Scherlie D.
59 year old grandmother. Worked as RN for many years. Medically retired last year (2002) Have had right knee replacement AND revision. Need left knee replacement, and left ankle fusion. Have battled my weight since puberty. I think I have reached the end of my rope, and desperately need help.
1/28/04 I scheduled my first appointment in late November and will have my evaluation tomorrow. Seems like a long wait, and I admit to a few flutterbies. I meet all the criteria, but my age concerns me. I guess that will be resolved tomorrow. My mobility is severely compromised and something needs to be done. I have begun lifting weights again, and plan to contact the fitness director at the local fitness center as soon as I get home from the doctor's office. Because of my mobility problems, I cannot walk without flaring up the ankle and "good" knee. I'm thinking water walking and seated weights would be a good start.
My insurance has approved me for three appointments and will assess the need for surgery after I have those appointments. I will go on Medicare this summer, so hope to have the surgery before then.
2/1/04 The scheduled appointment went well. It helped that while I was being interviewed, my husband was sitting in the waiting room and listened to several of the people who have already had the surgery talking about it. He was much encouraged and is even more supportive, if that is possible. I had my psych interview, and a brief dietician interview before seeing the doctor. Dr. Morgan is Dr. Byrne's partner, and she seemed very competent and nice. Because my insurance, Tricare Prime, has, in their wisdom, declared lap surgery as "experimental," I will be having an open procedure. The insurance company does not care about me...only the bottom line and opens are less expensive (take less time) than laps. Never mind that the lap is much easier on the patient, with fewer days in-house and fewer side effects. Well, either way, I am ready. Our meeting with Dr. Byrne and his people, including the financial guru, Deborah, was very helpful and informative. He even gave this website as a possible resource for us. He was very matter-of-fact, and didn't sugar-coat anything. My husband was most impressed with the concern and helpfulness of the staff in the clinic. If that attitude carries over into the hospital, this should be a very positive experience. I have a tentative date, but will not know for certain until later this week. We're hoping for May 19. :>)
February 17. Went to the dietary consult earlier this month. It was very informative. Talked to Joyce this week and she said my date would be May 17. I am keeping myself very busy so that the time will pass quickly.
March 15. Heard from Joyce last week that Tricare Prime had approved my surgery! We are set for May 17. Have to go to Charleston for labs and GB ultrasound on May 6, then will be going to Navy Nurse Corps Reunion, so that should keep my mind off the upcoming surgery. Anyway, we are good to go, and I am still keeping very busy so the time will not drag. Soon, we'll be down to two months....
May 3. Heard from Joyce last week...Surgery will be with Dr Byrne on Wednesday May 19. Have some concerns about low blood sugars. Talked with PCP, and he was not much help. Just went on OH.com forum and hopefully I can get some info there.
I have been eating carefully since December, and although I have not lost any weight, my blood sugars are normal and my cholesterol has dropped to 148. I would like to be as physically stable as possible on my surgery day. This week I go to Charleston for the pre-op lab work and gallbladder ultra sound.
My friend had wls surgery 21 years ago! Her success is my goal.
Only 15 days to go!
June 3,2004 15days post op!
WOW! This has been an experience! Surgery went pretty well, and I am now officially a LOSER! At my first appointment (drain removed), I thought I had gained two pounds and was very discouraged. Dr Bryne was very encouraging, and I found out that I had actually lost 7 pounds! Had my staples out on day 13, and had lost 22 pounds. Today, I am down 30! I am having problems eating everything I should, so have a call into the dietician to ask for help on my diet. Even the small amounts are difficult, but I am working at it. Today I met up with a friend who had the surgery a month before me. She has lost 57 pounds and looks great. Physically, I am doing OK, I think. My main problem is the drain area...it is very uncomfortable if I sit upright. So I lounge around a lot.
My care at MUSC was stupendous. The entire staff was very considerate of me and my husband. I had a private room, and shared a shower, but that was fine. I was only there from Wednesday (surgery day) to Saturday morning when I went home.
Why didn't I do this earlier?
May 21, 2005
Well, I have not been to this site in nearly a year! Cannot imagine why, except that I have been enjoying the new me! I am officially past my one-year mark, and am down 125 pounds. I now wear a size 14 dress (down from a 3X or 4X. I wear a size 14, or Medium top, and size 14-16 pants. Once I have my plastic surgery, I imagine I will be a true 14 or even a 12. I have never in my life had a flat butt until now :)
This has truly been a year of discovery for me. I am nuch more active now although the bad knees and ankle are still problems. But I can walk, climb steps and talk at the same time.
