Melanie B.

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Frvsnt O. 22 years ago

Happy Re-birthday to you!!! I found this quote and just love it! When running up a hill, it’s alright to give up as many times as you wish – as long as your feet keep moving. By - Shoma Morita M.D. I can only imagine that your experience has been wonderful. Full of changes and new experiences. I can hardly wait to see what I look like and feel like one year out!!! Congratulations to YOU!!! If you have an opportunity and/or haven’t already, please stop by and update your profile! We’d all love to know how well you’ve progressed!!! Have a FANTASTIC DAY! RNY 10/31/03 down 92 pounds!!!

Melanie B. 23 years, 6 months ago

Well, it's been forever since I posted, so I'll give you a quick update on where I am, almost 6 months post-op. My surgery was scheduled for April 17, but had to be delayed a couple of days because they had problems with intubation. Two days later, I had the surgery without any problems. I was released from the hospital, and my mother and I stayed at a hotel in Dublin, Ga., while my husband took care of our 6-year-old at home in Columbus. I made it two nights before I developed an ileus (sort of like a temporary paralysis in the intestines). I had to go back in the hospital until it resolved. My recovery has been much slower than I thought -- maybe I'm just a big baby, or maybe it's just because I'm not 20 anymore, and I'm not Super Woman like I thought. At any rate, it took more than four months for me to be able to say that I didn't regret having the surgery. And Dr. Ash warned me about this -- he told me that the first few months would be miserable, but then I would turn a corner. Don't tell him I said this, but he was right. At five months out, I had lost exactly 111 pounds. (My next follow-up appointment is next week, and I'll weigh then. I deliberately don't have a scale at home, because I know I'd drive myself crazy.) My blood pressure is completely normal, and my feet and legs don't hurt any more. I can fit into a booth at a restaurant, and into a theater or airplane seat, and I actually felt like going shoe shopping today. ME -- SHOPPING FOR SHOES! And I got some cool ones, too -- a pair of Candies and a pair of Skechers. ME -- the queen of sneakers who hasn't worn dress shoes in several years! I can wear my engagement ring and my wedding band again. I can wear watches again. My necklaces hang lower. People at checkout counters do a double-take when I show them my driver's license for ID (the picture was made before my surgery). My brothers and parents didn't see me for a couple of months, and my mother actually cried when she saw me. I used to be the biggest person in my family -- now I'm smaller than my mom, my dad, my sister and both of my brothers. I have given away almost 3/4 of the clothes I had hanging in my closet, and the rest are loose and baggy. Three months ago, I cried every day and said that I couldn't believe I had done this to myself -- I felt so bad all the time, and I had the dry heaves at least two or three times a day. But when I turned that corner -- thanks to the support of a loving husband and son, and my parents and siblings, and the prayers of a lot of people -- I've had a blast. If I had any advice to give to anyone who is considering this surgery, I would tell them to think it over very, very carefully, and to do your homework. Don't go to just any doctor who does this surgery -- find a surgeon who knows what they're doing; research their work; ask a million questions, and don't be ashamed for asking. After all, this is a person who is literally taking your life into their hands. I'm lucky that I found the best doctors I could've ever hoped for, and their staff is just wonderful. Make sure that the surgeon you pick is interested in doing follow-ups; make sure that your doctor gives you a follow-up plan that tells you what you should eat after surgery. Make sure that your doctor is interested in keeping up with your lab work, so that you'll know if you become anemic (which I did) or if your potassium level bottoms out (and mine did). This surgery is not easy, and it's definitely not a quick fix. There is a heavy (no pun intended) price to pay -- and I don't mean just financially. Aside from the physical pain that you'll endure because your body is adjusting to a completely new person, you're going to have a lot of other issues to deal with. If you're an emotional eater, you're going to have to find another way to express yourself, because that dog won't hunt anymore. If food has become your friend, you're going to have to find other companions, because that friend is not going to be around for you any more. If you crave sweets, kiss them goodbye. (In 6 months, I've had half a bite of peanut butter pie and one tablespoon of banana pudding -- and then only after I'd eaten my protein.) I've heard a lot of people say that they would never have this surgery -- that they wouldn't want anyone to rearrange their insides, blahblahblah. Of course, these were thin people who have no idea what it's like to be fat their entire lives. For me, the decision came down to one simple thing: My son. He's 6 years old now, and he's certainly not getting any younger. I don't want him to grow up with a fat Mommy who's always just watching from the sidelines. I want him to grow up with a Mommy who can actively participate in his school activities. I want him to be proud of me. I know that I would have NEVER lost this much weight without having this surgery, and I'm finally able to say that I'm glad I did it.

Sharon Neva 23 years, 11 months ago

MELANIE~~May you always have an Angel by your side. Watching out for you in all the things you do. Reminding you to keep believing in brighter days. Finding ways for your wishes and dreams to come true. Giving you hope that is as certain as the sun. Giving you the strength of serenity as your guide. May you always have love and comfort and courage. May you always have an Angel by your side. Someone there to catch you if you fall, Encouraging your dreams, Inspiring your happiness, Holding your hand and helping you through it all.

Melanie B. 23 years, 11 months ago

Hi, folks! Sorry I haven't posted in so long, but I just got back from the hospital today. Surgery was scheduled for April 24, but they couldn't intubate me, so I was brought back to my room, put on IV antibiotics for two days, and they did it on April 26. Surgery went find, was in the hospital until the following Tuesday, got out, then started vomiting -- couldn't keep anything down at all -- and was rehospitalized on Thursday. I just got out today. Good news is that I'm down 18 pounds in 10 days. Bad news is that I have absolutely no energy whatsoever -- definitely not good news when you have a 6-year-old son! But I can tell I'm getting stronger every single day, and I'm going to be fine. For anyone who is preparing to go through this, just be prepared to follow your surgeon's instructions TO THE LETTER. A woman who was three weeks out of surgery was rehospitalized a few nights ago in the hospital I was in because she ate one bite of fried chicken. Don't cheat, or you'll pay a painful price! And I want to thank everyone who was so kind to send me good wishes, and Peggy, thank you for checking up on me and worrying about me.

Kim T. 23 years, 12 months ago

Hi Melanie, I live across the river from you. Hope you have a speedy recovery. Soon I will see you on the losing side May 15th. If you would like to share since we live so close email me. I will keep you in my prayers. Kim

MommaAngel 24 years ago

HI MELANIE I just want you to know that I am praying for a quick and smooth recovery to the losing side.LORD BLESS

Peggy G. 24 years ago

Hi Melanie, I just wanted to wish you luck on your surgery and recovery. love,Peggy

Shirley C. 24 years ago

Melanie, I hope you have a safe and sucessful surgery and a speedy recovery. God bless you.

Teresa S. 24 years ago

Melaine, I just wanted to give you a big hug. Good luck on your surgery. Wishing you only the very best. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God is good.

Lora B. 24 years ago

Hi Melanie, May the Lord bless and keep you safe, may he give you a complication free surgery and a speedy recovery!!LOL