i saw allen on the show last night and i wasn't impressed with his progress. going into the house the doctor wasn't sure how much weight allen lost but how could allen be weighed in bed at home without the proper equipment? why isn't allen walking after 7 months? the doctor blamed allen's breasts but i don't agree with that. breasts don't affect balance or withstanding weight on his feet.
i think allen should never gone home after the surgery, he should have gone into a rehab that would work with him until he was walking. good rehabs don't allow people to sit in bed for 7 months just lamely lifting hand weights in front of the camera. a good rehab facility would have him working all the time and his diet would be strictly watched. also, his mother wouldn't be there 24/7 to cater to him. he would be strongly encouraged to do for himself or he would not remain in rehab. i have been in rehab several times due to problems associated with ms and i know how good rehabs operate. they would not tolerate allen's sitting in bed all the time being waited on.
there was no mention of his working with austin or a real physical therapist and his not walking or standing was blamed on his breasts. i don't think it was fair of the doctor to equate removing allen's breasts with people who have mastectomies due to having cancer. allen's breast problems are due to his weight, probable lack of activity and they will not kill allen as cancer will.
i do not think allen has the desire or motivation to get moving and get out of that bed. he seems perfectly content to be there, not working or getting himself out into the world to work and be a productive member of society.
Your post seems a bit judgmental to me. Let's look at this a bit more objectively and fairly. Allen weighed more than 1,000 lbs at his top weight He had been bedridden for many years when the docs operated on him. Which means his leg muscles hadn't lifted much weight in years. Now he's down to 500 lbs, and while people who weigh that much can usually still walk, it's not the same as trying to lift that much weight on legs that haven't borne any weight in years. Having extra weight in sacks of loose skin hanging off him has to pose a problem with balance. Give the guy a break. I was really impressed with how motivated he is. Losing 500 lbs is a HELL of an achievement. If you've never been there, then don't judge someone who's living it.
Some beds have scales in them, and can weigh the patient.
Allen at 500lbs is HALF of what he used to be. That is pretty dang impressive.
I think Dr. Garth used the term masectomy (sp?) so that the general poplulation could understand exactly what he wanted to do.
I have enough back pain with DD cups, I could not begin to imagine having around 30lbs on EACH side. 30!This has to cause pain and issues with balance.
Allen working out in his bed is more than he used to do. EVERY little bit helps. I bet that bit of workout in the bed is more than some of us do, and I include myself in that statement.
We are here to observe and learn. The Dr. D's are doing this to bring awareness, not more judgement.
I agree. Allen is an individual and you can't judge one person on what someone else can do. And if someone has large breast it can throw off your balance if they are swinging in the breeze.
My experience with gastric is different then anyone else and their experience is differnt then mine. That is why Doc's can use a set of rules for each patient but then they need to factor in the actual person's makeup.
If he has allot of support at home why no let him be there? I think I remember MJ saying the family would need to go thru therapy together.
So rock on Allen and don't let other's judgement discourage you.
i wonder why everyone was so upset when tiffany was sent home to that life of people not supporting her, people feeding her and allowing her to sit in bed all the time?
First of all, Allen's bed does happen to be the kind with a scale in it, which is exactly how he and Dr. Davis can know just how much weight he has lost.
Second, have you had 30 - 40 pounds of breast tissue hanging down the side of your body when you try to get up out of bed after not walking for more than 5 years? No? Then you have no idea how much of an impact that has on a person's ability to move and walk and cannot address fairly or accurately how that would feel or react when you try to walk.
There was no mention of Allen working with Austin because it's not "sexy" TV. The hard work that he is doing with Austin is getting him prepared to be able to support his weight on his legs. Austin designed a special device for Allen to use to work on getting strength back in his legs. That doesn't fit with what they think viewers want to see, so it doesn't make the show.
Rehab for MS and rehab for someone with obesity issues are clearly not the same. Each individual would have his or her own rehabilitation schedule and expectations, so to say that a "good rehab" would not "tolerate" Allen "sitting in bed all the time being waited on" is ridiculous. A good rehab facility would do what is best for the patient.
The comparison made by Garth to a mastectomy was so that people would understand the concept of what is going to be happening to Allen when he has surgery. The tissue being removed is the same tissue that is removed during a mastectomy...just much more of it.
To say that Allen does not have the desire or motivation to get moving and get out of bed is cold and harsh, not to mention completely unfair. If you listened to even one thing Allen said, you would understand how wrong you are about that. I know Allen personally, and he is very interested in getting out of bed and getting a "normal" life.
Allen has more character in his little finger than many people have in their entire being. He is a kind, loving man, and he has hopes and dreams for his future. The negative energy you put on this board against him is unforgivable.
