Life after WLS (approx 2.5 years out)

I have had lots of questions from friends in the past week about what all weight loss surgery entails.  My experience with WLS has been interesting and unique and I have no doubt that anyone who has had WLS would say the same about their experience.  There are many surgical options out there so do your research and talk with your surgeon to determine the best option for you.  I chose Roux-en-Y because I needed a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure for the weight loss I needed to achieve.  I have had plenty of complications however the benefit of how I feel now outweighs those complications.  So, with that said, here is a list I have come up with for those considering WLS...

1. There is risk with any surgery and the best thing you can do for yourself is educate yourself.  Know what is involved in the procedure, know your anatomy and what the parts of your intestines do. And go to support groups that are offered by your surgeons office pre-op and post-op.
2.  Understand that this is a life long commitment.  You are forever changing your anatomy! 
3.  If you choose to eat poorly after surgery you will gain weight back (honey moon phase only lasts 18 months).
4.  Make sure you have an incredible support system in place because trust me you will need it!  Not every day is fabulous and you will have days where you are cranky and tired and really want to have a piece of cake.
5.  Make as many changes pre-op as you can.  This will make your post-op life a lot easier.
6.  Your hair will fall out (don't worry, you won't go bald). Take biotin in addition to your recommended vitamins.
7.  Liquid phase is no picnic and not to gross you out but if it all goes in liquid...it's all coming out liquid too my friend.
8.  You will have stalls in your weight loss.  This is normal.  Don't lose focus, keep doing what you are supposed to do and it will pick up again.
9.  You will be happier.  When I say happier I mean you will feel joy like you have never felt because for once in your life the scale is going down instead of up!
10.  You will feel better.
11.  You will be able to run and play with your kids without getting short of breath! And the first time that happens you will feel that joy and excitement all over again and you will want to shout it from the rooftop!  And you should!
12.  Be proud of yourself and never feel ashamed for making the decision to have WLS or not to have WLS for that matter.  The important thing is knowing what is right for you and your body and your life.  Not everyone should have WLS and that is okay, but if you decide you should then be proud of youself.  This is not an easy way out and anyone who is unwilling to understand that (in my opinion), doesn't need to be a part of the journey.

I am going to do better about blogging because it helps me stay on track.  Stress, surgeries, and various other things have allowed me to let myself fall off track.  But I am human and this will happen.  So again I will pick myself up and dust myself off and get on it again.  That is life my friends...

First day back at the gym!

Today I went to the gym for the first time in entirely too long but it felt AMAZING!  Got a great workout and bonus...my husband went with me and worked out too!  Going to the gym is fine alone  as long as I have some good tunes but it's nice to have someone to talk to every now and then :)  I am so thankful to have so much love and support.