joyfulinga

I have avoided this forum for so long. I had RNY in June 2008 and have gained back weight. I started out at 328 lbs. and lost down to 175 lbs. I was doing well and had continued to lose. In December of 2010, my oldest son passed away suddenly as a result of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Cirrhosis) due to meds he had been on since a brain tumor in 2001. That completely threw me off track and it has taken a year and a half to get myself together. I had gained back up to 246 by not following the food plan recommended by my surgeon. When Brandon died, I really had no appetite but people kept saying "you have to eat, you'll get sick". I take full responsibility that I took those words to heart and dug right in. Empty calories, slider foods, way too many carbs and no exercise had taken it's toll. I felt like a failure! I was given this opportunity and wonderful gift and screwed it up - again! I didn't feel very victorious. Well I'm happy to report that I AM a success story. I am back on my plan just like post-op and have lost 22 lbs. towards my 70+ pound goal. My pouch is intact and I am able to do this! Tomorrow is my 51st birthday. When I look at myself over the past 25 years, I spent the majority morbidly obese, feeling tired, fat and hopeless. I no longer feel that way and that makes this all a success. I am not bad, I am determined. I took a few hard knocks and got back on that horse that I climbed off of. I started a forum in here called Back on Track and I believe that if all of us "success" stories who have been derailed, stick together we can become super success stories. Thank you all for your brutal honesty and commitment to your health. It is an inspiration and I have such hope when reading your entries....even the sad entries. If I can do this you can too! Smooches to everyone and God bless you!

Good for you! Such determination was required to kick everything back into gear. You have done a wonderful job and I know you will continue it. You look amazing and I am so very happy for you! That is so sad about your friend. To go through all the pain and $$$ of surgery to be disappointed is just sad! Thank you for sharing....I regained and am on the road to losing it. I appreciate your honesty.

Welcome Helen! My user name is JoyfulinGA on My Fitness Pal. I'd love to be your friend. Drop by the groups here and visit Back On Track! Love to have you!

I sent the request. I would love friends too! Especially WLS friends! My user name is JoyfulinGA.

Today the people in the United States will elect a President for the next 4 years. Each "side" has their reasons for selecting the candidate of their choosing. There are issues and policies at stake that will affect the entire country no matter which side you plan to vote for. On a much smaller scale this is election day for your body today. What will you elect to do for the next 4 years? Will you focus on the policies (eating guidelines, exercise, drinking Water, etc.). Maybe you'll focus on the foreign policies such as what size you wear, the number on the scale, etc. Healthcare is a huge topic....what about yours...will you remain faithful to your plan so that your health is good and you do not have to take an endless list of meds to live or feel good. Elect to follow your beliefs, your wants and desires. Having WLS was a life changing event that gave you options you never had in the past. You were given the gift of feeling "normal" instead of feeling huge, bloated and defeated. Think back to the last 4 years or the 4 years before that and reflect on the State of YOU! Think about how you were then and how you are now. How has your character changed? Do you still have the early excitement? Have you allowed yourself to gain a little back? Maybe a lot back? I challenge each person to "elect" to choose the good things that have blessed us so much. Following your surgeon's directions, guarding against mindless eating, empty calories or slider foods. There are days I feel strong and capable while other days I feel like I'm hanging on by a thread. I'm sure you have days like that too but the difference between now and all those years ago is that you have a tool and the tool is there. When the horse throws you off, get back on and show it who's boss. Just like that horse that has a strong will that has to be broken, your will must be broken without breaking your spirit. Hold onto that spirit that says "I can do this" because you can and you will!

Sometimes thyroid will make you feel all drug out too. I suppose your doctor will check all that with bloodwork.

When I am off the carbs and have them out of my system I feel much more energetic. That coupled with the excitement of surgery I bet you are jittery. It only gets better!

Fantastic! Congratulations Peach!

I agree with Junior....call your doctor. If he/she isn't helpful, go to the emergency room.

Oh sweet girl....there really is nothing to be afraid of. Surgery doesn't change who YOU are inside. You will still be the awesome person you are now, you just won't have the health issues, the feelings of disappointment and all the things you want to have surgery to get away from. Think of how cool it will be to (here were a few of mine): cross your legs, buy something in the Junior or Misses department, walk 3 miles without an aching back, never hear the doctor say you'll need insulin soon, throw out your blood pressure meds, feel good about yourself, etc. Get the picture. You need to do this for you and no one else. You are worth being healthy and happy. You matter so it matters! Hang in there and come on back when you need a pick me up.

Good evening peeps and Happy Halloween to all of you! I hope you do not get candy this year but maybe some chicken and cheese. ha ha Today was not a great day for me. I was just sad. My old director was let go from the company I work for yesterday and it just made me sad. That coupled with the fact that our office had a costume contest and luncheon but no one copied me on the email. I was having a SERIOUS pity party all by myself this morning. I had not brought anything and did not don a costume. I'm not sure why the pity party because not going to the luncheon actually helped me stay on my plan. I didn't see the goodies so I had no horrible moments. I just didn't put myself through it. Now I feel pretty good about that! How has your week been? Joyful

Please touch base and tell us how wonderful you feel.

Oh please don't even consider taking it up again. I started again in the 2nd year. Bad idea. Here I am trying to walk, exercise, be all healthy with a cigarette hanging out of my face. I was really stupid, please do not do it.