Hello! I had RNY in december 2008. I had diabetes type two and a non alcoholic fatty liver. I no longer have to monitor my sugar with metformin, and my liver is normal. I am 33 years old, female and 5 foot 7. I went from 325lbs to 180 lbs. I then gained back up to 240lbs then back down to 200lbs where I am right now. My goal is 160. I currently wear size 12-14 depending on brand.

I've always been a very athletic and strong woman. I used to run 5k 10k triathlon and biathons. As well as took every dance class when in University. I wore a bikini and rocked it out at 155 lbs. I am the type of person who used to eat out of stress and emotion. Instead of bothering anyone with a worry I had . . I would just eat. After my father suffered a disabling stroke I just ate and ate until WOW I was freaking dying of it. This was over several years.

I have no regrets having this surgery as I feel it really helped me correct my diabetes. I found it to be a very emotional journey. I had no adverse physical reactions. No surgery scares. I did everything to the letter. I had to relearn a new relationship with food. After about 16 months the honeymoon of dropping weight is OVER. At that point you pretty much become just like anyone else again. Eating a lot of all kinds of things. Granted I can never go for 3 or 4 helpings at thanksgiving . . .but I don't want to. - I still have to watch everything I eat like a HAWK.

My weight gain and loss after the surgery was me slipping back into old bad habits of reaching for comfort foods when stressed about my upcoming wedding and moving into a new home - etc. Big life changes!!

Now that I am happily settled down, I have refocused my energies on paying attention to my health. AGAIN. My Doctor told me at the start of all this - that with me. . diet, and exercise, vitamins - this is my priority. I'm not like these fitness buffs who do it because they love it.I have to do it to live and thrive with my new stomach and the way it processes foods and nutrients. It is ESSENTIAL to take your vitamins - to take your protein - to work out.

This is most definitely a TOOL. It is not the answer. In the end there is no magic wand. There is however a helping hand. This is not a set it and forget it type of surgery. You must actively live well always. . . or gain it back as I did when I slipped.

Pre op I had all these worries that I was mourning foods I could never ever have again boo hoo - but honestly. I didn't want them. I stuck to the liquid diet then moved into pureed then soft foods finally meals. Everything portioned and controlled perfectly. It was a fun game to mix it all up. but I found a few solid staples that I could rely upon like scrambled eggs or sugar free jello or oatmeal. The truth is, once you are far enough out, like a year, - your body will stop rejecting foods that are too fatty and sugary as it does fresh out of the operation. That is where your skills of learning how to eat again need to be strong. Because This Surgery will not save you from your bad decisions.

I'm on my way back down again. This time I am counting calories strictly and I am very dedicated to a strength training and cardio routine. I am dropping 2 lbs a week roughly. I burn about 500 calories in my daily work outs and I eat about 1000 calories a day.
I feel strong and vital. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be in that bikini again some day. I have 5 small scars on my tummy from the laproscopic surgery . . .so I don't have a perfect belly - maybe if I tan it- it will help LOL.
Anyway this is just my experience and my experiences with my endless journey.
-If you do decide to get this done, make sure to spend several months preparing yourself mentally for the changes and the routine of how you need to eat after. Go to the support groups, stay in touch, get all of your blood work done. Make it your mission. Make it your priority.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask me. I'm happy to share.