ObesityHelp

Hi, my name is Melony. I am a happily married 37 year old mother of three. (B-13;B-10;G-4). I'm a stay-at-home mom who also home schools all three children. We have a Chihuahua, Daisy and a fish, Fred.

Like most everyone on this site, I've struggled with my weight all my life. Lots of painful memories. I've tried Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, Phen-fen; Hypnosis and just exercising my butt off. I would always lose 30 or so pounds and then just return to the previous weight with a little more.

I never really considerd wls. I'm careful about what I eat and exercise regularly. What I do have is hypothyroidism.

It was the plastic surgeon I went to see that suggested wls and explained why. I was going to get a tummy-tuck. I immediately made appt. with pc doc. He didn't think too highly of the idea. He said I didn't have enough co-morbidities, yet and maybe I should wait. Wait for what---another 50-75-100 lbs---hbp and diabetes?

On Feb. 9, 2006 I attended a seminar at Bariatric Solutions, Dr. Bour. On Feb. 15, 2006 I "enroll". Enrollment includes completing all necessary paperwork and paying your enrollment "fee". This covers a host of things, including psych eval, Opti-fast, Nutritionist meetings and support group meetings. It appears insurance will pay, we're retired USAF and have TriCare Prime.

My hubby is very supportive and kids are just a little worried, but say they will help me. I can't wait for sugeon consult and surgery date! I can't believe there may be help out there for me.

2-15-06 Went to enrollment session today. Completed psych testing. Hope I passed :-) Paid $1000 of enrollment fee and plan to pay other $1500 by end of month. I was given dates of 3-1 to meet with Dr. Bour and nutritionist and 3-7 to meet with Dr. Russell. My only question - do people with hypothyroidism lose? Answer - yes. Am I dreaming? This is too good to be true. I almost feel guilty that everything is going so smoothly for me. Of course, I don't have the letter of approval from Tricare, yet.

Note: stepped on scale on the way out and weigh 232 (2-15-06)

Leave for cruise to Jamaica and Grand Cayman Friday. We always travel in Feb and Nov. I was thinking...I may be smaller by Nov. Could I actually be a loser by then?

Back from the best trip in a long time. Didn't gain any weight!!!


Required meetings begin:

3-1-06 - 231.8 - saw nutritionist

3-7-06 - saw psychologist...thought I was normal, but yellow light now. Apparently I have OCD...wants me to take meds before he will clear me for surgery. I'm ok with that. I want to be as healthy as possible.

3-8-06 - saw Dr. Bour, surgeon...235.0 - things are starting to move quickly now. I still have $1500 of the $2500 to pay of my enrollment fee. I will do that later this month. Also, psych visit is scheduled for 3-28, then it shouldn't be too long. Dr. Bour seems to think things will move very quickly from now until my surgery. He expects me to lose 100 lbs. I would weigh 135lbs. I can't believe that. I have never been that small as an adult. I weighed 170 at graduation. I just can't believe it, really. Kim, in insurance, didn't think there would be a problem with my insurance approval, TriCare Prime. They are preparing the paperwork now to send into insurance. I'm still in shock. Dr. said to start exercising and getting used to it and make it a habit. I already walk every evening. I will have to increase the amount I walk and plan on heating our pool next month, so swimming could begin then. I just can't believe this is happening to me. I'm so happy and thankful.

3-28-06 - Saw psychologist again today. Given GREEN light! I was told that all information was submitted to insurance. Waiting on surgery date, but all should go fast from here. Paid the rest of the $2500 enrollment today - I owed $1500. I'm beyond excited!!!

Note - 231.8 lbs.

3-31-06 - Insurance denied. I'm so sad. I'm trying to hold on until Monday...Maybe it's just a paperwork glitch. I'm hopeful. Yet, I don't understand. I qualify! I don't like TriCare Prime right now.

4-2-06 - I'm hopeful that I will look back on this later and laugh at how silly I was to be so upset. Today is Sunday and tomorrow I will get some kind of information about the denial. Oddly enough, I slept last night. All I can say is what a roller coaster ride. Euphoria and all the way down. Think PEACE, Melony. Think PEACE. We did heat the pool and the kids swam all afternoon and plan to swim all this afternoon. What beautiful weather. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise.

