I'm A Newbie

Jeanine, I started this journey at 384 lbs.  I lost 20 lbs pre-surgery.  I had my surgery May 2005.  I'm over 2 years out and have lost 150 lbs total.  I bounce between 235 and 242.  I had so hoped to get under 200 lbs.  I don't know if it will happen, but, I am a normal size now.  I'm 5'9", wear a 16 or 18 depending on how it is made.  I started out wearing a 4 or 5X.  I walk 5 miles a day, plus I'm off all my meds.  I'm currently looking into plastic surgery for a breast reduction and tummy tuck. What a wild ride this has been! Lori

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!    That is a huge accomplishment!  I am 277 right now...I am losing slowly with the help of the Byetta injections.  I guess my biggest fear is after the surgery and the  weeks of no food and feeling lousy..I can't afford to miss alot of work.  How did that go for you?  Jeanine

Jeanine, What are Byetta injections? I didn't feel too bad after my surgery.  I mostly felt tired.  You don't really feel like eating.  It is something I miss about those first weeks as I have an appetite just like before my surgery now and it is so difficult for me! Good luck! Lori

Byetta is an appetite suppressant that my MD gave me in conjunction with my diabetes to lose weight.  My Dad is also on it.  It gives you a full feeling when taken within 1 hr of eatting. It works great!  I am surprised to hear that you have the same appetite as before...is that a psycological thing and then when you try and overeat you get a full feeling and stop??  This sounds scary!

I can't really overeat, per se.  I can eat a lot of small things all day long.  When I say appetite, I mean the urge for eating is ever present.  I hate it!  The first six months after the surgery, you don't have that.  But, it comes back.  And 2 years out, I really struggle with it.  Lots of people do, I guess that is why so many regain a portion of their weight.  Also, once your body has lived on severe calorie restrictions for so long, it slows your metabolism way down so it is easier to gain weight on much less food.  That is why heavy duty exercising for life is mandatory for those of us wanting to keep our weight off. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.  But, there ain't no easy road.  I'm still glad I did it.  150 lbs are gone, I couldn't do it on my own! Lori

I don't really consider that bad news, just realistic advice, for which I thank you. I am looking forward to the energy to implement a regular exercise program.  I envy those who claim they WANT to work out every day.  Next Thurs is my mandatory seminar, which is actually the 2nd one now I will have attended. I went with Karyn originally a year and a half ago. Had my annual physical with my MD yesterday and I am down 9 lbs from July 2nd thanks to the Byetta.  We had a pizza party for my other daughters birthday last night.  Originally I would have devoured 10 plus wings and 4-5 pieces of pizza....no lie.  I managed to have 1 1/2 pieces of pizza and 4 wings before the Byetta told me...no more or you won't keep it down!  I love it!   When you have the urge to eat, can you distract yourself with a hobby or book or something else? Does that work?  I feel bad you are struggling. Jeanine

Jeanine, I can assure you that I am one who NOW loves to workout.  I certainly have not been like that all my life.  But, it comes slowly and with a big commitment to consistency.  While you are waiting for you surgery, start doing some walking each day.  It doesn't have to be much.  You can start with 5 mins a day and add a couple of minutes each week. ( I don't know what you can handle at this point.  It was very tough for me as I had really bad problems with my knees and walked with a cane.)  After my surgery, I walked a little each day, gradually increasing until I was doing 2 miles a day, (which took about 3 months) then I joined a gym, found a trainer that would work with me on occassion and who understood I needed to start out slowly since I had such poor fitness.  I am now over 2 years out and go to the gym 5 days a week.  Sometimes 6, but, usually 5.  I easily do 5 miles a day now, between my time at the gym and the other walking I fit in with about 20 minutes of strength training.  I really feel I've come a long way!  Again, just take it easy.  What makes it work is your commitment to consistency.  It takes a very long time to see progress with exercise. As far as my struggle with eating goes, it is a mental issue as I've always dealt with stress by eating.  I have a very stressful job and there is often food around me.  I am working on ways to deal with the urges, but, it isn't easy.  One reason I stay close to the support groups I'm in, this one, weigh****chers and my surgery support group is that it keeps me honest and thinking about it and not just thoughtlessly letting my success slip away! Thanks for you support! Lori

Thanks for that advice Lori.  You are right...I need to keep my body moving.  I went to Sea World with my grandkids last April and came so close to renting one of those little motorized carts. Pride wouldn't allow me to do it, but I'm telling you I almost died walking...had to sit down every 10 min or so. I felt like 84 instead of 54.  I have been doing alot of swimming and water exercise because it is easiest on my joints, as I also have bad arthritis.  Sorry to hear you have such a stressful job.  Chances are you arent' paid enough for what you do and are rarely recognized.  Am I right? Don't let it get the better of you and whatever youdo, don't let it have the power over your eating. YOU ARE THE BOSS OF THAT!    Thanks for your post.

Hi and welcome to the BMI over 50 Forum. I find that this is a wonderful support board with a bit of a different slant then the DS and Maryland board I post to. There is a lot of understanding of the special kind of things that face those of our BMI. You are in the right place. HUGS and glad you are here. Jo