Two Year Surgiversary!

**southernmom** · 10-17-2018 09:04 AM

Today marks two years! I still feel like this is the best thing I've ever done for myself. There are things that I've learned on this journey the past two years. First off, it is possible to have the surgery and keep off the weight. After countless years of yo-yo dieting, I found this to be the one thing that has helped me keep it off. This was my greatest concern going into the surgery. I had heard so many stories of people regaining their weight after this procedure, and I was worried that it would be a waste of time and money. (I paid cash for my procedure.)
If you are considering this surgery, be happy that you found this site. I don't live in the city where my surgery was preformed, so I don't have a support group. This forum has been a valuable tool in helping me with concerns and questions. Even though I don't post as often as I used to, it's nice to have a place to come and hear what others have to say about their experiences.
Two years out, there are a lot of differences that have noticed since the surgery. The most obvious is the weight loss and everything that comes along with it. I do feel like I am treated differently as a thinner person. I'm sad to say that I do think that there is prejudice against heavier people. I can eat more than I could the first year, so I am mindful of my portions and the types of food that I eat. I still try to restrict simple carbs and sugar. If it is unavoidable, and I have to eat a meal high in carbohydrates, I don't feel that great afterwards. I still don't drink with meals and I haven't had a soft drink since before the surgery. Another thing that helps me stay on track is to weigh myself every morning. It lets me to stay focused each day. I can see how people lose track of their eating and begin to regain. I really didn't know what was meant when people said that this surgery is a tool in their weight loss journey. I know what that means now. It isn't a miracle fix all for weight loss, but it is a very valuable tool in the overall process. I know that I will have to monitor my weight and eating for the rest of my life in order to keep the weight off. The good thing is that it isn't like the fad diets that I used to do prior to surgery. It really is a lifestyle change and not a diet and isn't hard to do.
A big thing that I learned about myself this year is that I'm not an emotional eater, but a convenience eater. My dad passed away this year unexpectedly after a brief illness. During the planning of his services and the aftermath, I spent a lot of time with my mother. We didn't have a lot of time or energy to cook, and were thankful for the food items brought to us by friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, most of the dishes were carb laden casseroles and desserts. I found myself eating what was there and not worrying about how I should be eating. I didn't feel great both physically and emotionally. I didn't gain any weight, but realized that sometimes I will eat what's there and not stay on track if I'm too tired to prepare anything. This is something that I will try and remember in the future.
So enough rambling. I hope to have a similar update this time next year. I would encourage anyone who is going to do this procedure to get everything straight in their head before doing the procedure. I think that as time goes on, the success of your journey has a lot to do with your mental outlook. Thanks to everyone on this site for your recommendations and advice, it really has helped. I hope to pass it on and be a help to others on their journey.

**Stacey03** · 10-21-2018 02:13 AM

Sounds like you are doing great. Congrats on your success :-)

**Dutchie** · 10-21-2018 02:19 AM

Thanks for sharing your story.
I am sorry for the loss of your father...

But it sounds like you are doing great!

**AnnieG** · 10-21-2018 06:32 AM

Way to go, even during the hard times! Self care and a working tool surely make a difference and I think success leads to success. Thank you for sharing.