Upstate Support and Info

Hello,       My name is Karen and I am located in Duncan SC.  I want/ NEED to have surgery but I am having trouble just getting to an information session.  My husband works nights and I have two children (3 and 6 months) so that is where the problem comes in.  Do any of the sessions take place during the day and not at 5:45?  Also, my PCP thinks I don't need the surgery, let's see.  I'm 33 and I weigh 424lbs and I'm 5'4, I think I need the surgery.  My brother died last year at the age of 35, he wanted the surgery but couldn't due to heart problems that stemmed from taking weight loss pills.  I don't want my parents to bury another child.  Ok now I'm rambling, can anyone give me any insight on doctors in the upstate, support groups and whether or not any of them offer day sessions. Thank you, Karen

Hi Karen,  I think Dr. Bour's office just does the night class on Thursday.  Yes, It sounds like you need the surgery.  Maybe you need to find another PCP that will recommend it.  My gyn has been suggestion it for years and then my PCP joined in.  I work nights also but there are some great people that are patients of Dr. Bour's that might be willing to watch the kids while you do the meeting.  I would be glad to but I rotate different days each week and with all the O/T I am having to work.  I would hate to tell you I would watch them and then couldn't.  Best of Luck

Dear Karen,    Oh honey, bless your heart!  You have come to the right place for love, help,and support.  I also believe the surgery would be benificiary for you.  I live in the lower part of the state, in Beaufort, or I would be delighted to take care of your children while you went for your meetings. Or any other time for that matter!!  I love children so much, our "babies" are 9 and 10  now they grow up so fast, it seems like only yesterday they were born.     I dont know why your PCP would think that you dont need the surgery, but I have read alot about some doctors that are set in their ways, and the newer ways just don't suit them.  I am so sorry to hear of your brother, you keep your head up, and this will all work out for you!! You can write or call me any time. hugs,

Thank you both so much for your support.  I am originally from Walterboro Ester so I am very familiar with Beaufort.  I think what I will have to do is have my husband go in late the next time there is a meeting.  I would like for him to attend with me because he is not 100% behind me on this.  I think my doctor feels I can lose the weight because I don't have any serious health issues besides it now.  I don't want to wake up one morning and everything starts falling a part.  As for my brother, I am just coming to turns with my loss, he was my best friend and knew exactly what it was like to be me, if you know what I mean.  My mom is very thankful that I was the "lazy" one and didn't take the Redux pills.  I'm just going to believe God that I will make it through this and see a new me in 2008.

Hi, Karen!  I live in Moore (right by Duncan).  I had RNY 3 years ago w/Dr. Strickland in Lexington, SC.  I know he, also, only has evening info sessions.  BUT I would be more than happy to watch your little ones while you attend a meeting.  I watch a 4 week old boy a few days a week now and I have 3 grown (26, 24, 22) children of my own.  If you would like me to do this, e-mail me and I could give you my phone number so we could talk and you could meet me and see that I'm trustworthy.    Whatever you decide, best of luck to you!!!

Hey Karen, Welcome to the OH board. My PCP wasn't all for me having the surgery either, he said I wasn't big enough at  5'3'' 247 pounds. So, I went to the seminar with my husband, who like yours was not totally for it, and it opened his eyes as to the benefits of having the surgery verses not having it and living the rest of my life miserable with several co-morbidities. I say either find another PCP if you need his approval for insurance purposes, or just do like I did and ignore what he said.  This surgery was the best thing I have ever done for myself and would do it again a thousand times over. I live in Gray Court but work at St. Francis Eastside and get off at 5:00PM, I would be more than happy to watch your children in order for you and your husband to go together. Let me know if you need me, you can email me at [email protected] or call me at 238-9095. I wish you the best of luck. Take care! Mary

Hey Karen! My name is Terri, and I live in Moore, not very far from you!  I too weighed 420 before I had my surgery in Feb., and have lost 120 pounds since then.  And still loosing!  It was the best thing I have ever done!  Dr. Bour was wonderful, and is wonderful, he has a great support system and program.  Dr. Ross in Sptg., is also wonderful.  Just remember, your PCP works for you, not the other way around.  If he/she does not support you, then there are many other fine doctors out there! Please know that if you want to attend an information session with your hubby, I could watch your children for you.  I have a 4 year old girl, and a 7 year old boy.  Just email me privately, and I'll give you my phone number, and maybe we could take the kids to McDonalds to play one day and we could meet and talk?   God Bless you as you begin your journey! Terri

Hello,     I am overwhelmed by everyone's support.  I have registered for Dr. Ross' session on Oct. 17th which is at 6:30 but lucky for me my husband will be off that night.  I just wanted to thank everyone *****sponded here and through pm. Thank you