1 00:00:26,836 --> 00:00:29,137 My name is Jessica Thompson. 2 00:00:29,172 --> 00:00:31,440 I'm 32 years old, and I'm from Eastman, Georgia. 3 00:00:31,474 --> 00:00:34,309 [Danielle] All right, Miss Jessica, 4 00:00:34,343 --> 00:00:36,278 what lotion are we going to use today? 5 00:00:36,312 --> 00:00:37,679 We can use the big bottle. 6 00:00:37,713 --> 00:00:39,381 [Danielle speaking] 7 00:00:40,550 --> 00:00:42,484 [Jessica] Because of my size, 8 00:00:42,518 --> 00:00:44,419 there's a lot of things I can't do. 9 00:00:44,454 --> 00:00:45,687 [Jessica speaking] 10 00:00:55,965 --> 00:00:59,768 I feel like I'm a stronger person than someone of regular size 11 00:00:59,802 --> 00:01:02,971 because you don't have to go through half of the things that I go through. 12 00:01:08,911 --> 00:01:10,779 [Jessica speaking] 13 00:01:17,220 --> 00:01:19,221 I'm a nine-volt battery. 14 00:01:19,255 --> 00:01:22,390 You get more power. [laughs] 15 00:01:23,793 --> 00:01:25,894 [Danielle speaking] 16 00:01:25,928 --> 00:01:27,129 It feels good. 17 00:01:29,632 --> 00:01:30,932 [Danielle speaking] 18 00:01:31,567 --> 00:01:33,101 [Jessica speaking] 19 00:01:33,136 --> 00:01:34,536 [Danielle laughs] 20 00:01:35,471 --> 00:01:37,072 [Jessica speaking] 21 00:01:37,106 --> 00:01:41,409 I've tried to lose weight, I've done diet pills, 22 00:01:41,444 --> 00:01:43,912 I've done diet programs. 23 00:01:43,946 --> 00:01:45,780 Nothing seems to work. 24 00:01:47,884 --> 00:01:49,251 [Jessica speaking] 25 00:02:23,686 --> 00:02:24,920 All of a sudden, 26 00:02:25,454 --> 00:02:26,688 [Jessica speaking] 27 00:02:28,991 --> 00:02:30,825 I think that really is when 28 00:02:30,860 --> 00:02:33,929 my world started spiraling down. 29 00:02:35,331 --> 00:02:37,666 [Jessica speaking] 30 00:02:42,605 --> 00:02:43,805 I really didn't care. 31 00:02:46,342 --> 00:02:48,443 [Danielle speaking] 32 00:02:48,477 --> 00:02:50,579 - Feel like I got every spot? - Yes, ma'am. 33 00:02:51,080 --> 00:02:53,081 [Jessica speaking] 34 00:02:53,115 --> 00:02:55,684 I was a CNA, a certified nursing assistant. 35 00:03:21,877 --> 00:03:23,311 - [Danielle] Okay. - Um... 36 00:03:23,346 --> 00:03:26,514 Then I have... That one keeps me from killing you, 37 00:03:26,549 --> 00:03:29,317 - and this one keeps you from killing me. - [Danielle laughs] 38 00:03:58,981 --> 00:04:03,018 [Jessica] At my current size, the doctors can't do the hysterectomy, 39 00:04:03,052 --> 00:04:05,887 and so now I'm just taking the medicine, 40 00:04:05,921 --> 00:04:10,892 just hoping that, you know, it keeps the cancer asleep, so to speak, 41 00:04:10,926 --> 00:04:12,727 because there's no other way 42 00:04:12,762 --> 00:04:15,330 to do anything else about it until I lose enough weight. 43 00:04:16,132 --> 00:04:18,566 [Jessica speaking] 44 00:04:20,803 --> 00:04:22,937 Those things are things people don't live through. 45 00:04:22,972 --> 00:04:25,407 Those things are known to kill you. 46 00:04:25,441 --> 00:04:28,076 So a lot of times I can't rest at night 47 00:04:28,110 --> 00:04:30,111 because I'm scared somebody's gonna find me dead. 48 00:04:30,146 --> 00:04:33,214 Like, I'm just gonna quit breathing in my sleep or something. 