I agree. The board doesn't need negative energy. However, the producers seem to have played up keeping Allen's progress secretive because he wasn't walking yet. It would have been better to show more of him (especially if they were going to use him as "bait" for this last show) and what and how he was doing. For everyone that thought he was surely walking by now, it was a huge disappointment if they had not followed the board when kvalera got us up to date recently that Allen was indeed not walking as yet. I don't understand the breasts thing, either, though. If the breasts are hurting him (as he mentioned "because they pull" his skin on his chest) and he isn't walking yet. Why isn't he wearing a supportive shirt or banding so that they don't fall away and throw off balance? Seems like a simple solution to get them up and balanced and out of the way. Much like a woman's bra. Shoot, my breasts, if that heavy would be a problem. It's why we wear bras! And, finally, I think that Allen is in need of a true nurse or physical therapist to work with. He's on oxygen, he's bed bound, and although his trainer may be doing some good, Allen is absolutely a bed bound patient in need of trained medical help. I'm surprised the show doesn't make sure they are covered in this area (legally). Bed bound patients are touchy to work with and if something happened to him, I'd hold the show responsible. My background is nursing and I'm totally surprised at this and how risky it is. I wish him only good things, but I do believe people are not being as focused as they could be in his care.
I just want to know if I can have my breast removed, mine weigh at least 10lbs each. I have the biggest ones out of about 800 people where I work. I've had them since I was a child, and when I say them I mean big brest that stick out like a sore thumb. One thing I would like to know is the history of the air tube Allen has, I thought now that he's lost all this weight he could breathe on his own. I weigh more than he does if his weight is 500lbs and I have trouble breathing. Is there other issues causing Allen to have to use the tube?
Rehab for MS and rehab for someone with obesity issues are clearly not the same. Each individual would have his or her own rehabilitation schedule and expectations, so to say that a "good rehab" would not "tolerate" Allen "sitting in bed all the time being waited on" is ridiculous. A good rehab facility would do what is best for the patient.
kvalera, obviously you have no experience with a rehab. a good rehab does work for the good of the patient and it is not in the best interest of any patient to be in bed 24/7 for any length of time. how could anyone benefit by being in bed all the time? after any surgery patients are urged to get out of bed to help healing, promote muscle tone and circulation besides preventing blood clots and bedsores.
allen did not even lift his head to speak to the doctor, let alone sit up in bed so how do you think he is doing his best to get out of bed?
I enjoyed Allen's comeback last night. I can't understand why some say he has made no progress. He was 1000 lbs and is now 500 lbs, I call that progress. He will weigh less when the skin that is left over is taken off. I can't even imagine how much discomfort he must be in with his breasts weighing so heavily on him. Dr. Garth said they weigh about 30 lbs. each. That will be a trememdous relief I'm sure.If the breasts weigh that much I can't imagine what the masses on his legs weigh. When those are removed, I'm sure it will be much easier to try walking. I am proud of him and I think he's doing great. Go Allen, one day at a time. God Bless!
they showed a clip of one of the doctors' visit and bid D and little d were both there and Allen was wearing clothes and they were trying to help him stand. I think I saw that episode but I can't remember if he ever stood up or not, I don't think he did then, but that doesn't mean he has been trying to get up. Only Allen and his family know if he is in bed all the time and if he is working to better himself, because all we see is a few minutes on TV and that is not enough to judge someone. I almost did that with Maryjo, I was watching her last night and almost called her the "b" word, but then I knew from watching all the time that it had to be the way the show was edited. She was only in one scene last night.
Only Allen and his family know if he is in bed all the time and if he is working to better himself, because all we see is a few minutes on TV and that is not enough to judge someone.
robbiejones, how would allen be out of bed if he can't stand? does he use a wheelchair?
for those of you that did not see the show last night: Allen does not stand. Allen tried once at the beginning of the season and still cannot stand. They are blaming it on his large breasts and his condition. That was the update on this week's show. Still no one is addressing why Allen is on oxygen, bed bound (still) and not under the care of a rehab unit or at least a trained physical/pulmonary therapist. Why, also, he is not wearing supportive garments (man-bra) to hold up his breasts (binding perhaps?)if they throw him off balance because they hang off to the side and weigh so much? (and hurt him as he said last night because they pull against his chest skin) If they were bound and lifted, couldn't he have a better chance to at least get up and balance before he makes it to surgery to remove them? As I calculate, he's been in bed (and no wheelchair), and didn't notice but from comments here also, doesn't really even sit up in bed, for nearly a year even though he's lost 500 pounds. He certainly looks like he has a heart of gold, but if it's been a full television season since Dr. Davis saw him after that first stand attempt, he's been in bed for that entire time AND on oxygen. For Allen's sake, shouldn't someone that can deal with his many health problems be working with him regularly? Or is this good T.V.? I just don't see how TLC doesn't think that the progress and care of Allen is not in their lap since they feature him and bait the audience about his appearance and update. If TLC is going to have a medical reality show, then get the medical professionals in there. Allen is not fully benefiting from simple fitness exercises while still on oxygen and bedbound. I believe that calls for the big guns. INCLUDING wheelchairs and re-hab. Allen has been where he is for awhile now, despite losing a lot of weight. Why is he still on oxygen? No one addresses that to the audience although we see him on oxygen. Why is there not a pulmonary specialist to see him? I believe it's dangerous and libel for a television show to profit from an individual's medical status if they do so little to change the course. Where are the other physician specialities, physical therapists, etc. for this young man? Where is TLC's position in this? Dr. Garth is a bariatric surgeon. Where are the other doctors to address all the other problems Allen is dealing with? That is what I want to know.
