MelonyBaker
Television Debut
Jul 07, 2008
Hello Everyone,
Well, I made my televison debut today. Dr. McFadden asked me to be on an infomercial wspa with Jack and Kimberly. It's an upstate morning show. Anyway, I agreed and also show before an after skin pics. I wasn't nervous until I saw the slide show of pics on the monitor before me. I'm glad I did it though. I hope people know how much better you look and feel once all the excess skin is removed. I have more surgery coming in September, and I'm not scared anymore, just excited to know the changes that are coming.
I will be on the program again over the next few weeks. I don't know the schedule, yet, but will try to post to let everyone know ahead of time.
Can you believe that the other guests on the show were the newly crowned Miss South Carolina and Miss South Carolina Teen. Two lovely ladies, and I wasn't any bigger than they were. It is still shocking to me that I'm not the largest person in the room anymore.
I must say thank you again to Dr. McFadden and Dr. Bour. My life has changed forever. I just took the kids to Carowinds for the 4th of July and wore a bikini. Can you believe that? I not only look good, I turn heads. My life has truly changed forever. I do not gain weight, but do try to keep the size I am right now. It is very easy to lose and it is constant work to maintain. I'm happy where I am right now and love the way I look and feel. All the best to everyone out there. If you're just beginning, hang in there and enjoy the ride. Good things are to come.
Hugs,
Melony
Well, I made my televison debut today. Dr. McFadden asked me to be on an infomercial wspa with Jack and Kimberly. It's an upstate morning show. Anyway, I agreed and also show before an after skin pics. I wasn't nervous until I saw the slide show of pics on the monitor before me. I'm glad I did it though. I hope people know how much better you look and feel once all the excess skin is removed. I have more surgery coming in September, and I'm not scared anymore, just excited to know the changes that are coming.
I will be on the program again over the next few weeks. I don't know the schedule, yet, but will try to post to let everyone know ahead of time.
Can you believe that the other guests on the show were the newly crowned Miss South Carolina and Miss South Carolina Teen. Two lovely ladies, and I wasn't any bigger than they were. It is still shocking to me that I'm not the largest person in the room anymore.
I must say thank you again to Dr. McFadden and Dr. Bour. My life has changed forever. I just took the kids to Carowinds for the 4th of July and wore a bikini. Can you believe that? I not only look good, I turn heads. My life has truly changed forever. I do not gain weight, but do try to keep the size I am right now. It is very easy to lose and it is constant work to maintain. I'm happy where I am right now and love the way I look and feel. All the best to everyone out there. If you're just beginning, hang in there and enjoy the ride. Good things are to come.
Hugs,
Melony
Plastics 4 weeks out
Apr 10, 2008
It has been four weeks since my lower body lift and today is the best I have felt. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Dr. McFadden and his staff. They are wonderful!!!! Caring and compassionate doesn't begin to describe how I've been treated by each person on his staff. I know I paid for this procedure and insurance didn't, but I don't care. They have all gone above and beyond. They keep a very close check on me. Every 3-4 days I go in. I can not believe the result. I have been obese my entire life. Not any more. I went shopping yesterday afternoon with my daughter. She kept bringing me these tiny little things to try on. They fit!!! I bought all size 2/4 or small. Can you believe that, and there is still swelling. I am not even as small as I'm going to be. My waist is teensie eensie weensie!!! My husband can put his hands around my waist and touch his fingers on both sides.
About healing and caring for yourself. My regiment includes the following and I found this may be what helped so much with my healing. I hope this helps someone even though everyone's experience is certainly different.
1) Sanitize your environment. We bought white towels and sheets so they could be bleached. We washed those towels and sheets daily. The spread of bacteria is what causes infection. You don't want an infection when you've been cut in half.
2) Wash with HIBICLENS, not your smelly good shower gel. Before you shower, clean the shower first if anyone else bathes in it. My husband and I share our bathroom, so clean it before you use it. Obviously, in the first two-three weeks you won't be cleaning any thing. Have someone else do it. If you don't have anyone else to do it, budget with your surgery to have your house cleaned. A clean environment will help you heal.
3) Twice a day, I change my bandages completely around my body. Even though I'm healded and closed, I still cut telfa pads into strips and coat my incision with triple anitbiotic. Dr. McFadden's rule. This has flattened my incisions, probably helped them heal or kept out infection, and I actually have areas already completely flat and thin. I can't believe it.
4) Prepare for the worst pain in your life. Controlling your pain and staying on top of it will help you heal. If your not getting any relief from what is prescribed, ask for something different. My C-sections and hysterectomies didn't even come close to the lower body lift with lipo. At four weeks out, my huge black and green bruises on my legs are gone, but they still hurt when bumped or when I try to lay on them.