49 00:04:33,249 --> 00:04:35,283 I just don't want to live like that. 50 00:04:36,052 --> 00:04:37,452 [Danielle speaking] 51 00:04:37,753 --> 00:04:38,887 I know. 52 00:04:41,991 --> 00:04:44,559 I know it, and I'm here to help you 53 00:04:44,593 --> 00:04:46,861 in any way I can, any way. 54 00:04:46,896 --> 00:04:48,997 - Thank you. - You are so welcome. 55 00:05:04,947 --> 00:05:06,881 [Jessica speaking] 56 00:05:20,463 --> 00:05:24,632 Just 'cause I'm big, so what? 57 00:05:24,667 --> 00:05:28,470 [Jessica] But you know, I can't get the clothes that everybody else is wearing. 58 00:05:28,504 --> 00:05:32,040 You know, these slogans that everybody has, I can't, 59 00:05:32,074 --> 00:05:35,343 you know, unless I do it myself, so that's what we do. 60 00:05:35,378 --> 00:05:37,612 - [machine beeping] - And it's done. 61 00:05:39,548 --> 00:05:40,615 [Jessica speaking] 62 00:05:46,155 --> 00:05:49,624 My grandma said, "Jessica, you can't wear that shirt nowhere." 63 00:05:49,658 --> 00:05:51,459 I said, "Yes, I can, Grandma." 64 00:05:51,494 --> 00:05:54,996 She said, "No, Jessica, you cannot wear that out." 65 00:05:55,030 --> 00:05:59,267 So I would wear it to the store in town. [laughs] 66 00:05:59,301 --> 00:06:01,936 Um, this is my finished product. 67 00:06:02,905 --> 00:06:04,739 [Jessica speaking] 68 00:06:09,545 --> 00:06:11,146 But it's got to change. 69 00:06:11,180 --> 00:06:14,115 Tired of living like this. Just tired of it. 70 00:06:15,851 --> 00:06:18,386 - Hi, it's Amanda. - [Jessica] Come in. 71 00:06:18,421 --> 00:06:21,856 [Jessica] Today, I asked my friend Amanda to come over. 72 00:06:23,058 --> 00:06:24,592 Well, thanks for inviting me over. 73 00:06:26,595 --> 00:06:28,396 [Jessica speaking] 74 00:06:34,069 --> 00:06:36,504 Thanks for coming. I'm just finishing up. 75 00:06:36,539 --> 00:06:38,173 [Amanda] It's good. 76 00:06:38,207 --> 00:06:40,008 [Amanda] I've known Jessica for a couple of years. 77 00:06:40,042 --> 00:06:42,243 We met online in a weight loss support group, 78 00:06:42,278 --> 00:06:46,815 and she has a very similar story to what I had. 79 00:06:46,849 --> 00:06:49,651 [Amanda] Three years ago, I was 715 pounds, 80 00:06:49,685 --> 00:06:52,086 I was on the verge of being completely homebound, 81 00:06:52,121 --> 00:06:55,056 and I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. 82 00:06:55,090 --> 00:06:56,958 Maybe it was my punishment 83 00:06:57,893 --> 00:06:59,594 for abusing my body. 84 00:07:00,796 --> 00:07:03,731 But then Dr. Procter performed weight loss surgery on me, 85 00:07:03,766 --> 00:07:06,334 and now my whole life has changed. 86 00:07:06,368 --> 00:07:08,970 I've lost close to 500 pounds, 87 00:07:09,004 --> 00:07:12,507 and I'm endometrial cancer-free, and I've even gotten married 88 00:07:12,541 --> 00:07:15,310 to someone else that had weight loss surgery. 89 00:07:15,344 --> 00:07:17,479 Surgery has completely saved my life, 90 00:07:17,513 --> 00:07:20,548 and now I'm trying to help others do the same thing, 91 00:07:20,583 --> 00:07:24,719 by getting my life coach, wellness, nutritionist certification. 