I'm a 37-year-old single female and I'm overweight. I spent most of my childhood the smallest of everyone in my family. In fact, my mom used to call me "boney marony". I've tried to loose weight and have but was unable to keep it off. I'm at the point where I've decided that I'm going to have surgery and hope to schedule an appointment with Bariatric Solutions in Greenville, SC. If you or anyone you know has had experience with this group please e-mail me ASAP. Thanks and keep me in your prayers.
4-25-03
I had my consult with Dr. Bour today. He was very, very nice. I didn't have a lot of questions because I read through all the material his office gave me at the informational and I attended the group presentation he did in March. I also went to visit 2 of his patient’s 3 days after their surgery and they looked good. I was expecting to see them with IV's and other contraptions connected to them but they were up talking, laughing and having a good time. My paperwork should be sent to the insurance company by May 9th. I have 2 more pre-op group sessions to attend to keep me occupied so I don't worry. He will schedule 1 pre-op test - light down in the abdomen area- to make sure nothing is in the way. We've decided on the Lap RNY unless the test shows a reason we can't. I can't even begin to tell you how happy and excited I am. Please keep me in your prayers.
5/23/03
APPROVED!!!! 1 week and 2 days!!!
5/31/03
I received my approval letter from the insurance company on today. If the letters went out the same day, Dr. Bour's office should have received theirs too. I have 1 more pre-op session to attend and I will go on Monday, June 2nd. I guess the time is really getting close. Hopefully I will have a date by the end of the week. Thanks for your support.
6/3/03
I have to say that I'm a little anxious and because of that I'm a little irritated that it's taking so long. But you know I'm going to have an excellent attitude about it. I've been over weight for several years and having to wait until August isn't going to kill me. It just gives me time to prepare. Kim, program coordinator, told us yesterday at our pre-op group session that approvals are going in out the wazoo and they've started off the week short handed. For those of us who have been approved, we will have a surgery date by this Friday. I felt a little better. Then Kim called me this morning to schedule my EGD. That test is scheduled for July 25th @ 11:30 am. I'm feeling a lot better now. At least I know that my surgery will be possibly early August. I'm keeping the faith. Dr. Bour's office and Great West PPO have been very patient with me and I really appreciate it.
06/11/03
Ok I'm getting a little frustrated now. I've noticed that some patients who've gotten approvals after mine and their scope date is after mine but they have a surgery date. I haven't heard from my surgeon's office as of yet for my surgery date. I know it sounds like I'm whining but I thought they would just go in order for after you got approval but I guess there is another method to this. Whatever the case, I'm just ready to have a surgery date so that I can plan the rest of my life (i.e. - work schedule).
06/12/03
I GOT A DATE!!!! Wooooo Whooooooooooo! Doing the happy dance!!!! After feeling frustrated, I called and left a message with Dr. Bour's office at 11:30 pm. Of course I knew no one was there but it made me feel a little better. Well Kim, program coordinator, called me this morning and gave me the date! Mark your calendar for July 30, 2003. I also got a message to call back and get some other dates, final visit with surgeon before surgery and nutriionist, so I'll call tomorrow. I am soooooooo happy. Thank you Jesus!!!!! I'm on my way!!!
07/03/03
Happy early 4th of July!!! Just think half of the year is almost gone. This time next year, if it's the Lord's will, I will be thinner!! With it being July 3rd and my surgery is July 30th, that means I have only 27 days left before I become "a looser"!!! When being a called a looser in that context, I'll gladly take it. I would like to thank Marilyn Resto for making my Profile look so beautiful.
7/07/03
Lately I've been feeling a little anxious about surgery. It's that nervous feeling you always get in the pit of your stomach when you aren't sure you're making the right decision. I've asked God to take over completely. If it is to be, it's up to Him. I went to church on yesterday and I have to tell you, the sermon was just for me. My Pastor said that the Lord had spoken to him and he wasn't going to do the sermon he had planned. Well low and behold, he preached about Faith. Imagine what would have happened if Daniel, in the lions den, didn't have faith. Imagine if you will, what it would have been like if Noah hadn't had faith. Think of all the miracles God performed and subtract the Faith. Where do you think you and I would be right now? Thanks for the Sermon Pastor John. I'm walking by Faith and not by sight! 23 days and counting!