My 20-month old grandson wanted to go down the slide at the playground, but I thought he was too small to go it alone. He just cried because he wanted to go down it so bad. So I just sat down at the top of the slide, put him on my lap, and the three-year old between my legs, and we all pushed off and went down together! What a priceless feeling. I could never have done that a year ago!
My friends have been incredibly supportive during this past year. They have kept me in "new (to me)" clothes. I have had to buy very little, so that has been a blessing.
Unfortunately, I was discovered to have a non-functioning gall bladder that caused a lot of pain, and had to have it out about 11 months after my bariatric surgery. Fortunately, the doc was able to do it as a lap, and it barely caused a ripple in my activity level.
I have an appointment with an eye surgeon this coming week. I have flaps of skin on my eyelids that need removing, so will talk to the doc about that. I need a lot of plastic surgery, but plan to wait awhile for that. I need my mental attitude to shift before I can face another major surgery this year!
My co-morbitidies continue to improve. I am diabetic, but now take only 20 U Lantus daily instead of nearly 60, plus pills. The pills went away right after the surgery. The insulin requirements continue to decrease. I elected to stay on the insulin instead of reverting to pills because I did not like the way the pills made me feel. The insulin works well for me, and my blood sugars are below 100 fasting. I still take high blood pressure medication because the pcp thinks it will help my heart. My blood pressure is normal. My cholesterol was 93, but I stay on Zocor, again because it protects my heart. All in all, I feel great and have only one regret...that I did not do this years earlier!
July 23, 2005
Well, there have been some glitches in my system. Shortly after the gall bladder, which was badly diseased, was removed, I had a reoccurrence of the abdominal pain. It appears that I may have SOD, or Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction. The spasms are infrequent and vary in intensity. All labs were normal. Dr B wants me to come to Charleston next time it happens. Other things have taken priority though...I guess since the pain eventually eases, I will try to tough it out for now.
My "good knee" is failing. I was told a couple of years ago that it was ready for replacement, but I was not ready at that time. I'm still not ready, but the pain is bad, and keeps me awake at night. I am going to check at MUSC to see if I can have the replacement surgery done there...they have a minimally invasive surgery, as well as computerized location for the new joint (according to their newsletter). It looks like I could handle that. I am having my eyelids done in two and a half weeks, so will check with Ortho about an appointment soon. Maybe I could have the tk in the fall.
To add to everything, I have developed an incisional hernia at the point where one of the holes was punched for the lap gallbladder removal. I am currently awaiting a call from Dr. B about the hernia. I may hold off on that repair until next spring, and have the tummy tuck at the same time. The knee, because of the pain, has to be my first priority. I told Dr. B that even had I known that all of this would occur following the surgery, I would still have elected to have it done. It saved my life. I would much rather face the problems associated with years of morbid obesity as a thinner person than as one weighing 300 pounds!
September 18, 2005
Had my eyelids lifted in August and it went well. Glad to be without the extra tissue hanging over my eyes. Also had the evaluation by the ortho guy at MUSC. I have decided to wait awhile for that surgery. He said it needs to be done, but I have to decide when the pain becomes worth the tk replacement. Right now it has calmed down and does not cause me major problems. So I have decided to have the tummy tuck and hernia repair. Dr. Jack Hensel in Mt Pleasant will do the surgeries. It is scheduled for 10/24. He was very forth-coming and gave me lots to think about before having the surgery. I really want to get rid of the panus, so will go ahead as scheduled. Dr. Hensel did another OH client, and I have seen pictures of the results. It is amazing, and I am ready.
This week I go back to my School of Nursing for my 40th year Class Reunion. After I get home, I will prepare for the plastic surgery.