92 00:07:24,753 --> 00:07:27,956 Jessica called me and she's looking into losing weight 93 00:07:27,990 --> 00:07:30,225 so I'm really excited to talk to her. 94 00:07:30,259 --> 00:07:33,828 I just wanted somebody to talk to that understands, I guess, you know. 95 00:07:33,863 --> 00:07:36,798 I've watched your journey, and you've kind of... 96 00:07:37,299 --> 00:07:38,700 [Jessica speaking] 97 00:07:40,035 --> 00:07:42,070 I've watched how you've gotten your life back, 98 00:07:42,104 --> 00:07:43,771 and I really want my life back. 99 00:07:43,806 --> 00:07:45,440 [Jessica speaking] 100 00:07:45,474 --> 00:07:46,608 [Amanda] Mm-hmm. 101 00:07:51,113 --> 00:07:52,113 [Amanda] Right. 102 00:07:58,954 --> 00:08:02,023 I made the choice to have bariatric surgery, 103 00:08:02,057 --> 00:08:03,558 I mean I had weight loss surgery 104 00:08:03,592 --> 00:08:05,994 because I had that moment where it was either, 105 00:08:06,028 --> 00:08:07,795 "You're gonna do this or you're gonna die." 106 00:08:07,830 --> 00:08:12,333 And I had to be honest with myself and stop lying to myself, you know? 107 00:08:12,368 --> 00:08:14,836 And that's what I was doing, I was kidding myself, 108 00:08:14,870 --> 00:08:16,971 saying, "This one pizza's not gonna hurt me," 109 00:08:17,006 --> 00:08:20,375 but it was. Like, every pizza that I ordered was hurting me. 110 00:08:20,409 --> 00:08:24,145 Um, it's not easy. I mean, there's a lot of steps 111 00:08:24,179 --> 00:08:26,281 to even get approved for weight loss surgery, 112 00:08:26,315 --> 00:08:28,449 but I promise you, it's so worth it. 113 00:08:28,484 --> 00:08:30,552 The effort is so worth it. 114 00:08:30,586 --> 00:08:33,187 Is that something that you will consider? 115 00:08:33,222 --> 00:08:36,691 You hear so many horror stories, like, you know, 116 00:08:49,004 --> 00:08:50,405 Mm-hmm. 117 00:08:50,439 --> 00:08:52,507 So I can tell that Jessica's resistant to surgery 118 00:08:52,541 --> 00:08:55,710 and just making excuses as to why she wouldn't want to get it. 119 00:08:55,744 --> 00:08:57,545 But right now, with Jessica's health, 120 00:08:57,580 --> 00:08:59,380 like, she already has health issues. 121 00:08:59,415 --> 00:09:02,750 She already has kidney issues, she already has all these problems. 122 00:09:02,785 --> 00:09:05,920 It's only gonna get worse if she doesn't do anything about the weight. 123 00:09:06,455 --> 00:09:08,256 I honestly can tell you, 124 00:09:08,290 --> 00:09:11,759 I would be dead today if I did not have the surgery. 125 00:09:11,794 --> 00:09:13,561 Like, 100 percent. 126 00:09:13,596 --> 00:09:17,699 Yeah, it's risky, but how risky is it for you to stay where you're at right now? 127 00:09:17,733 --> 00:09:18,766 [Jessica speaking] 128 00:09:18,801 --> 00:09:21,903 It's a lot of weight to lose on your own. 129 00:09:21,937 --> 00:09:28,543 So, for me as your friend, I would suggest that you have bariatric surgery. 