~*~ Melissa ~*~

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

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

Wow! I was so excited about my post that I never included the drink. My apologies It is hot chocolate by Healthwise. It has 15 grams of protein for 8 ounces, HOWEVER, I make mine with milk giving me 23 grams of protein for 8 ounces. I buy it at a weight management office, along with other goodies. I am picky and only drink the regular mocha packet, but there are seven flavor s to choose from- mint, raspberry, marshmallow, and cinnamon, to name a few. Only 80 calories (made with water-- milk is obviously more) and has only 4 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of sugar. I highly suggest purchasing if you can find it. I pay a little over seven dollars for a box of seven- roughly a dollar and some change for a cup of goodness Hope this info helps

After struggling for months, trying to get down unsatisfying protein drink after protein drink, I finally found my groove and am getting 90-100+ grams of protein a day! TWO eight ounce cups gives me 46 grams alone. And thank goodness I can still tolerate dairy post-op because I usually get three glasses of milk in, giving me 24 ounces right there. Drinks alone- that's right, 70 grams of protein!!! Add in meals and a protein bar and I'm good to go Thanks to all my VST friends for your continuous support during my protein struggle.

Sounds like you had a very successful year- CONGRATULATIONS! Good luck with the goals set for 2012. I think you'll do fabulous

I know every dr had different guidelines but usually bread and pasta is a big N-O until 6 months post-op. My gut tells me the bread has a lot to do with your sickness Just my opinion. Sorry you're going through this

Hey All! To start off, the last couple months have been nothing but craziness! Three hospitalizations, 30+ days and nights spent undergoing tests and sleeping in the most uncomfortable beds ever. For now, I want to thank my VST family for all the messages while I've been away. Below is an explanation of what I've been through for those who have asked (much easier than replying to multiple messages). Much love to you all <3 At the beginning of September, I moved back home to Michigan to be with family and get well, leaving my new life and job in Tennessee behind. Everyone in my immediate family now knows of my secret trip and decision of getting sleeved, which has been a relief. My mom is my partner in crime and is always checking in on me which is something I appreciate more than I could ever imagine. I still have bouts of dry heaving and sickness + vomitting because of my siliva (thickness) but each day seems to get better and better. I'm now on a pill that has helped thin out secretions. I spend 3 days a week with a physical and occupational therapist, gaining strength and learning to walk again. All the hospitalizations caused me to lose much muscle, specifically in my legs. Each and every day gets better and I'm thankful for every professional that has helped me move closer to independence once again. From all the tests done in the hospital, I was told that my surgery went very well and that everything looks great- hooray! All worries regarding the procedure have been officially thrown out the window. The problem: Vitamin B1. Blood tests revealed that my B1 dipped critically low and seems to be the culprit behind many problems- numbness, blurry and double vision, etc. This vitamin has been added to my medicine and has helped much thus far. Just out of curiosity, has anyone else had issues with dry heaving or even vomitting up thick phelgm? It was much worse months ago but still lingers. If you experienced something similar, did it ever go away for good?

First and foremost, I want to thank ALL of my VSG friends and family last week for your prayers and support during this rough time. I am writing this blog to update you on what happened and am hoping to receive advice since I am and will be facing a long recovery. For roughly 2.5 weeks, I have been very weak and have had symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, zero hunger, etc. Additionally, each morning I would wake up and run to the bathroom to dry-heave froth/foam at least once every morning. A week ago today was the worst and I just couldn't take it anymore, running to urgent care immediately after work. They had me pee in a cup and drew some blood to find that my levels were everywhere- they couldn't tell if it was from an internal infection secondary to surgery or what. I was sent to the ER the next day (Wednesday) to have a CT scan done which came back negative, in addition to some x-rays. Overall, I think everything is going well with Mr. Sleevie; however, I do fear popping a stitch or staple with the consistent day-to-day episodes of dry heaving/throwing up phlem. I learned from leaving the hospital that I had a "significant" UTI and while there are many unknowns, they believe this is what is causing the fatigue, nausea, etc. I arrived home Wednesday and started my meds on Thursday, taking a turn for the worse. The meds made me extremely ill and dehydrated, which I was then admitted to the hospital Thursday evening until Sunday for dehydration and malnutrition. The IVs helped much but now that I'm home I'm still having difficulty eating and such since I have NO appetite, easily get sick, and find that certain smells (i.e., chicken broth) makes me sick to my stomach. Even taking meds are becoming more and more difficult-- I place the pill on my tongue and start gagging. I'm not getting in the amount of liquids that I should either :/ I was asked at the hospital if something were to happen and CPR was necessary to bring me back, would I want it and I actually said "no". I am extremely depressed and have no idea what to do or even how to get better. I'm normally happy and never full of drama but part of me just wants to die and move on since I am beyond done with everything. I have no idea how to get better from here. Protein intake is one thing I have failed to do and something I need to but now that I need it, I gag on the smell and thickness. It has to be with water since milk isn't proving well. I'm going to purchase EAS from Walmart/Target soon. I'm not a fan but I was able to sip it prior to surgery and sips count- better than nothing. I have NO idea what to eat since everything I have has dairy and that seems to upset the stomach more than anything. Smelling soup broth makes me nauseous. I nibbled a cracker just to see what would happen and that led me to dry heaving as well. Suggestions? Thanks again for the support and for reading. I need as much help as I can get.