5) Have a support person. If you don't have someone commited--budget to hire someone. You will need help. Period.
6) Be healthy before the surgery. Make sure your protein levels are way up and you're hydrated. If you go into surgery at a deficit, you most certainly won't be able to catch it up after surgery. If you're not well nourished, you can't heal. Plan a meal schedule for yourself. You all know I home school my three kids and always prepare good dinners most every night. Do all this or as much as you can ahead of time. Plan, Plan, Plan. You won't think clearly after surgery. The pain won't let you.
7) Wear your compression garment! This garment helps with swelling and shapes your skin. Remember that after lipo, it has been detached and is looking for a home. Press it down and put it where you want it.
8) Start stretching as soon as possible. Move your body and muscles. They appreciate getting the oxygen and will respond by helping you heal and be strong.
Even as prepared as I tried to be, I lost down to 99 pounds. I know I had a lot of skin, but Dr. McFadden said it wasn't all skin and lipo. I know I didn't eat right after surgery. My mouth was burned from being under the oxygen for 8 1/2 hours. I couldn't taste any thing and my mouth hurt. Prepare yourself!
Dr. McFadden says this is the Melony that was always inside. I Love you Dr. McFadden. Thank you for seeing that thin person two years ago when I asked you to lipo out and tummy tuck as much fat as you could and you told me to go get gastric bypass first. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I guess that is enough already, huh? I do hope it helps someone else.
God Bless,
Melony
About healing and caring for yourself. My regiment includes the following and I found this may be what helped so much with my healing. I hope this helps someone even though everyone's experience is certainly different.
1) Sanitize your environment. We bought white towels and sheets so they could be bleached. We washed those towels and sheets daily. The spread of bacteria is what causes infection. You don't want an infection when you've been cut in half.
2) Wash with HIBICLENS, not your smelly good shower gel. Before you shower, clean the shower first if anyone else bathes in it. My husband and I share our bathroom, so clean it before you use it. Obviously, in the first two-three weeks you won't be cleaning any thing. Have someone else do it. If you don't have anyone else to do it, budget with your surgery to have your house cleaned. A clean environment will help you heal.
3) Twice a day, I change my bandages completely around my body. Even though I'm healded and closed, I still cut telfa pads into strips and coat my incision with triple anitbiotic. Dr. McFadden's rule. This has flattened my incisions, probably helped them heal or kept out infection, and I actually have areas already completely flat and thin. I can't believe it.
4) Prepare for the worst pain in your life. Controlling your pain and staying on top of it will help you heal. If your not getting any relief from what is prescribed, ask for something different. My C-sections and hysterectomies didn't even come close to the lower body lift with lipo. At four weeks out, my huge black and green bruises on my legs are gone, but they still hurt when bumped or when I try to lay on them.
5) Have a support person. If you don't have someone commited--budget to hire someone. You will need help. Period.
6) Be healthy before the surgery. Make sure your protein levels are way up and you're hydrated. If you go into surgery at a deficit, you most certainly won't be able to catch it up after surgery. If you're not well nourished, you can't heal. Plan a meal schedule for yourself. You all know I home school my three kids and always prepare good dinners most every night. Do all this or as much as you can ahead of time. Plan, Plan, Plan. You won't think clearly after surgery. The pain won't let you.
7) Wear your compression garment! This garment helps with swelling and shapes your skin. Remember that after lipo, it has been detached and is looking for a home. Press it down and put it where you want it.
8) Start stretching as soon as possible. Move your body and muscles. They appreciate getting the oxygen and will respond by helping you heal and be strong.
Even as prepared as I tried to be, I lost down to 99 pounds. I know I had a lot of skin, but Dr. McFadden said it wasn't all skin and lipo. I know I didn't eat right after surgery. My mouth was burned from being under the oxygen for 8 1/2 hours. I couldn't taste any thing and my mouth hurt. Prepare yourself!
Dr. McFadden says this is the Melony that was always inside. I Love you Dr. McFadden. Thank you for seeing that thin person two years ago when I asked you to lipo out and tummy tuck as much fat as you could and you told me to go get gastric bypass first. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I guess that is enough already, huh? I do hope it helps someone else.
