Woody

I had my surgery in April of 2002. I guess I would qualify for what you are looking for. I reached my goal at roughly 1 year out of 235 lbs. I'm 6'3" and weighed 350. I have maintained the same weight for 1 1/2 years now, almost.

I can eat just about anything I choose to eat. That includes sweets and other sugary foods. I occasionally eat a pice of candy..... but I can no longer sit and go through an entire bag of candy at one sitting without dumping. It comes down to a matter of choice. I choose not to eat those sugary foods. I know what they will do to me both from a dumping standpoint and a weight standpoint.

As for appetite, I definately have one. I still follow the rules when it comes to eating. I take small bites and chew them well. I take my time eating and I am able to recognize when to stop. I can no longer eat like I did pre-op. My biggest battle that I fight daily is snacking. I still do it, but I do it carefully. A lot of time my snacking is counted as a meal. I try to snack on healthy high protein foods like beef jerkey or (my favorite) peanut butter filled pretzels.

I still dump once in a while. It's usually mild and I just get uncomfortable. I still can't eat dry chicken. It sticks in my pouch and I have to wait it out. I think that't the only thing I can't tolerate.

I hope this helps.

__________________
Woody
4-24-02
Open w/Dr Callery
350/At Goal

What the mind of man can perceive and believe, he can achieve.