Today marked my one month anniversary of being sleeved and I'm still contemplating whether or not I made the right decision. Since it's not reversable, seems as though it's going to be a rough road. One month out and I'm never hungry- still drinking the broth of soups. Tried mashed potatoes and ate four bites and had one slice of ham and cheese from a lunchable and feel blah. I'm never hungry to begin with which makes eating hard since it's forced and not enjoyed. I have refried beans and tuna but neither sound appealing. I question if this will ever get better. I really wish I could turn back the hands of time :/

1) Can I ever chug water like I did prior to the sleeve? In the next upcoming weeks, I will be beginning my fitness routine. Before the surgery, I would chug water when feeling hot and dehydrated during my workout, drinking 30-50 ounces while at the gym alone. I'm assuming chugging only 5-6 weeks out probably wouldn't be a good idea, huh? Will I ever be able to do so cause I hate sipping with a passion, watching everyone else just chug away. 2) I LOVED icees/slurpees, especially Coca-Cola prior to my surgery. I can no longer have that due to carbonation. Is Fanta Cherry or Fanta Blueberry okay to drink? I tried searching to see if they are carbonated but couldn't find a thing. Additionally, I tried going to the icee website and my computer told me the site would harm my computer. Therefore, I'm turning to my VST community for help. The reason why I ask this is because this girl is going on a date really soon-- first time in ages in the upcoming week. I'm trying to avoid the dinner part since I'm barely eating. Thursday will be four weeks post-op and I'm still eating soup, with the occasional 3-4 bites of mashed potatoes or refried beans. I just feel dinner would be extremely awkward so I'm trying to push a movie. While I LOVE movie theater popcorn, I know it's too soon to have it. What about the fanta cherry or blueberry icee? If not, this guy is going to think I'm crazy for a thick girl like myself to not eat or drink anything (except water). Any suggestions? And yes, I went to this theater last weekend and they check purses on the way in so I can't take a drink of my own. I am tempted to wrap it in my hoodie but would feel extremely embarrassed if caught on the first date. What to do!?!?!

Thanks again, everyone. I miss talking to you, SweetTee! I'll have to send you a message this week and catch up

Thanks I feel GREAT! When I was at my highest weight, doing daily activities like walking, showering, etc. was extremely difficult. Additionally, I rarely slept throughout the night because I felt as though the weight carried on my chest was suffocating me. In the last week or so, I have slept every night straight through and woke up feeling refreshed. Getting my sleeve was the best decision yet. The only problem I am having is with my incision sites, BUT I thought they looked pretty good today (knock on wood). Maybe everything is finally starting to come together. Yay

DON'T weigh yourself everyday. I did it all the time, and still do now and then, and it gets me down more than ever. Try to keep it to a minimum of two times a week if you really need to see the numbers. If you eat something high in sodium, chances are your weight the next day will increase because it's takes your body so long to get rid of the excess water. Same thing goes with exercise- you may have gained on the scale but it could easily be muscle. You are going to do fine. We are all here for you

