Jessica L.
I had my RNY surgery in April 2007. It was by far the best decision that I have ever made for myself. In the first year post-op, I lost 170lbs, over 90 inches and 10 clothing sizes. Since my surgery I've also finished my master's degree, got a fabulous new job and bought my first home. If you want it - do it. Never say can't. I am living proof that things CAN change and you CAN hit every goal you set. Nobody is going to do it for you.
You want what I have? Here's what I did. It's pretty simple.
1. Research and find the BEST surgeon. Not the guy who did the commercial. Not the guy who takes your insurance. Find a surgeon with experience and credentials, and then get references. Do your homework.
2. Eat. Get your protein in. Measure your meals, slow down and chew.
3. Exercise. For me it has been a 30-60 min cardio workout 3x per week and 60 min strength training sessions 1-2x per week. Make it a priority. You will get zero sympathy from me, I juggled it into a schedule with a full time job, night school, job-required travel and family obligations. That's what alarm clocks are for. My bed was empty by 5am MANY mornings. Making excuses is not exercise :-)
4. Vitamins. My regimen is: A good multi (New Chapter Organic Every Woman), calcium citrate (250mg twice daily) and B-12 injections every 3 months. My 6 and 12 month labs were perfect.
5. Don't weigh yourself every day. You're just setting yourself up for being disappointed if you do. Because guess what? We retain water. Weigh weekly and get on with your life.
6. Get help. I wasn't fat because of the size of my stomach. I was fat because I ate my emotions. Find a new outlet. I am surrounded with friends who have also had the surgery (I sought them out) and I am actively seeking professional help. It really helps to talk stuff out. And no, I am not embarrassed that I need a shrink. I wish more people would consider therapy :-)
7. Have fun. RNY is not a punishment or a life sentence. I spent months obsessing over how many calories I was eating and how many grams of protein, carbs, and I lost this many pounds and this percentage and blah, blah, blah..... Once I let it go and just used my head, the weight started melting away.
Those are my "pearls". Hope that they help!
