Question:
I would like to know the real feelings of people 2 years postop and more..
I am 2 years out.. and have a great support group.. but I am the farthest one out.. and I am looking for people 2 years and more out ... I want to compare how i am doing with others...how we are feeling physically, keeping the weight off... how we are feeling mentally... please share your stories.. thanks — Janell B. (posted on November 28, 2002)
November 28, 2002
I had a duodenal switch in May 2000. I just had my last reconstructive
surgery to remove excess skin. I was 239 pounds day of surgery and she
removed 5 pounds of skin from my arms. I weighed in at my family doc
yesterday at 265. Needless to say, I was less than thrilled, but I can
feel the 30 pounds of swelling in my whole body. I am so damn happy I had
this surgery. For the first time in my life, I know that my weight will
return to 239 and lower without me having to starve, and yo-yo. I
religiously take my supplements and am kind of enjoying meeting the
"health nuts" I am chumming with at the health food store and gym
now. My friendships have changed: one girlfriend no longer trusts me alone
with her husband, my fat friends aren't interested in participating in any
events that require distance walking (like the Degas exhibit at the Art
Institute). I am at peace with my body. I feed it lots of protein, suffer
through the stinky foamy floaters when I eat too much fat, which I do from
time to time, simply because I like what I am eating. I have actually
thrown out the rest of the candy bar because I was satisfied with the two
or three bites I had, and I enjoy the fact that I can eat whatever I want
now without constant guilt, worry or concern. As soon as my 6 feet of arm
incisions heal, I am returning to my yoga class. My blood work studies are
all good and I have no worries about nutritional deficiencies leading to
osteoporosis, etc. I feel GREAT!
So your question on the Thanksgiving was timely. I am thankful. Feel free
to email me anytime you want an oldtimers perspective...
— merri B.
November 28, 2002
I'm 8 yrs out. Still maintaining from my distal RNY. Lost 150, and they
haven't found me yet. What I have to do to hide from them gets more
complicated all the time. You might want to pop onto the Grad list. The
posters are 1+ yrs out only, so you see the good, the bad & the
miserable. As well as some solutions.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
— vitalady
November 28, 2002
I am just over 2 years post-op and absolutely thrilled with my results. I
had a baby in the middle of losing so I'm a little different than most.
I've lost about 160 and ideally want to lose another 20. If I don't I'm
more than happy at my current weight! I can eat anything I want, feel
great and am enjoying my new life!
— mollyhow
December 4, 2002
I am over 21/2 years post. I am a bit below my goal weight. I can do
ANYTHING I want to; I have no limits at all. I work out, walk, run, water
ski, snow ski, bicycle, etc, etc. I have a new & wonderful love in my
life. I can wear almost any clothes I want to (except for sleeveless!)
& look good... or better. I can cross my legs, tie my shoes w/o
shortness of breath; I can reach all the parts of my own body. I'm not
ashamed of myself & I don't feel guilty about anything. I don't feel
embarrassed in public & if I hear children laughing, I don't assume
they are laughing at me, the fat lady. I am still sometimes surprised when
I see my own reflection & it catches me by surprise to remember that
attractive woman is ME. I don't look that great naked. I have a lot of
loose, baggy skin & I vomit sometimes. My weight stays stable pretty
much without any effort, although I do keep fairly active. I do have to
struggle sometimes with my nutrition levels. Overall, oh, yeah, life has
changed from tolerable (barely) to wonderful. I would do it again in a
heartbeat.
— Kathy W.
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