~*~ Melissa ~*~

I was sleeved on July 19, 2012 in Mexico and it was the best decision I ever made, a decision I would make again even knowing the severe complications I had (i.e. losing my ability to walk). It has been 9 months and I have lost 130 pounds, being less than 20 lbs away from my ultimate goal of weighing in at 150 (happily accepting further pounds off). I decided to give online dating a try now that I possess this thing called confidence and am overall happy with myself. I met a wonderful man who I enjoy conversing with, as he is exactly my type- has a healthy lifestyle, smart, driven, loves sports, etc. He has seen pictures posted, despite being a tad heavier in each photo compared to where I'm at today. He shared a skeleton today that involved him getting a DUI in the past. This is something that doesn't phase me as long as the lesson has been learned and drinking has slowed since the college years, which he states it has. I shared that I have lost much weight and plan on keeping it off, never sharing that I was sleeved as I would prefer telling him to his face, allowing me to see his reaction in person. For those who were single when sleeved and now in a relationship, how did you share the news? Do you consider it a 'skeleton' in the closet? Even though I know it was the best decision for me, I fear he may not understand despite him sharing that he strives to live a healthy life since obesity runs in his family. Any suggestions? While I look and feel great in clothes, I still have small rolls and saggy skin which has me thinking of surgery in summer 2014 on the areas I am unable to tighten through exercise alone.

I had one after surgery and then they stopped for a couple months. My PCP said due to all the drastic changes, from weight loss to nutrients, the body is in shock and it sometimes happens. Same thing goes for hair loss around three months post-op.

Fyre- PLEASE keep us updated on your health. Glad to hear you're finally home after a long day at the hospital. P.S. the end of this thread is HILARIOUS.

You ate 4 ounces in the hospital following surgery!?!? I'm six months out and can only eat 2.5-3.5 ounces. Goes for broth as well. Odd

So sorry to hear you are going through all this. I had a couple complications myself and had to deal with doctors who talked down to me and my decision to get sleeved. I felt like crap for hours and sometimes days, but laugh at how arrogant and awful they were now that I proved them wrong. Sure was a great motivation

SpartanMello09

Hey everyone! I spent an hour of my time yesterday, trying to place my pre-op and six months post-op pictures in my blog but gave up due to size restrictions. Therefore, please go to my gallery and check out the uploads. Feel free to leave a comment or advice (either here or on the pics) as I will use it to help motivate me over the next six months and beyond. It's been a wonderful journey- learning much about myself along the way. Despite becoming dehydrated and malnourished, ultimately loosing my ability to walk, I spent many months in rehab and am walking better than ever... with this thing called confidence. I spend 5-6 days at the gym and am working on building strength/muscle, toning, as well as cardio to help with further weight loss. I couldn't have come this far without you and the rest of my VST family, so thank you for all your support over the past 6+ months. 112 pounds down- 33 more until my first goal (150), gladly accepting anything else beyond that. Feel free to add me as a friend on VST or MyFitnessPal (SpartanMello09). Melissa

SpartanMello09 PLEASE ADD ME! I just joined and have no idea how to add others just yet. Thanks!!!!

It's okay- we're human and I'm sure we all will have our days. Last week, I decided to go out with my family not knowing the restaurant of choice. It ended up being Chinese. Even though I know veggie dishes were better options, I decided to give noodles a try, ordering Shrimp Lo Mein (just reached six months post-op). I highly enjoyed all the veggies and shrimp but allowed myself to have some noodles (was very strict with myself) so I wouldn't jump off the deep end and eat something worse or even triple the amount of a slider food. Even after feeling guilty for days, I increased my workouts for the week and am looking at 6-8 pounds gone this week. I know we all fear going back to our old selves but you have to remember that life is short and we only live once. So allow yourself to have a Danish once a month, maybe even splitting it with that coworker of yours. Congrats on all your hard work thus far

I just put the 'MyFitnessPal' app in my phone and am looking for friends. I've tracked my weight since the beginning but never really used it. I want to give it a shot with friends, allowing me to praise others and receive motivation along the way. I'm learning the app so below is my info. Please add me!! Name: SpartanMello09 Greatly appreciate it- THANKS!!!! -Melissa

AND vitamins + protein are always good to have for bariatric and non-bariatric patients. No problem there. I will add that some people find that their taste buds change, sense of smell changes, and become lactose intolerant. Try different options to prepare for post-op. I was fine with milk but was unable to tolerate the protein drink I liked pre-op. additionally, Oscar Meyer oven roasted turkey was my fav but I can no longer eat it due to it's smell... something I never smelled before. Having turkey and Munster cheese rolls were a favorite lunch option that I had to completely alter. Keep positive and your options open

