Malissa B.
I had gastric bypass surgery in November 2005. If you are considering weight loss surgery, I can honestly say it was one of the best things I have ever done for myself and my children. I was nearly 500 lbs the night before my surgery, wearing a mans 8X clothing. I was so large I couldnt even wear womens clothing unless I made it myself. I had a few complications from surgery, but overall it was a huge success, and losing 320 lbs put me under 200. What made me decide to make these changes to my life you ask?,,, My children. I was always a well liked, confident, well adjusted woman, even at 500 lbs, but what really hit home was when I paid for a vacation to Disneyworld for my kids, and realized there was no way I would be able to take them and walk around and ride the rides. My children were so good hearted, and instead of being upset that they wouldnt be able to go on this vacation, said they understood and asked if I would merely take them to the movies so I could sit and watch movies with them during summer break. This nearly broke my heart, that they loved me enough to care about my health, and not their own wants.. so it was that moment that I realized they deserved the best mother they could have.. one that could walk and play and take them anywhere they wanted to go, without fear of not fitting into seats, or being able to walk, or worrying about if there were enough benches to sit on where we were going.
After having surgery the world opened up for me. I received promotions I honestly dont believe I ever would have gotten at 500 lbs. Three years after having surgery, and being laid off my job as a Corporate Travel Manager, I found my true calling as a tattoo artist and body piercer. Within 2 years I owned my own Tattoo Shop, Madame Voodoo's House of Ink.. where I do what I love to do, tattoo and pierce the masses... and looking damn sexy while doing it.
Today, 5 years after weight loss surgery I still weigh within the 200 lb range, and still a size 16. I have maintained most of the key points to my original success story. I work out, and still watch what I eat, avoiding sugar and soda and beef like the plague. I still have fears that I will go back to my original weight, that sometimes haunt me at night... but I keep my original pictures around as inspiration to keep me on track so I never go back to that place again. Weigh yourself daily... focus... be active... keep daily reminders of where you were, so you never go back there... and when all else fails, when eating something you know isnt right, ask yourself.. "what feels better, the way this food tastes, or being able to walk into ANY store and buy ANYTHING off the rack?"...
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To some people, a size 16 may still be fat. To me, its SVELTE. To me, its empowering. I am SEXY... strike that. I am HELLA SEXY. I may not ever wear a bikini in public, and I may have a 12 inch scar down my belly as a reminder of what I went through to get where I am today, but I was just asked to be in a model in a calendar for Pinup girl Female Tattoo Artists with Tattoos..and if someone would have told me 5 years ago that I would be asked to be featured in a calendar I would have never believed them, but I am proof that crazy opportunities happen when you live a little, and take a chance in life.
Good luck on your journey... its empowering, and exciting.. embrace it!
About Me
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