I had a moment this morning where I both laughed and cried over probably THE craziest thing. As I walk to my bathroom from the living room, I can see myself in the bathroom mirror. I caught a glimpse in the mirror and stopped for a second, looking back at the reflection. For the first time in my 25 years of life, I said to myself "Damn, I'm looking good." Then followed a happy smile with some tears of joy. I know I have a LONGGGGG way to go but am happy with the progress thus far. This Thursday marks my one month anniversary and I would love to hit a goal of 50 pounds lost. The weight loss includes what I lost on my own prior to the pre-op diet, the pre-op diet and post-op diet. Thanks, Mr. Sleevie

The more you cheat, the harder recovery will be and the longer your surgery may be (time wise). The reason behind the liquid diet is to shrink the fat around your liver, allowing the operation to go more smoothly. You still have four more days- you can do it!!

Congrats! Just because you didn't lose any weight doesn't mean you didn't lose inches

I just tell people that I am on a low calorie, low carb, and high Protein diet. They usually ask what diet it is and I said it's my own after much research. I don't like the Atkins as it cuts out all carbs and people usually gain most of their weight back once they add them back in; therefore, I eat reduced carbs during meals. I cut out pop and other sugar to be healthy-- I learned at weight watchers that your body can only process a certain amount of sugar per day... the rest being stored as fat. And low calorie because you can't be on a diet and eat a 1000 calorie meal You do what is comfortable but that's something I've been doing and it seems to be working just fine

I cried after I took my before pictures as I didn't realize how big I really was until that point in time. You are going to do great and you will look amazing very soon. I am much healthier and am proud at how far I have come. Before I would grab food and drinks that I loved to intake, throwing it in the shopping cart. Now, I actually look at the nutritional value of things and know what's good and what isn't. Yay!

I would say give it 4-6 weeks, returning the same time as you would physical exercise. Golf involves swinging and twisting of the torso. That's where all your incision sites will be. I have done minimal lifting and physical activity, will be one month out from surgery next week, AND AM STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH MY INCISION SITES. Some people on VST went back to activity once their incisions were out and they reopened their sites. Be careful and put yourself and your health first; golf will never disappear

I'm doing good, and you? Still having issues with my incision sites but we're taking it week by week. I actually ordered from Unjury.com- the chicken Soup and the unflavored Protein. Best decision yet! The unflavored protein mixes well with just about everything and it doesn't thicken drinks, either. The chicken soup is very tasty as well. You get 15-17 scoops out of the bucket for roughly $25.00. Probably a bit more expensive than other brands and such but it tastes well and I received my order within a day. Hope all is well with you. Update us

Congrats!!

I need help-- I am more scared now than I was before getting sleeved. I had my stitches removed this week at an urgent care setting in TN, since it is my new home and I do not have a primary care doctor at the moment. Three of the five incision sites look pretty bad- all full of puss, red and refusing to close. The incision site where my drain was has closed but is pink/red all the way around and one end is sore when I push. Then the incision near my bra line isn't severe but isn't in the clear either. How did this happen? I made sure to clean them, put coverings on, took all my antibiotics, etc. While I would hate for someone else to have infectons like me, I really need your support. What did you do? What happened?? I was given an antiobiotic cream and was told that if I don't see a difference in 48 hours (Sunday night) then we need to go forth with plan two. I'm not sure of the next option but the doctor did say if nothing works, it could be internal infection meaning I need to make a trip to the OR to get recut and cleaned. I'm really hoping this isn't the case. Please say prayers for me. I'm so scared :'(

Anyone find a protein powder they like? I've been plugging my nose and gagging, trying to get through the one I have now since I've spent way too much time and money looking into these things.

So glad someone made this group. I've missed you all so much! I apologize for not getting the contact information out. US Airways lost my luggage and they were in there. It's been over two weeks and still no word on where my luggage is. They think it could have been stolen since they made me check it in as the staff wouldn't help put it up in the overhead bin since if they got hurt, the flight automatically gets cancelled. Ugh! Never flying them again Hope everyone's recovery is going well. I was doing great until this week when I got my stitches out. Three of the five sights are severly infected, one is moderate, and the other is unknown-- it's closed but is sore to touch, leaving the doc to suspect further infection. Ugh! I did everything to keep them cleaned and covered. I was given an antibiotic cream and am hoping and praying it works, as secondary options could incude a trip to the OR to have them cut back open. Please say prayers- I am more scared now than I was before the sleeve. Let me know how you're doing