CTRose1160

Oh I meant to add something else, when I lost the weight during the process, I,treated myself better. For many years before the surgery I nearly wore the same outfit all the time.....I also had a whole wardrobe of nearly all black clothing. Mind you, as I transformed myself, I,began to take more pride in my appearance. I think overall, that was one of the biggest lessons and/or learning curves to consider too. When I went out (after surgery) I was a bit more particular with my clothing...I dressed nicer...took pride in my makeup, hair etc. I noticed I looked up more....I believe it was this part of me that allowed for increased attention too. I was finally enjoying life, while learning (and still learning) how to enjoy my new image. Looking at myself in the mirror is still not always easy, as I feel I am pretty critical of myself, but I am trying to be more accepting and more forgiving......

Wow! Great topic. This was one of the issues I had to learn to deal with during my weight loss journey. When I was heavy, I found myself to be the one who everyone was friends with, the one who had great hair....but nothing more. Once the weight came off....boy was I thrown off guard. It was hard for me to accept compliments. Especially when someone told me I looked good, or when the first time I was told I was skinny....(I had to learn to say thank you, as I was not use to receiving compliments). Now for the men situation, this was a definite difficult phase. I had my guard up all the times, simply because I could not accept that for once there would be a man that found me attractive. But I can tell you this, as I lost the weight my confidence in doing more social activities changed. I found myself being a participant in life, versus being the window shopper. There were a few moments that I specifically recall when I began to realize I just might be attractive to men....one was a time when I was shopping, a guy followed me around every isle I was in (mind you I was clothes shopping!). He even approached me and told me how nice I looked (personally that moment scared me a bit, the guy was a bit of a creeper...thank goodness I am prepared for the weirdos). And another time was when a guy working at my neighbors house made a comment...basically telling me that I was "hot"! For me being told that I was "hot", unless I had burned myself, I had never heard this before. So bottom line, its all a process. You are finally becoming the person on the outside that you already are on the inside. Its going to be a gradual process. I did lose friends....and I had some negative comments...but overall It was a big learning process. I just started to live My real life, My new life....and learned to "try" and enjoy and accept these new compliments. No real great advice...more of just how I muddled through all of the changes. What was personally great, was before I lost weight I truly never thought I would ever get married, I even told my dad that I was willing to settle for someone half as good as him just because I really figured I would be alone. In a way, I was preparing myself and my parents to not expect a wedding in their future and/or grandchildren. Well, after losing the weight I did meet my husband, later adopting his daughter too! My life has changed tremendously! I had my surgery 10 yrs ago, so its been one heck of a journey too. Wish you all the best and many successes to come!

Wanted to update everyone since my last post. Well, I have managed 2 days of protein shakes only....3 a day, on the 3rd day I had 2 protein shakes and small meal - all protein for lunch. Today will be day 4. My weight has gone down some, not a lot and not where I want to be, but I am going to try and take the process in a more positive and accountable manner. I have gained the weight over a period of time, so I must be realistic with how much time will be required in losing it. Thanks everyone for the support. I will post another update later in the week. Would love to hear about everyone's progress and/or struggles.

Biggest difference with what you are dealing with, as opposed to the drug addict, alcoholic, or someone who smokes, is We need food to survive. Its this - the need for something so basic as food...that simply drives me up the wall to. I find my thoughts continually thinking about my next meal...when am I going to eat, what am I going to eat and even something so stupid as asking myself if I am really hungry. Food completely controls my thoughts and often times actions. I have the same frustrations, as I bet nearly everyone on this site does. What makes me feel worse at times, is the mere fact that I have never truly had to worry about meals. I have never had to go without food...in fact, my family (being Italian) tends to cook as though we are expecting 100 plus people to randomly stop over. Growing up, all family gatherings, visits with neighbors involved food. In essence, everything you are feeling is Normal! You will make it, you will survive this journey. It may seem impossible, however, you have taken this situation and are being proactive with your health for not just you but for your family. Try to stay positive.....try to stay motivated....the best has yet to come!