Originally posted by twestward: Still no one is addressing why Allen is on oxygen, bed bound (still) and not under the care of a rehab unit or at least a trained physical/pulmonary therapist. For Allen's sake, shouldn't someone that can deal with his many health problems be working with him regularly? ... Allen is not fully benefiting from simple fitness exercises while still on oxygen and bedbound...Why is he still on oxygen? No one addresses that to the audience although we see him on oxygen.
Dr. Davis clearly addressed why Allen is still bed-bound. He has physical issues, including the lack of use of his legs for so many years as well as the incredible excess of skin on his chest, that prevent him from being able to get out of bed. His breathing is hampered by the pull of the weight of the excess skin on his chest. Imagine having 60 - 80 pounds pulling against your chest ( 30 - 40 pounds on each side ), and tell me if you would be able to breathe well without assistance.
Allen is much stronger now than he was previously because of his dedication to his program and his work with Austin. He has been very dedicated to his workouts, and he's putting in a lot of time and effort to improve his health.
Until any of us have been in his position (nearly 1000 pounds, bed-bound and on a trach), we are in no position to judge. He has made tremendous progress, he's kept a wonderful attitude, and he's moving bravely toward the next step in his journey. He's an amazing man, and his progress cannot be discounted by anyone!
Still no one is addressing why Allen is on oxygen, bed bound (still) and not under the care of a rehab unit or at least a trained physical/pulmonary therapist.
twestward, your questions are interesting and i have asked those myself. i imagine allen hasn't been tested by a pulmonary specialist because there isn't one to go to the house. that kind of testing can't be done in the home, i've had it done and it requires several large machines that aren't portable.
i think the rehab portion of his care is severely lacking probably due to money but i don't know for sure. no patient in the rehab setting would be in bed 24/7 regardless of the reasons. i've known people on breathing tubes who were in pt and ot daily- in the gym, not in bed. if those lungs aren't exercised they won't work properly. people in rehab are urged to do as much as possible for themselves at every turn including as much dressing and washing as possible. i find it hard to believe that allen is doing at least that for himself. he would also be up in a wheelchair for varying amounts of time daily according to what he could tolerate. i've seen people who are in varying degrees of coma sitting in chairs, why not allen?
i've never seen a pt there and i don't think a person who is "certified in exercise" is qualified to do what a registered, college educated physical therapist can do. where is the ot to help allen manage every day tasks such as washing, dressing, etc.?
why are the doctors so willing to operate again without testing allen in every area? the binding of his breasts could probably make a difference but i doubt they weigh 30 pounds each. will the stomach surgery be the next reason why allen can't walk? look at how many other patients on the show bigger than allen walk.
i am very interested in seeing allen get into the normal life he has never had, i.e. education, work, dating, etc. but how will he accomplish those in bed with people making excuses for him?
i also wonder what all this is costing american taxpayers? doctors, testing, surgery, exercise, etc. are very expensive and if he's never held a job he probably doesn't pay for insurance. the expense certainly isn't the main factor when a person's health is concerned but it should come into play just as it did with tiffany and others.
Perhaps you were writing of someone else, kvalera---I have not discounted Allen's progress. But anyone with any medical knowledge can look at Allen and see that he has many combined problems. And, although he may have made progress, I think its negligent of TLC to not see to a more rigorous rally of different specialties for his care. A breathing tube for that long, bed bound for that long, and I'm sure bedsores and infections for that long deserve the care of a regular internal medicine, pulmonologist, and physical therapist if everyone is truly behind Allen moving forward. The "update" showed improvement. But Allen is many, many complications and obviously could benefit from the knowledge of others, also. I'm sorry if you find this conversation contrary to what you see as you see Allen one on one. But regardless, he is still bed bound, still on oxygen, still suffering all that that is besides being 500 pounds lighter. And TLC is profiting. They should step up. In my humble opinion. Allen deserves more and it is evident from the many people on this board that want to see him improve and get the TOTAL help he needs.
i did not discount allen's progress but i did not see much of it. he's in the same place, wearing the same tube he wore several months ago and not walking.
i think he's probably a nice person and kvalera is defending her friend, that's admirable but it won't get allen out of bed walking into the world.
the issues we've talked about are all valid and allen isn't getting the care he should be. i wonder if kvalera is in bed too?
