Losing Weight (Again) ...After Gastric Bypass Surgery

abanek1

Thanks for taking time to learn about my journey! Like most of you I have struggled with my weight my whole life. But, unlike many others, in 2003, I had had Gastric Bypass Surgery. The results were fast and incredible. I lost 130 pounds in about six months. I was constantly nauseous and weak, but happy to be thinner. What I didn’t take into account was that I had learned nothing about eating right or being fit. While the weight stayed off for a few years, after three children and the pressures of life, I had gained back 80 pounds. I felt defeated.Weight Loss

As a mother of three that commutes three hours a day, I had poor eating habits. I was eating just a few times a day and my diet consisted of whatever I could grab quickly. This often meant eating a bagel in the car on my way to work. At lunch I would eat what I thought was a healthy salad in the cafeteria, which actually was packed with high calorie foods and sugary dressing. By the time I got home for dinner, I wouldn’t feel like eating and would eat left overs from my children’s plates and then often snack on chips in the evening.

In 2015, I saw a picture of myself at Easter and started to cry. How could I had gone through the pain of Gastric bypass surgery and gone right back to being out of shape? I was so embarrassed. I was so tired that the idea of working out seemed completely unattainable. But, I just stopped eating and started running. Initially I lost some weight, but my knees hurt and I was starving. I would get shaky from low blood sugar and end up binging. My friend suggested 21 Day Fix and I agreed, when I went on the Beachbody site to order, I thought, “This is ridiculous, I will never have a Beachbody.” And, when I got the workout, I couldn’t believe I was going to lift weights. I was always a big girl and never wanted to appear strong or masculine. But, I decided what I had been doing had never worked, so it was time to just follow a program and listen to someone else. In my mind I thought, “If I could just lose 20 pounds…” My expectations of myself were low and I wondered how I could be inspired by these fit people that I thought I had nothing in common with.

As of today, I have lost 60 pounds. But, I don't even care about that anymore. I have developed new habits. I have learned the benefits of planning time for myself to be a better me. And, for the first time in 41 years, I love working out! I feel so proud of myself daily when my workout is “in the books.” I feel strong, and I love my muscles! I have lost inches and my physic is better than it ever was after Gastric Bypass because I am fit… not just thinner. It makes me happy and sad at the same time. I wish I could tell my younger self … or someone like me… “You can do this on your own.” Because now… I know I can! I can’t wait for my future and love the idea of helping others to feel as great as I do!

Please friend or message me for support!

artistrygirl15

Amazing! Congrats on being healthy and fit!

KellyGettingHealthy

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have been thinking about getting the gastric sleeve, but reading stories like yours really makes me think I could do it on my own and to not do the surgery.

sandrachis

This is a really good story. I'm down to the last 21 pounds but now is the time I start gaining. I would like to friend you and hope I know how to do it. I've been up and down the 100 lb scale more then once. Three kids will do it. Best wishes to you.

itsbasschick

thanks for sharing your inspiring story!

jen82cook

Thanks for sharing! I had gastric bypass in 2007 gained about 45 pounds back but not bad for almost 10 years. Now getting ready to take it off.

abanek1

Yay! You can do it!!

120poundstogo

Yay! That is so great!

korrieriley

Hi I'm so pleased that you have had the courage to admit the ups and downs since having the surgery. I'm 4 years post bypass. I lost 15 stone before and after surgery but stalled and still need to lose 6 stone to reach target. I have several disabilities and need to now exercise which I'll give 100% but a week in and I'm ok but not losing. If anything I feel bloated and fatter I don't understand so if anyone has any ideas or would like to be friends. I can promise I'm a great advice giver but know how the gastric surgery can affect you. Friends and support needed.