07/15/03
Well 15 days from today and 2 weeks from tomorrow I'll be on my way. I have my last visit with my surgeon, Dr. Bour, lab work, visit with nutritionist and EKG on Thursday. It is really getting close and I'm so excited. I continue to pray that God will continue to hold me in the palm of His hand. I'm leaning on Him for strength and surrounding myself with positive people. Thanks to all those who visited my page and left me well wishes. I also thank my church family for sending me emails and surrounding me with lots of love and prayer.
07/17/03
Today was a good day! I had all my pre-op labs, exray, visit with the nutritionist and Dr. Bour today. It took all day but it was well worth it. In fact this week has been good. Not all the highs and lows of last week. That must be a sign of being at peace with my decision. I know God will take care of me!! 13 day and counting. I am sooooooo excited. Hey did I mention my surgeon, Dr. Bour is a cutie? That should make recovery a little easier. :-)
7/22/03
Last Saturday I made a trip to GNC to find a protein drink I would be able to handle. I know I won't have to drink the protein shakes for another week or 2 but I wanted to get a jump on things and give my system a chance to handle it. The young lady who helped me was wonderful. It was too funny. I told her I didn't think I would be able to drink it and I was going on and on about how nasty it would be. Well my support person, being the sweet person she can be sometimes (wink) volunteered to drink a sample and when she said it tasted good, I tried it, liked it and bought it. It's now day 5 of my low carb diet pre op. So far so good. It really hasn't been that hard. I'm working out of town this week. Usually I go to the mall or ride around after work. I was so afraid that I would see something I wanted to eat and couldn't have, I just stayed at the hotel and went for a swim and spent time in the hot tub! Boy was that very relaxing. I am 7 days and a wake up and counting. I will return home on Thursday and then I'm off until after my surgery. God has given me peace and I'm not worried.
07/25/03
I had my EDG today! It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Well at least from what I can remember. I couldn't have anything after midnight last night so I was extremely hungry and thirsty. Prior to going back for the test, I had my pre-admission interview. She checked my BP and it was extremely high. Well that would be because I didn't take my BP meds becase of the "nothing by mouth after midnight rule! Duhhhhhhhhhhh? Then it was off to the GI Lab. After I slipped into the hopsital gown and the nurse gave me a nice warm blanket, the technician sprayed the back of my throat with this stuff that tasted so terrible. Then the nurse put the sleeping meds in my IV and it was on after that. They wheeled me to the recovery area, kept check of my BP, gave me ice chips and then that was it. I was a little woozy but didn't really fall asleep again until about an hour after I got home. I have to be at the hospital at 10 am for surgery at 11:40. The late time probably means I'm second and not first like I was hoping. Oh well no point in getting impatient now it's almost here. July 30, 2003 - Hilcrest Hospital, Simpsonville, SC.
07/27/03
Well it's really getting close. Today I went to church and then stopped by my Aunt's house and had a plate of Green Beans. I could get excited about not having a yeast roll, fried corn or fried chicken but having the Green Beans that were probably cooked with all kinds of fat more than made up for it. I then met my mom and younger brother for dinner. Of course there wasn't much at the restaurant I could eat other than the veggies. But here again I probably should have just had a bit of everything since the veggies were probably prepared with a lot of fat. Geeeeezzzzzzzzzz I'm beginning to sound like a health nut. Oh yea I spent some time with at another Aunt's, my mom's middle sister. She cooked dinner today. I was making fun of them not inviting us to dinner. My aunt was blaming it all on my brother wanting to eat out. Oh guess what she had for dessert? Sweet Potato Pie and no one can make it like she can. Guess what? I didn't have not one piece. In fact I only had a snack, apple, when I got home.