no one ever knew for sure how much allen weighed to begin with but the fact remains that he's in bed because of that weight. nothing can change that, even everyone's excuse that allens's legs are weak from being in bed. allen put himself there because he overate.
why is he on oxygen now the same as he was when he weighed so much more? has the volume decreased since his weight loss?
i think the doctors are very capable but they don't know all aspects of any illness or condition as evidenced by their lack of knowledge about rehab or pulmonary function. no doctor knows everything, that's why we have specialists who can look and advise. the entire medical community involved is doing allen a great disservice by ignoring other paths he could be using. i don't think tlc is as much to blame as they are not part of the medical profession.
kvalera is not in bed and is on the show (and knows Allen). I would not blame TLC except that they have baited this forum with "news" of Allen and used his progress as a means to draw in viewers. They sell advertising time on the show and therefore, they profit. Regardless if it is a reality show. I agree that a certified exercise specialist is not anywhere near qualified to address the problems of Allen at this point. It is obvious he needs rehab care because he is still in bed and on oxygen. And no, each breast does not weigh 30-40 pounds. Maybe 15 to 20 and they could be bound to keep him from hurting. And the breathing tube was not addressed as far as I heard regarding the breasts. I assume the breathing tube was initiated because of the force of weight on his chest hampering his breathing. With the weight loss, a pulmonolgist should be in or Allen brought to him to determine how soon he can get rid of that trach. Rehab comes in here. Bed cardio exercises and resistance tubes are fine. But why is he not having breathing issues addressed and other means of physical therapy? TLC is making a profit off of these people. No doubt. Can they actually sit back and feature an individual and not bring in experts to address the obvious other ailments? Or do they bait the audience for another season (using a youngs man's health!) to wait for Allen to walk? And precisely if Allen has not worked, he is being subsidized by us all. While TLC is making a profit on his story. They should contribute to Allen's care and get the ball rolling.
A number of people have asked why aren't there other doctors working with Allen. The show is only one hour long. I don't think they can show every day with Allen. They wouldn't have time to show anything else. We only see a very small portion of Allen's life. So we don't know what else is going on off-camera. For all we know, a different doctor is at his house every day checking on him and working with him.
Been reading all these posts and I do believe Allen is in much better condition than before. He can't stand because of all the excess skin on his legs. He tried that time he got dressed and everything, but he fell back on his bed. As far as all these doctors everyone is referring to, I doubt if his insurance, and I assume he has some, it probably won't pay it. If he is on Medicare, they allow some home visits, that's fine, but if he needs constant visits, Medicare will tell them he has to go to a facility, they will not pay for daily visits to a home. Been there and done that when my Mom had her stroke, I ended up having to take her to a nursing home. I believe Dr. Garth said he was sending a P.T. over and left saying he would see him in the hospital. Once those breasts are removed and the fat on his legs, he will be probably be over 100 pounds lighter and able to become ambulatory. Also keep in mind the doting mother he has and he is a mama's boy. She hovers over him endlessly and I'm sure the doctors have had to put up with alot with her. She thinks she is the only one that can take care of him and she is the one that got him in the condition he is in. Remember when we first saw Allen, you didn't see one shot that his mother wasn't in, even when he was in the hospital. I hope they continue with him for a while, can't wait to see him walk.
Also keep in mind the doting mother he has and he is a mama's boy. She hovers over him endlessly and I'm sure the doctors have had to put up with alot with her. She thinks she is the only one that can take care of him and she is the one that got him in the condition he is in. Remember when we first saw Allen, you didn't see one shot that his mother wasn't in, even when he was in the hospital.
allen's mother is probably a very nice person but she is the cause of most of his problems. i think she's been doing for him his whole life; pampering, doting on him and feeding him. on the show the other night she answered the door for the doctor and was sitting in allen's room. i can't imagine that she is helping in any way to make that man independent. what happened to the family support and therapy that was supposed to have taken place?
he should be in his own apt. and he would have to help himself to a large degree. he would have to manage alone somewhat or find services to help him.
there's something wrong when a parent doesn't want her child to be on his own and fending for himself.
Guys, I don't believe this thread. If you get on Allen's myspace, and if you have listened to Dr Garth and if you have listened to what Allen has said on the show, he has a wonderful attitude - he is a really upbeat person and they SHOWED him working with weights etc. Dr Garth explained why he wasn't walking - it's likely he has some co morbs which do NOT go instantly away with gastric bypass like he's on a respirator and when he walks, he's going to have to drag it with him.
Did anyone see him working out with weights in bed? He's pedaling as fast as he can!!
Do you REALLY THINK he WANTS to be in bed? He even said when he can walk, he doesn't want to see a bed for 6 months. "I will sleep standing up" he quipped.
