My name is Beth, I had roux en y gastric bypass in April 2004 and I'm maintaining a weight loss from a high of 320 lbs to 149 lbs and I am currently 152 lbs.
My husband had gastric bypass four weeks after myself, and my mother-in-law soon after, and sister in law shortly after that. I saw my lowest post surgery weight for about one day before I got pregnant with my fourth child. She was born, October 2006. I regained quite a bit of excess weight during her gestation, and my post op weight maintenance has not been easy. I am an open book about my struggles in post-operative weight maintenance in the last nine years.
Life has been difficult since weight loss surgery, and this blog is the actually the result of my having been personally side-lined by my health approximately 18-24 months after my roux en y and the loss of 170 lbs. I developed (uncovered?) neurological concerns that led to a diagnosis of polymicrogyria and epilepsy with mild cognitive disorder and memory issues in January of 2008, and I have been stuck at home surrendered my drivers' license, and much of my independence.
This blog, and it's six thousand posts represent much (most?) of my sanity over the last nine years. It has also been my sole source of income, and social (..and other!) opportunities have been amazing. I thank you if you have even gotten this far.
This is where I'm supposed to be "professional" -- I'll let LinkedIn speak a moment --
"A loyal wife, dedicated mother of four and an influential blogger, Beth is known as "Melting Mama" in the weight loss community and blogging communities. Beth inspires those around her with her wisdom, irreverent humor and wit.
Beth is maintaining a loss of half her body weight after gastric bypass weight loss surgery seven years ago, along with her spouse who is maintaining a 200 pound loss, and a growing list of extended family members who have also had weight loss surgery. Between the group of them, they have lost at least 700 pounds (and counting!)
Beth started writing about the journey through weight loss surgery and beyond as it became obvious that weight loss surgery is not a quick fix, and it really is for life.
Her peer-to-peer honest advice on food, nutrition and lifestyle products for the weight loss surgery community have further ignited her passion for writing, photography and launched her career toward public speaking and product promotion. She is currently enrolled in college part time, studying marketing.
Beth lives outside of Boston, Massachusetts."
Life after weight loss surgery, because it is, for life!
Awards -
June 2010 -
November 2011 -
- Favorite WLS YouTube Personality
- Favorite Gastric Bypass'er
- Favorite WLS or Obesity Related Forum (My group, BBGC)
October 2012 -
- OAC Inaugural Event Registration Recruitment Winner
- OAC Advocate Of The Year
- OAC Walk From Obesity Top Fundraiser
Media -
- Diabetes Forecast Magazine - http://forecast.diabetes.org/magazine/features/weight-loss-surgery-and-type-2-diabetes?page=0%2C5
- Blog is noted in the book, "The Idiots Guide to Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery."
- Mentioned on HLN's Dr. Drew - July 4, 2012
- Blog + Bariatric Bad Girls group cited in the book, "Stranger Here: How Weight-Loss Surgery Transformed My Body and Messed with My Head"
Social Influence -
- Klout Score - 73
RSS Stats -
- 1170 RSS Subscribers
- 335 Email Subscribers
Twitter Followers for Melting Mama -
Facebook Friends -
- 1550
Related Facebook Groups, Pages -
- Bariatric Bad Girls Club - Online Support on Facebook - 2350 members
- Melting Mama Fan Page - 3750 Likes
- Obesity Help Friends - 1350
- Obesity Help Los Angeles, CA Event 2008 - Speaker with Michelle Vicari
- Obesity Help San Ramon, CA Event 2008
- Obesity Help Philadelphia, PA Event 2008 - Speaker with Michelle Vicari
- Obesity Help Rye Brook, NY Event 2009
- Obesity Help Costa Mesa, CA Event 2010
- Fitbloggin' - Baltimore, MD 2010
- Obesity Help Cincinnati. OH Event 2010
- ObesityHelp Houston Weight Loss Conference - November 2010
- Walk From Obesity - Obesity Action Coalition
- 2007 - Lowell
- 2008 - Lowell
- 2009 - Lowell
- 2010 - Lowell - Top Fundraiser
- 2011 - Natick - Top Fundraiser
- 2011 - Lowell
- 2012 - Natick - Top Fundraiser
- 2012 - Dallas - Top Fundraiser
- 2013 - Natick
- 2011 - Obesity Action Coalition + Ethicon Endosurgery Online Influencer Forum
- WLSFA Event, Las Vegas, May 2011 - Vendor - Bariatric Bad Girls Club
- Obesity Help Bellevue, WA Event 2011
- Obesity Help New Orleans, LA Event 2011
- Obesity Help Long Island, NY Event 2011
- Obesity Help Carribean Cruise, March 2012
- WLSFA Event Las Vegas, NV WLSFA Meet and Greet May 2012
- Obesity Action Coalition Inaugural "Your Weight Matters" Event October 2012 - OAC Inaugural Event Registration Recruitment Winner
- Obesity Help Atlanta, GA Event October 2012 - Spoke on Grads and Professionals Panel
- May 2013 - WLSFA Event - Las Vegas, NV
- June 2013 - fitbloggin 2013 - Portland, OR
- August 2013 - OAC - Obesity Action Coalition - Your Weight Matters Event - Phoenix, AZ
Conference Sponsorships -
As a sponsor you will provide my travel expenses (airfare, ground transport etc.) event ticket, and/or lodging expenses in exchange for my time and work promoting your brand.