God Bless,
Melony
Plastics 19 days out
Mar 30, 2008
Well, Dr. McFadden in truly amazing! He managed to removed the hanging peniculus, or old tire, that has been around my abdoman and buttox my entire life. I did, however, lose 14 more pounds. Dr. McFadden said he didn't remove that much skin. I figured I had 30 lbs. of skin at least. Except for swelling, I am tiny. At first, the pain was so severe, I didn't think I would go through with the breast lift and augmentation later this year, but I've since changed my mind. His staff assures me that I've made it through the worst part. Just like RNY, the drains were the worst. I do, however, wish Dr. Bour used the balls at the end of the drains. They are a lot less messy and your skin doesn't get as irritated. I have very personal photos taken just prior to the surgery, but I'm not sure I can post them. They are the last reminder of how much skin was left and what obesity did to my body. The breasts are still 32long and my plastics are not finished. I'm not obsessed and have come to terms with the fact that I am thin. I love to look at myself in the mirrow now and can't believe the body I have now. It has been less than two years and I will be finished, probably around 28 months. I think I waited the right amount of time for me and healing has been great. Dr. McFadden says at two weeks I was healed better than most at four weeks. It does, however, hurt!!! If I hear one more person say I took the easy way out, I will scream. Nothing has been easy about this journey.
Dr. McFadden and his staff are wonderful. My surgery was done in his outpatient OR and I couldn't have asked for a cleaner, more up-to-date place to have the surgery. He is emphatic about sterilization and so calm with everything he does. He is simply wonderful. You have to please Dr. Bour, but it is different when you get plastic surgery. They want to please you. It is so different.
Also, the compression garment is the worst!. It crushes my ribs and hurts. I suppose healing fast also heals your nerve endings, too. Because, he couldn't believe I had so much feeling back already.
Love to those going through this journey. God Bless.
Love,
Melony
Dr. McFadden and his staff are wonderful. My surgery was done in his outpatient OR and I couldn't have asked for a cleaner, more up-to-date place to have the surgery. He is emphatic about sterilization and so calm with everything he does. He is simply wonderful. You have to please Dr. Bour, but it is different when you get plastic surgery. They want to please you. It is so different.
Also, the compression garment is the worst!. It crushes my ribs and hurts. I suppose healing fast also heals your nerve endings, too. Because, he couldn't believe I had so much feeling back already.
Love to those going through this journey. God Bless.
Love,
Melony
PLASTICS
Feb 11, 2008
Well,
I'm having a lower body lift on March 12. Sooner, if a date opens up. I've been back and forth, but was going to Costa Rica and have everything done at once originally. Now, I'm back to Dr. McFadden. He will perform the lower body lift here in Greenville. I'm very excited, but a little scared. I can't believe I'm finally having this done. I had waited because I didn't feel that I was healthy enough to heal. All blood work at 18 months was great, so I decided to move ahead. I want to make sure I heal properly. I will have a breast lift and augmentation later in the year. I decided to stage things by priority. The lower body lift was a priority for me. Dr. McFadden said I would most likely need a touch-up in a few months. When I have that done, I will get my thigh lift.
As grateful as I am, I'm kinda tired of it all. I've come to realize that this journey will not end. This is simply my new path. The journey will continue. I also wonder when I will feel thin. Why do I still see an obese person? I had this surgery May 17, 2006. I'm nearing the two year mark. Maybe my self image will improve when all the skin is gone. My hubby says that I lost all the fat on my body, excep what was between my ears. He now encourages me to try to gain just a little. He doesn't know how impossible that is for me. I don't obsess over the scale, but I do weigh at least weekly and would freak if it ever went up.
I don't know why I'm rattling on, just venting I guess. Also, my husband is back in college. He enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on-line. Steve is working on his Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. I was so excited when he said he wanted to go back and finish. He's 30 hours short. It is as though we're completing ourselves. We're certainly proud of biting the bullet and moving forward. It is harder than it used to be and definitely more expensive. hehehe
Our oldest son and his wife are expecting again. He's my stepson, but you wouldn't know it. He loves me to death and his wife thinks I'm the best. The baby is due July 2. I'm terribly excited. Who would have guessed. They came up from Panama City to see us last week and we had a blast. I bought Ashely, my daughter n law, lots of maternity clothes. It was very fun shopping. Those days are long behind me now. Part of this path thing, I guess.
So long for now. Best to all on this journey.
I'm having a lower body lift on March 12. Sooner, if a date opens up. I've been back and forth, but was going to Costa Rica and have everything done at once originally. Now, I'm back to Dr. McFadden. He will perform the lower body lift here in Greenville. I'm very excited, but a little scared. I can't believe I'm finally having this done. I had waited because I didn't feel that I was healthy enough to heal. All blood work at 18 months was great, so I decided to move ahead. I want to make sure I heal properly. I will have a breast lift and augmentation later in the year. I decided to stage things by priority. The lower body lift was a priority for me. Dr. McFadden said I would most likely need a touch-up in a few months. When I have that done, I will get my thigh lift.
