FIVE Year Surgiversary!

[sraebaer]

Five years ago today I had my sleeve surgery, and I’m still hanging out here. It really helps keep me accountable and my head in the game. I’m at the high end of the normal BMI range, so not skinny, but just right for me, a weight I can maintain while still enjoying life.

I really don’t have any great words of wisdom this year, just a few random thoughts.

Losing the weight was EASY. Have a positive attitude, follow the rules, and the weight will fall off. Make it fun! Quit whining about the little things like temporary stalls, slight hair loss, a little saggy skin, craving some certain food, as none of that is any big deal. Don’t tell me you can’t drink your water or meet your protein goals, just do it. Get excited about dropping weight, shopping, and doing things you never could do before. I’m still in amazement that I am no longer fat, never in my wildest dreams did I think that would be possible. Disclaimer - if you have some major medical issues or complications feel free to whine, and I’m very sorry that is happening to you. But for most of us, suck it up buttercup. How could you not have the time of your life getting your health back and losing a ton of weight?

Maintaining weight loss isn’t quite as easy, but it can be done with some diligence. I weigh myself every day and if I’m up a little I get back to the basics immediately. Vacations are my downfall, I always have to get on track after getting out of my typical routine. But no way am I going to regain this weight. I have a closet full of adorable clothes that aren’t going anywhere until they go out of style. (Some have).

All of us here who have maintained do it differently; everyone finds what works for them. I basically follow the “rule of two” (that I made up) and eat a protein and veggie at every meal. For snacks I have something like fruit, greek yogurt, nuts, or low-fat string cheese. I have the occasional treat and balance it out with my love of working out. There is nothing I deprive myself of. Others count every calorie. Others track online. Others never overeat. Few are super lucky to just eat whatever and maintain. (That would be you Katrina!) If I ate anything I wanted I would be on the fast train back to obesity.

Never use “Life” as an excuse for your weight issues. We all have stress in our lives, but we have to learn to deal with it in other ways than eating crap. I broke my neck a few years ago, still hurts. Now I’m dealing with my mom’s death and it’s probably the most stressful time of my 61 years. Not only the grief, but the business involved in dying, it’s insane, basically a full time job trying to get everything in order. Some hospital bills haven’t been paid after 2 months because they say they weren’t medically necessary. Really, she DIED! Rant over. No excuse to eat cookies. The other excuse that really bugs me is when people say, “My doctor says everyone gains back weight.” Not if they don’t want to. Probably doctors know many formerly obese people often go back to their old eating habits. Or some people realize they got too thin and get back to a comfortable weight they know they can maintain. (Sadly, never my problem.)

I would say the #1 reason I have maintained my weight is that I enjoy exercise, always have. I hiked and skied even when I was fat, just ate the wrong stuff. Both hubby and I just retired and we only go on active vacations. This summer we climbed mountains and biked in Colorado twice, kayaked and SUPed around Beaver Lake, and hiked the Olympic Peninsula. We just got home from biking around northern Wisconsin to see the fall colors and cranberry harvest, and hiking in the UP of Michigan along Lake Superior. In 2 weeks we are going on a Country Walkers hiking trip around Sicily. At home I’m hiking in my woods, or going to the gym if it’s way too hot or cold. I’m not a gym (indoors) lover but know I need to participate in weight classes more than I do. Then comes ski season, then, as Ann says, rinse and repeat. In August we will attempt to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, already paid the deposit. Our retirement motto is we are going to do crazy shit as long as we can! (Kili will be extra crazy. I should weigh less at my 6 year post.)

Here are my 3 pieces of advice from 5 years of experience:

1. Have FUN losing your weight. No whining unless you really have something to whine about.

2. When you reach your goal, figure out how you will maintain your loss for the rest of your life. Find what works for you and your new lifestyle will become a habit.

3. Get active. When skiing last winter we had a tour of the mountain from this 78-year-old who kicked our butts, and I have been skiing since I was 5. When we asked his secret he said, “Stay off the couch.” He told us most of his friends were in Phoenix, God’s waiting room.

