Checking in, 4 years post op

[Numbers]

Well, its been 3 years and 11 months since I was in Nashville getting out of the hospital from the sleeve surgery.

Lots of stuff around here about the few months after, my experience was comparable to most, no issues that I did not expect. Recovery was easy for me, 3 days post op I was able to get back to work.

Yesterday was interesting, went to family dinner and of course could eat very little. I don't "hide" the fact I had surgery, but I do not go around preaching about it either. Other than the people closest to me, no one really cares. But people often notice my wife and I order one meal and split it when we go out to diner.

I can, and do, eat whatever I want, when ever I want. I just can not eat much. I can not get down a 1/4 lb burger from Hardee's, but I can get almost all of it down.

My hair is much thinner, up until I had the surgery I had very thick hair, now when out on the boat I have to wear a dew rag or hat of my scalp gets burnt. It does not look like I am going bald, but definitely thinning.

I often take a multi vitamin but by no means daily, I just forget.

At my last physical Doc said "I don't know how guys your age get numbers this good" when looking at my blood work. I get a second physical from VA and it is always been good since the surgery. However pre-surgery I was diagnosed pre-diabetic, my genetics are not good in that regard, mom passed away at 69 from complications of diabetes.

Settled in at 180 lbs, no matter what I eat. My weight might be up or down 2 lbs on an odd day, but that is it, I have settled in at 180. That took about 2 years. At one time I dropped to 170 and way to many people said I looked sick. Might have been the rapid loss to that, or 170 just may be to low for me. I have been at 180 for about 2 years now.

Waist size is 32", medium underwear, but a large shirt, size 48" suit jacket, so I carry a lot of weight in my chest.

I did not become a gym rat, marathon runner, food nazi, or any other extreme stuff, I just live. I have a no-so active career, I am in an office most all day.

So that is my story, or maybe more accurate the lack of a big story, which is good.

[Mem]

Good to hear from you and that you are still doing well. I am six years out and maintaining. I have yet to eat a Thanksgiving dinner where it has not all come back up. I don't overeat so it must be the richness of the food. Do you hear from Anne?

[sraebaer]

Good story! It's cool how everyone finds what works for them. I'm not a gym rat, marathon runner, or food nazi either, however I love being active outside. Looking forward to a ski trip next week. Even taking Nordic "skate" ski lessons, whatever that is. Sounds complicated after being a downhill skier since I was five. Hope I come home in one piece.

[Ann2]

Hey there, Numbers! GREAT to hear from you.

And what's this about a "wife"? You got married? Congratulations!

I'm doing great, too -- still maintaining my 100-pound weight loss. My numbers are wonderful. Not long ago my family doctor said: "The bad news is you're going to die. The good news is it won't be from heart disease." My bad/good cholesterol ratio came in at 1.0. You can't get any better than that.

In August I had a body analysis done and clocked in at 23% body fat, which is in the "lean" category. The technician said she NEVER sees those numbers for women my age. Very happy about that. And in the girl department, I look really GREAT for an old broad. Will turn 73 in a few weeks. My health is just wonderful -- I can do and will do anything I want.

Again, it's lovely to hear from you. So happy you've had such great success from your WLS. We are so fortunate.

Happy holidays and a wonderful 2019 to you and yours.

Ann

[KiwiGal]

Great post.
So glad that living your own life and have found what works for you.
I love reading theses success posts from the veterans of the forum. Always great inspiration.

[Christie13]

Great that you are maintaining so easily. Good on you.