Hellooooo Kitty (MelissaD)
Dreams do come true...
I AM FINALLY A "NORMAL" WEIGHT!!!!!
AFTER STARTING OUT AT 324 POUNDS ON DEC. 29, 2004, I AM NOW DOWN 172 POUNDS!!! I weigh 152 pounds, which gives me a NORMAL BMI for the first time ever! Thank You God for this blessing!
It's hard to fathom that I have LOST more than I now weigh!!!! This has been an awesome journey!
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Starting weight on December 29, 2004: 324 (BMI 50.7)
Size: Tight tight tight 26/28 and fitting comfortable in 30/32 - I had outgrown Lane Bryant for the most part
Current weight as of November 19, 2006: 152!!! (total loss -172 pounds gone forever!!!!/BMI 23.8)
I AM NO LONGER SUPER MORBIDLY OBESE, MORBIDLY OBESE, SEVERELY OBESE, REGULAR OBESE OR EVEN OVERWEIGHT!!!!! I am finally just simply "normal" - that is so freaky! What an amazing feeling to know that I no longer have to lose weight if I don't want to. Gastric bypass is indeed a miracle surgery!
Size: Mostly Size Smalls and Mediums and size 8s!!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!!! I am much smaller than I was in high school! I finally shop in "normal" people stores and get to wear beautiful clothes! GOODBYE LANE BRYANT AND AVENUE FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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To see LOTS of photos of me before and after, go here:
http://community.webshots.com/user/transformingmelissa
MY EXTENSIVE JOURNAL THAT CHRONICLED THE FIRST PHASE OF MY JOURNEY IS AT:
http://melissadeaver.blogspot.com/
Come by and say Hi!! I love to get email - so please write me! I respond to all! :-)
Photos
I have put together a lot of my photos at Webshots - they feature me pre-op dating back to 2001 and my after pics that chronicle my weight loss. I think it overall tells a good story of where I've been and how I transformed.
My weight bounced around constantly pre-op. I started out around at in the 299-305 range in 2001. After doing Weight Watchers several times, I got it into the 280s and 270s in 2002 and 2003. I felt really good about myself then and felt I looked pretty sexxxy.
In 2004, my weight climbed back up and didn't stop. It was such a stressful year - being promoted to my first supervisor position ever; buying and building our first house; planning our wedding in less than a week; getting married; moving into our new house; going through contract changeovers at work and fearing I would lose my job; having a breast lump that needed to be removed...and those are just the highlights.
I gained weight from overeating because of the stress, and then the excess weight caused me the most stress of all. So, I in turn ate even more and more. Being approved for gastric bypass was such a blessing, and rounding out my crazy year by having it on Dec. 29 was the best thing ever for my health and sanity!
By the time I had my surgery, I was the biggest I had ever been and feeling scared and out of control. I can tell I was miserable because there were so few pics of me taken in 2004. I didn't want any taken because I was hating how I looked and didn't want to face seeing myself in photos.
It's wild, because in the 270s-290 weight range, I was a picture whore. I had to take a lot of time picking and choosing the pics I wanted to share because I have so many! I loved showing off and proving how sexy a big girl could be. But by the time my weight climbed into the 300s, I didn't feel sexy one bit.
It was so much fun to go through the post-op pics and see how I have changed. Sometimes I can't see it too well, but then when I look at the pics - I see it clearly. I am still adjusting to how I look now and I am still trying to find my place in this world.
Anyway, here's the link to my pics. I'd love to get some feedback! Please email me at melissadeaver_writer@yahoo.com
http://community.webshots.com/user/transformingmelissa
Milestones...
Most recent activity listed first
I know I am behind on updating this info, but I wanted to get it uploaded regardless. My weight has leveled off, so it's not like there's been a lot of change. I am just taking it one step at a time to keep this weight off and appreciate the new life I have been given by God.
* 154 pounds (-170.0) (24.1 BMI) Well here I am 19 months out and still maintaining! I am up a pound from my last-month weight in but I am not worried. Throughout the month my weight has bounced around between the 151 to 157 range. It got as high as 157 when my parents were here for a visit and we ate constantly. I see the pattern - every time I am with them, I gain. haha Anyway, while 157 had me a bit concerned, it still wasn’t my threshold number of 159. I want to maintain below that number because, if I go higher, I am back in the ‘overweight’ category. Anyway, the few extra pounds came off relatively easy, thank God. It is so wild to not have to constantly think about my weight or being fat. It’s very liberating in fact! Granted, it’s still there in my mind but it's just not constant. You can’t live your life for 34 or so years as an obese person and just erase it all in a few months. I never want to forget it actually. It’s good to always carry that with me to some extent because it makes me appreciate this amazing blessing God has given me. I still feel amazed when I pick a size 8 Tommy Hilfiger blazer off of a rack and it fits me like Tommy made it for me and me alone. I still can’t believe it when people call me “thin” or say “how do you stay so slender?” I can never explain how amazing it is to have this do-over in life where I can finally know what it’s like NOT having the constant emotional and physical stress of living life as an obese person. As I always say, THANK YOU GOD!