I’ve attached one before photo from the summer of 2013 at the beach, and three from some of my adventures from the summer of 2018.

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[Ann2]

Oh, sraebaer! I love your fifth surgiversary post! I concur with your advice to all the lurkers. And the newbies. And the maintainers.

BTW, I owe this board a Fourth Surgiversary post. I'll get my act together and post it soon.

[elllie]

HI sraebaer, well done on your 5 year anniversary. You look amazing and your advice is sound. I am hoping that the stats about weight gain mainly relate to those that don't exercise or haven't in the past. I too have always been active even when I was obese.

[AnnieG]

Sharon, what a fabulous post! You and Ann2 keep me honest! I agree about whining (although plead guilty but in my defense, it is NOT a little hair its a monk's bald spot, lol).

I'm working on the activity. It's inhospital in the humidity and heat a good bit here, and I'd rather be outside as well. But moving keeps us, well moving!

I also agree heartily about if you use your tool properly in whatever way works for you, you don't gain it back.

CONGRATULATIONS, you wonderful Sharon, you! And may you get to the otherside of things with the processes around death.

[AnnieG]

Oh, sraebaer! I love your fifth surgiversary post! I concur with your advice to all the lurkers. And the newbies. And the maintainers.

BTW, I owe this board a Fourth Surgiversary post. I'll get my act together and post it soon.

I'll be looking so forward to it!

[MsLisa71]

[QUOTE=sraebaer;601603]

I really don’t have any great words of wisdom this year, just a few random thoughts.[QUOTE]


Your 'random' thoughts are spot on - thank you for sharing your expertise and congrats on your 5 years!!!

[Stacey03]

Such great advice! I love hearing your no nonsense chats. I'm sorry its such a difficult time at the moment for you after loosing your Mumma xx

[KiwiGal]

My Hero! My inspiration!
You are just the best Sharon!
I love the way that you and Ann2 "tell it like it is"!
Thank you for your pearls of wisdom.

[denzel]

Congratulations and very well done!

I love that pic of you hiking - you look fantastic as does the scenery.

[Loveangel104]

Though not intending for words of wisdom, you have succeeded. Lol.

Happy fith year! Here’s to many more!

~*~Christina~*~

[Christie13]

Happy surgiversary Sraebaer! You are a legend in these parts!! You always speak the truth and never mince words. Your honesty is absolutely refreshing!

[The North Sleeve]

Congrats on 5 years!! You have done very well and give great advice to others!!

[Dutchie]

Congratulations Sharon, your 5th surgiversary, wow!
Thanks for this wonderful posting, I love it.
"Make this fun" really IS a pearl of wisdom.

[Dutchie]

I'll be looking so forward to it!

Mee too!
Already waiting in anticipation!

[jerzeygirl]

Happy 5th year of success! You're a wonderful advocate and have helped others along the way, which is a powerful way of "paying it forward." I totally agree with your sentiments. I tell the new patients on the second day after surgery, you can all lose the weight, it's easy in the beginning and new changes will happen daily so enjoy, however; it's the maintenance phase that may become a challenge. Prepare the first 6-12 months by changing eating behaviors, being mindful, incorporate fitness and be cognizant about what you want not just short-term, but forever! The tool is powerful and will serve you well, you just have to keep it "sharp" and that's what you've done.

I agree about the vacations, my husband and I will almost choose a location where we can hike, walk, or just enjoy the scenery and get in some good exercise! I find, same as you, that going "back to basics" on a consistent basis keeps me in check and for the last 7 years post op I've maintained the higher-end of my 145 pound weight loss and feel like I'm 29 instead of being almost 69!

I am retiring in March from my job as assistant bariatric coordinator at our local large hospital. The job has kept me accountable for the last 4 years, but I'm making plans on joining fitness classes and will keep active among the bariatric community! I, too, made a promise to myself that "I will never gain weight" again. I fear for my health, my energy and my life is that would happen; so pray daily it won't and work my program to the best of my ability.

Continued success and thanks for being such a great advocate!