October 30, 2005
Lots has happened...the reunion was bittersweet as my best friend was dying of breast cancer. We did have some precious moments to share before it was over. She died 10 days following the end of the reunion, and I turned around and went back to OK for her memorial service. I was back home a week before my scheduled panniculectomy and hernia repair. East Cooper Hospital is THE BEST! The care I got from the nursing staff was 4.0! My surgeon left a bit to be desired, though. While the work is technically OK, and I am happy with that, I am not happy with the fact that I was left for 10 hours without pain medication right after the surgery because he neglected to come to the hospital in the morning as he had said he would. Then it took three phone calls to the hospital where he was working to get a response from him. I had had a reaction to the pain medication, and doctor on call had given me Benadryl and Valium because I am extremely sensitive to pain meds. We agreed to wait until my doctor came in to figure out which pain med would work for me. Well, he never came in, nor did he respond to the phone calls. Eventually, at 2:30 pm, he did respond. Were I planning more reconstructive work, I would certainly be looking for another doctor. On the plus side, 4 Kilos were removed, and I have a flat tummyfor the first time since my first child was born 35 years ago.
November 5, 2005
I am now 10 days post op. I still have two drains in since my output was too high to have at least one removed 1 week post-op. Now my Plastic surgeon is away for a week, so they will not be removed until November 15. They are just an aggravation, but not nearly as painful as the drain I had following my original surgery.
1/28/04 I scheduled my first appointment in late November and will have my evaluation tomorrow. Seems like a long wait, and I admit to a few flutterbies. I meet all the criteria, but my age concerns me. I guess that will be resolved tomorrow. My mobility is severely compromised and something needs to be done. I have begun lifting weights again, and plan to contact the fitness director at the local fitness center as soon as I get home from the doctor's office. Because of my mobility problems, I cannot walk without flaring up the ankle and "good" knee. I'm thinking water walking and seated weights would be a good start.
My insurance has approved me for three appointments and will assess the need for surgery after I have those appointments. I will go on Medicare this summer, so hope to have the surgery before then.
2/1/04 The scheduled appointment went well. It helped that while I was being interviewed, my husband was sitting in the waiting room and listened to several of the people who have already had the surgery talking about it. He was much encouraged and is even more supportive, if that is possible. I had my psych interview, and a brief dietician interview before seeing the doctor. Dr. Morgan is Dr. Byrne's partner, and she seemed very competent and nice. Because my insurance, Tricare Prime, has, in their wisdom, declared lap surgery as "experimental," I will be having an open procedure. The insurance company does not care about me...only the bottom line and opens are less expensive (take less time) than laps. Never mind that the lap is much easier on the patient, with fewer days in-house and fewer side effects. Well, either way, I am ready. Our meeting with Dr. Byrne and his people, including the financial guru, Deborah, was very helpful and informative. He even gave this website as a possible resource for us. He was very matter-of-fact, and didn't sugar-coat anything. My husband was most impressed with the concern and helpfulness of the staff in the clinic. If that attitude carries over into the hospital, this should be a very positive experience. I have a tentative date, but will not know for certain until later this week. We're hoping for May 19. :>)
February 17. Went to the dietary consult earlier this month. It was very informative. Talked to Joyce this week and she said my date would be May 17. I am keeping myself very busy so that the time will pass quickly.
March 15. Heard from Joyce last week that Tricare Prime had approved my surgery! We are set for May 17. Have to go to Charleston for labs and GB ultrasound on May 6, then will be going to Navy Nurse Corps Reunion, so that should keep my mind off the upcoming surgery. Anyway, we are good to go, and I am still keeping very busy so the time will not drag. Soon, we'll be down to two months....
May 3. Heard from Joyce last week...Surgery will be with Dr Byrne on Wednesday May 19. Have some concerns about low blood sugars. Talked with PCP, and he was not much help. Just went on OH.com forum and hopefully I can get some info there.
I have been eating carefully since December, and although I have not lost any weight, my blood sugars are normal and my cholesterol has dropped to 148. I would like to be as physically stable as possible on my surgery day. This week I go to Charleston for the pre-op lab work and gallbladder ultra sound.
My friend had wls surgery 21 years ago! Her success is my goal.
Only 15 days to go!
June 3,2004 15days post op!
WOW! This has been an experience! Surgery went pretty well, and I am now officially a LOSER! At my first appointment (drain removed), I thought I had gained two pounds and was very discouraged. Dr Bryne was very encouraging, and I found out that I had actually lost 7 pounds! Had my staples out on day 13, and had lost 22 pounds. Today, I am down 30! I am having problems eating everything I should, so have a call into the dietician to ask for help on my diet. Even the small amounts are difficult, but I am working at it. Today I met up with a friend who had the surgery a month before me. She has lost 57 pounds and looks great. Physically, I am doing OK, I think. My main problem is the drain area...it is very uncomfortable if I sit upright. So I lounge around a lot.
