New- Need help and advice

Hi, My mother in law is in need of resources and options for weight loss in the Rock Hill/Charlotte area. She is about 650 lbs, and wants to change but is becoming very frustrated in trying to find options. She is understandably afraid of surgery, and change of anykind, really. Her husband and son enable her to live and eat however she wants, to keep her happy. 2 years ago she had a heartattack, and has frequent falls and only 911 can get her up. A fall caused her to break her arm a year ago. She has been responsible for finding her own health care, but her oldest son and I can'****ch anymore. We are trying to help expidite some type of intervention--- The Rice clinic looks great, but is very expensive and she needs (bathroom) care. Does anyone know of an in-patient program in any area of the Carolinas that would be designed to help someone like her? Without getting out of her environment we doubt she will make any positive changes toward weight loss. Any advice or comments would be welcomed, we are trying to get her help before the next heart attack or stroke. thanks, Anna

is she wanting weight loss surgery? my dad was almost 600 lbs and our doctor does not descriminate against size or age. he can help her! dr. bour out of greenville SC which is about an hour and half from Charlotte. I live in spartanburg about an hour below charlotte.. dont give up on her.. she needs your help. i know all about enabling someone you love to make them happy.. i still find myself calling my dad to see if he wants something to eat.. or if hes had breakfast.. i have to catch myself and remember food isnt his life anymore and we cant let it rule us.. i hope she finds the help she deserves! jen

Hi Anna. I do not know about any programs in the upstate/Charlotte area. I am sure you posted this on the NC board as well, if not I would do so. I have a few people I went to college with that live in the Charlotte area that have had the surgery. I just emailed a mutual friend to find out where he and his wife went. As soon as I hear back I will post again and let you know what I found out. Your Mother in law is lucky to have you and your husband in her corner to help her get her life on track. I would look at Dr. Bour in the Greenville area. All the upstate people love him. In Charleston, we have Dr. Byrne at MUSC and we all love him down here. But I am not sure if you want to travel or that your mother in law is able to travel down here. Good Luck! I will keep your mother in law in my thoughts. Julie

That is sad. I think I would be more afraid of dropping dead from a stroke or heart attack, she is a walking time bomb. The surgery is less risky than her lifestyle, but she has to want it. Most people just think its easier to die, unfortunately, and its really great of you to care so much for her. Encourage her to get on here and read......you can really do better and the surgery will make you change your lifestyle, but the truth is you really don't suffer. Your tastes change, you really don't want the bad things, occasionally you want a sweet treat, but you can make substitutions. I have always been able to find something to fill a choco. attack, like a choc. protien drink, or something sugar free.....but fruit and veggies and SF starbucks really hits the spot for me. Good Luck and God Bless you all!! Deb