4-3-06 - UPDATE - Insurance still says I'm denied, at least customer service says that. They told me to write a letter of appeal and that I don't weigh enough. Called Kim at Dr. Bour's and she said that she had a message from Sharon at TriCare and that I was still pending until they had thryroid info and stomach bacteria info. I go for blood work tomorrow. Kim said not to worry, but I am only cautiously positive. I hope this will all work out.

4-6-06 - Kim called and said she had faxed labs to Sharon at TriCare. Waiting for approval.

4-10-06 - Note, went to Support Group Meeting- 232.4 lbs.

4-13-06 - TriCare says still denied!!! Kim is on vacation at Dr. Bour's office, so everything is at standstill this week. This is killing me. How depressing. I've left two messages with TriCare 2nd level denial review, no return phone calls, though.

4-17-06 - Kim is back and faxed appeal to TriCare. I called TriCare and confirmed they had received it and they stated they have 30 days to review, but things are slow, so it should only take 3 weeks.

4-18-06 - Well, exercising last night and fell. Hurt myself and scared my kids to death. X-ray shows no break, only sprain.

4-19-06 - My neighbor is a chiropractor and he and his wife are good friends. He came over and suggested ice submersion. He said it would be terribly painful, but relieve most of the swelling. OMG!!! it hurt almost as much as the fall, but it really worked. I can't believe how much better it feels. Thank you Jen and Ken. Dr. Ken (hehe) says he'll adjust my ankle when the swelling is down more. Who knew? Soooo.....now the waiting game begins on my appeal. Let's see, that means I can start calling TriCare May 9. And I will.


******************************UPDATE************************

4-20-06 - Called Tricare to make sure they had my appeal and was told I am APPROVED! I'm so excited. Called Dr. Bour's office and Kim gave me a surgery date of May 17. I'm on my way.

4-21-06 - 232.8 - Went to Dr. Bour's for surgery packet and to pick up Optifast. Started today. I hope it will be ok. Sudden shock now. This is really going to happen.

4-24-06 - 229.8 - 4 days on Optifast and I lost 3 pounds. I'm so very, very happy. I will miss the girls. Dawn, Tonya, Michelle & Patti, but I'm also looking forward to seeing Kathy and Melissa. I'm just in limbo now. Can't wait to see who I meet tonight at the Optifast meeting. Chocolate Optifast is all that I have tried, but it doesn't taste bad. You have to shake it really well, though and more than 20 seconds. Also, this 30 day stage is hard. My stomach isn't shrunk yet and still I can only have 3-4 oz protein, veggie and fruit. It's not that bad, but it's not especially easy. It's a sudden realization that OMG, I can't eat bread, pasta, potatoes, sweets anymore. Fortunately, I've been caffeine free for years and soda free, but if I had to let go of tea and coffee and sweets, it would be horrible. Just be sure to prepare yourself for this stage if you have to go through it. Lots of docs don't require it, but Dr. Bour does. This stage is important, though, because it requires that you have Optisfast 5 times a day and a meal and all the water you need. You get used to having a drink of water or optifast in your hand all the time. Only after surgery, you won't be able to gulp it down..sip,,sip,,sip,,sip. And, if you're the cook in your family, things will change. You will have to have things on the menu that you can eat and meats will have to be prepared to the proper standard. Even though I rarely fried anything I did use gravies and potatoes and rice alot. I also always had rolls, cornbread, garlic bread or biscuits with every dinner. That has had to change. Like now for instance, if we're having tuna salad sandwiches for lunch, I will place my tuna on the plate by itself along with low-fat cheese and the fruit and tomato slices and lettuce. The kids and DH will have sandwiches with all the above, but chips or potato salad on something. Thankfully my children don't have hypothyroidism and aren't overweight. My husband has never had these issues or anyone in his family, so he can't see why he should change anything. I'm sure I'll adapt and the family will along with me.

22 days to surgery. Yeah!

Again, thank you for the support here and and meetings. Thank you.


4-25-06 - 229.6(down 3.2lbs)2nd Optifast meeting.