Saturday, July 29, 2006
* 153 pounds! (-171.0) (23.9 BMI) HAPPY 18-MONTH ANNIVERSARY TO ME!
I cannot believe the 18-month mark is here already!! I’ve always dreaded it because that’s when we’re told our “open window of opportunity” for the greatest weight loss generally closes. Well, I have to say that even if it does, I have no complaints! I am so very, very happy with the results I’ve had with my gastric bypass surgery. On any given day now, I weight between 153 and 151, which means I’ve lost between 171 and 173 pounds! I wear size medium generally in tops, though size smalls are fitting more and more better. My pants and skirts are comfy size 8. I cannot even believe it! I know God has blessed me abundantly and I never want to lose sight of my past. I struggled for 30-plus years with obesity – so I am loving life as a “normal” size person. It’s so nice to blend in and not constantly think about being fat. Nobody but the obese and those recovering from obesity can fully understand that statement. Thank You so much God for all the many wonderful things that have happened to me since I woke up in recovery 18 months ago today. Thank You for the love of Scott, Mom, Dad, Granny and all my many, many friends and co-workers. They are so wonderful. THANK YOU!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
* 154 pounds! (-170) (24.1 BMI) HAPPY 17-MONTH ANNIVERSARY TO ME!
I have lost 170 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable!!! I never ever dreamed that I would get down this low!! At 17 months out, I also didn’t think I would still have a 2.5-pound loss in a month. I have been fairly stabilized this month. My weight has stayed between 154 and 158, which kept me in a healthy BMI category. This is just so exciting!!! It’s so nice to just have to maintain my weight and not to have to constantly think about losing weight. It’s a different way of thinking – something I’ve never done before. I’ve always had to worry about my weight. To be freed from the grasp of morbid obesity is truly a miracle. Thank You so much God.
Monday, May 29, 2006
* 156.5 (-167.5) (24.5 BMI) HAPPY 16-MONTH ANNIVERSARY TO ME!
Wowowow! I am soooo excited I got back down to my lowest weight for this anniversary day! It’s been fluctuating some since I first hit this number on April 7. Words cannot describe how incredible it feels to know that I am at a normal BMI for the first time in my adult life – if ever! It’s hard to believe 16 months have passed. I am just so thankful to God for this surgery and the miracle changes it provides!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
I DID IT !!!!!!!!!! I HIT MY GOAL OF 159 POUNDS!!! FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER - I HAVE A NORMAL BMI!!!!!! IN FACT, I WEIGH LESS THAN MY GOAL - 156.5 POUNDS! AND, TO TOP IT ALL OFF, I JUST BOUGHT MY FIRST PAIR OF SIZE 8 JEANS THIS WEEK! THANK YOU GOD! ~324/156.5/159~YAY!!!!
Friday, April 7, 2006
* Happy 15-month anniversary to me! WOWOW – I cannot believe time is flying by so fast!!! At 162, I have lost as much as I weigh. That still freaks me out. This month I am back down close to my lowest weight (161.5 lbs.) after being back up to 165 on my 14-month anniversary. I guess I am in the “maintenance” stage more than the loss stage – though I do believe if I applied myself better, I could get off the remaining 3 pounds to my goal of 159 – a healthy BMI. I think I have a mental block regarding it. Hmmmm Regardless, I am so absolutely THRILLED to weigh this much – or rather this little. I comfortably wear size 10s and Mediums. Last year at this time, I weighed 268.5 pounds! It sure is nice weighing 106.5 pounds less than that! THANK YOU GOD FOR THIS AMAZING TOOL!
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
* Happy 14-month anniversary to me! I weight 165 pounds! Ok well I didn’t get back down to where I was for most of the month (161.5), but I am working to keep the big picture in mind! Despite the gain, I still lost 6.5 pounds this month! I just want to get back down to where I was. I can’t wallow in it. I know what I have to do – get focused! 324/165/159
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
* Thirteen months! This month I lost 8.5 pounds - much better than last month! So hard to believe it's still coming off - but I am definitely not complaining! :-) I weight 171.5 pounds (WOW!) and I am now down a total of 152.5 pounds - UNREAL! THANK YOU GOD for the many wonderful things that have come out of this and thank You for protecting me.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
* YES!! I have now lost 150 pounds!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!! I now weight 174 pounds! I weigh less now than I did in high school! Thank You God for this incredible blessing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, January 13, 2006
* ONE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I DID IT! I DID IT! Thank You sooooooo much God for giving me this wonderful new life! It truly is a rebirth. I am down 144 pounds and I weigh 180! I cannot even believe it! I can say that this surgery was definitely THE BEST thing I could have ever done for myself. :-)
Thursday, December 29, 2005
* Eleven months – I am down...get this...141 pounds!!! I now weigh 183!!!! I AM NO LONGER OBESE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t believe it!!!!! I am so excited!!! I also cannot believe I lost 11 pounds in one month! I haven’t done that in ages!!! WOW! It really does just keep getting better and better! One more month and I will be a YEAR post-op. Time sure has flown by. I am so glad that, in this time, my weight has gone down tremendously. What a blessing! I cherish this tool so very much! Thank You God!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
* Ten months – I am down 130 pounds!!! 194.0!!!! This month I didn’t lose a lot, but man it is so exciting to think that I have lost 130 pounds in 10 months! It just keeps getting better and better. To fit in most Larges (some juniors) and to be complimented constantly – well, it’s almost ubelievable. God is so very good to me. THANK YOU GOD!
