Ramblings from a 5 year post op

Wow...it's that time already?  Geeze...didn't I just have surgery?  Nope.  Today is my 5 year surgiversary and wow...has my life changed.  I'm proof that my tool still works.  Sure, I've got some regain to loose, but it's my fault and I take full responsibility for that.  But fortunately for me my regain...or rather weight not lost is a mere 20lbs...I'm still a far cry from the 114lbs I needed to loose in the beginning. 

Looking back 5 years ago my life was very different.  It was just me & my hubby against the world.  Since then I've been on a roller coaster and have pretty much loved every minute of it.  I started my journey at 254lb and at my petite 5'3 frame I was big and wore a 24/26.  Within a year I lost 114lbs and dropped to 140lb wearing a size 6.  Then at 16 months post op decided to not use birth control and a dream came true.  I got pregnant for the 1st time after 8+ years of failed fertility treatments.  I had a wonderful pregnancy & beautiful baby who just turned 3 this past Friday.  I delivered at 170lbs and within a year was back down to 140-145lb and back in my size 6.  Then at 3.5 years post op decided to not use birth control again and boom...pregnant with my 2nd miracle baby.  Delivered at 173 and although she's 7 months old now and I still sit here at around 160lb I know that I can get back to goal.  That aside...I'm proud to sit here at 5 years post op, still 95lbs lost & the proud mommy of 2 beautiful girls ages 3 & 7 months. 

I still follow most of my rules.  Sure, I eat more carbs than I probably should if I want to loose weight...but I still focus on protein, I still get my water in, don't drink soda, and try my best to stay away from sweets.  I do dump, but have unfortunately learned to 'eat around it'.  But at least due to my dumping I won't eat a whole candybar if the craving strikes.  Instead I take 1-2 small bites and I'm done.  I would do this again in a heartbeat, but because I know my tool still works know that I won't have to.  I love that even with my 20lbs to loose from my last pregnancy I still look nothing like I did before I had surgery and most of all I no longer have the diabetes, sleep apnea, fertility problems, joint pains, and high triglycerides....lastly eventhough I still have hypertension, it's every easily controlled now, not nearly as out of control as it was before I had surgery.  And that my friends is real victory.

Before surgery:

 

Now:

 

Kristy,
What a beautiful family you have.....how nice of you to come and post on your surgivesary.....have missed you around in....but can see your keeping busy....

Contrats to you!!!

Thank you Darlene!  I'll try to come here more often!  I'm a total FB addict so I'm mostly on there nowadays...

HAPPY SURGIVERSARY!  What a great success story . . . it is wonderful for all types of WLS people to hear and SEE . . . OMG the difference in your pictures.  I swear, I would not recognize half the people on the boards if I didn't see progress pictures as the weight comes off . . .  Fantastic job!

Take care of that great family
Chris

Thanks Chris!

Awesome...Life has changed so much for you...I bet it feels like you just started living three years ago...Congrats.

Thanks!

Kristy, thanks for sharing your story and congrats on doing such a good job with your surgery and your weight loss, AND getting two babies to boot!

I sometimes get down on myself for the 20 pound re-gain i have, but, like you say, i know i could get it off, and am on that path... also, i'm STILL 100 pounds lighter than I was 4 years ago and need to focus on that wonderful fact!

thanks for the perspective!

xoxo
Lori

I too for a while was focusing too much on the 25lb weight regain (I weighed myself today...gained a few lbs on vacation) instead of looking back and realizing that I'm still 90lbs down...perspective is a funny thing sometimes isn't it?

Hi there!   Wow! Happy Surgiversary to you!  What a wonderful story!  I so love reading success stories and it looks like you are doing fantastic! You have a beautiful family!   I know you'll get that last 20 off again.  But what is truly important is that you are healthy and happy.   Congratulations, you are an inspiration to me for sure!

Big hugs,

Jackie