4-26-06 - Bad day today. I feel like I'm floating. Between 5 optifast and 64 ozs of water, I can't stop tt'ing and I feel full to my throat. I keep thinking it's all in my head, but is it? I thought I was supposed to feel great on optifast and healthier than ever with tons of energy. I don't feel that way today. And I know this is ugly, but just watching everyone eat around me makes them look like pigs gorging on food. My husband came home for lunch, as ususal, but I felt strong resentment today, as I had made lunch for everyone else that I couldn't eat and then he wanted to know where the chips and salsa were. As I sat there with my optifast, forcing it down, all I could hear was smacking and crunching and gulping. Even the smells made me sick. I had to walk away from the table. Oh God, please let me feel better. I know this is a good thing. I know you brought me to this place when the time was right. I have faith. Think peace, Melony, think peace. In Jesus name, Amen.

4-28-06 - Woke up this morning feeling better. My ankle is doing better and I was able to walk last night. Also, met a neighbor just a few houses away that has been shrinking. Someone told me she had gastric bypass. So...I stopped and rang her doorbell last night and sure enough, she had rny in September. She has lost 136lbs. in 7 months. She told me all kinds of things about how it feels and when it hurt and what dumping felt like and how little she had actually done it. I've never felt so reassured. Also, she has a daughter who is 5 and my daughter just turned 5. My daughter, Sydney, loves play dates. She doesn't currently go to post-op, so I offered that we ride together. She lit up and so that may happen. Let's see, saw Melissa yesterday at pre-surgical meeting and she looked wonderful. Simply gleaming. When we got in the car, my husband said, "You couldn't wipe that grin off her face." I can't wait to have that grin myself. hehehehehe

5-2-06 Well, I walked myself to death this week and swam almost every day. I stuck strictly to the diet and optifast and I lost 1.6 lbs. I told Melissa not to pay attention to the scale, but I understand how hard it is. ?Will I really lost weight after the surgery? Still my main fear. What if I don't lose weight? Meeting was great and it was so nice to be with others and to see Dawn. We will all have the surgery within the next 3 1/2 weeks. Everyone in the room is going to be different in another month. I can't wait to see the changes.

5-8-06 - Had EGD done at Hillcrest Hospital. Everyone was extremely nice! I don't really remember anything, but my throat hurts really bad. The staff has exceptional respect for Dr. Bour, and that is very encouraging to me. I'm very sleepy now, so I'm going to rest. Surgery in 9 days. Yeah!

5-9-06 - 223.3 - I attended the last optifast meeting last night. I don't have any other meetings, except with the hospital. One week until surgery date!

5-10-06 - Went to pre-assessment today. I met with anesthesiologist and completed blood work. Everyone thinks everything will be fine, so there's a big go-ahead for me. I've lost 10% of my excess body weight and I'm glad for that. Tentatively I've set my personal goal at 118lbs. That gives me 118lbs to lose or 1/2 myself. That seems very unreal to me. I've lost 12.2lbs. and I'm looking forward to being a BIG LOSER! I bought all types of protein yesterday. Things are going great, and only 6 six days on optifast left. My surgery time is 9:20 and I have to be there at 7:40. That is easy enough! Now I continue to get in lots of protein and fluids and get plenty of exercise. I'm on my way!

5-17-06 - Well, I'm on my way to the hospital very soon. This has all gone by so fast. Thank you everyone for all the loving prayers and support. I appreciate everyone. Thank you to my neighbors for all their help and support. Thank you my dear husband and wonderful children. I love you very much. Most of all, thank you God. "For I will praise HIM! for He IS my Savior!"

5-19-06 - I'm home and tired. I'll update more later. Terrible back pain and this feeling of indigestion just as I sip and swallow something. I still have a lot of gas from the Laproscopic procedure, I think.