07/29/03
The day before my rebirth! I'm a little scared but I know I'm going to be find. It's probably nerves because I've been on clear liquids all day. Early around lunch time was really difficult. After picking of the dog from the groomer, I came home and just laid down and took a nap. I just didn't have the energy to fight anymore. Once my nap was over, I felt a lot better. Time to get my stuff together for the hospital.
07/30/03
I'm about the walk out the door and just want to say Thank YOU for all your love, support and prayers. This website has been such a Blessing. Remember it I don't make, don't let that change your mind. It's all about you and making the decision that best for you. I'm not afraid because my faith tells me that God is in control. He will see me through and he'll do the same for you. Love you all!!!!
08/01/03
God is good all the time!!! All the time God is good!!! I give much Praise and Honor to the Lord Almighty. He has been so good to me. I am home today, 8/1/03 after having Lap RNY on Wednesday, 7/30/03. I'm a little sore but I only used my pain pump 3 times. I want to take this time to Thank All of You for your prayers and well wishes. It really ment a lot to me to log on tonight and see messages I received while in the hospital. To Dr. Bour, Katie, Kim, Kim, of course Dr. Spearman and Trenny-Thank you for the support your office gave me prior to my surgery. I know that Post-op will be twice as good because I'll be loosing. You guys are truly a Blessing and I will forever spread the word about how you made a difference in my life. Thanks again! Yvonne - You are the prettiest, sweetest person. My family thought it was so sweet of you to come by and check on my. You know I will be checking on you as well. Just keep praying, stay focused and remember your surgery is between you and God. He's already had His hand in the process. If He will bring you to it, He will bring you through it. Girl I know, I'm a living witness. Take care! Love ya!
08/07/03
I went to the Dr. today to have my drainage tube taken out. Official weight loss- 21 lbs. in 8 days!!! I have you know I was about to be doing the happy dance in the Dr.'s office. My next official weigh in is on August 29th. By then my total weight loss should be 30 pounds to be on target. I was told to increase my walking and I will do that. I got my next level of diet. It includes oatmeal, cottage cheese, yogart in addition to the other liquids I was able to have. I'm so happy and I give God all the Honor and Praise. Dr. Spearman, Psychologist, to me that I'm on target and if I keep it up, I could loose 100 lbs. by Christmas!!! Look out world here I come!!!
08/09/03
Well today my mom went home and my friend, Orlanda, went back to work. I loved having them here to help me but I'm glad to be here by myself. It's time to see what I can do on my own.
08/10/03
Ok reality has set in. I'm home alone, eating what and when I'm supposed to and I'm hungry! Yes can you believe it, my stomach is growling. I'm on the verge of a melt down. What have I done, I can't believe I did this. Was I crazy? God please help me!!
08/11/03
I recovered from yesterday. I feel a little better but not great. I attended my support meeting today and told others about my minor melt down over the weekend. A couple of ladies who are months out told me it will probably happen again. You just hang in there and ride it out. I'm remembering that surgery is a tool. It does nothing for the mind and still wanting what I shouldn't have.
08/16/03
ALERT!!! ALERT!!!! ALERT!!!! MAJOR MELT DOWN!!! I am mourning the loss of a good friend. A friend who has comforted me when no other could. A friend who understood and what I needed. A friend who was good but not really good for me!! My friend - FOOD!!!
08/18/03
Went back to work today!!! I tell you when I was driving to work and I heard Bill Whither's "Lovely Day" playing on the radio, I could have dance all the way to work dodging traffic. I've been reborn. God has pulled me from the low's I had over the weekend. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. However, I'm beginning to wonder if Dr. Bour really did surgery or he just pretended to do surgery. I still get hungry. Or is it a mind thing? I go see Meredith, the nutrionist, tomorrow and I will be advance to puree foods. Wooooo Whooooooo!
