Long-Termers Check In with US!!! - ThinnerTimes

ScootRider · 03-25-2005, 05:38 AM

I really want to know how you long-term losers are doing. How about just a quick update????

Thanks,

MIke

melanie hirschorn · 03-25-2005, 09:26 AM

here's from a long term post op. my surgery was april 2003. when i had my surgery i had so many health problems. they're all gone. i'm on no medication except my daily vitamins and high cholesterol medication. my blood pressure is like 110/60. it was 170/150 with two medicatons before surgery. i exercise daily. i go to the gym three times a week and walk every day. as far as my weight i went down from 240 to 120-125. it's a struggle keeping it off. 5 pounds can easily turn into 10 or 15 if i don't watch. just because i'm thin now i daily have to watch what i eat or i will gain weight. this surgery is only a tool, but i feel like now that i live the life of a normal weight person. i can't over eat or i will get sick. if i eat the wrong food, i do have to stop and can't keep eating it or i will get sick. i cannot eat what i want, like i say, or i will gain weight. every day i have to plan what i'm going to eat and once in a while i allow myself a treat, but allowing myself that treat is no different than before surgery. it turns into a binge so i find if i just don't have it and stay on a routine of approprite food i do a lot better. i can't stress enough though that this surgery is only a tool. you will gain weight if you don't change your eating habits early on. the surgery was the best thing i did because i'm now healthy and enjoy life and am able to do anything i want to do. hope this answers your question.
melanie

ScootRider · 03-25-2005, 09:48 AM

Thanks Melanie...sounds like you are doing great!!! Congrats!!

brutherford · 03-25-2005, 12:36 PM

I hit my goal 9.5 months after surgery, so hopefully you all don't mind if I share:

I exercised heavily while I was losing, but haven't been near as motivated since the holidays. I jog at least once a week and walk a lot in my neighborhood and at work; I'm going to learn how to surf over the next month or so and that will probably be one of my main forms of exercise this year. My weight varies 5 lbs above and below 165, depending on several factors: the time of the month, being constipated, and stress. If I find that I'm snacking, I just force myself to cool it down for a few days and it's under control. I don't restrict what I eat - I find that telling myself I can't have carbs or sugar only sets me up for a binge. I eat what I want, try to fit in a salad and at least one piece of fruit each day, and drink all my water. I usually have a little chocolate every day - a couple of Hershey's kisses or M&M's is enough to satisfy me. I still follow the pouch rules about 90% of the time, but the rules often go out the window when I'm out having a good time. If I ever feel out of control (PMS often sends me into binge mode), then I just buckle down and follow the pouch rules very strictly for a few days and I'm okay.

As far as health is concerned - I feel fantastic

I just had my year post-op and they determined that I have a hernia that needs to be repaired. The hernia is the only complication I had from the surgery - in fact, I've only thrown up twice since the surgery (once was from eating too fast, the second time was from something too greasy). My labs said that my iron is low (borderline anemic), so that just gives me an excuse to be a huge carnivore for this Easter weekend

I take all my supplements, but I ran out of iron over a week ago and haven't picked some up yet, hence the anemia.

ScootRider · 03-25-2005, 12:43 PM

Excellent. It is success storries like yours that motivate me to want to do it and do it right. I feel like there is a leaner meaner me ready to break out and I suspect that is just what happened to you. Wonderful.

Janet · 03-25-2005, 02:49 PM

I had my surgery July 30, 2003. I have lost 196 pounds and seem to have stopped losing. I will be having a tummy tuck on 4/5/05. This is all I can afford right now, but I have plenty of skin to get rid of.

I love my life. Except for a hernia, I really have not had any problems since the surgery. I have tons of energy and doing all sorts of things I never thought I would do. Walking, shopping, riding a motorcycle

Soon, I hope to sky dive too!

I have never regretted my decision to have this surgery. I was on a one way ticket to a wheelchair. I have not used my cane since the surgery and have been know to run and jump now. (Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?)

ScootRider · 03-26-2005, 10:18 AM

How cool is that?? Tons of energy. And a bike rider to boot!

Bigbaldbuddie · 03-27-2005, 05:43 PM

Did you know or think you had a hernia prior to your Dr. informing you?

choirgirl · 03-28-2005, 05:52 AM

I am 48 years old, and had my surgery in November, 2002. My pre-op weight was 260-265, and I am currently at 148-150. I have maintained this weight for the last year - so I am guessing that this is where I should be. I have my blood levels checked twice a year now, and visit my doctor once a year.
So far the only minor problem that I have had is a low iron count. However, by taking an iron supplement twice a day, it does seem to keep my levels within the normal range.

Having a gastric bypass was the best thing I could have done for my body, I only wish that I had the surgery many years ago.

I am interested in connecting with others who have had bypass, as I do not have a support group.

bridgetgirl · 03-28-2005, 12:05 PM

Thnks for posting choirgirl! You found the right support group on line. What part of PA are you in? I may be relocating there next year... only time will tell. I look forward to your post. There are a couple of folks who post here that are from PA also, i cant think of who they are off the top of my head... chat with ya soon.