~*~ 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

I am officially sleeved guys!!!
 
Kinda sore... But VERY happy!!
 
Been walking around the hospital & being drugged up lol
 
I would like to thank Everyone for their suppor!!!

Just a little over a year ago, I wrote about what I thought 2012 would be like for me. I was experiencing a lot of stress at the time thinking how drastically my life would transform by having weight loss surgery, adopting a baby and potentially changing my job; three major life changes.
 
The weight loss journey has been a unique ride into a bizarre world where I am valued and found to be attractive by people around me. While it was difficult physically, it was not any harder than what I had expected. Mentally and emotionally, the journey has been surreal. I’m still not sure what to make of everything and I’m still trying to get used to this new life.
 
I was very anxious about my surgery. I was worried about having medical complications and I was concerned about the impact the surgery would have on my life. Fortunately, I had nothing to worry about. The surgery and recovery went smoothly. I was worried about standing out in a crowd or drawing attention to myself because of my dietary needs. My anxiety was unfounded as I have discovered that I am no different than anyone else except that I eat less food. I don’t mind telling waiters and fellow diners that I’ve had surgery and therefore am not able to eat large quantities of food. I am not ashamed of my surgery in the least. I know I could not have lost this weight without the surgery.
 
Last year, I had a lot of new experiences with food and people. My goal this year will be to take what I learned last year and apply it. I still have 60 pounds I want to lose. I need to focus on my recovery and weight loss once again like I did a year ago. It is necessary for me to use what I learned about protein shakes, eating slowly, and making better food choices to take my journey to the next level.
 
I bought bicycles last year but did not use them very much. After losing weight I was more active than I had ever been before. I went on several walks and then there was that infamous kayaking trip. It is very easy for me to revert back to my old sedentary habits; therefore, I need to make a conscious effort to continue to stay active in 2013.
 
Finally, this year I need to learn to become more comfortable in my own skin. I need to learn the social skills required to make new friends and confidently talk to strangers. I think this has more to do with my self-esteem and confidence than anything else.
 
I don’t believe in making concrete New Year’s resolutions, but I think some lifestyle and behavioral changes are always a positive thing. In a push to grow as an individual, I will make an effort to be more active; more social; and practice healthy eating behaviors.
 
As it is getting late, I will discuss the adoption and career at another time.

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?

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

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

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

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

start - 4/11/12 - 297.4
surgery - 4/24/12 - 282.6 14.8
1 month - 5/24/12 - 258.8 23.8
2 months - 6/24/12 - 246.6 12.2
3 months - 7/24/12 - 228.4 18.2
4 months - 8/24/12 - 217.6 10.8
5 months - 9/24/12 - 205 12.6
6 months - 10/24/12 - 196 9
7 months - 11/24/12 - 190 6
8 months - 12/24/12 - 181.6 8.4
9 months - 1/24/13 - 177 4.6
10 months - 2/24/13 - 172 5

Its official I'm one month out. I stepped on the scale. I am under 300 pounds for the first time in 8 years!!! i was 299. I lost 51 pounds in one month. Of course I live in the gym. Feels good! I have been having a hard time keeping down solids. I still have to revert to my liquid diet a lot. Much love to all my fellow sleevers. Also the Place where I got my sleeve done has asked me to be in some commercials for them. They have just recently started doing the sleeve a year ago they had in the past really pushed the lap band. So I don't know I haven't told but a couple of people about the my sleeve so I don't know. Anyways I can't believe I am under 300 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! F@%# Yeah