Saturday, October 29, 2005
* Nine months – I am down 124.5 pounds!!! WOWOW! My rebirth has been beyond wonderful - I am so, so glad I had this surgery! I am finally in Onederland!!!!!!!!!!! That's right, I am at 199.5 lbs.!!! It has been at least 15 years since I've seen the 100s on the scale. Thank you, thank you, thank you God for Your many blessings!
Thursday, September 29, 2005
* Eight months – I can’t believe it!! I also can’t believe I am down 115 pounds! Sometimes it seems to crawl by, but man o’ man – then I see the numbers and I know I am doing fantastic!!! I am just 50 pounds away from my goal of 159!! I am loving life! I am able to wear CUTE, normal-size clothes, people are complimenting me endlessly and I just enjoy seeing myself at this new size. God is so very, very good!!!!!
Monday, August 29, 2005
* Happy SEVEN-MONTH anniversary to me!!! It just keeps getting better and better! I am down 107 pounds! Sometimes I cannot even believe it! This past month, I had a major milestone...for the first time in my adult life, I was able to shop in the "normal people" section and buy NORMAL sizes!!! That's right...I am an XL and sometimes just a simple little L! My labs came back great and Dr. Naaman told me I was the perfect patient and he was thrilled with me and my progress! YAYAYA! THANK YOU GOD!
Friday, July 29, 2005
* Happy SIX-MONTH anniversary to me!!! WOWOW!! I did it! I made it to six months, and I have lost 101 pounds in the process!!! THANK YOU GOD for this amazing blessing!!! Six months ago, I was being wheeled into the operating room for the surgery that would change my life. I never take this tool for granted. I am so thrilled with the results!
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
* I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have lost 100 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It only took 25 weeks to reach this monumental milestone! Thank you God!!!
Friday, June 24, 2005
* Happy FIVE-month anniversary to me! I am down 89 pounds! I cannot even believe this. It's like a wonderful dream! I am so grateful for this weight loss.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
* Happy Day! I hit another MAJOR milestone - 75 pounds are GONE! Also, I am now under 250 pounds! I'm officially at 249. Yayayay! It just keeps getting better and better!!!
Saturday, April 30, 2005
* Happy FOUR-month anniversary to me! I am down 73.5 pounds! What an excellent month - I lost 18 pounds! This is the most amazing journey ever!
Friday, April 29, 2005
* Happy three-month anniversary to me! I am down 55.5 pounds! What an exciting journey!
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
* I made a big goal!! I am now 50 pounds down before my March 11 birthday! Actually I am -51; the extra one is for good measure! :-) How exciting!!!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2005
* Happy two-month anniversary to me! I am down 46.5 pounds!
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
* Happy one-month anniversary to me! I am down 31.5 pounds!
Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005
* I had my first check-up and he said I am doing great! Thank you God! I am down 12 pounds!! Woo Hoo!
Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005
* I DID IT! I made it through surgery! Ouchie!
Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004
* I have a surgery date - Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004, at 7:30 a.m.!!!!!
Monday, Dec. 6, 2004
* Gretchen, the nurse at my insurance company, calls to tell me that my information has been received and has been sent to her medical director for approval. An hour or so later, Gretchen calls to tell me... "Merry Christmas Melissa!! You're APPROVED!!!
Friday, Dec. 3, 2004
* Medical, psychological, nutritional and insurance Info faxed by Dr. Naaman's office to insurance company:
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2004
* Met with my new surgeon - Dr. Adam Naaman:
Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004
* Met with nutritionist:
Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004
* Received creditable coverage letter from previous insurance:
Monday, Nov. 15, 2004
* Met with counselor for psych evaluation:
Monday, Nov. 8, 2004
* DETOUR - had to have benign cyst removed from right breast:
Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004
* Met with PCP to obtain letter of recommendation:
Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004
* Met with first surgeon:
Friday, Oct. 8, 2004
* Resumed my journey after switching insurance:
Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004
* First tried to get approval through old insurance and was denied:
June 2003