5-20-06 - Today has been rough. I have cried a lot and been angry a lot. What is wrong with me? I can't wipe myself, that is what is wrong! It hurts to sip and my back is killing me. It is still very soon, and I keep reminding myself that everything has to adjust and heal. I've read it all before, but it is different on this side. I walked today and used a heating and massage pad. Please, God, let this gas move off my spine. I've sipped all day and managed to get in 44oz of clear liquid and 30 grams protein. I know that is not enough. I tried real hard, but having trouble. I did have BM and go tee tee, so things are working correctly, I think. Why does it feel like something is stuck. I've only had water and pop sicles and jello. I don't like anything anymore. I need to clear my mind and regroup. This is not me and I'm glad I wrote in my journal prior to this. I just keep reminding myself that I was ready for this and to stop whining. What is wrong with me!?! Hang in there wonderful kids and husband. Mommy will be better than ever soon. It's only been 3 days, Melony. Chin up. I have to give myself time to heal. I love my OH Support ladies. I'm sorry if I'm disappointing you. I'm not hungry. Talk again tomorrow. Good night.

5-25-06 - I go to Dr. tomorrow. 1st week checkup. I'm ready for full liquids. I'm not really hungry, but feel the need to nourish my pouch.

5-27-06 - My one week follow-up went well. I have officially lost 9lbs. since surgery one week out. The JP tube will come out in one week. I'm glad for that. I'm exercising and doing well. I'm so glad I can eat yogurt and drink milk. I'm very happy about that. I've been terribly worried about my dear friend, Dawn. Her surgery experience has been a difficult one. She is a wonderful lady and has a wonderful family. I feel better today, though, because she is doing so much better. Her color is back and she was sitting up in a chair when I went in. I just had to hug her. We all love you, Dawn. So sorry you had these complications, but very grateful you're doing so well now.

My daughter's dance recital is this afternoon and it's a nice distraction to my surgery and struggles. Momma loves you, Sydney.

5-30-06 - This drain is a drag! Come on Thursday! My entire body is tired and hurts a little. I think I'm having "shrinking pains" instead of "growing pains" Now that that is out of the way, things are getting better. I can't thank my support ladies out there enough. I couldn't have done this without all of you. Tanya, your big day is coming tomorrow!

Things to be grateful for...1)I was able to have the surgery...2)I had no complications...3)I haven't dumped or vomited...4)I didn't become lactose intolerant...5)I'm losing weight

Sometimes it helps to put things in perspective and view the big picture. " Let go of the past to succeed with the future." On a church sign on Butler Road. I think God had them put it there for me. :-) I read it every time I go to Dr. Bour's or anywhere, really. What a journey! It is sometimes a little overwhelming.

My husband and kids are doing this with me and being so great. I love you guys. I just realized today that I have bones. You know, wrist bones, shoulder bones, ankle bones, knees......they are quite feminine. I'll post again after the drain is out on Thursday. Bye to all.

6-1-06 - 2 week check up today and down 4 lbs this week. Katie removed the drain, thank God! I am feeling better this afternoon. I went to see Tanya at the hospital and she is doing fantastic. Way to go, Tanya! I'm going to family reunion this weekend and looking forward to getting out. I'm still not getting in all my protein. I'm trying real hard, though. I am getting in plenty of fluid. From time to time things feel stuck still. I think I may be drinking too fast. It seems like sipping to me, though. I refuse to claim it, so go away. My clothes are too big! I am thrilled. I can tell I am getting smaller. I've lost almost 1 lb. a day since surgery. When else would that have happened for me?

Let's see, Monday night, support meeting and Tuesday, Puree Group. Appointments should start to slow down now. I did ask for meeting with Dr. Russell. I just want his assessment. I can no longer judge myself since I'm taking Prozac. My barometer is off. I seem to handle things very well. Is that normal? I just need unbias opinion. I'm afraid I have a dark side. Those who know Dr. Russell know he is very blunt. I'll get direct, honest answer. I love my husband, I love my children. I will claim that.

