Four years surgiversary on 2/8/2017

[goestogym]

What a journey that we're all undertaking! For me, it certainly hasn't been always an easy one. I religiously do some things right. For me these are attending any of the local bariatric support groups in my area, giving up gluten, and making exercise a priority.

It is said that the honeymoon period with the procedure is about a year--mine thank god, was more like two years. After that, the head hunger was a demon that I had and continually have to fight. Using food to self-medicate is an addiction just like drugs or alcohol. So many times we hear that "they operate on your stomach, not your head"

I did slip up and gain about 15 pounds and was devastated. However, the tool of the sleeve still works and will work if you get yourself back on track. I was able to lose the 15 pounds. I had a strong motivation, plastic surgery! It was recommended that I get to my ideal weight before I undertook a facelift, brow lift and eyelid surgery. For me, setting that goal and knowing that I had something to look forward to got me back on track. Then I noticed how our miracle tool helped me. I did a meal plan and was able to stick with it and lost the 15 pounds over the summer.

It is also said that a person is considered successful if they are able to lose and maintain 50 percent of their excess weight and keep it off for I believe five years. So the expectation in my opinion is rather low (You have 100 pounds to lose, you lose 50 and keep it off for 5 years you're considered successful)

[Slimbydesign]

Hi! Congrats on your accomplishments! I am 2.5 years out and have recently put on weight...you are correct, the sleeve still works, I've just gotten into the bad habit of ignoring that 'full' feeling and not eating properly. I'm back on track now and am losing again...thank you for posting, seeing someone five years out and doing well gives all of us hope! Great job.

[cathbas]

I am at almost 2 years and yep it is that head that gets me every time..
but i am sooooooooooo glad i did this!!
lots of success and blessings sent your way...

[Christie13]

Your words about gaining weight and using your tool to lose it back was wonderful. I think it is important that people hear that this is a tool and it is how we work it. Great post!

[bigdogluver]

I was so glad to see this post. This is my biggest fear - regaining the weight. But, to see that you confronted it and overcame it and are sharing your story is so motivating to me. Regain can be overcome and has been overcome. That's great. I don't plan on gaining weight but just in case, I have this to re-read. I struggle with an eating addiction and have self-medicated with food. I'm working on it but it will always be a struggle, I know this. Again, thanks for sharing this with us.