Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group
Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.
Yesterday was my 6 year surgiversary! Life has only gotten busier since last year's surgiversary. I'm still working on my doctorate - only a year and 3 months left!! I had foot surgeries in November and December and I've had my hands full with my parents' health issues for the past few months. Right now, both of them are in the hospital - on different floors. It is difficult to watch my parents become "old people." Watching my father have difficulty getting out of bed is a sobering reminder that I need to be active every day.
I still focus on protein, take all my vitamins, don't drink with meals (or 30 minutes before/after), drink lots of water, and avoid artificial sweeteners and white food (flour, bread, sugar, rice, pasta). I still start every day with a protein shake. I haven't been exercising regularly, other than little stuff around the house. However, I miss working up a sweat - In March, I can start exercising again (I'm looking for a kickboxing gym). Last week, I stopped having red wine every evening. I was drinking more than I should and I was concerned about becoming dependent or addicted.
I am incredibly thankful for my RNY. As I sit in the hospital waiting room resting my laptop on my crossed legs, I'm reflect on pre-surgery life... always being uncomfortable, having to use a c-pap, not being able to move freely, not being able to find clothes that fit, and the shame I felt for being a "failure" when it came to my weight. Life is so different today. Now that I'm not abusing it with food, my body serves me well. I can even say in all honesty, I like my body. Yes, there are still things I'd change if I had a magic wand, but I think I look pretty damn good for my age, especially after losing 175 lbs.
Last year, I was 3 lbs over my preferred target weight and I've gone up another 7 lbs (which takes me to 10 lbs above my preferred weight range). The extra weight comes from a combination of foot surgeries, stress, and allowing bad habits back into my life. I can still wear most of my clothes, but they are tight. Last week I cut out many of the extras I'd allowed to creep back into my diet and shed 2 of the 10 lbs. I'm going skiing in March - my goal is to shed 8 lbs so I can comfortably fit into my ski outfit.
When I was over 300 lbs, I promised myself that if I ever got below 160 lbs, I wouldn't beat myself up or think of myself as "fat" - because I knew what being super morbidly obese felt/looked like and anything below 160 was heaven in comparison! Therefore, I am not beating myself up over the extra few pounds. I'm just making the decision that eating extra stuff isn't worth carrying them around. I'd stopped weighing and logging my weight every day - so I'm back to doing that now.
No, life isn't perfect - it never will be. However, I am thankful I get to move through it in my re-built, healthy, strong body!! Totally worth it!
Happy surgiversary to me!
JJ
I still focus on protein, take all my vitamins, don't drink with meals (or 30 minutes before/after), drink lots of water, and avoid artificial sweeteners and white food (flour, bread, sugar, rice, pasta). I still start every day with a protein shake. I haven't been exercising regularly, other than little stuff around the house. However, I miss working up a sweat - In March, I can start exercising again (I'm looking for a kickboxing gym). Last week, I stopped having red wine every evening. I was drinking more than I should and I was concerned about becoming dependent or addicted.
I am incredibly thankful for my RNY. As I sit in the hospital waiting room resting my laptop on my crossed legs, I'm reflect on pre-surgery life... always being uncomfortable, having to use a c-pap, not being able to move freely, not being able to find clothes that fit, and the shame I felt for being a "failure" when it came to my weight. Life is so different today. Now that I'm not abusing it with food, my body serves me well. I can even say in all honesty, I like my body. Yes, there are still things I'd change if I had a magic wand, but I think I look pretty damn good for my age, especially after losing 175 lbs.
Last year, I was 3 lbs over my preferred target weight and I've gone up another 7 lbs (which takes me to 10 lbs above my preferred weight range). The extra weight comes from a combination of foot surgeries, stress, and allowing bad habits back into my life. I can still wear most of my clothes, but they are tight. Last week I cut out many of the extras I'd allowed to creep back into my diet and shed 2 of the 10 lbs. I'm going skiing in March - my goal is to shed 8 lbs so I can comfortably fit into my ski outfit.
When I was over 300 lbs, I promised myself that if I ever got below 160 lbs, I wouldn't beat myself up or think of myself as "fat" - because I knew what being super morbidly obese felt/looked like and anything below 160 was heaven in comparison! Therefore, I am not beating myself up over the extra few pounds. I'm just making the decision that eating extra stuff isn't worth carrying them around. I'd stopped weighing and logging my weight every day - so I'm back to doing that now.
No, life isn't perfect - it never will be. However, I am thankful I get to move through it in my re-built, healthy, strong body!! Totally worth it!
Happy surgiversary to me!
JJ
You have been an inspiration for me and a valued source of advice and support since I joined this group in the summer of 2010, a few months before my own surgery.
Like you, I have put on a few pounds, and I want to lose 12 of them. I'm doing it by cutting carbs and trying to be more active. (Cutting carbs, while not increasing calories).
Like you, I still have a protein shake every morning. I don't know how I'd get in all the protein without it.
I think the biggest psychological change I've noticed since having the surgery is that I no longer see my body as "the enemy." I now know how it responds to the marco nutrients, and I know how to treat it to maintain health. That may be the most valuable gift of all--seeing my body as an ally now, rather than an adversary.
I'm sorry about your parents, I know that must be a hugely stressful situation for you. I'll keep all of you in my prayers. :)
Thanks for sticking around to show us how to do this well, and congratulations on your surgiversary!
I celebrate your surgerversary and your determination to move forward with your life no matter what the obstacles. Congrats and a big HOOORAH!
Jo
You give hope . I have not yet had my surgery and the time is getting close. I feel you pain with the elderly parents. My mother is getting older before my eyes . We had a scare a year ago last August . I am grateful that she is better. But it opened my eyes to how short time is and that she will some day not be here for me to talk to . So I am making the most of it for now. I am looking forward to the day when I to and post on here that I have kept the weight off and am doing great as well.
Thank you for Sharing.
Deb
Happy Surgiversary to you!! I wish you continued success and a wonderful ski trip.