6-5-05 - Went to family reunion this weekend. 6 hour drive with three kids. Everything went fine. I was very tired when I got there and found it hard to get in fluids on the trip. I didn't have a lot of energy while I was there. Normally, I get up first and cook breakfast for everyone, but not this time. Grilled hamburgers the night I got there...not for me. All the food and snacks and desserts and food and food and did I mention food. I stayed on my schedule and indulged in yogurt. Just wait until next year's reunion. They won't recognize me. My Native American history is bringing me back to Lexington, SC. May the circle be unbroken. When I walked out with dark brown hair and blue eyes and brown skin, I saw myself all thoughout the crowd of people. I thought to myself, now I know who I look like. A sea of blue-eyed women and men. No thin people. Is anyone thin anymore? Where is Dr. Russell??????????My momma cried. I told her I wasn't hungry. It was ok, that I came to the reunion so she could see that I am ok. She doesn't think so. Suddenly I look peeked and gaunt. Come on people, I've only lost 37 lbs. since you saw me last. How about I look thinner, healthier and prettier? I guess I'll look like warmed-over death next year. I'm still glad I went. The kids had a blast and I saw all my brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. It was kind of like Christmas, extended. Lots of babies. Of course, I spent my time helping with the babies. I loooovvvvveee the babies. Puree Group tomorrow.

6-6-06 - Went to Advanced Group last night and Puree Group this morning. I weighed and it was only down 1 lb. It's been four days since I weighed last and got the tube out. The fear is creeping in. I'm glad I've moved on to puree, but will I get anything in. It seems like an awful lot to me. I don't know, but I'm taking things one day at a time. I know I exercise more than is recommended, but I don't do well with protein. PROTEIN...my nemesis! Dr. Russell called today and said I am fine and how I feel is normal. That is good to know. I was a little worried. Time to cut the grass (with the push mower) Yeah! Anyone want to buy a new riding lawn mower? hehe

6-14-06 - Well, life has been happening. I'm doing better surgery related and went to post op meeting last Monday night and weighed 199.6. Onederland! My clothes are falling off. My rings are too big and my shoes don't fit. My dear friend, Dawn is not doing well. I'm clueless as how to make it better and feel at a loss. I'm so sad for her and her family. I want it to be better. Yesterday was my anniversary of marriage to my wonderful husband. He now calls me a cheap date. :-) Thank you God for sending me such a wonderful life partner. I love you, my dear. Other things, non surgery-related are happening right now. I'm a little "over-whelmed", but doing ok. Everything will be ok. God will help me and lead me in the right direction. I know this. Keep the faith, Melony. Thank goodness for our support group meetings and Dr. Russell. Perspective...Perspective...Perspective

6-20-06 - Went to 4th Phase meeting today. I can't possibly believe that I can eat that much food. I don't believe I will be able to for quite a while. I went to see Patti today and she is doing great! She has had her test and waiting for ice. She'll go home tomorrow like I did. I'm amazed at how well she is doing. I also went by Jennifer's room and saw her. She's never met me personally, so there's no time like the present. She was just in from the recovery room. She was in pain, but we all know it will get better. Yeah for Patti and Jennifer. I can't wait until our ladies meeting tonight. Will it ever get here?

7-5-06 - I've been terrible about posting! I've been so busy. I'm just back from a week visit with family in Ohio and pooped! I didn't eat any wrong things, but didn't eat enough. I go tomorrow to Solid 2 and am not even excited. I'm not hungry, but food was a part of everything we did this past week. I'm tired of the same things. Maybe something new will be introduced. I seem to be sticking to soft foods. I can't wait to weigh tomorrow. I excercised the entire time I was gone. I hope it shows! Prayers are with Dawn.

Please, Lord, let someone buy my house. I know it will be in your time, not mine. Peace, Melony, Peace.

7-26-06 - Ten weeks out from surgery today and it's hard to believe how "normal" I feel. I've accepted me the way I am now and how I have to eat. I don't regret the surgery at all and still can't believe how much I'm shrinking. The skin is a different issue altogether. My hubby keeps reminding me to be patient and give the skin time to catch up with the loss. He's says I'm tiny. I'm 5 pounds away from weighing less that him. That is very exciting to me. He's so fit! He measured me the night before surgery and measured me at two months and I've lost 33 inches from where he measured. That is very hard for me to believe. I count my weight from January and I was 247 when I went to Dr. Bour's seminar and the plastic surgeon. I have lost 62lbs. this year and 41 lbs. since surgery. My person goal is 115 (I think) and that means I have 70 lbs. to go. My hubby thinks I will be a bone at 115 and will look great at 130, because I'm muscular and have "boobs". In that case, I would only have 55lbs. to lose. Either way, I would have never even talked about this 8 months ago. Thank you God! I'm just obese now, not morbid. Sounds better, huh? Hugs to all you wonderful ladies from the group. Huggie lovie, huggie lovie, huggie lovie!


