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Congratulations Lisa.
And Thank You so Much for sharing your experience.
If one person is spared from fighting your same struggles
Because they got this message,
Then you have saved a Life with this post.
Best to you and your new life.
DxE
Congratulations on 18 years of weight loss success and welcome back to the boards. I always appreciate hearing from longer term post ops because I most always learn something or am reminded of things.
I so very much can relate to your post and share similar struggles. Congratulations on 18 months! That's so great and you should be very proud!
Your story has been repeated thousands of times. But most never get and stay sober, so you have something to be very proud of. We all struggle with something and the secret is to figure out what to do about it and then follow through to live a better life.
Real life begins where your comfort zone ends
You are right! Not the easy way out at all. I am glad that I did it after much apprehension before surgery. Glad you had great support!
Thank you so much for responding and for your insights!
After WLS in 2007, I was having B-12 shots monthly up until 1 year ago, when my new doctor just has me taking an over the counter B-12 supplement. My hair is thinner, but I think this is just because I'm pushing 60.
I would definitely find a new primary care doctor, and ask about B-12.
My best to you!
Congratulations on your sobriety Lisa and thanks for sharing your heart.
Hi everyone. I was going to reply to a number of questions and decided to just post my story and my journey after WLS.
I am a recovering alcoholic. WLS 2007, in recovery since 2012. I didn't listen when they told me to not pick up that first drink after surgery. I thought, "I can handle it."
I do NOT regret my WLS. It has saved my life. Alcohol nearly took my life NUMEROUS times, and that is not an exaggeration in any way.
*This is my story and my opinions only. Take what you can and leave the rest, as they say.
I should have realized I had a drinking problem 40 years ago. I wasn't honest with myself. Alcoholism ran in my family, I had been around it my entire life. I now believe that alcoholism is a disease and I metabolize it different than non alcoholics. Once alcohol hits my system, I can't stop. When I had WLS, I was in total denial, and it started coming to a head in 2012.
I was a functioning alcoholic/social drinker up to that point.
I was holding a high level position in the Corporate Travel Industry, raising a family, owned a home, managed the home front when my husband (now my ex) was deployed several times. I was in total control of everything in my life, until I wasn't.
Whether you drink or not after WLS, is YOUR decision. I chose to pick up and my results were disastrous. I lost my career, my family, my home, my health and nearly lost my life, again, on numerous occasions.
Update:I have been trying to get/stay sober since 2012, and recently celebrated 18 months of sobriety, and have never been happier. I actually have a relationship with my 2 adult boys, and am living a happier, healthier life than I ever have in the past.
I'm sure there are many people who post on this site have been able to drink normally after WLS, that is not me. I can't give you any advice on that.
I wish you all the best on your Weight Loss Journey.
Lisa
Hello Folks.
I used to frequent theses pages back in 2003 and 04,
but long reached goal and got less and less from these forums.
BUT - I did want to pop by to encourage those just starting.
I had an RNY (at that time "the Gold Standard.)
I'm 6'1" -I was 380 to 390lbs depending on the day of the week :)
and lost down to 190 within the first year.
Now I bounce between 185 and 189 over the course of a month.
No problem maintaining that weight.
I started out being great to get in exercise,
But then slacked off over the years
till just walking a mile or two each day now. (walking the dog)
Some tips-
Walk a lot. Drink plenty of water before, not during meals.
Follow your Dr's food directives like a Rabbi staying Kosher.
Take any Nutrients that you may be mal-absorbing
Or not getting from your new food intake.
For me it was Calcium/Zinc/Magnesium
and the Fat-soluble Vitamins - A,E, and D3 (mostly for me the D3)
As you are months or a year out from surgery
and you find yourself able to eat more than before?
Start back at Day One Diet progress-
Clear Liquids (can shine a flashlight through it) Jell-O, broth and such.
Then Full Liquids (Cream soups and such)
Mushy Foods (Refried beans, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, etc)
Then Full Solids.
You'll find that your (Reduced Stomach Size- VSG, or pouch-RNY)
Has shrunk back down a good bit and you can get full
on the same small amount of food as when you started.
Some tend to have some issues with "Addiction Transfer."
(If you were a food addict before, beware gambling or drinking
After surgery.)
I swear I've seen at least 30 people on this forum back in the day
Who became alcoholics within the 2nd year post-op.
Avoid at all costs.
That's all of the things that come to mind quickly.
At 18yrs post-op, and still at target weight.
I have no issues with -
Diabetes (No Sign or pre-cursors)
Blood Pressure issues (118 over 68)
Cholesterol (Total - 170, HDL High, LDL Low, Triglycerides 95)
Resting Pulse per minute - (54)
I would definitely do this again if in the same condition as 2003.
The Surgery saved my Life.
I don't use many (in fact Very Few) "Bariatric Recipes."
I just have greatly reduced White Carbs,
and almost No Sugar.
(RNY and have a version of dumping Syndrome with Sugar)
(For me- Sugar=Laxative)
Takes the temptation out of Chocolate Candy if it's all Ex-Lax :) )
I may pop back by in a few days,
If you have random questions, ask here,
And so many other Post-ops will have info.
Oh, and hello to all of you who I've messaged with in the past.
Have the Best!
DxE
Batwingsman · 0 replies · 1015 views
Batwingsman · 0 replies · 1015 views