I had my RNY surgery on May 4th, 2004 to be exact. Like everyone on this site, my weight had been an issue for many, many years and this surgery seemed to be the only option I had left. In fact, a close friend of mine had the surgery before me and it was due to her positive experiences that I began looking into it. Ironically, at the time time I began investigating this surgery, my mother was a nurse working in bariatrics, working for the doctor I would later have the surgery from. I will be the first to tell you, that choosing surgery is a very personal choice. I do not think it is for everyone and feel one should look at all options before choosing surgery. I have not always been open in talking about it, as I was fearful of others negative comments and even more so, my own fear of failing. What if the surgery did not produced the results I want? Before deciding on her surgery, I will admit I was just completely lost. I hated what I looked like and felt just completely out of touch with my inner self as compared to my outer appearance. I would lie to my friends and family about my work schedule simply to miss having anyone see me. I would often times avoid phone calls so that I could not be available. As with any family, I had major issues with facing certain people because it was never good...or made me feel worse. I have a number of family members who never suffered with weight issues....my brother for example has always looked great....my mother and aunt always looked great....my grandparents too. There were people in my family who tried to diet with me, or point out every food item I was eating, saying, "that is your third dinner roll" or, "do you know how many calories are in that?". It was just one comment after another. I was ashamed of what I looked liked, and angry/jealous of others who were skinny or seemed to have no weight issues. Being overweight, simply sucks! Being the fat girl, the one with the great hair and funny personality Sucks! I was sick and tired of being the third wheel, the girl who had a lot of male "friends", or the one who was just a great person to talk to. I had enough! I wanted to change. When you are heavy, there are common comments you tend to hear day in and day out. Some are self generated, while others are said directly.....of course, those comments become our daily motto (at least for me they did). Instead of, you are so beautiful....I would be told "I love your hair", "you are just big boned", "you have your dads figure" (by the way not a compliment...love my dad, but really!". The comments people make are really unbelievable. Ok so I finally decide on surgery. I was approximately 220 pounds before surgery. At this point, I was told by some in a support group I was not heavy enough to have the surgery! Such a crazy response to make in a Support Group session. I stayed 5 days in the hospital....and my weight loss process began. The first year after surgery had its moments. I cannot say it was always easy. Yes, the weight came off....incredibly fast. I was so happy with the results. Eating, that was different and often times a big struggle. I had a very hard time keeping food down...and finding food I was able to tolerate. Overtime, this improved. So much so, that I no longer suffer from the same restrictions as I did in the beginning. I think this was something to expect, but am now facing some realities I truly did not think about as the beginning stages of my weight loss were so successful. My lowest weight was 124 pounds, but that only lasted for half of the day. My stable weight stayed between 132-140. After approximately 3 years after surgery I began gaining weight. Each year there after seemed to be more and more difficult. I remember weighing 138 pounds and visiting my grandfather. Spent a long day with him, only to have him tell me at the end of our visit that I was getting fat! Truth be told, I was gaining weight, I just hated hearing that I was fat! After all, I had a surgery to help with my weight. At approximately 5 years after surgery, I weighed 150. Not a horrible weight, but something definitely needed to change. So, I started running. And got into swimming again...and eventually took up triathlons. I completed 5k's, 10k's, sprint triathlons, half marathons, a swim around the florida keys, half iron-man...the list goes on. I just readjusted my life. Well now, 10 years out from my surgery, I am at an overwhelming weight of 172! I am getting back to the basics....And trying to get back on track. I have joined this site for additional support and to find others just like me. I knew I would gain some weight back, I just never expected to get to where I am now. Yes, I have taken the liberty to eat the wrong foods, to eat too much, to snack...and just simply stop doing what I am suppose to do. I have allowed outside stress and daily life stuff get in the way of my past successes. I am now focusing on me, and what I need to do to get healthy! I want to lose this weight and am determined to be successful. **quick advice for anyone in the beginning stages or ones noticing a weight gain..... Weight loss is not magic, the surgery only works as successfully as You follow it! Be mindful of what you eat, and never take it for granted that it will be the solution you are seeking. I am learning this and am taking full accountability for where I am now. Sorry for such a long post....but thanks for letting me share....

I am in VERO BEACH TOO! What a small world. I had surgery 10 years ago, but if you need a mentor/friend, advice etc message me!

Regardless of which surgery you selected, it is of most importance to maintain a healthy, organized, food plan, one that makes you accountable. I agree, the weight loss journey is different for everyone, however; It seems as though for ones who have lost weight and are continuing to lose weight....the logging of food, calories and the like become unnecessary since you are having weight loss success. This seems to apply to those within the first two years or so of their surgery. I can say I too took it for granted that I was losing weight, and eventually stopped logging my food, exercise and weight. I truly thought I did not need to do this anymore....I was finally "normal"! Well, 10 years since my surgery has passed and I can tell you Boy was I wrong! I have gained weight and am now working towards getting back on track. Weight loss is not easy......the surgery was truly a gift. It was the start I needed and somewhere along the way, I began to take it for granted. I would recommend you continue to track your food and exercise daily. You may find it to be a pain in the rear, but I promise you in the long run you will be better off for it. Continued success in anything, happens to those who put in the work. Wish you all the best!

Enjoy this thread, great topic and even better responses. Just shows the diversity on this site and the commonality amongst so many striving to change their lives. CTRose1160 - CTR - my daughters initials Rose is her middle name, 1160 - my employee number. I am not that creative with this, however; I have fully enjoyed reading everyone's responses!

Just wanted to thank everyone for all of your encouragement. I am going to try the 5 day pouch test and see what happens....today will be day 1. This whole weight loss process has been such a journey. If I was able to loss the weight in the beginning, I will be able to do it again. I plan on taking it one moment at a time. I will keep everyone updated as I know I will need more help. Truly wish I found this app sooner, but guess its better late then never. Thanks again!!

I had my gastric bypass Rny completed 10 years ago, on May 24th, 2004 to be exact. The surgery went well and the initially results were more then I could have asked for. My initial goal was to reach 150; when I reached 130 I was just amazed! The journey in itself was not always easy. I struggled with holding food down. Now fast forward to today, I can eat regular sized meals and am not limited on the foods. Now as great as this may seem, I am not struggling with keeping weight off. In fact, over the past two years, especially this past year, I have gained a tremendous amount of weight. I feel so defeated and just lost in what I should do. I am 42, so I do expect so weight gain. I recently had my thyroid checked just to narrow down the possibilities. As of now, I am even considering a revision surgery. Not sure if this will be needed, however; I am keeping those options open. Anyone else experiencing this or something similar?