Please you would NOT judge a cancer patient like you are judging Allen... please give Allen the same respect you would give any other patient. You don't get that large all from eating... mostly it's from genetics AND eating - there are many people who eat MORE than Allen ate at his highest weight who are slim... I know one guy who is 72 years old, weighs 150 lbs and eats upward of 5000 calories a day just because he CAN. I'm sure Allen will explain himself but why does he have to? If you watched the show, everything was explained very well. And did ANYONE even consider that when Allen reads this thread he might be kind of hurt? I hope people will think before they write... Allen you rock!!! and you have many fans!!!
If you get on Allen's myspace, and if you have listened to Dr Garth and if you have listened to what Allen has said on the show, he has a wonderful attitude - he is a really upbeat person and they SHOWED him working with weights etc. Dr Garth explained why he wasn't walking - it's likely he has some co morbs which do NOT go instantly away with gastric bypass like he's on a respirator and when he walks, he's going to have to drag it with him.
swidema, i did see allen's myspace a while ago and i was shocked to read "if you're not mexican, you're s***. i noticed that has been taken down now but who is he to say anything like that?
they showed him working with weights- that was the lamest attempt that was ever shown on camera. those are probably one pound weights, big deal.
of course no problems go away instantly with gastric bypass surgery but it has been 7 months and he's still in bed. can't he lift his head or sit up?
allen's parents and brother aren't obese, i wonder how allen got to be so big? could sitting in bed have something to do with that?
I think Allen is doing great! He has lost 1/4 of a TON of weight. Over 300 pounds of it in the last 7 months! No one should put anyone down for doing something like that.
Allen will walk again when he is able. I think that he is being looked after by the doctors. He is not only bed bound but with his size he is house bound. It is going to take an ambulance with special equipment to transport him to any appointment. This requires planning and coordination not just from the people but from the insurance to pay for it. Not any easy task.
It is also going to be difficult for Allen to go to a rehab center. This place is going to have to be able to care for someone of his size. Two little CNA's are not going to be able to lift him and bath him. Lifts aren't made to carry his weight. I don't know how he could have gone to a rehab unit when he weighed 800+ pounds. I cannot imagine any place that could have worked with him at that weight. Think about it. How many really big people have you seen in your rehab unit?
I think that no one on this board should play doctor without a license. Who the heck are we to tell the doctors what they should or shouldn't do? I don't think they have been completely out of touch with Allen's progress and are monitoring what needs to be done. Allen may not be progressing at the rate YOU think he should progress at but then again - I don't see any medical degrees out here.
I think Allen will feel much better after he has his breast tissue removed (the same way they would remove it for a mastectomy). It cannot be comfortable for him to breath and no doubt that 60-80 pounds on your chest even strapped down would make standing much harder. Skin is often removed part way through the weight loss process when patients start out SMO. Extra skin makes exercise very difficult to move and exercise and can slow the progess being made by patients.
Kvalera, you are such an inspiration to me and many others. Thank you for helping us to understand Allen's condition. I hope you continue to support him and we get to see more of BOTH of you in the next season.
Allen, keep doing what you're doing!!! Don't let anyone or anything slow you down. I can't wait to see you walking and even dancing! You seem like such a super guy!
Thanks, justy, for your post. The bottom line is that Allen is taking steps to become a healthier, more fit person. He has lost a BUNCH of weight in a relatively short time, and he's doing very well. He believes in himself, and he believes that he will be standing soon. He knows he has medical issues that need to be solved first, and he's headed in that direction.
If you had ever seen baby pictures of Allen, you would see that he was an incredibly large baby and toddler. To blame his mother, tinlady, is harsh. Genetics combine with food choices to create the problems of obesity. Allen's mother wants, more than anything, to see her son get up out of that bed and become independent. That will also give her freedom for herself.
I think there is some thought that those of us who allow TLC to film our stories for the show are being compensated in some way. That is NOT the case. TLC does not pay us, nor pay for any parts of our surgical procedures. There is NO compensation for ANY of the people who share their stories. We just agree to let the show film us in the hopes that sharing our stories will help others. So to say TLC should bring in experts to address issues is really out there. They are not paying for, controlling or directing the care of any of us, they are just filming it.
Yes, I am defending my friend Allen. But I could not do that if I did not believe in him and had not seen his progress first hand. He is an amazing young man who is working very hard to make a better life for himself. The whole team (Garth, Mary Jo, Austin) sees it, and whether skeptics choose to see it or not, it is happening.
I also think that it is NOT our place to judge anyone. People's medical care, even if parts have been televised, is also PRIVATE and not our business, even if they are on TV and public about it. I take my hat off to anyone trying to help themselves or their family members - how they do it is up to them.
Some beds have scales in them, and can weigh the patient.
Allen at 500lbs is HALF of what he used to be.
kvalera, i know some beds have scales in them. i guess his new bed has scales but the old one must not have had them if the doctors weren't sure what he weighed then.
you said that allen has lost a "bunch of weight" but others say it's up to 500 pounds. i don't understand the discrepancies. if i recall correctly when allen went to the hospital he weighed over 700 pounds. then he went down to over 600 pounds after the liquid diet. why is he now "over 500 pounds" after 7 months back at home? these numbers don't add up to me.
