5 Years on 20 Jan 09 (A Look Back)

Jan 29, 2009

2003 ---Pre Op--- 315 lbs  At the beach...I was miserable from the heat in this photo! Diabetic, GERD, Hiatal Hernia, High Cholesterol, Hypothyroidism, Arthritis in knees, chronic swollen legs and hands and no energy at all...I walked with a cane in so much pain...


2005 1.5 ish  years post op...Still had a flap for a belly       Early 2007 ...Toned and no more belly flap

3 Years Post OP....Swimming as my exercise for 2 years tightened much of my loose skin and toned my muscles, but I weighed the same 165 lbs...I had an initial gain of 8 pounds and never lost it...I was 158 at lowest weight and which also was the exact amount of pounds I lost as well! I settled in for the long haul at 165 lbs average with 150 lbs total lost and kept off!

Year 4 Halloween to New Years UGH!  Bad year! ....Battled a weight gain of 10 lbs and WON!  Back to 165 and holding! Also suffered anemia and malnutrition. I had to get back on track and stop eating any sugar...I began journaling my food and weighing everything to get my visual portions back in control so I was sure I was not over eating...which I was...So I now know again what 4 oz of meat looks like without the scale! But I keep it handy just in case!  I don't eat from bags...I measure out my portions...If 16 almonds is one ounce serving...Then I count out 16 almonds!  It's usually exactly enough! It's so simple when you don't WANT to cheat yourself...Being on OH and involving myself with people who know the struggled of food addiction...keeps me so motivated too...


Here I am holding 165lbs just 2 months shy of 5 Years Post OP. So far all vit deficiencies under control!  We'll see! GET YEARLY LABS!!!! DON'T stop taking your vitamins!  DON'T ignore symptoms. Be your own health care advocate!  Get copies of your labs! Know how your body works....

I am forever grateful for a second chance at life... I am proof that we can do this and succeed...Your maintenance diet is NOT the same as your first year. I still aim for protein, butI eat all things from nature... I don't count carbs... I just make sure my carbs are complex... and I aim without fail for 5 DIFFERENT fruits and /or veggies a day and include nuts and seeds in my diet as well!  80-90 % of the time, my food either swam in the ocean, grew out of the dirt, fell from a tree or had a mama.... (With the exception of dairy and a few other moderately processed things). NO, I am not perfect and yes I allow myself to eat regular food in moderation without beating myself up... I eat like a REGULAR small person, only probably much more healthy.  Sugary and fried foods are my enemy. I steer clear...And usually manage to stay away with no real love loss! But I've made peace and found "stevia" is wonderful as a natural sweetener with no carbs or calories... and olive oil is my new butter/ fat. 

I stay active and choose active hobbies to stay fit because me and the gym are NOT buddies! I hate going to the gym!  I'd rather take a walk and breathe fresh air than stare at a wall on a treadmill or bike! But that is just me! I don't allow myself excuses anymore... and if I won't go to the gym, then I finda way to get in exercise because I deserve this!  So do you! It doesn't take that much time to just MOVE your body! Well that's a quick five years... I'm hoping for many many more! And for you all as well! 
 

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