Melissa lost 102 pounds with weight loss surgery

Let’s show some BWLW love to Melissa.  She lost 102 pounds with weight loss surgery.  She is very honest about her experience and that despite serious complications, surgery was the best decision for her in terms of improving her health and weight.

“Hello, my name is Melissa Russell. I have been overweight all of my life and have dealt with confidence as well as self-esteem issues from my earlier teen years. I had tried all kinds of diets, pills, exercise regimens, boot camps and the weight was just not coming off. It was not until 2012 when I decided to make a change in my life. I had friends who discussed the gastric sleeve procedure with me and who had gone through the surgery, but I really did not want to have surgery because I deemed it “un-natural”. I had prior medical issues such as fibroid tumors, blood clots which in essence made my leg swell everyday even without vigorous exercise and also experienced irregular periods. I knew I had to make a change or I wasn’t going to be here too much longer so I decided to go to a seminar just to gather more information about the surgery.

My weight loss process took 7 months because I kept backing out due to the fact that I loved to eat. However, on July 23rd, 2013 (my birthday), I had the gastric sleeve weight reduction surgery and I thought all went well. I was wrong. I had severe complications such as dehydration 4 times over, possible kidney failure and my brain began to swell due to high sodium levels. My God is good though because he brought me over that mountain and healed my body.  Today, I can proudly say that my beginning weight was 282 pounds and today (February 21, 2014) I am down to 180 pounds. I no longer have any health issues, I cook more healthier foods than I ever have in my life. I exercise 3 days a week, eat well balanced meals and I no longer drink alcohol or smoke cigars. I can say that this was the best decision I have ever made in my life and I am truly grateful for this opportunity.”