5 years already!

Has it really been five years? According to the calendar today is my 5 year surgiversary. Overall I’m doing well. Most blood work is in the normal range. I have a vitamin D deficiency and am taking a mega dose once a week. We did discover my pulse rate and blood pressure were extremely low causing me to be exceptionally tired. I actually fell asleep at a Hornet’s (basketball) game back in Feb. My PCP was very concerned and sent me to a cardiologist. Everything checked out OK (stress test, Echo cardiogram, wore a monitor for 24 hours). All I needed was a little tweak in my bp med. There are some new aches and pains which are probably age related you know at 57 I'm not a youngster. 

When I told a two of my old coworkers this morning that it was the 5th anniversary of my wls, they both said they can't remember me like I was back then - that's a GOOD thing.  Several of our newer doctors and our new residents can't believe it when they see pictures of me in the departmental scrapbook.

I am not satisfied with my weight. I’m fighting a 10 lb. gain. Honestly, I can’t blame anyone but myself. A taste here and a little extra there, and before you know what hit you, the numbers on the scale are increasing. Once you give that demon a little leeway, it wants to take control. The last month or so, I’ve been doing somewhat better watching what goes in my mouth; eating more protein, vegetables, fruit, drinking more water, and staying away from my pitfall foods (chips and crackers) - well for the most part anyway, and have dropped 3 – 4 lbs. It was so much easier to lose it the first time! 

A word of caution to those who are newer at this than me: PLEASE be mindful of taking that first bite of something you think you “need" or “can’t live without". It much easier in the long run NOT to eat that first bite - in most cases a second and third are sure to follow. 
My only regrets are that I allowed the weight to creep back up, and that I am not able to check in with my OFF family as often as before. The support and understanding here are uncomparible and I know I would not be half the success I am without this place.

Thanks OFF family for always being here! 
Debbie

Congratulations on your five year mark.  I'm glad I've found OFF too.  I think I'll keep this family for quite a long time.  Ten pounds certainly isn't anything to beat yourself up about, however when 10 turns to 20 turns to 30 etc. it might be a problem.  I'm hoping to be able to stay away from my trigger foods and not take that first bite.  I'd rather believe that it will make me sick, than take the chance and try it (right now)  Who knows what a year or two will bring.  Today I had a nacho chip at the mexican restaurant and it sat ok in my pouch.  I don't want to like them again, so I only had the one.  Next time I try it it may make me sick.
Glad you're still doing well after 5 years.  I hope to do the same.
Jan

Happy 5 year Surgiversary! You are truly an inspiration!

Congrats Deb Darlin'......what a difference in everything this surgery makes.....but then we can also screw it up if we don't acknowledge the rules are for a reason....You have done extremely well. You know, you work sooo hard at home and at work....not surprising that you might fall asleep at a game.....how do you sleep at night? Glad you were tested and it is okay. I get tired if I have too many bad carbs in my life.....when I can restrict those it really helps.
Love, Marti

Congrats, Debbie! I'll never forget meeting you for the first time on the shuttle to the hotel in Dallas. I knew in an instant you were one of the OFF sistahs. I'm so glad I got to know ya.

I also know about the 10-pound creep ... I've had it too. I've since cut out the 100-calorie snack packs without success ... still can't shake the 10 pounds. I know exercise might help, but my knee won't handle more than my little exerbike at home (it would handle the pool, but my pocketbook can't handle that!)

Please don't be a stranger. The reason I'm still within 10 pounds of goal is because of all of you ... I'd have balloon up long ago without you. You are my lifeline.

Happy Surgiversary to you, Debbie. You are such an inspiration to others and I am so glad that I found you and my other OFF sisters and brothers. You all keep me on the straight and narrow....even is sometimes I take the fork in the road. I know that when I do that I am always welcome back and you all let me know that I never ventured far from home after all.

Love and hugs to you...

Wonderful, thank you for sharing your 5 years time with us, and experiences with weight gain. This can happen to us all You are certainly a inspiration to us all.

Wow Debbie, 5 years!!! Congrats to you. I am coming up on 4 years & I still would do it every day for the rest of my life!!!
Nan

 Happy anniversary Debbie!

It's great that you are doing well and keeping most of the weight off - 10 pounds is not a big deal.  As has already been said, it's when that creeps up to 20, 30...

I like this forum, also.   

Wow, Deb....Congratulations!!!  What a great job you have done.  Thank YOU for always being here to inspire, suggest, nudge, or kick. You are a great source of kindness and caring here. We miss you when you're not able to come visit more often.

Hugs and smoochies!