I think everyone needs to remember that people have plateaus after the surgery. Allen may have been losing a a good rate that his body needed to catch with his weight loss.
I think everyone will say they lost weight at different rates. It took me 6 months to lose 95 lbs. I thought that was they way it was supose to be, but I lost to quick. Others only lost 50lbs in that timeframe. It all depends on your body. He may not have had allot of movement prior to his surgery but now is having some. You have to develop those muscles back.
I am not sure why people are being negative but it really is not needed. We all have are demons to figh thru when going thur this and negative talk is not good no matter when it is.
Originally posted by tinlady97: you said that allen has lost a "bunch of weight" but others say it's up to 500 pounds. i don't understand the discrepancies.
500 pounds is a bunch of weight, so I do not see a discrepancy there at all. Do you not think that 500 pounds is a bunch?
What I do not understand is why you seem to be so intent on bashing Allen and his progress. What is up with that? Allen has been working hard and making a concerted effort to get healthy. He has allowed the viewers to watch his struggle in the hopes of helping others, and he has done it with dignity. He has lost nearly 500 pounds - half of his weight - and you want to put him down? Sorry, but that's just mean.
Tinlady I think you need a bit of education. Yes, Allen lost a lot of weight, but every person is different. That being said, anatomy plays a huge part. His weight is primarly in his throat & chest, thus the need for a trach. Sure we all want him to walk, but being bed bound for years, plus a trach makes it hard to bounce back as quickly as you want. Give the guy a break. Also, I'm sure he has more services than the show airs.
Obviously, everyone cares for Allen a great deal. It is VERY confusing to see a patient like Allen that is trached and bedbound with only an exercise coach and Dr. Garth seeing him. Garth mentioned PT finally this last episode. I think if Allen's health is being taken care of on a regular basis for bedsores, lungs, physical therapy, Dr. Garth should let us know. Is there an internal medicine doctor that is seeing him, also? Garth is a surgeon and I believe we've seen the times Allen has been seen. If Garth has been there or another doctor has been there on a regular basis (since he's not in a rehab facility, let's say at least every other week) then what is the problem with telling us that we see a patient with multiple problems being cared for for all the other ailments besides the weight loss? The point is that many of us are concerned that these things especially do not appear to be addressed or a concern when many of us know patients that have less problems than these that are cared of in a facility and monitored by medical personnel regularly. It may not be "our business", but the show is there to share the experience of Allen's health and progress. And TLC may be there to film it, but they are profiting from it, also. Allen struck the hearts of many people. We saw him again many weeks later and expected to see him at least sitting up and the trach gone after a 500 pound weight loss. That was not shown. Garth could get us up to date on his care regarding the things that concern us because they are indeed what is shown via the TV medium. I do believe Tinlady is being a little abrupt, but I do feel her frustration for a young man that we hoped would at least be sitting up in bed. He was not. I understand the walking problem, but he seems incredibly stationary for someone that seems to have progressed with a huge weight loss. He definitely looks better as far as the weight, but nothing else seems to have changed at all. How is his skin, how is his breathing, how is his physical activity, how often does he leave the bed to at least sit in the sunshine? And who sees him besides the trainer and Kvalera and his mother as far as his health care goes? His story was brought to us. Expect us to be concerned. These questions are not mean and should not be unexpected from the show Monday night. Such a young man, we want him to live because we saw something special. My opinion is that he needs a medical team and that is not what he has right now. This is out of concern for what has been presented during this season and how this season ended. There are tons of nurses and medical personnel that watch this show. You all should expect the questions.
I just don't get it. This guy is doing absolutely GREAT - YOU try losing 500 lbs in a year! He's also doing something incredibly courageous by letting us witness this extremely difficult and painful process. If you feel he needs more help, great, start a fund - someone needs to pay for it, and I'm guessing Allen is lucky if he even has insurance. But don't put the guy down or accuse him of being lazy and unmotivated. And don't assume you understand the situation better than the man's doctor, who happens to be an expert on this condition and its treatments. Geez, it seems like some of you would criticize a stroke patient if he wasn't up doing jumping jacks two weeks after.
by the way, there are many stroke victims who are up walking days after a stroke if they have been given the proper care. maybe you should research rehabilitation medicine?