130 00:09:28,577 --> 00:09:30,378 [Jessica] I don't want surgery 131 00:09:30,412 --> 00:09:34,582 but Amanda can give me the best advice because she's already had the surgery. 132 00:09:34,617 --> 00:09:37,552 She's losing the weight, it's working for her. 133 00:09:37,586 --> 00:09:38,987 [Jessica speaking] 134 00:09:46,595 --> 00:09:48,763 - [Amanda] You'll do great. - Thank you. 135 00:09:48,797 --> 00:09:50,131 - See you later. - All right. 136 00:09:50,165 --> 00:09:51,165 - Bye. - Bye-bye. 137 00:10:13,455 --> 00:10:14,756 Where's Robert Earl? 138 00:10:16,925 --> 00:10:18,426 Hey, Robert. 139 00:10:19,762 --> 00:10:20,895 Hey, baby. 140 00:10:21,597 --> 00:10:23,798 - What you doing? - Nothing. 141 00:10:25,734 --> 00:10:27,935 [Jessica] Robert is my nephew. 142 00:10:27,970 --> 00:10:32,073 Robert is like the match, you know, the little red thing on the end of the match? 143 00:10:32,107 --> 00:10:34,375 You just touch it and fire just goes. 144 00:10:34,410 --> 00:10:35,910 That's how Robert is, 145 00:10:35,944 --> 00:10:37,912 that's the kind of energy he gives off. 146 00:10:37,946 --> 00:10:40,081 Robert just makes me forget all my problems. 147 00:10:45,220 --> 00:10:46,854 [producer speaking] 148 00:10:46,889 --> 00:10:50,725 From the solar system to heaven. 149 00:10:52,761 --> 00:10:55,096 Doing what I do best, sleeping. 150 00:10:56,732 --> 00:10:59,567 [Jessica laughs] 151 00:11:03,138 --> 00:11:05,940 Yeah, you got to get out and exercise. 152 00:11:05,974 --> 00:11:09,977 [Diane] Jessica stays home because it's hard for her 153 00:11:10,012 --> 00:11:12,747 to maneuver to get out of the house. 154 00:11:12,781 --> 00:11:15,483 If she gets out of the house then you got to be right there 155 00:11:15,517 --> 00:11:18,820 so she doesn't have to walk very far 'cause she's got to rest, 156 00:11:18,854 --> 00:11:21,589 she can't breathe, but she's a good kid. 157 00:11:21,623 --> 00:11:24,258 She'll help the world. I don't care who it is, 158 00:11:24,293 --> 00:11:26,360 if you come in and you need something she's got, 159 00:11:26,395 --> 00:11:28,696 she'll give you anything she owns. 160 00:11:29,531 --> 00:11:32,500 Okay, Robert Earl, I got a surprise. 161 00:11:32,534 --> 00:11:34,936 You gonna work with Aunt Jessica with her surprise? 162 00:11:34,970 --> 00:11:36,437 Maybe. 163 00:11:36,472 --> 00:11:37,739 [Crystal speaking] 164 00:11:38,373 --> 00:11:39,841 [Jessica speaking] 165 00:11:41,076 --> 00:11:43,478 Ain't nobody asked you what you wanted, ma'am. 166 00:11:43,512 --> 00:11:44,846 Did I ask you what you want? 167 00:11:46,315 --> 00:11:47,949 [Jessica and Robert laughing] 168 00:11:47,983 --> 00:11:49,016 [Jessica speaking] 169 00:11:49,985 --> 00:11:51,853 [Diane speaking] 170 00:11:51,887 --> 00:11:52,887 [Diane] That tree is good. 171 00:11:55,390 --> 00:11:57,024 [Jessica speaking] 172 00:11:59,328 --> 00:12:01,729 I ain't eating that stuff. I'm not eating broccoli 173 00:12:01,764 --> 00:12:03,631 if it's the last thing on this earth. 