Sheila Slim
March 4, 2009
WOW...it's been a long time since I updated my profile, huh? Well to say the least my journey is still going strong. I was four years out in January and I'm still loving the "new me". This is a long life journey and it's a journey which you really have to stay focus. I remember in the beginning how I just loved to eat "sweets" but found out quick after surgery I could no longer eat them. I went for a whole year without sweets, ice cream, and red meat. My doctor had me scared to eat red meat and ice cream. The red meat didn't really bother me but I loved me some ice cream but I did give it up. I must say being four years out I can eat it sometime but I don't! It gives me bad gas and stomach cramps.
Now the "sweets" use to make me dump...but not anymore. So this is a part of my life where I have to be focus in. I never want to gain the weight back because I like the way I look and feel at the present.
For all of you going through the surgery or even thinking about having it done.....this is something you need to do for yourself. Having RNY was the best thing I could have done for ME! I tell whomever I come in contact with about the surgery. I'm not trying to hide anything. I'm hoping with me sharing the surgery it can bless someone else in getting healthy.
Just know that you can win!
Be bless~~~~
5/18/07
My journey started back in January 2005 @ 270lbs. I had surgery here in Washington, DC with Dr. Joseph Afram. After surgery it was a little rough for me but I managed to get through it. I was out of work for 1 month. I'm not going to say it was easy...it wasn't. I went through a lot of pain and it was difficult for me to walk. I couldn't sleep in the bed for 3 weeks do to being uncomfortable. Finally after time went by I was able to start back moving more easily.
I was so scared in the beginning to swallow any pills. It took me awhile before I could do this. After the hospital (surgery) I was on clear liquids for a week....and then moved on to puree/solid foods. It still was difficult for me to drink water because of the "pouch" feeling up. Remember...you can't drink/eat at the same time.
I didn't think the weight was falling off fast enough but it does right before your eyes. I was getting smaller by the week! I was so proud of myself because I wanted to be a "smaller person" I thank God for the surgery everyday and for being a "healthy me." I would do this all over again. I've kept 100 lbs off since 2005 and I still would like to get about 10 more pounds off (just to have a cushion).
The shopping part is the most exciting part of losing weight. No more "plus size stores" I can now go into a store and pick up a size medium top or a 10-12 dress/suit. It feels good to be small! And let's not mention the part about actually seeing my collar bone and other bones I couldn't see before.
This new journey of weight-loss has really changed my life. It's funny how my husband really tries to keep up with me now.....My God! lol
I encourage anyone out there seeking to have the surgery to go ahead and do it for "YOU" don't let anyone talk you out of it...it's the best thing since slice bread - lol and I really mean it.
You will find out that food is not at the top of your list anymore. Don't get me wrong, a sista loves to eat too, but I don't make it a priority! Thank God my pouch still can't hold a lot of food....even after 2 years.....I eat until I'm satisfied and I don't worry about leaving food left on the plate....I do what I can do! I don't stress myself out about food anymore. All I know is that I'm wasting a lot of food these days when I'm eating out at a restaurant.
Now being 2 years out I really have to concentrate on what I'm putting in my mouth. I workout 4-5 times a week and try to eat healthy much as possible. I do eat junk food but I limit the intake. My fear is that I will gain the weight back! I love the way I look in my clothes now and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.
Stay focus pre-ops, post-ops and whatever op you call yourself. You can do this! Remember, it's all about YOU!
Until the next time................Peace!
9/7/07
Hey peeps! Just wanted to check in again. I'm still on the journey of maintaining and I'm doing a pretty good job at it. Just got back from my daily walk this morning getting the exercise in. I find that the walking is really keeping my weight off plus trying to eat right.
Now I find the "sweet cravings" is trying to bear its ugly head! I have to talk to myself about whether to eat it or not. In the beginning I use to "dump" on sweets but not anymore. I don't know if this is a good thing or not. I can pretty much eat any and everything now but in moderation. My pouch still fill up pretty fast and I NEVER want to stretch it out. I only eat a little at a time and stop.
January 08 will be three years out for me. My doctor is so pleased with my outcome. I still see him on a regular basis and still provide him with my blood work when he requests it.
Everyone on this journey hang in there and let's continue to support each other along the way. We all are bless in so many ways so we have to be a blessing to others!
Stay focus and "do you"
Until next time.........
