~*~ Melissa ~*~

Danielle- I'll be here to support you from now until eternity! I am in the same position- my family does not support the surgery and also see it is the easy way out. My oldest sister was roughly 330 pounds at her heaviest and lost all the weight herself through diet and exercise. I tried myself and had successful attempts, but nothing long term. I have a very under-active thyroid which makes losing weight extremely difficult. In fact, my family has no idea that I'm traveling to Mexico to have the procedure done. One of my close friends had the procedure done at this specifc clinic and was very successful. He is now 1.5 years out and down over 100 pounds. He is my emergency contact and with much bravery, stated that he would contact my sister if something serious were to happen. BLESS HIS HEART! I COMPLETELY understand what you are going through and will be here for you if you ever need anything. Much love! ~*~ Melissa ~*~

Hey everyone! Seeing the success of my last blog, I thought I would post another to help get answers I'm failing to find online. The company I'm having my procedure with had a liasion leave and it's been hard to get emails answered and phone calls returned, which is a bit scary since I'm doing this alone. I would appreciate your help and expertise on the following questions. Thanks in advance!! 1. Since my BMI is over 50, I plan to complete a 14-day liquid diet before my procedure on the 19th of July. I have a basic understanding of what I'm allowed to have based on the packet received; however, there is one thing I am confused about-- where do protein drinks come in??? Am I supposed to drink these pre-op, post-op, or both?? Suggestions on brands and flavors would be greatly appreciated as well 2. I know I have to follow a post-op diet starting with clear liquids, then moving to puree and eventually regular food... but I have yet to hear of any "new" limits, specifically carbs. I am particularly interested now since I have free time and want to get all the facts before going in. I think my biggest fear is not knowing a limit with carbs and stretching out my sleeve. Is there a limit on how many carbs sleeved patients are allowed per day post-op?? 3. Last but not least, do you recommend any books or online websites in addition to verticalsleevetalk.com that will help answer questions someone like myself may have both before and after the procedure? Has anyone read "The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients" by Colleen Cook?? A forum and group mentioned the book and it seemed legit. Will probably order tonight. Have a wonderful week! ~*~ Melissa ~*~

Thanks for joining and commenting, Laura! Congrats on your decision and I'll definitely be thinking about you come July 10th. You'll have to keep me posted on the surgery, as well as the new journey I am definitely worried about loose skin but am already searching for specific exercises to target the areas of concern when I'm allowed to resume working out post-surgery. Weight lifting will be an important focus. Every person is different-- I have seen (on this site, particularly) some individuals who are my size or larger and only needed a breast augmentation while others had a Tummy Tuck, breast augmentation, and had excess skin removed on their arms and legs. I'm going to give it my best for two years post-surgery and see where I end up. I'm sure I'll be just as insecure with the loose skin as I am being overweight so it's another hurdle I'll have to address when the time is right.

So sorry to hear! I completely understand your stress at work as all previous management at my placement was just replaced with new folks. Things are going terrible-- they refuse to talk to those of us who have been around and know key things on how to keep things running smoothly and are never around, whether it's taking vacation time or stepping out of the office to run errands. Previous management NEVER did that. Take your stress and anger caused by your boss out on the treadmill. I have been doing so lately and have been seeing wonderful results before even beginning my liquid diet

Oh my goodness! Thank you SO much for all of the wonderful advice. I can't thank you all enough for taking time to answer my blog. I spent the evening writing and organizing everything in a notebook so I can review and have with me during the recovery process. Thanks again. I owe you all the world and more <3

I know it's in our profile but I thought it would be easier to put our dates together My procedure is taking place on July 19, 2012. I am anxious and nervous all at the same time. I feel and imagine myself to be much smaller than what is projected back in the mirror. One of the things I'm most excited to do post-op is complete an entire Zumba class without simplfying the moves because of my knees or even difficulty breathing. What is the one thing you are looking forward to most after the surgery??

Congratulations!!!

Thanks for the helpful information, ladies! @MinaT: SOOOO many helpful tips and suggestions... WOW! I was never big into coffee but pop/soda is a habit that needs to be broken. I usually drink up to 20 ounces per day - eek! After reading your post this morning, I decided to take my remaining cans and donate them by placing in the breakroom at work. Instead, I grabbed a crystal light lemonade packet and sipped on that throughout the afternoon. Who knew how good 5 calories and 0 grams of sugar could taste!? @Kathy: Thanks for the advice and support! Congrats on all your hard work over the last 6 months. You're almost there!!

Hey everyone! Thanks for taking time to read my mini blog this evening. I am 27 days away from my procedure and absolutely can't wait to begin this new journey! One of the things I am looking forward to most is completing a Zumba class-- doing all the lunges, jumping jacks, etc. that I was unable to do before because of two factors: 1. My knees; 2. Embarrassment of watching my fat jiggle and jump up and down around stick thin people. For those who have gone through the surgery, do you have any advice on things you wish you knew/did/didn't do before your procedure? I keep hearing stories of people who ate everything and anything they could think of prior to the liquid diet, setting them roughly 20 pounds back. Ouch! Also, has anyone had any issues with hair falling out? What are you doing to prevent this?? Many Thanks! -Melissa

I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND! My procedure is scheduled for July 19th and I'm becoming more and more impatient. By next summer, you'll be strutting your stuff across Washington

True inspiration right there. You look amazing!