Send me away!
Available events for full or partial sponsorship -
- May 2013 - WLSFA Event - Las Vegas, NV
- June 2013 - fitbloggin 2013 - Portland, OR
- August 2013 - 2nd Annual "Your Weight Matters" Event
- Cost - Depends on the event and what I'll do in return, what you want/require, post about the conference and your company, pass out coupons and samples, wear your logo-wear, hold contests, live-blog, tweet, and so on. My requirements are negotiable but typically include -- travel expenses, accomodations and stipends for food or payment for work done.
- Benefits - I endorse your product or company and help you get your brand out in front of my peers. Your suggestions welcome.
Questions- or more information? Please feel free to send me mail!
Place your ads on my blog -
Text Link
- On sidebar at any level, site wide exposure, on every page
- Type: Non-Rotating
- Duration - 6 months or more
- Email Melting Mama
125 x 125 Square
- On sidebar at any level, site wide exposure, on every page
- Type: Non-Rotating
- Duration - 6 months or more
- Email Melting Mama
250 x 250 Rectangle
- On sidebar at any level, site wide exposure, on every page
- Type: Non-Rotating
- Duration: 3 months or more
- Email Melting Mama
728 x 90 Rectangle - Featured Sponsor
- At very top of page, site wide exposure, on every page
- Exposure Type: Non-Rotating
- Duration: At your request
- Email Melting Mama
Product reviews, product promotion, discussion on social media
- Exposure Type: Blog post entry, social media links, conversation, reposts
- Duration: Permanently posted on blog, permalinked
- Email Melting Mama
Other sizes, campaigns available at your request.
A few companies I've worked with -
- 2012 - Wellesse
- 2012 - Chike Protein
- 2012 - Big Train
- 2010 - present - Slimpressions
- 2010 - present - Gastric Bypass Supplements
- 2008 - present - Click Espresso Protein
- 2009 - Focus28
- 2008 - 2009 - Brita
- 2008 - Weight Loss Surgery Channel
- See me here
- 2008 - present - Obesity Help
- 2007 - present - Obesity Action Coalition
“Beth, through her blog and her other on-line ventures, provides much needed support, advice and critical information to an under served and mis-served community. I have found her to be well spoken, well informed and consistently reliable in providing me with much needed information. I find her delivery to be candid and highly entertaining. I frequently recommend her to others who have been very appreciative of the introduction.” July 9, 2012
Rhiannon Dunn
“Beth has a strong understanding of social media strategy and marketing and is an asset to the weight loss surgery support community. Through her successful blog and her social media support groups, Beth provides honest and straightforward advice, support and assistance. Beth excels at effective public communication and advocacy.” July 11, 2012
Emily Brubaker, Graphic Designer (freelance)“Beth is an activist for health in the weight loss community. She is a fearless blogger, captivating public speaker, and compassionate ally for those seeking health improvement after weight loss surgery. Her knowledge of bariatric products is exceptional. Beth is also an impressive networker!” January 30, 2012
Lisa Sargese, Hypnotherapist and Nutrition Coach, Recover Really, Inc.
“Beth is truly a great marketer and she has been a pleasure to work with. ” January 18, 2012
Jason Riddle, Director of Operations, ObesityHelp.com / Sapient Technologies
“Professionally, Beth is wonderful to work with. Beth provides valuable information to our ObesityHelp members and followers of her blog and Pouchworthy WLS, Inc. Beth gives of herself to others with information, education and support. I respect and admire Beth and the work that she does. I seek out her opinion on product reviews before I purchase items. Personally, I'm a fan and have subscribed to her blog and follow her on Facebook. On my own blog, I have listed her blog as a valued resource. I would not hesitate to recommend Beth in the highest regard.”
Cathy Wilson, Director, Support Groups and Training, ObesityHelp, Inc.
"Beth is a concise and honest blogger. Her no-baloney approach has endeared her to readers all over the globe. Beth is an asset to the health blogging community and would be a fantastic addition to any project or partnership."
Amy Dungan, Contributing Writer at CarbSmart, Owner/Photographer at Amy Dungan Photography Owner at Healthy Low Carb Living
Dear Melting Mama,
Been meaning to send this for a while, but today is the day. I just want to tell you how absolutely hysterical your humor is. Whenever I need a laugh, I just pull up your site. You are truly gifted, and hope you keep it up and even expand your writing horizons. Even when you panned one of our products a few years back, you did it with great humor and honest personal opinion. Keep going, the world needs you.
All the best,
Impressive how you look at everything WLS touches
What I like, Beth, is your ability to see details and shades of gray.
Weight Loss Surgery probably won't "fix" a person's life. Only the person can do that!
WLS is a choice...a risky one. I'm so pleased anytime I hear that someone had a "good" surgery, that they aren't suffering through serious medical issues and more surgeries.
