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I have been between 192-195 for awhile now. I was 280 before surgery so a loss of 80-90 pounds is more than enough for me. My weight loss has slowed down tremendously and, to be honest, I really don't want to loose too much more. My face has started to fill out again so I look more like I did when I actually weighed 195 ten years ago. When I reflect upon my experience with gastric by-pass surgery, I have NO regrets. This surgery saved my life. The key to being successful is to remember that this surgery is a tool...not a license to eat whatever you want because your stomach is small. I still follow a diabetic diet because it is healthier. No fried foods, lot's of protein with fish and chicken. I don't eat red meat because my pouch can't tolerate it. I also exercise fairly often. I am Not a gym rat but I make sure to do push ups everyday, walk on the treadmill and ride the exercise bike a few times a week. Small things make a difference.

I have blood drawn for lab work by my primary care physician every three months. Any diabetic or former diabetic should be very familiar with the hemoglobin A1C test. This blood test measures your blood sugar levels for the previous three months which is more accurate than the daily finger prick done with a personal glucose meter. Anyway, my average A1C is now 5.2%. The goal for diabetics is 7%. Anything below 6% indicates no diabetes. This means I have no trace of diabetes and haven't had any indication of being diabetic for the past seven months. My total cholesterol is 120 with anything under 200 considered the goal. My blood pressure has averaged 110/70 for the past five months. And my sex life is .... oops, I got a little carried away .  I'll just say this: The average amount of calories burned by sexual activity is 600.  I burn at least 1200 a day

My first holiday feast after surgery. I look forward to small portions of delicious Louisiana food!
I was so excited after my day at the fair that I decided to take it to the next level. My sweetheart and I drove to San Antonio, TX this weekend and went to Six Flags. I LOVE amusement parks.
We had a great time and of course we rode all the rides. Actually rode most rides twice because the park was practically empty. I guess late November is the best time to go because you can really have fun without the crowds.
On the drive home I felt a bit tired so I purchased a 16oz Full Throttle energy drink. BIG MISTAKE! An hour later we had to call the paramedics. My heart rate almost  200 and I actually thought I was having a heart attack. I have adjusted so well to eating post-op but I sometimes forget that I can't drink certain things as well. The caffeine was absorbed into my system much too quickly because of the gastric bypass. I have learned my lesson after that.

I went to the Greater Baton Rouge fair last Friday with my sons, their friend and my new main squeeze. This is the same fair I went to last year and was too large to fit in the rides. Well one year later I was back and RODE EVERYTHING!! I had the best time I've had in at least fifteen years. I've posted a pic taken that night with one of my sons. My other son was the cameraman

I am five months post -op and have lost (never to be found again) 70 pounds! No more diabetes or high blood pressure. My diabetes was actually well controlled before the surgery so the gastric bypass was the confirmation stamp to officially put it to rest. I am a single parent raising twin 16 year old boys. This made shopping for new clothes very easy...I wear theirs!
Loosing the weight gave me the confidence boost I needed to jump back into the dating scene. I have met a wonderful person and I AM IN LOVE. I feel like a teenager again.
I am working on getting some pictures posted so you all can see the old and the new me.