As grateful as I am, I'm kinda tired of it all. I've come to realize that this journey will not end. This is simply my new path. The journey will continue. I also wonder when I will feel thin. Why do I still see an obese person? I had this surgery May 17, 2006. I'm nearing the two year mark. Maybe my self image will improve when all the skin is gone. My hubby says that I lost all the fat on my body, excep what was between my ears. He now encourages me to try to gain just a little. He doesn't know how impossible that is for me. I don't obsess over the scale, but I do weigh at least weekly and would freak if it ever went up.
I don't know why I'm rattling on, just venting I guess. Also, my husband is back in college. He enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on-line. Steve is working on his Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. I was so excited when he said he wanted to go back and finish. He's 30 hours short. It is as though we're completing ourselves. We're certainly proud of biting the bullet and moving forward. It is harder than it used to be and definitely more expensive. hehehe
Our oldest son and his wife are expecting again. He's my stepson, but you wouldn't know it. He loves me to death and his wife thinks I'm the best. The baby is due July 2. I'm terribly excited. Who would have guessed. They came up from Panama City to see us last week and we had a blast. I bought Ashely, my daughter n law, lots of maternity clothes. It was very fun shopping. Those days are long behind me now. Part of this path thing, I guess.
So long for now. Best to all on this journey.
TINY!
Apr 12, 2007
That is what my family calls me now. Tiny, petite, little. Can you believe those words are describing me? My daughter says I look like a model and am sooooo beautiful. Thank you BUG! So all I wonder is where am I in this journey? Why hasn't my weight loss stopped? Now even the skin is going away and tightening up. That does happen!!!!! I no longer look 90 naked, only 65 or so. HEHEHE.. On my way to Myrtle Beach next weekend. I just can't stay away from the beach too long. The sand and water can't compare to Panama City, but what a party!!!!! Also, I had a wonderful conversation with my sis-n-law last night. She's considering WLS. I'll be there for you Nancy. And, Ashley, if you read this, I'm your BIG sister!!!! , just not BIG anymore, just older. E-mail would be a great start. Hugs, Melony
Doubts!
Jan 30, 2007
Well, the positives first! It's time for our February Cruise to Grand Turk and Caicos Islands. We love to dive and snorkel. I just bought clothes to wear and bought all 8's and 6's. I should be happy. If you had asked me last February how I would feel if I had lost 125lbs. and gone from size 3X or 22/24 to petite small and medium and size 6 & 8, I would have said elated!!!! But I"M NOT!!!!!!!!!!!! I exercise all the time and work to tone, tone, tone. The skin is ugly and scary. I look 90 years old when I'm naked. I had to call Katie last Thursday and ask about this burning in my pouch and back. I was very, very sick two weeks ago and tried to vomit for hours before it decided to exit the other end. I became very dehydrated and didn't eat or drink for three days. Katie thinks I have an ulcer, so more meds for me. Horse pills, I should say and back to prevacid. It hurts to drink even water, much less any solid food. It's like just after surgery. My weight loss has stalled and I'm depressed!!! Our mind is cruel!!! I'm ready for plastic surgery, but scared I won't be happy even after. What is wrong with me??? Everything was fine until I got so sick. What was a 12 hour virus for everyone else in the house has changed me for weeks. Things have to get better...dont' they?
MAMMOGRAM COMPLETE
Dec 18, 2006
Well, I'm certainly glad I've lost all this weight. The mammogram was especially easy since my boobies reach my belly. heheh Christmas is coming and I'm excited. I think I'm 30lbs from goal, if my goal is 118. I'll accept anything beyond this. I'm 7 months out and the losing hasn't stopped. I feel confident I'll reach goal by my one year anniversary, then plastics. What a year!!!
BACK FROM THE BAHAMAS
Nov 22, 2006
Well,
I am back from the Bahamas. What a great way to relieve stress pending the holidays. We all had a blast. I lost weight and enjoyed myself so much. My husband took video of me on a boat with the kids and I truly didn't recognize that skinny girl in the pictures. I've got so much to be thankful for. This little light of mine......
I am back from the Bahamas. What a great way to relieve stress pending the holidays. We all had a blast. I lost weight and enjoyed myself so much. My husband took video of me on a boat with the kids and I truly didn't recognize that skinny girl in the pictures. I've got so much to be thankful for. This little light of mine......
Still Dropping!
Nov 06, 2006
152.5 yesterday! Is that my BMI 29.2 YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Coming Along
Nov 01, 2006
Ok!!! I'm finally getting it. I will have a pic next. I think. Thank you, Dawn!
Thank you, Kathy, for sending the pic from the party.
Hugs Everybody!
Thank you, Kathy, for sending the pic from the party.
Hugs Everybody!
