made it to 5 years

[thenewmetoday]

Hi all, April 19 was my 5 year anniversary. Seems so long ago and it has been quite a journey. I have never lost weight and kept it off this long before. it has given me time to adjust to the different life style and get comfy with this me.
I have been through joy, fear, ego, ups and downs good and bad.
Would I do it again....in a heart beat. Today I am dealing with a 15 lb weight gain for the first time since surg. It is a wake up call, reminding me that this is my job not the sleeves. Mostly I have been a couch potato (depression) and this is not new for me. What is new is that I have not gained 100 lbs. THANK YOU SLEEVE Spring is almost here (I live in the north in Canada) so my juices are beginning to flow, time to get out hiking and smell the earth.
I have not been on the site for a while, I was a regular for 3-4 years and it was my life line. Many of you know me and I am sorry that I have been silent. Felt like I needed a break and no internet at home so it is not so easy to connect. Now that I am coming out of denial re weight gain I am going to hook up again at home and get back to being a regular. i COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOU.
So many of you have done so very well and I celebrate with you.
CHEERS JOANNE

[Shirl]

Love to you Joanne!

You got this!

[DesertGal]

You have done great! And kept it off!

[Kindle]

Thanks for checking in and giving us an update. You are a great example of how successful we can be and a reminder that the hard work that goes into it never ends. Congrats on your five year anniversary and I have no doubt you will knock out that regain.

[sraebaer]

You can do it! Spring is so beautiful, enjoy!

[Christie13]

Hi Joanne! Awesome job with maintaining for so long! Proud of you for only gaining 15 lbs before taking control of the situation! Nice to meet you!

[Sandra3]

Hey Joanne!! welcome back!!
Winter can take his toll on many of us, me included. I hate when there's no light, the sky is grey for ages and we can't really be out a lot.
In Asia winter is not that cold but it was very humid and a little cold. It does hurt my joints/bones to be outside too long but I go out anyway and then I'm in pain... I could see a huge difference when I was in Australia two weeks ago. We were out all the time and painless!
I'm heading back to France in a few months and was thinking about getting those special lights that are really bright during winter and help with seasonal depression. I think we will all need it because winter is even longer in Europe.
Right now it's "Spring" so it's suddenly really hot and humid and again cold and humid. I don't like Summer in Asia either, so hot and humid it's draining, but at least the sun should be out more often really soon. Can't wait!
15 pounds is not that bad, really, don't worry. As soon as the weather will be better you will be moving more and enjoying fresh veggies I'm sure it will be gone in a flash. Come back more often and keep us posted!! we miss you!!! take care!

[ghost_ryder]

It must be very difficult there in the winter. I am admire people who can live in harsh environments. Glad you are able to get out into the spring air.

[Theresa2]

I saw the forecast for this week and it looks good. Sunny and warm after several days overcast and drizzle. YAY!

[jamma]

Thank you for posting. I feel so hopeful when I hear from someone who's been at it for so long. I feel your depression AND your joy that Spring is here because I would be suffering the same way. We are older and now wintering in Florida and it's a lifesaver for me. I have no doubt that the 15 pound regain will come off in no time. Please keep posting, we can all celebrate your progress!

[mellowjoy]

reminding me that this is my job not the sleeves.

That statement is so true. Congratulations on a job well done and I know you'll be successful getting those pesky 15 pounds off.

[Ann2]

Joanne, good to hear from you, woman. I'm glad to hear you've done so well. I'm not even 3 years post-op -- and look at you, your sleeve going strong at 5 years post-op.

Please do come around more. I have missed you.

Ann

[bigdogluver]

A 100 pound loss is extremely impressive! Spring is coming and I hope it buoys your spirits so that you can reach your goal again. You can do it, you're a winner!

[stacydev]

Congrats on your anniversary! You can do it!