08/29/03
I had my 1 month follow-up with Katie, Dr. Bour's assistant. I hadn't been able to weigh all week due to being out of town conducting training for my job. Guess what? When I stepped on the scale and it said 273 I about hit the floor. I could not believe I had lost that much. I'm so excited. Next week I go see my nutrionist and I will be put on solid foods!!!! I think I'm still mourning the loss of food but it's better. I hadn't been hungry since I was moved to puree foods. I'm loving my smoothies because each smoothie give me 20 grams of protien. I'm also going to try a pre-mixed protien shake that was suggested by Katie. That way if I don't get a chance to eat because of my job, at least I can get my protein in for the day.
09/22/03
I can't believe it has been almost a month since I updated my profile. Guess what? I'm down 51 pounds!!! Can you believe it? 51 pounds gone forever. I've had the best time trying on clothes that before surgery, I couldn't even wear!!! Wooooo Whoooooo!!! I feel great. I even went on my first date in 2 years. He's an old friend but it was nice to get out and have some fun. Especially since I've been taking care of my little brother who had surgery 2 weeks ago. He's been a bit of a baby! Of course I don't mind but I wonder why I was able to do so much when I came home after surgery and he seems to not want to do anything but have the family wait on him hand a foot. I wonder what that's all about? (smile) I'm enjoying the new me and I give God all the Praise!!!
10/15/03
Well a great deal has happened since my last update. At 61 pounds down in less than 3 months, I can now tie my shoe by sitting down and leaning completly over, touch my toes without bending my knees, cross my legs (hadn't done that in years) and I also ran from the entrance of the hospital to my car (because it was raining) and wasn't out of breath. I also tried on a size 22 jeans and they fit perfectly!!! I'm still Praising God for what he has done.
11/26/03
As I sit here at the computer, the day before Thanksgiving, I have soooooooo much to be Thankful for!!! God has truly Blessed me this year. He has watched over me when I didn't deserve it. His love for me has been undying!!! I Thank and Praise Him for all He has done for me and even you. This time last year, I was doing research regarding surgery but I was afraid. But you see, God did what He does best and removed all doubt. He gave me the presence of mind to do research and find a wonderful doctor in Dr. Bour and his staff. To date I've lost 80 pounds and when I sit and think about it, I just cry. Not tears of sadness but tears of joy. No more blood pressure medicine!!! Ever!!!! This past week, I flew for the first time since I've lost weight and yes I sat in my seat on the plane all cocky because I didn't have to ask for an extention for my seat belt and my overweight body was not spilling over into the seat next to me. I walked the airports in Atlanta and Nashville with ease. No breathing at all. It's been almost 4 months and today I bought a size 22 Ralph Lauren jeans and I have to return them the day after Thanksgiving because they are too Big!!! God is indeed good! He's the source of my strength and the head of my life. I did nothing to deserve His love but I'm ever so Thankful that He's a just and forgiving God. Happy Thanksgiving to you all and Remember all those who are away from home fighting the war and protecting our Freedom. No matter how you feel about the situation, the young men and women need our prayers!!!
12/21/03
To God be the Glory!!!! Thank you Jesus for all that you have done!!! I got on the scale this morning and I'm happy to announce that I'm 10 pounds away from the century mark!!! Yes I'm down 90 lbs!!! I can hardly believe it. Everyone has been really boosting my ego and telling me how wonderful I look. I went to a family Christmas dinner last night and people were actually taking a second look!! Even my Pastor said today that when he's standing in the pulpit he has to look twice to make sure it's me. I feel wonderful. Tomorrow I will collect my $100 from my baby brother. Oh please don't tell me you forgot. Yes that's right the bet is still on and tomorrow is weigh in day. He's been real secretive about how much weight he's lost over the past 2 weeks. I know for a fact he didn't loose any the week before because he told me. However when I asked last week, he said he wasn't going to tell me. My guess is he lost 1 or 2 pounds if any. It's ok little brother I'll still love you the same after take YOUR MONEY!!!
12/22/03
(Drum Roll . . . . ) And the Winner is . . . . .
Yes my little brother won! He beat me by 1 pound!!! I was down 90 pounds yesterday and up 1 pound today 89 and he was down 90 pounds! Yes I'm having to eat a little crow but as long as we both are healthy, I'm good with that. This competion has made this process easier and for that I'm thankfull.
