Searching for motivational stories to help with slight regret.

It's hard at the begging but boy oh boy let me tell you once you lose the weight and start doing things that you never thought you could food is not that important any anymore.

I aways wanted to try scuba diving but thought there would be no way I could get back into the boat, I'm now certified and just love it.  My health is 100% better and I can do so many more things.

Hang tough! Regrets are common after surgery in the beginning- I sure had them- but things will get easier as you start having NSV moments and as you find you can do new things.

Now I wouldn't trade anything for my new freedom and ease with living my life. You'll get there, too!!!

Attitude is what will get you through the tough times.  With the right attitude you can overcome anything. 

I spent about the first 6 months on either liquid or pureed diet I think I had soft foods for 4 whole days during that period due to chronic ulcers.  I got my first one at 5 weeks and then my second one at 11 weeks.  As a guy there are few things less pleasant than having your doctor shove his finger up your butt to test for a GI bleed, I didn't even get a kiss or dinner out of it either!.  My first ulcer required me to be in the hosptial for 5 days and have a blood transfusion. Second ulcer landed me in the hospital for about 3 days. 

Both of these caused me to develop pretty bad food aversions for a pretty long time.  I would eat the same foods because I knew what worked. I finally went to a NUT of my choosing and she helped me get on track with eating real food.  I still have food aversions but pretty much force myself to eat things that are out of my comfort zone.  So that is the bad!

Here is the good.

I adopted a healthy and active lifestyle that has made me pretty physically fit.  I am now a runner , I still have a hard time believing it.  I have gone from my first 5K taking 46:32 to a little more than 28 minutes for the same course.  I have ran a 10K a 15K and most recently a half marathon and finished in less that 2.5 hours and didn't stop to walk once even with a bad knee.    My wife and kids are proud of me and I have become a role model for other members of my family. My next big adventure is a Half Ironman Triathalon in Sept 2012 thats right 70.3 MILES BABY!

Yes I could dwell on all of the things I used to eat that I no longer can, OH wait! because of my lifestyle there really isn't anything I can't eat.  My only limitation is sugar and I do avoid it. Pizza? Yeah I eat it not often but will before I run a race.  Potatos?  Had a baked before my 15K.  There really isn't anything I ate before that I don't eat now. The difference is I eat smaller portions of it, I eat healthier versions of it and I don't eat it often.  Instead of white rice I eat a little bit of brown but prefer Quinoa.  Burgers?  Don't eat McDs but will grill my own.

This isn't just about losing weight it is about changing your life.  Your surgery will make you lose weight no matter what, but once the weight is off it is up to you to keep it off and this requires life changes.

Good Luck!

First off, don't be embarrased about asking for advice or support, that's what we are here for!!  And a lot of people experience a little 'buyer's remorse' at some time or other during our journey.  With that being said, I'm here to share some SUCCESS stories and some photos.

Go check out my profile for pictures.  I had surgery in March of 2009 and ALL THREE of my kids had surgery in 2010.  The four of us together have lost a total of 650 lbs  and you can see before and afters on my provile!! 

I have to tell you it is a true JOY to see my kids living life and experiencing things they never used to do when they were heavier.  They are a little younger than you.  My kids are 23, 22 and 19.  But what a gift it was for them to be able to have this surgery.  Sure, they have had to change their way of eathing but I often ask them 'do you have any regrets' and not one of them can think of any!!  I see them now out living life and doing things they missed out on doing during thier high school years.  This surgery really has changed our lives!  I just wish I had had mine earlier in life.  You are doing it at a good time in your life, while you are young and have a lot of life ahead of you!! 

You will be able to eat some of your favorite foods again and your stall will eventually pass! 
Good luck to you!!

Nan

Read the "Before and After" photos forum.  That will definitely help.

Good luck!