Just saying hi!

[Mbenson5]

Hello old friends and new ones! It has just been so long since I posted that I wanted to let you know I'm still doing well. I have been able to keep my weight between 116-123-ish. I still keep to the good habits I developed throughout the journey. I drink coffee with creamer that's sugar free and still go very low carb for a few days if I start creeping up. I watch that like a hawk - I never, ever, ever, ever want to go down that road again. Tonight I had steak for dinner - that's it! Sometimes I eat a lot of junk - over the Easter weekend, I had tons of chocolate. I still have days when all I want to do is eat all day, and sometimes still do. My life has had it's ups and downs, not going to lie...lol. I got divorced after 27 years, but am dating a wonderful guy now. Who knows where it will lead, but I'm very happy! I am graduating with my MPA on Saturday and looking for a job - which is a full-time job! My kids are all doing well - I have 2 grandkids who I adore, and am so grateful for them. So, that about sums it up - lots of changes since I started this journey, but I have never, ever regretted it - ever!! If you are just starting, and want to ask any questions, fire away! I am always happy to cheer you on, because no one can understand like someone who has been there!
Take care!!! Melissa

[Kindle]

Great to hear from you Melissa. Sounds like you've figured it out and your life is falling into place....A good place! Congrats on your MPA.

[Christie13]

Thanks for sharing Melissa. It is great to see you are maintaining successfully! Congrats!

[Mbenson5]

Thanks Kindle! Good to see you are still here too - I know how much it meant to me when the vets took the time to answer my posts with the compassion and encouragement I needed. Looks like you are doing well too - you look fantastic!!! M.

[Mbenson5]

Thanks for sharing Melissa. It is great to see you are maintaining successfully! Congrats!

Thank you!! Wow, you are moving on in your weight loss!! Congratulations to you too!

[Doodle_mom]

I'm fairly new and just wanted to say thanks for posting. It's great seeing someone succeed and continue to succeed.

[RehabNurse]

Thanks for the update, Melissa! I am glad you have been maintaining in your desired weight range. It seemed as if you were stuck at 138 to 143 pounds forever before the scale finally budged. I am also pleased to hear about the positive changes in your personal and professional life.

Hopefully the good fortunes will continue.

[Ann2]

Melissa! Great to hear from you. I'm happy to hear all your good news -- the MPA, your relationship, your family, your weight maintenance success -- and to see your happy smile.

Very best wishes for your job search.

I'm also doing well -- fully retired now, still sitting right at goal weight (135), exercising 5 days a week, looking good, feeling great.

[Newlife2017]

Thank you for sharing with us. It's great to hear from someone who has been able to maintain so many years after surgery. Congratulations on your MPA.Best wishes to you in the job search and in all your life's journey.~ Kathie

[bigdogluver]

Hi Melissa! I'm still somewhat of a newbie, just had surgery about a month ago and really appreciate meeting and learning from sleevers that have achieved and maintained their personal goals, longterm. It is extremely inspiring and heartwarming. Congratulations on all of your personal goals - MPA, happy relationship, grandmother, career - you have so much to be proud of! I'm so glad for you that your journey has been fruitful and rewarding. Thanks for coming back and sharing with us, I sincerely appreciate it! All the best!

[ghost_ryder]

Impressive accomplishment getting your MPA. Congrats on making your education a priority and keeping true to your health. It is a trade off a lot of times.

Sorry about your divorce, it is never an easy thing no matter how amicable or not the split is. Enjoy those grandbabies they are a treasure.

[Shirl]

✨Melissa✨

So wonderful to hear from you! Amazing news on the MPA, I know the hard work and dedication that goes into that, and juggling family and life and Sleeve and nurturing a new relationship at that! I'll be reaching out for sure!!! I got accepted in a dual MPA/MSW program at USC and starting in the fall.

You are an inspiration always!

[Sandra3]

Welcome back Melissa! last time you just started dating if I remember well...so congrats on the new companion in your life! all the best!and congrats on your degree too, it's not easy to go back to school after 40, well it was not for me. Because after the kids homework I had to do mine...I felt more tired than when I "only" work!
Best of luck for your job search, keep us posted! take care!

[Mbenson5]

Update! I got a job as the Director of Rehab in an assisted living facility-scary but so cool! Starting Monday! More to be grateful for...

[bigdogluver]

Melissa, Congrats! That's wonderful and you will do a wonderful job! Go show 'em how it should be done! All the best!