteem and I still have to deal with emotional eating...it's everyday non-stop.  I try and deal with it in healthy theraputic ways such as exercise, journaling, meditation, and tapping into my creative side.  I am much more sociable but still shy.  I am learning to be more confident and use my 'voice' to express myself even when it shakes.  I deserve respect and love, especially from myself.  I'm not used to being thought of as attractive.  My goal wasn't to be better looking but to be healthy and happy.  I wasted so many years being heavy and sick and I now appreciate this new lease on life.  I took this journey with the intention and committment to follow through- no turning back, and so far so good.  I realize not everyone is as lucky, and I'm not gloating, I'm just truly appreciative and blessed to have had such a positive experience.  I'm not perfect by a long shot.  I'm a work in progress and I fight the good fight everyday.