Hi There, I had my ruan y in aug 2004. My weight came down from 297 to 120 today. My goal weight is 115, but I've been here for
two years now and I'm happy with that outcome, very happy.
The surgery brought me down to about 165 which I maintained for quite a few years. After surgery I came to realize that it was no silver
bullet, that I had to change eating habits of a lifetime. I cut fat way down and counted calories pretty much and found a way to maintain.
I could have gained the weight back. The main part of the surgery that saved me is if I overdid I got sick, nauseated.
But I endured the nausea and eventually a couple of years ago I got pancreatitis which I've since learned is common, followed by
low blood sugar which is why I lost the additional weight which once again has thrilled me, but the two diseases are difficult to
handle since I have a very hard time keeping the carbs down low enough.
Much of my life I have eaten treats like a spoiled dog. I didn't gain much weight until each of my 4 pregnancies. I foolishly ate as I
wished for so many years and after a while it got out of control.
I'm positive by now the way I was going w/o the surgery I would have been home bound. I have a sister who was over 400
pounds when she had it and she has lost half her weight and a niece who also had it 15 years ago and she was down to 140 pounds
for years, but she had complications and after all this time has gained all her weight back.
Blood sugar issues are very difficult. Pancreatitis is a slippery disease. I find small meals, don't take a lot of fluids with food
controls the nausea. I didn't think I could handle small meals but I do. Surprisingly I find that if I wait after a small meal in about
30 minutes I experience a full feeling and many times don't go back to finish the meal.
The weight loss is great consolation but many days when the cravings come I know I would easily go back to my old habits. I've been
thin now for two years with no more than 8 pounds of going up and down. My lowest weight has been 117.
I also had thyroid cancer and that removed two years ago. Terrific struggle with that. I was so afraid I would gain the weight back from that
alone and I believe I could'av.
I've never had the same size clothes in my closet before, now a size 2 to 6 depending. I LOVE being small but I so miss my food. I don't
give myself a choice. "Sobriety" is over rated but so necessary. Its a new life. I'm grateful.