My care at MUSC was stupendous. The entire staff was very considerate of me and my husband. I had a private room, and shared a shower, but that was fine. I was only there from Wednesday (surgery day) to Saturday morning when I went home.
Why didn't I do this earlier?
May 21, 2005
Well, I have not been to this site in nearly a year! Cannot imagine why, except that I have been enjoying the new me! I am officially past my one-year mark, and am down 125 pounds. I now wear a size 14 dress (down from a 3X or 4X. I wear a size 14, or Medium top, and size 14-16 pants. Once I have my plastic surgery, I imagine I will be a true 14 or even a 12. I have never in my life had a flat butt until now :)
This has truly been a year of discovery for me. I am nuch more active now although the bad knees and ankle are still problems. But I can walk, climb steps and talk at the same time.
My 20-month old grandson wanted to go down the slide at the playground, but I thought he was too small to go it alone. He just cried because he wanted to go down it so bad. So I just sat down at the top of the slide, put him on my lap, and the three-year old between my legs, and we all pushed off and went down together! What a priceless feeling. I could never have done that a year ago!
My friends have been incredibly supportive during this past year. They have kept me in "new (to me)" clothes. I have had to buy very little, so that has been a blessing.
Unfortunately, I was discovered to have a non-functioning gall bladder that caused a lot of pain, and had to have it out about 11 months after my bariatric surgery. Fortunately, the doc was able to do it as a lap, and it barely caused a ripple in my activity level.
I have an appointment with an eye surgeon this coming week. I have flaps of skin on my eyelids that need removing, so will talk to the doc about that. I need a lot of plastic surgery, but plan to wait awhile for that. I need my mental attitude to shift before I can face another major surgery this year!
My co-morbitidies continue to improve. I am diabetic, but now take only 20 U Lantus daily instead of nearly 60, plus pills. The pills went away right after the surgery. The insulin requirements continue to decrease. I elected to stay on the insulin instead of reverting to pills because I did not like the way the pills made me feel. The insulin works well for me, and my blood sugars are below 100 fasting. I still take high blood pressure medication because the pcp thinks it will help my heart. My blood pressure is normal. My cholesterol was 93, but I stay on Zocor, again because it protects my heart. All in all, I feel great and have only one regret...that I did not do this years earlier!
July 23, 2005
Well, there have been some glitches in my system. Shortly after the gall bladder, which was badly diseased, was removed, I had a reoccurrence of the abdominal pain. It appears that I may have SOD, or Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction. The spasms are infrequent and vary in intensity. All labs were normal. Dr B wants me to come to Charleston next time it happens. Other things have taken priority though...I guess since the pain eventually eases, I will try to tough it out for now.
My "good knee" is failing. I was told a couple of years ago that it was ready for replacement, but I was not ready at that time. I'm still not ready, but the pain is bad, and keeps me awake at night. I am going to check at MUSC to see if I can have the replacement surgery done there...they have a minimally invasive surgery, as well as computerized location for the new joint (according to their newsletter). It looks like I could handle that. I am having my eyelids done in two and a half weeks, so will check with Ortho about an appointment soon. Maybe I could have the tk in the fall.
To add to everything, I have developed an incisional hernia at the point where one of the holes was punched for the lap gallbladder removal. I am currently awaiting a call from Dr. B about the hernia. I may hold off on that repair until next spring, and have the tummy tuck at the same time. The knee, because of the pain, has to be my first priority. I told Dr. B that even had I known that all of this would occur following the surgery, I would still have elected to have it done. It saved my life. I would much rather face the problems associated with years of morbid obesity as a thinner person than as one weighing 300 pounds!
September 18, 2005
Had my eyelids lifted in August and it went well. Glad to be without the extra tissue hanging over my eyes. Also had the evaluation by the ortho guy at MUSC. I have decided to wait awhile for that surgery. He said it needs to be done, but I have to decide when the pain becomes worth the tk replacement. Right now it has calmed down and does not cause me major problems. So I have decided to have the tummy tuck and hernia repair. Dr. Jack Hensel in Mt Pleasant will do the surgeries. It is scheduled for 10/24. He was very forth-coming and gave me lots to think about before having the surgery. I really want to get rid of the panus, so will go ahead as scheduled. Dr. Hensel did another OH client, and I have seen pictures of the results. It is amazing, and I am ready.