I saw the show the other night and thought that the Allen segment was poorly done. They showed Dr. Garth going into Allen's house stating he did not know how much weight Allen lost. How long had it been since he had seen Allen? After saying hello, he jumped to the conclusion that Allen needed to remove breast tissue so he could stand up! He never even asked him what physical activity he could do. Allen barely turned his head to the doctor. Why would Dr. Garth even concider another surgery, insted of the binding as mentioned on the board, when Allen is in such a weak condition and still in need of a trach and oxygen? Another surgery would require recovery time and maybe further loss of muscle tone. Has he been evaluated to see if the trach can be removed? The editing really did not show any physical improvement in Allen. They did show him lifting weights (they looked like 1 or 2 pounds) - if he has been working out in such a motivated way for the last 7 months as some on this board claim, I am not impressed. Let’s remember that arm movement was not one of his problems when he was first shown at the beginning of the season. He had no problem lifting all that food to his mouth. jvonde said, "The show is only one hour long. I don't think they can show every day with Allen." In many other segments, when explanation or history is required, TLC shows the doctor in the office and he relates the info needed. This was desperately needed for Allen's segment. Without it, it left me and obviously many others with lots of questions. The show is about weight loss. Did they show the numbers on the scale like they have done for most (all?) other patients - NO! Did they give us a clue if Allen was under the care of any medical professionals -NO! The only one that was mentioned was Austin, a Certified Exercise Trainer! Boy if I were Allen, I wouldn't be putting my life in the hands of a man whose claim to fame was being injured jumping out of an airplane! (If you go to Austin's website, you can order the CD that will help you too to pass the Exercise Trainer Certification. Why isn't Allen being seen by a Physiatrist (a doctor trained in rehabilitation medicine) and a physical therapist (5+ years of college education and internship) instead of an exercise trainer? In 7 months, even if Allen had lost no weight, proper treatment could have improved his muscle tone to the point of standing or at least sitting up in bed. Allen should fire Austin and get real help.
Why isn't Allen being seen by a Physiatrist (a doctor trained in rehabilitation medicine) and a physical therapist (5+ years of college education and internship) instead of an exercise trainer?
frank, i don't think the doctors are familiar with the type of work physiatrists do as allen isn't in a rehab. the doctors would prescribe the therapies needed by allen and the pt and ot would follow those orders.
Seems like my point is being ignored in favor of minutia. Ultimately, this guy needs compassion rather than criticism from people who haven't seen more than three very heavily edited hours of his life. This show can't give us the whole picture. We don't know what specialists he's seeing, nor do we know why he isn't seeing certain ones, if in fact he is not. What people suggest here may be good ideas, but they cost money which he probably doesn't have. Give him a break. Losing 500 lbs in a year is proof enough that he's motivated. Surgery alone won't cause that kind of weight loss.
sorry, these points don't seem like "minutia" to me. Believe me, if he was seeing several other doctors, we'd see bits on here. Frank above makes a good point that it seems that we see more on every other patient and what the doctors are doing than we do with Allen. Garth's last appearance there showed he has not been there recently. The weight loss is great. But why is Allen still there in bed and not sitting up and still trached and no explanation and no other specialties see him? Another point, we see all the effort behind getting surgery (which is what the show is about) and getting plastic surgery taken care of. If Allen is a focus of this show, I'm sure some great internal medicine doctor and some great Physical Therapist and some great Pulmonologist would donate some time and expert advice for the recognition. Here in Houston, we saw Marvin Zindler corral every great eye surgeon and plastic surgeon to donate their time and efforts for the recognition of helping others over and over again. Why isn't it happening? It's not "minutia". It's his life. And obviously we are all pulling for him and wanting him to live sooner rather than later. Help is out there. Why isn't someone asking for it?
twestward, when a man's life is at stake, it is not minutia and that's what the show is dealing with.
if allen is ever to have any kind of life he needs to have the proper care- right away. too much time has been wasted already; he's still in bed, on oxygen and not really living. he needs to work with the right specialists to get the help that he needs. he doesn't need people feeling sorry for him or telling him what a good guy he is- he needs real help. i'm sure allen is a nice person but that won't save his life.
i also wonder why dr. garth sees mastectomy in allen's future, why not breast reduction? that's what women do when their breasts are too large and uncomfortable. does the word "mastectomy" sound more dramatic? tv sells drama, doesn't it? also, if allen isn't moving around how could his breasts hurt him?
allen probably isn't aware of the help that's out there as he has never experienced anything else but austin and dr. garth. he needs to learn there's a whole world of help available out there waiting to help him get on his feet.
i'd also like to know exactly how many years allen has been in bed.
I am not one to post often, and certainly not one to come out guns "blazing" but your postings in this string incensed me. You come out with accusations and negative talk about Allen. Then, Kim (kvalera), whom is Kimberly from the show, by the way, answers some of your concerns questions about Allen because she knows him personally and obviously knows Drs. Davis, Mary Jo, Austin, and Allen's entire situation. You still attack and are argumentative. It is obvious from your statements that you aren't well-versed in obesity or in the show. In a string I read about Charles, you say that obviously we don't see everything so we can't know everything that is going on. People have tried to tell you that in your postings about Allen, but yet you still argue. Why are you double talking from string to string? All of your comments are crude to the patients on the show (please feel free to enlighten me if you have written any that have been positive). I am an obese person with a BMI of 48, planning on having gastric bypass in the next 9 months. I understand being obese -- do you? In my opinion people posting on this forum should be doing one of two things -- encouraging others, or asking questions so they can understand the disease and the procedure. Your comments just seem to antagonize. Either encourage Allen, or let him be -- don't judge things that you don't even know about or are "speculating". And stop the bad attitude towards Kim (kvalera) -- she's been through a lot as well and as come out wonderfully -- and still has more good in front of her. Sorry everyone -- I have only posted a couple of other times on this website -- I mostly just read. But I couldn't keep from posting this message. Allen, go get em!!!! Kim, congrats on the ps and good luck with the next phase.