8-9-06 - I just posted my weight and realized how much I have lost. It doesn't feel that way, but others see it. I know my clothes are all too big, even the new ones. Depression is heavy around me right now. Even with wonderful things happening in my life and wonderful support, I'm sad. I feel very, very ugly. ALL OVER! What is wrong with me? I should be jumping for joy. Get it together, Melony. Peace. I should be so grateful. Someone kick me in the butt, please. I'm so lucky and doing so well. uugggghhhh. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine..........


10-12-06 - Well, I'm finally moved into my new, beautiful house. It's been crazy. I took my son today for his annual check-up and I had not seen his Dr. or the nurses in 6-7 months. They freaked and made me get on the scale. I wanted to cry. I'm in the 150's. Yeah, Melony. I promptly went to get my new Driver's License and was excited that my weight had changed, but they only took a new pic and put the new address on there. It still shows the old weight, but definitely a new Melony.


WEIGHT RECORD

1st Seminar 2-06 247.7
Beginning 235.5
Start Opti 232.8 down 2.7
2nd wk/opti 229.6 down 3.2
3rd wk/opti 228.0 down 1.6
4th wk/opti 223.3 down 4.7
Day of Surgery 5-17-06 Total loss before surgery: 24.40 lbs.
1 week post 214.6 down 8.7
2 week post 210.6 down 4.0 total 12.7
1 month post 6-17-06 199.6 down 11.0 total 23.7
6 week post 192.2 down 7.4 total 31.10
2 month post 187.3 down 4.9 total 36.00
10 week post 185.1 down 2.2 total 38.2
11 week post 178.0 down 7.1 total 45.3
3 month post 8-17-06 173.8 down 4.2 total 49.50
4 month post 9-17-06 165.0 down 8.8 total 58.30
5 month post 10-12-06 158.9 down 6.1 total 64.4

6 month post 11-27-06 150.5 down 8.4 total 72.8

7 month post 12-18-06 147.6 down 2.9 total 75.70 since surgery and 100.1 since start.

8 month post 1-17-07 137.2 down 10.4 total 86.10 since surgery and 110.5 since start. Goal:  118...19.2 to goal!!!Yeah!!!!

9 month post 2-26-07 132.2 down 5.0 total 91.10 since surgery and 115.5 since start.  Goal 118...14.2 to goal!!!Yeah!!!!

10 month post 3-19-07 127.0 down 5.2 total 96.30 since surgery and 120.7 since start.  Goal 118... 9 to goal!!!Yeah!!!

11 month post 4-12-07 123.2 down 3.8 total 100.10 since surgery and 124.5 since start.  goal 118... 5.20 to goal!!!Yeah!!!  Also, down 95.25 inches!!!!!!!!!!!!

18 month post 12-3-07 125.6 up 2.4 total 97.7 since surgery and 122.1 since start.  goal now 125-129 per Dr. Bour.  Excellent 18 month check-up.  Healthy, thyroid still messed up, protein good and cholesterol 118!!!  Per Dr. Bour  "Don't lose anymore" watch to stay between the lines. 

Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Eric Bour, M.D.
Dr. Bour is just the type surgeon I'm looking for. He is very knowledgeable and runs his office very efficiently. He is calm and kind. Everything is so complete. You can't possible go through this surgery without knowing everything you need to know. Everything is soooo thorough, from nutrition to counseling before and after surgery. Fantastic surgeon and office. I'm very happy I live here and have this opportunity.
Insurer Info:
Tricare Prime
TriCare originally denied my surgery because they stated I didn't weigh enough and that I didn't have enough co-morbidities. I am 5 ft tall and weigh 235 with bmi 44.9. The denial took 3 business days. I then appealed the decision and the appeal took 3 business days. Dr.'s office most helpful. Thank you Kim.