This week I go back to my School of Nursing for my 40th year Class Reunion. After I get home, I will prepare for the plastic surgery.
October 30, 2005
Lots has happened...the reunion was bittersweet as my best friend was dying of breast cancer. We did have some precious moments to share before it was over. She died 10 days following the end of the reunion, and I turned around and went back to OK for her memorial service. I was back home a week before my scheduled panniculectomy and hernia repair. East Cooper Hospital is THE BEST! The care I got from the nursing staff was 4.0! My surgeon left a bit to be desired, though. While the work is technically OK, and I am happy with that, I am not happy with the fact that I was left for 10 hours without pain medication right after the surgery because he neglected to come to the hospital in the morning as he had said he would. Then it took three phone calls to the hospital where he was working to get a response from him. I had had a reaction to the pain medication, and doctor on call had given me Benadryl and Valium because I am extremely sensitive to pain meds. We agreed to wait until my doctor came in to figure out which pain med would work for me. Well, he never came in, nor did he respond to the phone calls. Eventually, at 2:30 pm, he did respond. Were I planning more reconstructive work, I would certainly be looking for another doctor. On the plus side, 4 Kilos were removed, and I have a flat tummyfor the first time since my first child was born 35 years ago.
November 5, 2005
I am now 10 days post op. I still have two drains in since my output was too high to have at least one removed 1 week post-op. Now my Plastic surgeon is away for a week, so they will not be removed until November 15. They are just an aggravation, but not nearly as painful as the drain I had following my original surgery.
January 30, 2007
Wow, I have been remiss in not updating this profile! In January, 2006, I had to have a redo of the tummy tuck. In all fairness, the doc had to remove a lot of flesh, and it was difficult to do in one go. So, it is all better now, no puckering, and a very flat tummy. I am happy. I debated about having the arm thing done, but decided that, at age 62, I was done needing plastic surgery. Frankly, I don't ever plan on being 20 again, so I am OK with who and what I am today.
I am down 140 pounds from my highest weight. I eat small amounts often, more like grazing than actual meals, although my husband and I do sit down together for breakfast and dinner. I have conquered the dreaded "going out to eat." I just order small portions, and if any is left, my husband finishes it off. He calls himself the human garbage disposal. No, he does not have a weight problem. I have found that I can eat small amounts of just about anything except sugary things...no candy, cakes, etc. They cause dumping syndrome.
My friends have been incredible in their support. Those who really care about me are so happy that I have done something to improve my life...those who talk about me behind my back don't really care about me...or perhaps they are just jealous. Whatever, it doesn't matter anymore. I love the new me.
I still have some SOD issues, but as long as they resolve without too much pain, I will live with it. My doc doesn't want to see me for a year, unless I have problems. All is going well, and I am very happy. Even if I died tomorrow of some related issue (to the surgery), I would die happy. I have never regretted having it, and don't plan on wasting effort on regrets. The quality of life is amazingly better.
Hospital Reviews
Weight Loss Survey Responses
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Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Thomas K Byrne M.D.
My first impression, which, by the way, was wrong, was that Dr. Byrne was pretty stand-offish. But I was so impressed with his straightforwardness and honesty, that I figured I could deal with the standoffishness. He was very upfront about the risks of the surgery. Since that first impression, I have found that he is indeed, a kind man. He has been so good about explaining everything. The PA who saw me in the hospital was also very good. She answered all my questions and encouraged me to call for further information if needed. Dr Byrne also encouraged telephone followup if needed. Dr. B also emphasized followup and aftercare very strongly. Overall, I would, and have, trusted this man with my life. I have no qualms about recommending him to others who enquire. My first impression was not really a fair assessment since I was not dealing one on one with Dr. Byrne. He was addressing a group of about 15 to 20 people. So, in retrospect, I would say that both his surgical competence, and bedside manner, are great. I have absolutely no complaints.
Insurer Info:
Tricare Prime
My experience with Tricare Prime was exemplary. They approved my surgery almost immediately.
About Me
Bluffton, SC
Location
54.1
BMI
Surgery
05/19/2004
Surgery Date
Nov 16, 2003
Member Since