4 Year Surgiversary (3/22/10-3/22/14)

Mar 21, 2014

I had my 4 year check up with my my Bariatric surgeons office this week. My doctor is beyond thrilled with my success. My labs came back great in all areas.

I now eat 1650-1800 calories a day to maintain my weight loss of 197 pounds at my current weight of 134 pounds. My height is 5'4". I am 59 years young. 

I no longer weigh myself on a regular basis. I rely on how my clothes fit (jeans) to determine where I am with my weight.

I continue to follow all the rules. I have never swayed from my healthy eating plan that I developed. I eat every 2.5 to 3 hours. Every meal and snack I consume includes protein, whole grains and vegetables or fruit.

I am a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian. I eat at least 100 grams of protein a day. I eat dairy products that are no fat/low fat. I eat simple (dairy, fruit) and complex (beans, vegetables, whole grains) carbohydrates (I do not count daily grams). I also eat eggs occasionally. I take all of my supplements and drink 64 ounces of liquids minimum.

Hunger is not a problem, but I do get hungry. At least now, I have developed more discipline and control in what I do when hunger hits. RNY has given me the tool to take control of my eating. I am now in charge, not my mind. I now think first before eating something. My eyes were always bigger than my stomach. Prior to RNY, I ate way beyond fullness. I had an enormous appetite and a voracious sweet tooth. My pouch now reminds me when I need to stop eating as well as I have learned how to gauge my portion sizes. 

Maintaining the weight loss is where discipline and dedication have to take center stage. Thankfully, I am blessed with both of those attributes. I am very diligent and stick to a strict eating plan that I have developed with my personal tastes in mind. Adherence to weight loss initially, and then maintenance, is not for the faint of heart and it requires a complete lifestyle change. 

I still do not participate in a formal exercise program due to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. I walk as much as possible. Every time I try to set up a walking schedule, my knees let me down due to pain from being bone on bone. I am scheduled for right knee replacement surgery on July 23, 2014. I am having left knee replacement surgery on November 18, 2014.

I also have have Hypothyroidism and Osteoporosis. These conditions are not related to my RNY. 

I have not had plastic surgery, nor do I plan on having it. Yes, I do have some stretched skin on my abdomen and thighs, but not enough to warrant the pain and expense of surgery. At my age, if a potential suitor can’t deal with physical flaws, then move on down the road...LOL 

I honestly feel that because I have always followed the rules, that I am a Vegetarian, and that I never restricted my calories to an extreme during the “Honeymoon” period, is why I am so successful. Yes, exercise is important for health, but I do not believe the emphasis should be put there for being successful with weight loss or maintenance. You must embrace a lifestyle change with your thoughts and eating habits. Weight loss begins in the mind, not the stomach.

Deciding to have the RNY surgery was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I am thankful each day for the the success I have achieved. Please see my profile page if interested for it will give you more details about me and my RNY lifestyle.

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