ObesityHelp

I am now 5 years post-op from Gastric Bypass and am doing alright. I have lost 160 pounds total & have plateaued in my weight loss. I have dropped from a size 28 to a size M/L (10/12) in most clothing. I try each day to maintain a healthy size, but know this will be a life-long struggle. I often feel tired or cold & suffer from extremely dry, itchy skin from my vitamin & blood deficiencies. I can't seem to balance that part of my new body out. My primary care physician seems to know little about Bypass and what is normal aftercare for us patients, which is frustrating. So I feel as though I am on my own now.

I can eat most anything I like, but try to avoid heavy or coarse foods like breads, pasta, rice & well-done meats, which I sometimes have trouble getting down. Still seem to get caught in the chest & make you sick if not chewed extremely well.

I go walking at the track in my local town (weather permitting) & remain active. I was married last Oct 2007 & am adjusting to married life. My husband was a good friend even before I lost weight & I appreciate that he loved me both before & after any weight loss. He's a great guy. We travel alot together & are always on the go when we have time off together, which is nice.

I no longer attend any post-op groups, as I began to find them repetitive & that they did not delve into the questions or issues I had. I try to read & research info via this website & trhough other friends/relatives who've had weight loss surgery.

I have had plastic surgery - panniculectomy to remove excess stomach skin, liposuction, tummy tuck & thigh lift. Tummy tuck came out o.k. visually - except nerve damage caused loss of alot of sensation around center of tummy, the same for my legs (lost alot of feeling, inner thigh area). Legs cosmetically do not look good & I experienced the most discomfort from that procedure. Had I known the pain would be for less than mediocre results, I'd have skipped that procedure. My arms & breasts are saggy, so much loose skin. Would love to have those done, but can't afford it & insurance won't cover. Not a necessity, just an alteration that would make me feel better physically. But if insurance won't pay, then I will not pursue more plastic surgery. I figure, in 15 years or so when Father Time finds me, it's all going to sag again anyways, right?! My husband says I'm beautiful as I am & in the end, that's all that should matter.

My last bit of advice is to do all your research & work on losing weight or getting healthy which ever way you're comfortable with. Don't make any decisions based on what others want you to do. Make the choice that is best for yourself. You will be faced w/many opinions, much skepticism & discouragement from some who know little about Bariatric surgery. You can always come here & find a pluthera of supporters & friends who can offer you advice & guidance online. And if surgery is not the route for you, then plunge forward with a diet plan that is realistic for your situation. And please remember that no matter what size you are, you are beautiful & worthwhile. Best of luck!!!