4 years out yesterday!

[Mbenson5]

Can't believe I forgot to post this yesterday! That's what happens when you are happy and your life is full! Gosh, I don't even kniw where to start! For those of you on the fence, let me share this with you. I was a 278 lb pediatric occupational therapist. Now just imagine working with kids with disabilities when you have to haul all that weight up and down all day from the floor! I was exhausted and miserable. Worked in the public schools with hours constantly being cut, because at least it wasn't as physically demanding as a hospital. Fast forward 4 years. I finally decided to change my career, using my medical background to get a Masters of Public Administration with a certificate in Public Healthcare. I am interning this summer at a local university health care system and absolutely love it! I would NEVER had the opportunity or even courage to do this at 50 if it hadn't been for the confidence I got from this massive weight loss-139 lbs!

I have tended to still be 15-20 lbs from my personal goal of 125, but I am getting there too! I have learned what my body needs and how to get back on track. It is so much more manageable now, and I make sure I stay on top of it. Never go a day without weighing, because I never want it to get out of control again. I stick with meat and vegetables most days. I feel the best when I do. For example, for lunch I am taking a leftover chicken breast and strawberries and almonds. I might throw in some salad just in case I get hungry later. I try not to let myself get ravenous and keep real food on hand, because if I get too hungry I risk low blood sugar. Generally I don't have any problem, but if I eat too much sugar, it will plummet.

Anyway, gotta go get ready, but I had to share with the newbies that your life can truly change. You HAVE to find out what your body needs in the way of nutrition. I am not a shake or protein bar believer, although some are. Esp for those of us who are sugar junkies, not a good thing to replace one candy bar for another IMHO. Have a fantastic day and if you have any questions just ask away! Cheers!

[Romandona]

Congratulations. I can hear the excitement in your post. You must be very proud of yourself for making your life the best it can be. Also congrats on your career goals - quite an achievement. I'm only 3 months out but feel great and am down 53 pounds total. I still have a large amount to go, but I'm taking small steps and I agree with you on the daily weight. I weigh everyday and others have said don't bother, but I feel it's necessary and knowing is better than not knowing. Following the rules and doing well. You mentioned about being hungry - I've yet to feel hunger, I just eat on a schedule - when this return for you?

[KariVSG]

Im so happy for you. 140 is a great weight to be at but if 120 is your goal that I say go for it girl.

[BAMR]

So happy for you and your success. An inspiration for those of us who are having this procedure! You go girl!!

[Ranger1]

Congrats on your success! It is especially important at your point in the process to not gain back some of the weight that you have lost.

[Merry Mary]

Congrats and keep up the great work. A new job to go with the new you...woo hoo

[WANAGL]

HAPPY SLEEVERSARY!!!

Congratulations on ALL your achievements.

You're an inspiration to me in every way!

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[Pam G]

4 yrs. I can't even imagine it at this point.

Congratulations....you help all us newly sleeved tremendously!

[Ann2]

BOWING DOWN!

Melissa, you have rocked your sleeve and your life.

I've said it a million times -- but the sleeve is a bloody miracle. And nobody should ever disrespect or waste their sleeve. You have celebrated yours.

[Crisps]

Hi Mellisa and Anne, I have only started reading your posts, they really are inspiring.
You have achieved what us newbies can only dream about at the moment as we all find our own individual path to follow, I really love all the tips and advice on this forum, it has been invaluable to me in the last 6 wks before and after surgery.
A big cheer to you both and a hug from a Scot in London.
Please keep posting, my Dietician say in the UK there is very little Data on bariatric surgery patients after 5yrs as we just seem to disappear never to be seen again. I hope not to do that and stay and support future sleevers on here and at my local hospital

[Mbenson5]

Thanks ladies! I appreciate all the feedback! I never forget that regain is always lurking out there. That's why it is so important to stay on too of your weight and if you see any changes, you have to get right on it. That has been my biggest lessons. Here's to the last 15!

[Mbenson5]

BOWING DOWN!

Melissa, you have rocked your sleeve and your life.

I've said it a million times -- but the sleeve is a bloody miracle. And nobody should ever disrespect or waste their sleeve. You have celebrated yours.

Oh my gosh, that is so true! It is a miracle! I have loved being able to stop eating after a few bites. I can eat way more than the first year or so, but nothing like before. I still crave the sugar, but my digestive system hates it. It will always be a struggle I think, but at least it is manageable. The head thing though, that is never going to change. I just have to deal...constantly looking for other ways to deal with the stress rather than eating. Thanks Ann! You are rocking it too! Always an encouraging to me!

[AnneCan]

Wow! Sitting at the airport heading to Mexico today. I don't have as much to lose as many do and there in is the quandary for me. The voices in my head are screaming..."what are you doing"? If I am going to need to exercise and eat right anyway...why not just do that now?
My reason for this is...I feel like I am on a metabolic and hormonal crash course. I've gained 30 lbs in 2 years...I am a big eater but am not a binge eater.
I am 55 and I know the food component for health is key. I can't seem to get a grip on it...I want to prevent further damage. Does this make sense? Tomorrow is my surgery and I'm by myself. Being very self reflective this morning...hoping I'm doing the right thing!
Congrats to you and thanks for posting!

[zoey101]

How very inspirational your story is Melissa. That is fantastic that you first have lost all of that weight and regained your confidence to try something new to better your life. You should be incredibly proud of yourself that you had the courage to better educate yourself and venture out into areas you never would have without the weight loss. You and I are the same age and I find myself looking into other career paths that I never would do if I was still at my original weight. Hats off to you and I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!

[jerzeygirl]

Melissa, you're a great role model for me as well as others. I remember from the "old days" how there was a core group of us who all had our surgeries around the same time. We were all looking to find out way, and look at us now!! You have a new career at 50 and I have a dream job at 66, neither would have been possible without this tool we gained through bariatric surgery. Life is amazing now, and I wouldn't change it for anything.
Maintenance is certainly a challenge, but it's far easier to watch for 5 lbs. than the original starting weight we both were before surgery.
Continued success, and thanks for hanging in here for others to be inspired by your journey!