9 years - now it's really mine to claim.

Valerie G.
on 10/31/14 4:22 am - Northwest Mountains, GA

Just like my birthday, I’ve been claiming my surgiversary for about a month now. Today officially marks 9 years post-op from the Duodenal Switch. I have regained only 14% back from my lowest weight that only bothers me because my clothing size is no longer a single digit. I’m told now that I look perfectly healthy, and I feel that way too.

Vitamins are a habit and not a big deal at all.
Eating 100g of protein is easy.
I’ve only been ill 3 times in the last 9 years. My immune system is incredible!
One giant BM every day – that’s it.
I’ve nailed down most foods that give me gas, so it’s rarely a problem.
I eat normal small-ish meals, but large enough so nobody guesses I ever had wls.
I still don’t “exercise” – never did – but I enjoy active living.

I have to tell you all that I feel like a regular person these days. I am no longer obsessed with my weight, or DS living. I’m just me and very happy with myself. I will always feel grateful that I discovered the DS.

Valerie
DS 2005

There is room on this earth for all of God's creatures..
next to the mashed potatoes

south2north
on 10/31/14 4:29 am

DS on 11/19/14

God bless, CONGRATS and THANK YOU for sharing your experiences with this procedure! It is so important to those of us just starting out to see someone as successful as yourself!

Cicerogirl, The PhD
Version
on 10/31/14 4:51 am - OH

RNY on 08/27/07

Congrats, Val! That is great. My first 2 years post-op, I wondered if life would ever NOT revolve around food and my RNY, but it nowdoes. Like you, I feel pretty normal and I can eat pretty normally. My WLS is just part of my medical history, not my daily focus.

I haven't seen you in, what, about 3 years probably (?) but you certainly looked both happy and healthy then. (I think you and Lisa were eating some Texas sheet cake at City BBQ while Tony and I watched and drooled, LOL...)

I know that people appreciate you sticking around here to offer a "long-term DS success" perspective.

Lora

14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.

iloveravens
on 10/31/14 5:28 am

RNY on 08/13/14

I love this post! Thanks for encouraging the rest of us :)

Lanie; Age: 43; Surgery Date (VSG): 8/12/14 w/complications resulting in RNY next day;

Height: 5' 6" SW: 249 Comfort Zone: 135-140 CW: 138 (10/13/17)

M1: -25 lbs M2: -12 M3: -13 M4: -7 M5: -11 M6: -10 M7: -7 M8: -7 M9: -3 M10: -8 M11: -4 M12: -4

5K PR - 24:15 (4/23/16) First 10K - 53:30 (10/18/15)

Tracy D.
on 10/31/14 6:11 am - Papillion, NE

VSG on 05/24/13

Congratulations, Valerie! You look beautiful and healthy and it sounds like you've embraced a healthy lifestyle that will keep you going for decades. Awesome!