But even a "good" surgery doesn't guarantee a fixed life. All it really guarantees is that you're going to have to eat a lot differently.
So congratulations on your good outcome, and also on having the clarity to know that your journey was in no way over once you emerged from anesthesia. And thanks for helping others see that too!
“Beth is an extremely talented creative writer. Her writing is both entertaining and informative. She always pays such particular attention to detail and she is a pleasure to work with. I will definitely be continuing to utilize her services in future.” December 16, 2008
Becky Siame , Owner , SizeXchange
“Beth writes a marvelously funny, sometimes too realistic blog regarding her dealings with weight loss surgery. I started reading her blog prior to my own surgery and was thrilled with the honest, in your face blogging that I read. Also, she writes great writeups on products that she has tried whether good or not. I have found alot of helpful information for myself as well as others I'm sure from her blog...I still love to read and I'm almost 2 years post-op myself now!” August 28, 2008
Michelle Vaught , Purchasing , Southern Wine & Spirits
“I recommend Beth to all who are looking for support and guidance before, during and after WLS... Beth's unique style of writing is refreshing and honest....” August 23, 2008
Theresa Myers , Certified Nutraceutical Consultant , NutraMetrix Advanced Nutraceuticals
“Beth is an incredibly talented writer who has a knack for addressing difficult topics with humor and firm compassion. Her Melting Mama blog posts are thought-provoking and, at times, raw, but always delivered from a place of concern for others who may follow in her footsteps.” August 20, 2008
Tonya Luiz , Managing Editor , Tracy Press Inc.
“Beth and I belong to the same group of blog writers regarding weight loss surgery and the experiences that come with this life altering journey. I began reading Beth's blog as a way to understand what life might be like after gastric bypass in January 2007. I was impressed by her wit and her honest portrayal of what it takes to manage life (including family, work, home and illness) while maintaining a significant weight loss. Beth is a prolific reviewer of products that make life easier after weight loss surgery. She takes the time to capture tastes, scents and texture in her review that has the reader understand what the product would be like to experience. Because of her reviews, I have purchased and will continue to purchase some of the products she has endorsed (as well as some she hasn't because we have different texture thresholds). In my voracious reading of WLS blogs, Beth is who I wake up to, who I check in with during the day, and who I have come to rely on for information that might help me in my journey. Her photos are brilliant; she captures color and light and subjects in a way that has the viewer experience the moment fully. As a writer, Beth's voice is clear and entirely her won, she never sugar-coats her life and her experiences, she entirely takes on her journey with an honest eye and tells it like it is. I look forward to continuing my sassy sisterhood with Beth for years to come.” August 19, 2008
And, from 2007 -
I've become hooked this week on reading other blogs related to surgical weight loss. There's an abundance of them out there, and each has its own merits. Take Melting Mama for example.
The site's owner, Beth, is a Bostonian about my age who once topped the scales at more than 300 pounds. What I love most about her blog is its snarky tone. She's had a slew of complications since WLS, and she doesn't shy away from them. I appreciate that about her, because as I've said, this journey isn't all peaches and roses -- and I think more people need to be aware of the risks associated with it.
Kim Simpson , Learning and Event Planner
“Beth is a voracious blogger who offers comical, cutting insight into her daily life that resonates with readers. Her "tell it like it is" style creates a sense of trust with readers who often keep coming back for more...myself included! Whether you need a daily pick-me-up dose of her family life, unbiased reviews of products or even little known medical nuggets dug up from the depths of the internet, Beth Sheldon-Badore offers a great place to start.” August 19, 2008
Jennifer Olski , Senior Editor,
“Beth is a detail-oriented, inventive and thorough product reviewer. I can always trust her recommendations to be detailed and accurate. Her writing is enjoyable and she connects very well with her audience.” August 17, 2008
Top qualities: Personable , High Integrity , Creative
“Beth is a talented writer, with a flair for presenting facts clearly and concisely while at the same time being interesting and entertaining.” August 15, 2008
“Beth is honest, dedicated, committed, and bright. She not only captures your attention, but KEEPS it. Reading Beth's work is like readying any good book, you just can't put it down and you NEVER want it to end... you just crave MORE!” August 15, 2008
“Beth is a highly intelligent, extremely honest, and forthcoming blogger. She has provided numerous services to the WLS community. Throw in a wicked sense of humor and the ability to deal with complications without asking for pity - and she is truly a gift to the internet/blogging community. She is highly artistic, talented and a skilled writer.” August 15, 2008
Sharon Thole Haverlak , Vice-President, Human Resources
“Beth is an exceptional writer. She is extremely informative in all of her writings. She does a lot of research on her endorsements and of recent events. She has an amazing way of writing so that the reader can truly understand in a way that is not way over one's head. She has a huge following, and I do personally believe that is due her dedication in providing an educational service to the community. She is a tremendous asset to a lot of people, not to mention inspirational. On a side note...she is also a great photographer. She is a very talented woman. Sincerely, Caroline Ellavsky” August 14, 2008
Caroline Ellavsky , SENIOR HR MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
