Just a reminder

[gowalking 10,790]

I'm not on here much as most of you are pre surgery or going through the weight loss process. I do pop up now and then just to let you know what's doing in terms of living life post WLS.

I'm four years post surgery and have been in maintenance for about 2 1/2 years. When I do come on the boards, I see posts about what to eat, what not to eat, how much weight has been lost, how much has been gained, and other similar topics. When I was in the early stages of my weight loss journey, i read and posted alot regarding those same issues. Now that I'm further out, I don't focus on the details...I just focus on living my life as a normal sized person with all that entails.

I just wanted to post these two pictures to show the new folks that you can be successful with weight loss. Know that while I'm smiling in the before and after pictures, I was not happy in the before shots because of the issues surrounding my obesity. Also know that I have been, and am still in therapy to address my food addiction and the root causes of my obesity. It's my path and know that I'm not advocating that this should be part of yours.

Again, I'm here just as a reminder that once the newness is over, the weight loss is done, and the emotions settle down....this is the reason I had the surgery. It's about health, mobility, and living my life rather than watching from the sidelines.

[Newme17 3,444]

That smile! Great job lady. I think many people should continue with therapy about food addiction; especially if they're worried about the weight coming back. That's just my personal opinion though. But I'm glad you continued and won the battle and will continue to win it. Again, great job! You are another reason why I will be successful with my WLS too. Thank you for sharing.

[1poundatatime 174]

Thank you for posting this! I'm still awaiting surgery, but this is such a good reminder to remember to the real reasons why I am doing this!

[Montana Gal 448]

Wow, I have been following you for a year now and you have always been an inspiration to me! You look beautiful and healthy!

[MrsSugarbabe 727]

Thank you for sharing your life with us, @gowalking! You have been and are an inspiration to me and many others. This is exactly what WLS is all about - our health and improving our lives. I don't know anyone who had WLS purely for vanity reasons. Stay strong! Stay healthy!

[_Kate_ 2,224]

I have always admired you and have followed your posts. Its great that those who are 4/5/6 years on, can come back and support those who are at the start of maintaining. This isnt a years diet, its a lifetime and hearing the success you have had shows how it can be done.

Thank you

Kate

[Treadmillwalker 486]

Congratulations and thanks for reminding all of us this is a journey.


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[Sharpie 3,306]

Liz you and I are about the same. Had my band on January 15, 2013. went to my surgeon on MOnday just for a checkup.. he said you look wonderful you are my poster child..lol. I told him I was dating someone and wanted to have my apron removed. He said great . my surgery is scheduled for April . I had some family coming down in March and wanted to be able to show them around. anyway, I have maintained my weight loss and couldn't' feel better. Extremely happy I did it and would totally do it again . I am not posting as much either but now and again I like to catch up with some of my old banded buddies.

[Julie norton 2,850]

There seem to be less and less of us veteran banders , but it is great to hear liz' inspirational story! She has done a great job helping others be "real" about this surgery. I have told her previously about what a great writer she is....

Truly a life change, not a diet! You were clear that you need less info from this site, but I think it is sometimes exciting to see others FINALLY see a different life... and it can last! That is the biggest difference to me.(oh yeah. It still is work!) but it works!

Good luck sharpie on your surgery. It took me 8 years post op, but really enjoying having a flat stomach profile and also clothing change for size. Please keep us updated! Something new for us a bit more ahem... mature posters.

[TexasguyEP 56]

Wonderful!

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[jstsmaller 6]

Very inspirational


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[BayougirlMrsS 3,934]

You look amazing.... im so glad you are still here. Along with Sharpie and Julie..... I miss so many of our friends.... but life goes on and we make new ones everyday....

If anyone wants to do a FB group.... or already has one.... PM me.

Sharpie.... congrats on the new guy... you deserve it.

My divorce should be done with in the new week or two.... Is yall know, i've been hitting the dating world with a vengeance.... hehe Met a really great guy..... Tim. You know one of those men you thought was extinct.... Opens all doors, pull out your chair, help you with your coat, pays for everything, picks you up and comes to the door, holds your hand, kisses you so passionately that it makes your toes curl.... OK... sorry i got carried away.

The TT was the best thing ever..... You will be so happy you did it.