Originally posted by twestward: sorry, these points don't seem like "minutia" to me. Believe me, if he was seeing several other doctors, we'd see bits on here.
That's an unfounded assumption. It's possible Allen is seeing other docs he doesn't want to talk about on the show. Or THEY don't want to go on the air (not all docs are into that).
And the bit about Dr. Garth not having seen him in awhile is what I'm talking about when I say minutia. I'm sure he's checking in as often as is required, but Allen doesn't have to pay a bariatric specialist every single time he sees a doctor. At some point after recovery from the procedure, it's reasonable for Dr. Garth to put things in the hands of Allen's PCP, with follow-up less frequently, as in maybe once a year.
What is minutia, really, is all these uninformed opinions from people who don't know more than what they've seen on TV, and obviously are more interested in being critical than in appreciating the courage and achievements of these patients. I'm with 2grls who put it beautifully. We have no business criticizing people who have been through what these folks have been through, and who are big-hearted enough to share their experience with us.
Thanks, 2grlz, for your good wishes. I had my pre-op work done today...I can't believe I'm just 11 days away from surgery! As you can imagine, I'm nervous and excited and jazzed...all mixed in to one! What a crazy feeling! I know it's all good, however, and that I'm in good hands. I appreciate all of the love and concern from people on the message boards.
I sometimes get really incensed about things that people write on the boards that are so harsh and, in many cases, uninformed, but then I just have to step back and realize that they are just not in a position to be positive and send loving thoughts out to others. That reminds me that I need to try to love them and hope that they get to a happier place soon.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: kvalera,
That's an unfounded assumption. It's possible Allen is seeing other docs he doesn't want to talk about on the show. Or THEY don't want to go on the air (not all docs are into that).
And the bit about Dr. Garth not having seen him in awhile is what I'm talking about when I say minutia. I'm sure he's checking in as often as is required, but Allen doesn't have to pay a bariatric specialist every single time he sees a doctor. At some point after recovery from the procedure, it's reasonable for Dr. Garth to put things in the hands of Allen's PCP, with follow-up less frequently, as in maybe once a year.
Tonksmom: It may be "unfounded", but it is how it is presented. And although there have been some harsh comments on here, many of us are simply asking why it is being presented as it is and why is Allen being shown with no other attention or progress medically than that follow up visit from Garth when he is obviously in a health position that is a "balancing" act if not even more scary than an explanation as simple as that one. Those of us concerned about what TLC does not show have every right to be concerned. Frankly, Allen is occasionally on this board and could put all of this to rest if he tells us he is seeing a PCP/pulmonogist or any other medical professional besides the oxygen delivery rep on a regular basis. Allen? We see a young man trapped and only know that his trainer sees him and Garth has seen him twice during the season. Is it wrong to want more for Allen to help him? The state of Texas may not be the best in health care, but it certainly is not the worst. And just as Allen got a new bed, got his surgery, got a trainer, got a friend like kvalera, there are avenues for him to get other things to help him out of his bed and out of the trach and into the world. That's what most of us want. TLC brought him to us to show his journey. If they are leaving out vital facts that will put worries to rest, please tell us truthfully. Then we will stop worrying for Allen and stop being frustrated over what doesn't seem to be done for him.
Originally posted by tonksmom: [QUOTE]Originally posted by twestward: sorry, these points don't seem like "minutia" to me. Believe me, if he was seeing several other doctors, we'd see bits on here.
That's an unfounded assumption. It's possible Allen is seeing other docs he doesn't want to talk about on the show. Or THEY don't want to go on the air (not all docs are into that).
And the bit about Dr. Garth not having seen him in awhile is what I'm talking about when I say minutia. I'm sure he's checking in as often as is required, but Allen doesn't have to pay a bariatric specialist every single time he sees a doctor. At some point after recovery from the procedure, it's reasonable for Dr. Garth to put things in the hands of Allen's PCP, with follow-up less frequently, as in maybe once a year. QUOTE] tonksmon, Aren’t you running on with "unfounded assumption"?? If the show had given us more information, none of us would need to assume!
2grlzrenuf, I do not understand why you say Tinlady97 is negative when most of her posts are about concern for Allen. If that's negative then I am with her!
