RNY anniversary - 12 years yesterday
I've been on this site for alost 13 years, I'd like to thank all that sent me congrats yesterday on my anniversary. I can't believe it's been 12 yrs. already. Time flies when you're living life. I still have WOW moments, I still am happy I did this - I am thankful every single day I had it done. I am healthy, happy, active and would do it again in a heartbeat in order to feel this good. At 55 years old I can run circles around people half my age, I have made such good, close friends who are also post op weight loss patients. I still eat protein only or protein forward meals, I exercise, I drink a lot of water, but I don't deprive myself. I had surgery to lose weight and get healthy but I don't limit myself to ONLY staying on track. I have a treat when I want to (in moderation) and it works for me.
I still have my chocolate, I have a drin****asionally, I have cake at a wedding or chips at a bbq. I don't eat like I once did - now I have a bite of cake or a couple chips - not the whole bag. I've learned moderation in most things is the way to go - whether it's food, exercise or chocolate. I haven't had any complications, my labs are still good. I hike, bike, kayak and canoe. I go camping, I do yardwork, landscaping, and go dancing a lot. I walk my dogs, go horseback riding, play with my grandkids and have climbed a mountain in Montana to just under 10,000 feet. I've hiked in the desert of New Mexico, Cleared 2 acres of land last year to build a cabin with my fiance (someone else built the cabin) and I work full time. I have found moving and being aware of my body and how well it works now is amazing. There is nothing we can't do when we lose the weight and get ourselves back, we get more self esteem, we can try new things we never thought possible and it's all because we took control of our lives. I love my RNY, have a wonderful support system in family and friends and I can highly recommend this to anyone. Have a great day everybody - I know I will.
Jen 12 yrs post op RNY
Congratulations on the 12 years of continued success. You have such an inspiring story of living life to its fullest potential. Thank you for sharing.
True victory comes at the very end, when you can say, " I lived, and will gladly do it again." View "failure" as a setback, and meet each accomplishment with a larger goal.
Congratulations! 
I appreciate you sharing that you, too, enjoy small treats and don't deprive yourself. I am only half as far out as you, and have had -- in the past -- some people tell me that I would not be successful long term with that approach (I personally don't understand the belief that the only way to be successful is to stay on a strict diet (or that there is only ONE way to be successful), but I consider 6 years long term, so I think I have proven them wrong). Not many of the people who as far out as you share very often about their approach to food.
Here's to your next 12 successful years!
Lora
14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained
You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
Wonderful! Congratulations on your success at 12 years out! Anything is possible when you take control of your life and live it to the fullest.
Age at RNY: 55, Height: 5'4", Consultation Weight: 331 lbs-12/1/2009, RNY Surgery Weight: 281 lbs-3/22/2010, Goal Weight Reached: 141 lbs-6/23/2011, Lowest Weight: 126 lbs-12/11/2011,
Current Age: 61, Current Weight: 161 lbs-5/20/2016, Total Weight Loss Maintained: 170 lbs 
This 52 year old Minnesotan likes stories like yours because it gives me hope. I panic when I read stories such as: "I did great the first five years but now I am close to my original weight even though I swore I'd never let it happen" So, please, tell me what you think happens? Do you believe it has to do with the depth of food addiction? Mental stability issues? Support system? All of the above? I suppose there's no magic answer but I sure would appreciate more of your words. TIA
you are just what I was wanting to read about!! I am 5 1/2 yr out and and struggling a little ! I had thyroid cancer in march and put on 10lbs! i am trying to get back to basics and get it off! i have looked in all my papers from surgery and can't find out how much protien we are suppose to have! Can you get me on track on that???? Thanks for the help and words of encouragement!!
I am not at all sorry I had this surgery it was the best thing I have ever done! My daughter had roux n y in oct and my son had the same in August we are in this together!!! Thanks!!
Vicky
