25 WLS Years, 25 Pound Regain, 25 Lessons Learned

Yes, it’s been 25 years since I took control of my weight, improved my health and changed the direction of my life by choosing weight loss surgery.

In 1995, many looked down on a surgical option as an intervention for the disease of obesity and making the decision to go under the knife was not an easy one. Especially when my insurance would not cover the cost. But I am so glad I did. My journey has been full of ups and downs, weight loss, weight gain, mistakes made, thrilling successes, and many lessons learned.

Throughout my years as a WLS patient, I have worked in the bariatric community. (Bariatric Support Center Int’l). It has been my great privilege to provide education, inspiration, and motivation to tens of thousands of patients. I have lost with you, learned from you, and celebrated with you. I will be forever grateful for my place in the bariatric universe.

As I look back, reviewing my life’s decisions, mistakes and accomplishments, the choice to have weight loss surgery a defining decision was surely a life changer for me.  Since that new beginning, I have tried to focus on paying it forward, on supporting and encouraging others. Willingly, sharing the things I have learned along the way.

This year is a milestone; worthy of notice and a bit of reflection. I would like to share with you the following list of 25 lessons I have learned in my 25 years as a weight loss surgery patient. I have written books, many articles, blogs, produced videos, given keynote speeches, and I have referenced some of those in my list should you like to learn more about those lessons. Please learn and enjoy and may the next 25 years, (Oh my, I’ll be 85!) be full of more happiness, hope, and good health.

1. Learn from long term losers. (Back to the Beginning Videos)
2. Honeymoons are awesome! 5 Clues That Your WLS Honeymoon is Over and What to Do About It!
3. Sugar is evil (Sugar Free Me)
4. Don’t stop short of your goal. (Goal-Getting)
5. Gluten is a problem for me.
6. I must exercise every day. (Just Do It!)
7. Always pay it forward (Paying It Forward Feature Article)
8. I have learned to eat to live instead of living to eat.
9. Good food is expensive, but so is chocolate!
10. Peanut M&M’s are not really a protein.
11. Old habits die hard. (Exchanging Habits)
12. Intermittent Fasting works for weight maintenance. (Ways Intermittent Fasting Works For Me)
13. My “Why’s” have become more important to me.
14. I have both supporters and saboteurs in my life.
15. Regain sneaks up; one pound a year… 25 years, 25 pounds
16. I’ve learned to listen and to respond to my body’s signals.
17. My food choices effect how I feel mentally, physically, and emotionally.
18. Water rules (The Dangers of Dehydration)
19. Vitamins are a must (Bariatric Vitamins)
20. Embracing the Moments (Embracing Moments That Matter)
21. Positivity is a choice every day (15 Positive Ways to Spend 15 Days)

If you are interested in weight loss surgery, check out MBL’s Ultimate Guide To Weight Loss surgery.