Three Years Later

[Merry Mary]

It's been three years (plus few days) since I had my surgery. To say this has been a life changing event is an understatement. I have so much more energy since losing the excess weight. I still have protein at every meal and drink water most of the day. Bread seems to sit like cement in my stomach so I don't eat it very often. Other than that, I eat whatever I want.

My advise
* is to find some way to get moving and do it, Run, hike , walk, swim, garden, fish, bike, golf..whatever gets you moving.
* take your vitamins. Yeah most chewables taste nasty, suck it up and take them anyway.
* get your fluids in i.e. Water (you'll end up dehydrated and have more problems if you don't)
* try to get most of your protein from real food (bars and drinks are okay occasionally)

I swim 3 days a week, weight train 3 days a week, and bike/walk every day. I have a two year old 80 pound puppy that wants a walk every day. She passed her therapy dog testing so now we visit nursing homes, police/fire stations and libraries to bring happiness to other people.

Best wishes to all of you

[sraebaer]

I agree with everything you're saying! Congrats on a fabulous 3 years!

By the way, our school has a therapy dog and it is amazing how much Gypsy can help an upset child.

[Ann2]

Oh, good heavens, Merry! What a story! I didn't remember that you'd lost over 200 pounds with the help of your sleeve. That's just awesomely, awesomely awesome!

Your advice to all us sleevers is spot on. Please come around more often and let us know how you're doing. You're such a WLS success!

Ann

[Linda51]

Mary, you're such an inspiration! So good to hear about the new you, and I love hearing about your dog. I'm just retiring and thinking I need something to keep me busy. I wonder if my dog could be trained to be a therapy dog? Something to investigate. Once again, congratulations on your wonderful success!

[Christie13]

Happy anniversary! It is great that you are still maintaining such a huge weight loss 3 years out! Way to go!! 220 lbs is crazy!!! You are freaking amazing!! After reading your post I had to brag about you to my husband!! Just WOW!!!

[Merry Mary]

Go to www.therapydogs.com for an overview of the program. They also have a video of an actual test. It's such a rewarding experience. After a patient finished petting my dog, a caretaker told me the patient hadn't moved in over a month. The patients son said if the last memory he has of his father is of him petting my dog and the smile on his face he knows his Dad was happy.

[Luna354]

You've done amazing! Congratulations!

[JanPit]

Happy Anniversary, Love your post and your positive attitude.

[ghost_ryder]

Awesome Mary, you certainly give everyone a goal to reach for.