01/20/04
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I know, I know. It's been awhile since my last update. I just can't believe how I have so much energy to do other things that I just don't want to sit at the computer. I've finally reach the CENTURY MARK!!! Yes 100 lbs. gone forever!!!!! I am so excited. Everyone keeps telling me how good I look and more importantly I feel Good!!! I'm not sure how many inches I've lost but I'm down from a size 30 to a size 18. January 30th will mark 6 months for me and I just Thank and Praise God for Dr. Bour and his staff!!! They saved my life!!!
2/27/04
I went to see Dr. Bour yesterday for my 6 month checkup. All my bloodwork and BP looks good. He and Katie were talking about how proud of me they are. When I weighed yesterday I was down 102 pounds but this morning when I weighed I was down 7 more pounds. However, my weight loss has really slowed down and I've reached that dreaded 6 month time frame where getting the weight off now is going to be a little harder. I'll have to workout longer but I can do it. Dr. Bour says that if I loose at least 10 pounds a month that would be fine. I'm feeling GREAT and look even better. I'm wearing some size 16 but mostly 18. Even though the weight has slowed, I'm still excited and very happy. Thanks again to Dr. Bour, Katie and the rest of the staff. Most importantly Thanks to all my new friends for their love and support. Especially you, Yvonne!!!
03/08/04
I know this update is a little early sine I usually update once a month, but I had to share 2 new milestones. I'm now officially below 2oo pounds!!! I weigh 197!!! The second milestone is that this past weekend I bought my first bra and panty set from none other than Victoria Secrets!!! Can you believe it!!!! I'm really starting to feel sexy now!!!
04/12/04
Well, well, well what can I say? God is truly good!!! It's time for my monthly update. I've been really busy with traveling for work and shopping while I'm traveling too. Finding a lot of good deals on the clearance racks but now that's starting to get warm, shopping at Target and Walmart is going to come in handy. Easter weekend was a blast. I went to stay with my mom and brothers for the weekend. I also got to see a lot of my friends and family I haven't seen in awhile. Easter Sunrise service was wonderful. Get this, I wore a size 14 suit from Talbot's!!! Everyone just continues to go on about how good I look. My own Pastor even told me he didn't recognize me walking across the parking lot Sunday morning. Oh and get this, I was leaving my Aunt's house and another niece, from her husband's side of the family, was getting out of her car. I spoke to her and she spoke back. Well my Aunt called me at my mom's house to tell me that she asked who was I. She said she didn't even recognize it was me. I weighed today and I'm down to 188. That's 121 pounds!!!! I'm wearing a couple 14's, averaging 16's and some 18's. I'm excited to be wearing clothes from Old Navy and the GAP. My brother is doing well also. He really looks skinny. I have to say though, the difference between he and I is "I make this look good"!!! (smile)
07/30/04
HAPPY RE-BIRTHDAY TO ME!!! God has been so good!!! Today is my 1 year anniversary and I tell you I couldn't be happier!!! I haven't updated since April due to the fact that I've been busy traveling on business. Things have been great. I've continued to exercise(jazzercise) and I've lost 135 pounds!!! I still have about 25 pounds to go to reach my goal but if I don't, I'm satisfied. I'm wearing a size 14/16 in pants, L/XL in shirts and even lost a shoe size!!! Who would have thought I would have lost a shoe size. I've been so Blessed with a tremendous amout of support and for that I'm so thankfull. To all those considering WLS, may God Bless you and give you the strength to make the decision that's best for you. Love you all!!!
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Marilyn Resto
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Surgeon Info: Surgeon:Eric Bour
I had my first group session to meet Dr. Bour. From all accounts he seems to be very, very nice. Has a wonderful sense of humor. After working all day, he came and did a 2 hour presentation and had a lot of patience. I have my first one-on-one session with Dr. Bour April 26th. I'm looking forward to it. Insurer Info:
Great West, Medical
