2 Year Surgiversary (with pics)

Today is my birthday as well as my 2nd Surgiversary. Two years ago today I woke up in the Ottawa Civic with my brand new RNY tool that has changed my life.

For those of you who are nervous about your upcoming surgery let me tell you that the only regret I have regarding my surgery is that I didn't do it years ago.  I went from a tight size 24-26 to a size 8-10. I feel absolutely wonderful. I'm not a gym rat, I do follow the program and eat around 1,000 -1,200 calories a day and I'm maintaining my weight within the 130-135 range. My normal routine includes some walking, but I don't even do as much of that as I used too. I do find that I'm more active in general than I used to be; I take the stairs not the elevator, I run up and down the stairs at home whenever I need too. I used to plan my trips so that I didn't have to go up and down often, and I had my son carry the laundry up and down for me. Now it's no big deal.

I take my supplements and vitamins everyday and my blood work has been good. I have no food issues and tolerate all foods without problem, with the exception of high sugar and fats, which make me feel nauseous.

I do treat myself to the odd snack, but ensure that it doesn't become an everyday occurrence.  I do weigh myself pretty much everyday just to ensure that I am staying within my range. I spent a week at an all inclusive resort in Mexico and managed to only gain a couple of pounds which I was able to lose by the end of my first week of regular routine.

For me this journey has been all about getting into a "normal" routine that will work for me for the rest of my life.  I eat pretty much the same as the rest of my family, minus the starches and junk food. I make sure that my focus is on protein and veggies. My biggest issue pre-op was portion control. I was never really a snacker or a binger, unless I was at a party. So my amazing tool allows me to feel full with the smaller portions. I continue to use a small lunch container and if I go out for a meal, I either share my meal or take my doggie bag with me. (I can make 1 restaurant portion into a minimum of 3 meals usually.) I use a small plate for all my meals which I find really helps me to monitor my portion sizes.

I am not carbaphobic but I don't normally eat much of the white carbs. I find bread and the like just too filling and after my protein and veggies I just don't want it.

Support groups aren't for everyone, but I have to say that I find meeting monthly, talking to people who completely get the whole obesity to normal trials and tribulations is awesome. It gives me a chance to refocus on the program and my goals each and every month. If you haven't checked out the support group in your area, I encourage you to try it. I have met a bunch of wonderful new friends that offer encouragement and support when needed. I also like the idea of paying it forward to those who are coming behind me.

My husband thinks I'm too boney, but I think it's just because he was so used to seeing me fat. My excess skin isn't too bad other than my lower belly and my wrinkley elephant thighs. I think I look pretty good in clothes but it's not pretty when I'm naked, although my DH doesn't seem to mind, and at this stage of the game he is the only one that is going to see me. My thighs make me a little self-conscious in a bathing suit, but heah I figure I wore one when I weighed 270 lbs so a few wrinkles aren't so bad.

I love being able to buy fashionable clothes and just not settle for anything that fits. I can wear boots now that my calfs aren't too large. I can cross my legs and paint my own toenails.

I guess I just wanted to tell everyone who is considering this journey that for me it was a great decision. To all of you who have offered me support and encouragement to date in my journey, I want to say a sincere and heartfelt thank you.

Here is my before May 2010 and my after Nov 2012. (My son and I in Mexico)