Four Years Today

It's a reflective day for me, as I think back four years. About this time of day on July 15, 2009, I was headed into surgery with Dr. Pupkova at Barix. I wasn't afraid. I trusted her implicitly and was honestly more afraid about what would happen if I did NOT have surgery.

Where am I today? From my lowest weight of 155 lbs. I have bounced up 15, to 170. Some of the habits that I adopted while losing have eroded, and I need to put myself back on the straight and narrow. I am back to drinking diet soda and, some days, skimp on water. Not as meticulous as I need to be about not drinking 30 minutes after a meal. I don't log my food (truth is, I was never very good about that). 

As far as food goes, I indulge in food with sugar from time to time. But I am aware and afraid of the negative effects that those indulgences cause. For example, last week we had house guests and I had a small bowl of regular ice cream. It put me as close to dumping as I've been in 3 years. And sugar free ice cream isn't much better....the sugar alcohols set me off something fierce. I eat bread products occasionally, but can leave them alone too. Pasta doesn't agree with me so I use spaghetti squash with my homemade sauce. No rice. A bowl of cereal is a recipe for disaster - I feel terrible after eating it, even if it "sounds so good."

Even some healthy foods don't sit well, so I know to limit my intake of apples, and to choose Greek yogurt over Dannon Light and Fit. 

Most days, I still have a protein shake for breakfast and another for a snack (I use the RTD Atkins shakes these days).  Mike does a lot of our cooking, and we eat a lot of fish and fresh veggies.  I snack on greek yogurt or almonds, and got hooked on navel oranges last winter. I have a low tolerance for overly salty foods. But - that said - every so often I love a slice of pizza or a hot dog (yes, with a bun). Go figure. 

I had let exercise lapse over the past year or so with our move, but am back to aerobics classes at least 3 times a week. I enjoy it - just hard to pry myself out the door some days. Those old vegetative habits are indeed still there, waiting for me to pick them up again. I have to be aware of that. They are lurking....

The vitamin regimen is just part of everyday life. I watch for BOGO specials and stock up, and have a little ritual of setting up my vitamins every week. 

I know many post ops look at plastics as a next step. I have been lucky in that my legs, arms, and butt look okay (for a woman of 57. Which may not be saying much!) But the part that was very hard for me was my neckline, which really looked wrinkled and saggy after weight loss. Last October, I had a face lift done. My mom helped cover the cost, which was the only way I could have managed to do it, and it was a great decision. While I could probably use a tummy tuck, I didn't want to get into a full surgical recovery period, and didnt want to spend the $$, so for right now I will keep my one piece swimsuits handy. 

I feel terrific. Losing weight was the BEST decision I have made in my life. I am more confident and self assured than at any point in my entire life. I know without a doubt that obesity would have hindered my job search down here, as well as advancement (and hey, I just got a promotion at Apple!)  It pains me to realize and recognize that obese people in our society are subject to such painful discrimination....I was subject to that, as were many of you. 

My maintenance plan is sketchy, but mostly guided by my clothing. I know, I know....all sizes are not created equal. But I have a threshold size that I will NOT go over, so if things get snug, I just crank up the water and veggies. Kicking the exercise back in has helped too. The other tool I use is my old drivers license. It's in my purse all the time. 

Best part? In FL, nobody really knows I had surgery. I've told a few people that I've lost a lot of weight. They act like they can't believe it, which is unbelievable to me. Don't I look "formerly fat"? Can't they tell? 

Anyway....4 years and counting. I miss my PA OH friends and wish YOU all the best!

Lynn,

Congrats on where you are at and knowing what works and from what I'm reading, it sounds like you are living a life that has been greatly enhanced by having WLS and living in the maintenance phase knowing what works and willing to do that.  Congrats on your promotion too!

Laureen

Hi Lynn,

Sorry I missed your surgiversary.  Sounds like you're doing great.  I haven't reached goal, and am not beating myself up over it, because my orthopedic issues keep me off my feet a lot, and I just can't afford a membership at the YMCA right now.  

Keep up the great work.

Hugs,

Trish

Hello Lynn and congrats to you . I am so happy for you , and you continued sucsess It sounds like you are having fun in Fla. and we all miss you up here. All the best to you.

Hi Lynn!!

HAPPY SURGIVERSARY!!! I miss you terribly but I am glad that you are enjoying your life in FL!! Everytime I use my mixer I think of you! I think all of us veterans have slacked off, but having the surgery has made us a lot healthier. Do what you can do and don't beat yourself up about some of those indulgences. I , too have picked up some habits pre surgery,  like drinking diet soda...it is what it is!!

Love and miss you!!

Love, Beth

Beth, so here's how I think of it. In the big scope of things, a diet  pepsi isn't going to kill me. If I was chowing down on M&M's or making secret stops at CVS for candy bars, I'd be far more worried. Maybe that's rationalization, but still. 

Miss you too and DO miss Barix support!

Hi Lynn!

     I was down Cape May when you posted and was unable to respond.  Congratulations on 4 yrs. of WLS.  I have said this many times but you are one of the people that I most admire from around our time.  You always seemed so positive and open to suggestions and you have done VERY WELL in your new way of living.  I am happy for you that you are down in Florida but I miss seeing you at Barix.  Thanx so much for staying in touch via the PA board - I know that it means a lot to me.

     Hope that the heat isn't getting to you too much.  I could use a couple of low humidity 80-83 days.  Must be getting old.  Anyhow just wanted to say Happy Surgiversary.  Take care.

Love, Donna