I am almost 2 years out from RNY and originally lost 80 #'s. I have gained back 10-14 (varies day to day.)
Have just begun to watch what I eat because encouragement of two daughters who are also using myfitnesspal. Am keeping meticulous track of every bite going into my mouth. I hope to lose at least 20 to 30 more pounds. My original goal after surgery was a 100 pound loss, but lost 80.

Most importantly, I did not do the surgery only for weight loss!! I had all the problems that were the result of overindulgence and over weight. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, bad cholestrol, neuoraphophy ( I am sorry that I am such a bad speller) in my feet, low energy, having to use a cane to get around, and on and on. I had to take pain pills, insulin, oral diabetes meds, blood pressure meds, cholest. meds, etc. I got so tired of feeling so ill, so much of the time and of having to spend so much money on meds, and of having to give myself shots, and of having to choke down hands full of pills that I decided that 2-4 months of discomfort after surgery and adjustments to my diet and life style, would be preferable to having to live the rest of my life on pills, insulin, using a cane, weighing 240 pounds and wearing a size 22-24 dress.

Yes, I did have regrets, but once the initial shock to my body eased off and the weight started to come off, and I learned to obey the eating guide lines taught in my pre-surgery training classes, I began to feel better, and best of all, I no longer have to take any meds or insulin at all!!! And now I am in a size 14-W. The only problem I have, due to the surgery, is now I have excess skin under my neck (turkey wattles) and my hair is very thin (almost bald on top of head.) However, my Mother had very thin hair as she got older, so don't know if this is an inherited trait or not. After all I am now 66 years old.

My advice, for what it is worth, go to the pre-surgery classes, listen carefully, take copious notes and apply what you learn before surgery! Cut meat into eraser size pieces, chew slowly, carefully, and very thoroughly. Helps to prevent blockage and throwing up because of food getting stuck. Drink lots of water, stay hydrated, use saucer sized plates for all your meals, measure your food, and practice all of the new "after surgery" habits before you actually have the surgery.

Good luck to all who are preparing for surgery. Yes, it will be hard, but everything that is worthwhile has to be worked for and to have success, it takes effort to be able to achieve the desired results. Surgery is not the easy way and is often the last chance, so do your best. I am working now to follow my own advice. Thank you.

I FEEL WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW!!! I'm going to check into the pouch test myself today. I need to lose the 23lbs I've gained. I had RNY April 2010 and here I am 23lbs heavier than I was at goal last year...sucks to be me, i'm so disappointed in myself. I loved the feeling of feeling great and i let myself go...ugh!