Nine Months Anniversary! - ThinnerTimes

HapBird · 06-27-2005, 06:49 PM

Today is the ninth month anniversary of my surgery.

I have accomplished a MUCH greater weight loss than I ever thought possible - when I started out, I knew that some gastric bypass patients never reach the "normal" weight goal they're assigned, and that it's not uncommon to lose somewhere between fifty and eighty percent of one's excess weight. I determined that if I got under 200 pounds, and could manage somewhere around 175-185, I'd be fine. I felt good and looked good at that weight range years ago, and would be happy to be at that point once again.

The 30-year record of around 150, or a little under, was something I thought unattainable.

Well, I now stand somewhere around 152 or so - my weight's been fluctuating up and down from just over 150 to 153 or so for a while now - and people have been telling me I'm TOO thin. I didn't think so myself - I've been having a real HOOT buying many "SMALL" size clothing items, shopping in the BOYS department from time to time, etc.

But after seeing photos of myself on vacation recently, I am starting to agree that indeed I do look too thin. Two nurses have expressed this opinion, and wondered if I've lost TOO MUCH.

I have an appointment with Kelly in a couple of weeks, and intend to take this up with her. I think I'm going to say that I feel my "goal" and ideal weight should be around 160 or so, and see what she says. In fact, I'm not going to listen to her if she says different (the "charts" show that I should weigh 150 or a little under, but the "charts" can't see what I look like!)

The weird thing about this is that I find it exceedingly peculiar to be in the position of needing to GAIN weight! This is something that has never happened to me before! I am trying to add some extra caloiries there and there, but it's very tempting to eat things that are on the outside fringe of healthy eating to accomplish this. I have to be on the lookout to avoid going back to my old binge habits.

Every now and then, though, I'm presented with a food challenge - such as a reception at church yesterday with tons of cake, cookies, and other things I'd best leave alone - and I had NO temptation whatsoever to eat any of it. So I AM recovering!

It will take time to adjust to being in a different body than I have had for many years. It will take time to learn what I can eat and not gain weight - or what I need to eat in order to do so.

One day at a time...

Losin'it · 06-27-2005, 08:44 PM

Congrats, HapBird! Way to go!!!

Normal BMIs are considered between 18.5 and 24, however your healthcare provider may come up with a BMI goal for you outside of this range.

Sounds like you are feeling great and doing well with conquering your ex-binging habits. Enjoy your new body!

Anne · 06-27-2005, 09:13 PM

Congrats, Phil,

You are really an inspiration to us all. I can't even imagine, either, worrying if I was losing too much weight!! Isn't that kind of wonderful? Great job and have a wonderful time with that new healthy body of yours!

Blueyz · 06-27-2005, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HapBird

Today is the ninth month anniversary of my surgery.

I have accomplished a MUCH greater weight loss than I ever thought possible - when I started out, I knew that some gastric bypass patients never reach the "normal" weight goal they're assigned, and that it's not uncommon to lose somewhere between fifty and eighty percent of one's excess weight. I determined that if I got under 200 pounds, and could manage somewhere around 175-185, I'd be fine. I felt good and looked good at that weight range years ago, and would be happy to be at that point once again.

The 30-year record of around 150, or a little under, was something I thought unattainable.

Well, I now stand somewhere around 152 or so - my weight's been fluctuating up and down from just over 150 to 153 or so for a while now - and people have been telling me I'm TOO thin. I didn't think so myself - I've been having a real HOOT buying many "SMALL" size clothing items, shopping in the BOYS department from time to time, etc.

But after seeing photos of myself on vacation recently, I am starting to agree that indeed I do look too thin. Two nurses have expressed this opinion, and wondered if I've lost TOO MUCH.

I have an appointment with Kelly in a couple of weeks, and intend to take this up with her. I think I'm going to say that I feel my "goal" and ideal weight should be around 160 or so, and see what she says. In fact, I'm not going to listen to her if she says different (the "charts" show that I should weigh 150 or a little under, but the "charts" can't see what I look like!)

The weird thing about this is that I find it exceedingly peculiar to be in the position of needing to GAIN weight! This is something that has never happened to me before! I am trying to add some extra caloiries there and there, but it's very tempting to eat things that are on the outside fringe of healthy eating to accomplish this. I have to be on the lookout to avoid going back to my old binge habits.

Every now and then, though, I'm presented with a food challenge - such as a reception at church yesterday with tons of cake, cookies, and other things I'd best leave alone - and I had NO temptation whatsoever to eat any of it. So I AM recovering!

It will take time to adjust to being in a different body than I have had for many years. It will take time to learn what I can eat and not gain weight - or what I need to eat in order to do so.

One day at a time...

