queenbee37
5 years post op!
Oct 28, 2011
My cousin sent me a picture holding her little son when I was over 300lbs. It made me remember that on October 26 of this year was my 5 year anniversary of WLS (I also received an email from OH). I cannot believe that it has been 5 years. I cannot remember how it felt to be that heavy. (At the time I couldn't phathom losing over 100lbs either). My life has been so full and busy! I opened my own law practice 6 months ago after working for the State for many years. I'm dating a very nice man and I feel great! Over the five years I have gained 20-25 lbs but they come and go. I have a point that I don't let myself get past before checking myself!! My mom checks me too!!!! Like right now I'm to the top point and I have gotten back on the bandwagon! I have clothes in my closet between sizes 12 and 16. Usually I am in the size 14 clothes. I'm not "skinny" but I am happy! This journey is great. I still have a food addiction (I eat when Im bored, sleepy, happy, sad, irritated or anxious).The only time I don't eat is when I'm very busy or sleep! But its different now. My portions are smaller because my stomach won't allow large portions. I developed allergic reactions to some foods like milk, shellfish, nuts, soy and sometimes chocolate. I never had plastic surgery even though a tummy tuck would be wonderful! But I'm regular now. I have to watch what I eat, but just like a normal sized person would. Before, I would gain 25lbs by just being next to a piece of cake. WLS was one of the best things that I ever did in my life. I'm told that a good BMI is between 25-28, mine is 29 currently (it used to be 42) Praise God from Whom all blessing flow!! I probably would have done even better if I would have stayed connected to ObesityHelp Forum for support, but life got in my way. But I am coming back TO support and FOR the support!!! Happy Anniversary to me!!
0 comments
Wow! 3 years and holding...
I can not believe that three years have gone by so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was 300lbs. Now I feel great and wouldn't go back if they paid me. It has been a wonderful journey. I lost 120 pounds and even though I have not made it to my goal weight of 165 yet I don't have far to go and if I never get there-I'm still happy. I have gone from a 22-24 to a 12-14 and I love every curve. I vow never to go over 200lbs again.
Before:
After:
10 Mistakes not to make after WLS.....
Oct 02, 2009
1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals
Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include:
Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning.
Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible.
2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity
A honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back.
A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery.
3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals
Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.
4th Mistake: Not Eating Right
Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.
5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water
Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.
6th Mistake: Grazing
Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.
7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly
Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!
8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs
Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. Stay away from the "white" carbs-white rice, white potato, white sugar, white bread and white flour.
9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda
Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.
10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol
If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it.
Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations.
I have been guilty of all of these WLS "sins". But when I fall down-I get back up again!
0 comments
Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include:
Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning.
Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible.
2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity
A honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back.
A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery.
3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals
Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.
4th Mistake: Not Eating Right
Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.
5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water
Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.
6th Mistake: Grazing
Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.
7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly
Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!
8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs
Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. Stay away from the "white" carbs-white rice, white potato, white sugar, white bread and white flour.
9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda
Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.
10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol
If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it.
Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations.
I have been guilty of all of these WLS "sins". But when I fall down-I get back up again!
Back on track-1st mini goal reached!
I weigh in every Monday morning and today I was at 201lbs-down 12lbs since Back on Track!
I have 21 more pounds to go to get to my previous lowest weight since surgery (180) and 30 more pounds to my goal weight of 170. Since I reached the first mini-goal of 10lbs I am treating myself to a professional facial! Once I get back to under 200lbs-I vow to never do that mess again. I made the horrible mistake of believing that I had arrived and didn't need to do anything to maintain it. I will never make that mistake again!
30lbs to my personal goal. 50lbs to my doctor's goal.
1 comment
I have 21 more pounds to go to get to my previous lowest weight since surgery (180) and 30 more pounds to my goal weight of 170. Since I reached the first mini-goal of 10lbs I am treating myself to a professional facial! Once I get back to under 200lbs-I vow to never do that mess again. I made the horrible mistake of believing that I had arrived and didn't need to do anything to maintain it. I will never make that mistake again!