Yes, I think it is possible BUT I do believe it will be an adjustment period. If I were you, I would cut out all bad food options now making the transition easier- minimal sugar, low carbs, nothing fried, etc. seems as though many refuse to let go of things like Diet Coke and struggle fighting the cravings afterwards. I cut Pepsi and Coca-Cola slurpees months ahead and it was the best decision I ever made. On occasions, I do wish to have one in my hand but simply say no because those things were on the list of terrible choices that got me to my highest of 295 pounds. The decisions made now will only help you in the long run. Also, no rush but since you do have time, check out the recipe section and other bariatric recipe sites and build your own cookbook. The same food gets old after awhile Congrats and good luck!!!

I have the same regret. Just hit six months post-op and I'm down 113 pounds. My health is so much better and I now possess this thing called confidence. Congrats on going through with it

Congratulations!!! I was sleeved in July and am down 112 pounds! My sixth month surgiversary is on the 19th and I plan to post pictures that day. I work out 4-6 days a week and have fallen in love with Water classes; water aerobics being my favorite. I LOVE going to the gym now versus pre-op. I have much more confidence and I always look forward to see the scale drop. The joys of the new me

GREAT question! I wondered the same thing myself when going through the journey. Protein is number one- I usually order fajitas because I enjoy all the fixings without the bread. My mom says she benefits as well because we usually split an entree since I only eat around 3 ounces. She has been losing weight and is happy to share portions

I chewed a piece today and was fine. They just dont want you to accidentally swallow the gum and have it result in damage to your new sleeve.

Hey Christy! I'm working on it. I tried getting them up by Thursday but I couldn't find my make-up and didn't want to scare everyone. Oh the joys of moving. I also have before pictures for comparison but am extremely embarrassed to put them up. I truly didn't realize how big I was. I am taking the day off from the gym so hopefully I'll get the courage to post everything by 11:59p Sunday :/

For those who don't know, my luggage was lost on the way back from Mexico. I was going to take it as a carry on but was forced to have it put below the plane because the flight attendants weren't allowed to help me lift it, placing it in the bin above my seat. Why? If one attendant became hurt then the flight would automatically be cancelled. After almost six months, my luggage was found in the state of Minnesota!? Yep, it was placed on the wrong plane. I am picking up my luggage Monday and will send an email to everyone from our surgery date just as I hoped to do once landing in Michigan after the surgery. Never flying that airline again Hope all is well Melissa

I spend roughly $60.00 a month on protein drinks alone. It's what I need so I can't complain

^ I agree- call your surgeon. All the vomitting bouts could slow or even pause the healing time your stomach needs. Additionally, you are missing valuable liquids, foods, vitamins, etc. the last thing you want is to be dehydrated- trust me

Mongo- Just curious... how long have you been drinking Pepsi? How do you feel when drinking it?? I used to drink Pepsi and coca-cola slirpee a like crazy before the surgery. I am going to stay away from both since they got me to my highest weight (well, part of the reason). I'm just curious

Never experienced anything with water since I squirt small amounts of water in my mouth frequently, however I did have one experience within the first couple months where I drank too much milk too fast and it came up. Now that I'm farther out, I can handle everything much better. I'm sure you could up chuck water if too much is taken too fast

I had the hardest time finding a Protein drink that I could tolerate day after day. After going to a weight management office for follow-up, I purchased a hot item-- two drinks (16 ounces) gives me 46 grams of protein! What helps me is that it's a warm drink and is very thin/smooth. Hot chocolate by Healthwise. It is 15 grams of protein for one; however, I make it with milk giving me 23 grams per cup. Maybe you can try to find it? I pay a little over seven dollars for seven packets- well worth it! They have different flavor s like mint, raspberry, cinnamon, marshmallow, etc. I'm a plain Jane and pass up the variety packs for the traditional mocha Just a suggestion. The drink is very satisfying and really fills me up You are doing great!

The only negative for me would be the same as above- not being able to guzzle water. It took time but I have easily adjusted to the change. I always bring a squirt bottle in with me and drink squirts frequently during my workout. This is best for me as I sometimes slip with bottles and take too much. I stay hydrated and actually don't feel 'blah' like I used to from chugging. Last but not least, research states that only small drinks should be taken when physical activity like working out occurs. So I guess it's for the better