Phli~
First of all congrats. on your success. I so much agree with what you said here because I am too skinny now, too and I am getting a lot of rude comments. I lost 10 pounds with my hernia repair / TT surgery and that is not from the skin loss, it is because my body is using more calories to heal. I have to go under the knife again this Thursday and I just can't afford to lose any more weight. I, too am going to discuss this with Dr. Callery when I see him in July. It is just so strange to ever think that we would have to think about trying to "gain" weight.

glad to know all is well with you and hope to see you soon.

misty gunn · 06-28-2005, 01:10 AM

Congrats to you, thats wonderful. I can't wait!!

watergirl · 06-28-2005, 07:39 AM

Gosh, it's been nine months since we saw you in the hospital? My how time flys when you're having fun! Way to go my friend! Congratulations on your successful journey!

Let us know what Kelly says about your weight.

pambragg · 06-28-2005, 08:46 AM

Phil,

You have done a phenomenal job, congratulations to you!! It is so funny to think that we may actually get under our goals......although I don't see it happening with me! You are an amazing success story and it's so nice to see you posting again.

HapBird · 06-28-2005, 08:36 PM

I appreciate all the positive feedback, congrats, etc.

The funny thing is, this time for once, the weight loss is the result of the decision I had to go ahead with the surgery - without it, I'd never have lost any substantial weight at all, probably, and these last 9 months have seemed kind of like a dream in some ways - it's not as if I'm doing some magically self-sacrificing diet thing to keep my weight down - it just happens.

I know that my success so far is not altogether typical, but I sort of feel like I've won the lottery. What were the chances I'd lose so much of the weight?!

On the other hand, there's a lurking fear that some or a lot of weight could come roaring back one of these days... I've heard of it happening, and I don't think I'll ever be able to say I'm cured of overeating. There are still times that my food choices are more to do with issues other than hunger or need, it's just that I'm not able to do as much damage now as I could before.

I am managing to stay away from sugar - it's been nearly a year - and I do not miss it particularly. I have been enjoying some "no sugar added" things like ice cream, some low-sugar cookies I found at Costco, and some Luna bars and things like that some of which do contain small amounts of sugar. But the longer I'm away from really oversweetened, sugary foods, the less they appeal to me. This is a transformation I never thought could happen. But it IS happening... and for the first time, the few sugar-substitute foods I do eat, I do not binge on - I'm able to have one smallish bowl of sugar-free ice cream, or one of those low-sugar cookies, and don't feel the need to stuff my face with a whole lot more of them.

The challenge of feeling like I need to gain weight is daunting though - I have to eat six or seven times a day to keep from losing more - and at that rate, it feels like I'm back at grazing/binging again. But I'm actually not, so I guess I'm learning to live with my new eating style.

Another unanswered question is whether I'll still be at a decent weight two, five, or ten years from now. A lot can happen. But the OA mantra of "one day at a time" keeps coming to mind - and if I can keep my life going in small manageable increments like that, then it's not as frightening as thinking "Gosh, I've gotta keep this up for the rest of my life."

It will be interesting to see if Kelly has a different opinion on my calling myself at goal even though my BMI is slightly over the "normal" mark, and into the "overweight" range. NOBODY looking at me would consider me the remotest bit overweight - quite the contrary.

On the other hand, she might have some perspective on how the body loses weight under this procedure - perhaps we get bony and overly thin looking at first, then fill out space with muscle later or something (gotta do them workouts, I guess!)

Thanks for listening/reading... I do get long-winded sometimes.

Red Feather · 06-29-2005, 02:15 AM

Way to go Phil!! I must tell you that when I was in the "research" phase of this process you were truly an inspiration to me. I would check the "new posts" and only read yours. It's true. We finally had a chance to meet after a North county meeting a couple of months ago. I didn't want you to know how much or how long I had "stalked" you, but I so appreciated the opportunity to meet you in person. You are amazing. If ever a success story was written, it is yours. You are so absolutely committed that there is no option but to succeed. I know how difficult it has been for you to deal with this addiction, as it has been dealing with others in your past. YOU WILL SUCCEED, because you want it so bad. I wish I had your conviction! I too deal with my demons, as do so many of us, daily, but... you absolutely take it to the limit. I am a fan. As far as I can see, and it’s not all the way to Florida, you are the recipient of your endeavors. In other words, you get what you put into it. If you are feeling a bit too thin, then there must be a reason. Talk to Kelly. Get what you need from that conversation, but be who your are. For one, I wouldn't change a thing!~ Love ya Phil, just keep being you! Cherie

HapBird · 06-30-2005, 06:47 PM

What can I say?

My electronic self must be more charismatic than my physical one.

Glad my musings have been useful. I try to share my ups and downs, hoping that they'll resonate with others in some way, good or bad.

Nice to know someone's listening!

Bashfully,

Phil