30lbs to my personal goal. 50lbs to my doctor's goal.
Phenomenal Woman
Jul 19, 2009
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
By: Maya Angelou
0 comments
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
By: Maya Angelou
4lbs gone...
Once my pitty party was over I got up and got back on track. I cut down on those carbs, sweets and fats and started paying attention to what I was eating. I have lost 4 lbs! woohoo! 
Well on my way to my first mini-goal of 10lbs. Goal is to lose 30 lbs altogether. Thanks for all your support. I need to be reminded everyday. I realize that this is a daily challenge and that I can't ever lose sight or I will be right back where I started from. I tried to forget that I ever weighed 300lbs and in the process was inching my way back to 300lbs. 
When I was drowning I turned back to obesity help and I got the support and encouragement I needed. Thanks again.
0 comments
Well on my way to my first mini-goal of 10lbs. Goal is to lose 30 lbs altogether. Thanks for all your support. I need to be reminded everyday. I realize that this is a daily challenge and that I can't ever lose sight or I will be right back where I started from. I tried to forget that I ever weighed 300lbs and in the process was inching my way back to 300lbs. When I was drowning I turned back to obesity help and I got the support and encouragement I needed. Thanks again.
Back on Track!
Jul 13, 2009
These last 25-30 lbs are coming off!!! My first mini goal is 10 pounds off. Back on the Loser's Bench! Pray for me.....
Under construction, Please excuse my dust...
Jul 11, 2009
"Excuse me while I love myself today. Yes, I am under construction so please excuse my dust. Each day I will make more good decisions than bad ones; each week I will have more good days than bad days and each month will be better than the month before. Rome was not built in a day and neither will my slim, healthy body be built in a day. But brick by brick I will become and remain a BRICK HOUSE! Excuse me while I love myself today!"
Thanks for the inspiration dreamgirl119!
The pitty party is over now........
Jul 10, 2009
Okay, my pitty party is over. 
Its my fault that I relapsed and gained 15 pounds and now I am on the road to recovery. I have cut down on my carbs and I gave up the candy (yes, I was eating reese's peanut butter cups and twix and cake) and I gave up all that fast food. Confession is good for the soul. 
I haven't exercised in over a year-at all. I am blessed that I only gained 15 pounds-it could have been much worse. Another mistake I made was I stop logging on the obesityhelp so I didn't have a support group. I tried to forget I ever had a weight problem-but the scale wouldn't let me forget -when I started back weighing in every Monday. I hate exercising but so what, I have to do it. As a matter of fact I will do some in a few minutes. 
I don't feel well but I won't let that be an excuse. Thanks ya'll for bringing back to my senses! I needed it.
Will I ever beat this food addiction!!??!!
Will I ever wake up one day and WANT to exercise? Will I ever RATHER a salad instead of a Bigmac? Will I ever not fill my plate to capacity when I know that I can only eat a small portion of what is on it? Will I ever be able to stop "weighing in" every Monday? Will I ever be able to get rid of my "fat pictures" and pretend that I was never fat? Will everyone in my family ever forget that I used to be fat and stop saying, everytime that I eat, "you better watch out before you gain ALL that weight back!"? Will I ever remember that I no longer have to use the BIG bathroom stall? Will I ever look in the mirror and be satisfied that I am a "good size"? Will I ever stop comparing myself to every woman I see -sayng to myself " I wonder if I'm bigger than her?" Will I ever stop hearing from "freinds" how such and such lost 50 pounds-WITHOUT surgery? Will I ever be able to eat a piece of cake, or pie or ice cream without feeling sooo guilty and unworthy of my surgery? Will I ever be NORMAL?
0 comments
About Me
Miami, FL
Location
29.5
BMI
Surgery
10/26/2006
Surgery Date
Oct 14, 2006
Member Since
