~*~ 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

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

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

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

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