Hello everyone, remember me? Yea, I know I haven't used this icon in a long time, and I'm sorry.

Y'see, I've been on a kind of Journey. It officially started in October of 2001, but in a way it started long before then. I did a lot of research before I began my journey, so if you count that as part of the trip it probably started two years prior to October '01.

Since October 17, 2001, I have lost 120 pounds.

How? You might ask: Diets?

No, I've tried dozens and dozens; I've lost 40 - 60 pounds on any one and gained it all back with interest. The cycle of frustration, hope, failure, disappointment, pain and torment can hardly be described if you haven't been there.

Exercise?

Partially, and it will certainly play a larger role going forward, but to get here, no, not really. When you're pushing 300 pounds, a lot of exercise is harder on your joints than you might think.

Lifestyle change?

Oh, yes, but it was sudden and specific. On October 17, I had RNY Gastric bypass surgery.

The result is that I can only eat small amounts of food at any time, and that only part of my small intestine sees what food I eat (thus less calories are absorbed). Yet all the required digestive stuff from the "usual" stomach, liver, etc. still meet up with the food, just further down. Because food I eat goes almost directly into the small intestine, I have to avoid very sugary and fatty foods, and I must chew it very carefully.

So, what are my restrictions?

• I must eat mainly protein. Any kind my system can handle, and preferably kinds with low fat and carbohydrates. My diet is 3-4 bites of protein, 2-3 bites of crunchy green vegetables, and 0-1 bytes of starchy or high-carbohydrate food, if I have room.
• NO carbonated beverages. They can stretch my pouch and negate the surgery.
• Take a multi-vitamin and iron supplement daily for the rest of my life.
• Avoid sugary and fatty foods.

I knew and accepted all those going in. I figured I've had 38 years to eat any way I like and look where it got me. Anything I want, I can have a bite or two of and that generally solves any cravings. No matter how hungry I am, 5-6 bites and I'm pretty much full. I have tons of energy, I don't feel listless or depraved, and my quality of life has improved so much I can't begin to tell you.

I imagine some of you guys are going to think I'm crazy, that there must have been a way to do this that didn't require rearranging my innards. But I'm very happy with my decision. I'm sure that it isn't right for everyone, but it was the right thing for me. I am now celebrating joining the "Century Club" for those of us that have lost 100 pounds or more, and Life Is Good. I'm hoping to lose maybe another 50 pounds. When I get there, if I'm still losing any weight, I'll probably up my carbohydrates or something. The idea that I might lose TOO much weight is just incomprehensible to me right now.

If you want to read about the whole journey, here's a link to my online Journal on www.ObesityHelp.com: (ed. note - link was lost in transit. songbyrd, can you post it?) It's a great site for information; I recommend it highly - you get real people's experiences, including those people that had complications. If you have questions for me, post 'em or email 'em. I'm happy to share. If you just have abuse for someone that hacked up her body, save it. This Byrdie is joyful and ready to fly.