Hi Bariatric Family,

I have been battling Obesity and battling Eating Disorder for over 10 years. I tried the Weight Management previous years before. I had a personal trainer, I was going to the gym, and I cut back on my calorie's intakes. Overall, I was able to lose 125 pounds. I was able to maintain and not regained the weight loss for 5 months the most. I was not able to lose any more weight I reached a Plateau!!! I spend more hours at the gym and ate food being mindful of calories intakes. I eventually, regained all 125 pounds I loss and regained additional over 100 pounds extra weight that I had to battle with ongoing.

I was wearing a Size 4X and 5X in jackets, a Size 5X to a Size 6X in pants, blouses, and clothes in general.. I always had to utilize an extension seat belt riding in the car, and this was my reason avoiding taking an airplane. I was almost 400 pounds. I decided to have the "Gastric Bypass Surgery" this surgery was the right fit for me because I needed to lose over 100 pounds. On February 6, 2020, I had the Gastric Bypass Surgery. I had no side effects and I did not have any complications. I followed my Bariatric Surgeon guidelines and per instructions very "Important." I had a License Dietitian they give us support and guidance what food to avoid after the Bariatric Surgery (Post Op). The Dietitian is there to continue to assist us on our weight loss journey success. It is "Important" to follow your License Dietitian guidelines per instructions too!!

My Weight Loss journey was a new amazingly transformation. I loss almost 180 pounds my 3 years Post Op was on February 6, 2023. I have not regained any weight back and continue to lose 2 pounds to 3 pounds a week. I wear a Size 12 in pants, a Size small in shirts (tops), a Size medium in skirts and dresses. My coats and jackets are a Size small/medium. I am enjoying each day abundantly of joyfulness and continuous great success on my weight loss journey success until this day. "By the amazing grace of God made it possible." I am always delighted to share my "True Testimony" to inspire and genuinely helping others to overcome their battling with Obesity and overcome their battling with Eating Disorder.

I continue to apply my Bariatric Surgeon guidelines and the License Dietitian I was receiving assistance from years ago their guidelines were always to eat in smaller portion and in moderation. I am very mindfully (aware) of healthy food to eat than food with high calories to not eat. I have adapted extremely well with my healthy eating patterns. I am delighted and continuing enjoying my amazingly new transformation every day! I keep my "Mindset" continuously motivated, discipline, fully committed, and strongly mindful is the key to not regain any weight back. This how you avoid weight gain and prevent setbacks!!!

I have a compassion for helping others in a positive way (that is what I do). We must continue to support and edify one another. If someone had a setback (regained weight) and need advice well, I support them how I am continuing to have weight loss success, then be supportive and give them guidance in helping them to reach their weight loss goals.

Our Weight Loss Journey is a Lifetime and a Lifetime Commitment for the rest of our lives. I would like to thank you kindly for taking the time to read my "True Testimony."

Respectfully,

Cece

Hi Lexxi!!! Nice to see you on here!

Hope all is well!

I might be late, but i hope this can help.

I can relate to you so much!!!! its my second go at Optifast. I did it in 2021 for my sleeve and now for my DS. Its harder now than before. On top of that i have a husband who cant cook, so i am doing the cooking for him, yeah real food cooking!

Yesterday was a bad day i could not get more than 2, drank lots of water with plenty of water enhancers in it to divert me from serving myself a small portion of food. I was crying and napping everytime i felt hungry.

Its not the way to go. We need to stay strong, its temporary. i have to add more water to mine, i don't like it thick. Today my goal is to get 3 in instead of 2. First one done! second one due at noon. on hand, plenty of water with water enhancer - iced tea.

Dont give up! i am struggling too, lets do this. Thinking am not alone will help me.

Thank you for sharing your struggle. Lets keep an eye on the prize... a new us, a new life.

Izzy.

YOU are so right... I'm guilty of this too... prior to surgery and just after this was my lifeline... and now I find FB my "go to".

Sad, very sad...I met a lot of wonderful people, made some great connections, went to many get togethers and even a monthly I believe, WLS group in Burlington. Then COVID hit and that group diminished. SAD...

Hope we can get some oldies back on here... BTW my surgery was in 2012....seems like yesterday and only wish I had surgery much earlier

Take care of you

Deb Stewart

(lexxiblue)

Hi Lexxiblue!

I remember you from this forum and from the Burlington meetings. We went out for coffee once I believe.

Sorry to hear about your weight gain. I have had a bit of that too, but mostly from too much wine during the pandemic - it just pours on the calories! Anyway, I am back on track but have gained about 10 pounds which I was told (from the Ottawa clinic - I am living just outside of Ottawa now) is pretty normal. I am ok with it but clearly, it's a lifelong journey to stay fit and healthy especially as we age - with or without the surgery. I am grateful for the surgery (2017) and still very much feel the effects especially when I eat too much. I guess I am one of the lucky ones, but as I said it's a daily struggle for sure.

I have not been on this board for years - life goes on. It was so nice to see some familiar names though. I hope all is well with you.

Barb