174 00:12:06,969 --> 00:12:08,703 [Diane speaking] 175 00:12:09,705 --> 00:12:11,038 [Robert speaking] 176 00:12:11,073 --> 00:12:14,375 If you can't put cheese on it and make it taste good, 177 00:12:14,409 --> 00:12:15,743 you don't supposed to eat it. 178 00:12:15,778 --> 00:12:18,346 If you can't dip it in ketchup and make it taste good, 179 00:12:18,380 --> 00:12:19,747 it should have never been invented. 180 00:12:22,017 --> 00:12:23,584 [Robert] No. 181 00:12:24,186 --> 00:12:26,020 [Robert speaking] 182 00:12:26,054 --> 00:12:28,756 [Jessica] Mm-hmm. [laughs and coughs] 183 00:12:29,892 --> 00:12:31,225 [Robert speaking] 184 00:12:31,693 --> 00:12:32,960 [exclaims] Why? 185 00:12:38,033 --> 00:12:40,468 'Cause it's not as easy to get it off as it was to get it on. 186 00:12:41,236 --> 00:12:42,904 So, you know what? 187 00:12:44,139 --> 00:12:46,774 I've been looking at stuff and researching, 188 00:12:46,809 --> 00:12:49,043 and I was thinking about having surgery. 189 00:12:49,711 --> 00:12:51,212 Bariatric surgery. 190 00:12:51,246 --> 00:12:54,882 They go in and surgically make your stomach smaller. 191 00:12:57,753 --> 00:12:59,387 You'll hold my hand through it all? 192 00:12:59,421 --> 00:13:00,588 And you'll help me out? 193 00:13:03,258 --> 00:13:04,425 [Robert speaking] 194 00:13:05,093 --> 00:13:06,928 I know. 195 00:13:06,962 --> 00:13:10,164 Tell her, that's why we got to change, we got to do better, 196 00:13:10,199 --> 00:13:12,900 and we can do it together, so we don't lose her. 197 00:13:12,935 --> 00:13:14,802 [Robert] Mm-hmm. 198 00:13:14,837 --> 00:13:20,174 Robert always inspires me to be better, get better. 199 00:13:20,209 --> 00:13:24,745 You know, he don't really understand why Aunt Jessica can't come to school. 200 00:13:24,780 --> 00:13:27,715 You know, school events and functions. 201 00:13:27,749 --> 00:13:30,651 I miss all of that, and I should be there for that. 202 00:13:33,922 --> 00:13:39,238 Well, at this point, I'm scared, 203 00:13:39,262 --> 00:13:43,564 but it ain't no different than being scared of not waking up in the morning. 204 00:13:43,599 --> 00:13:46,801 If this is what you want, I'll stand behind you, 205 00:13:48,804 --> 00:13:50,938 but, I want you to know this is gonna be really hard. 206 00:13:51,707 --> 00:13:53,140 [Jessica] I know. 207 00:13:56,278 --> 00:13:59,046 [Jessica crying] 208 00:13:59,081 --> 00:14:03,951 I mean, you're in a situation where you're unsafe either way you go. 209 00:14:03,986 --> 00:14:07,221 If you keep living like this, you know the outcome. 210 00:14:07,256 --> 00:14:10,224 If you have the surgery, you know the risk of the outcome. 211 00:14:10,259 --> 00:14:12,827 But it could all work, it could. 212 00:14:13,896 --> 00:14:15,296 And you could train your mind, 213 00:14:15,330 --> 00:14:17,498 and you could do the right thing. 214 00:14:21,436 --> 00:14:25,006 - I'm just tired of living like this. - [Crystal] I know. 215 00:14:25,040 --> 00:14:26,607 I wanna be able to do stuff with Robert. 216 00:14:29,511 --> 00:14:32,179 [Jessica] I wanna be somebody. Like, I wanna 217 00:14:32,214 --> 00:14:35,516 be out in the world. I don't want to be stuck behind a wall. 218 00:14:37,085 --> 00:14:39,020 [Jessica speaking] 219 00:14:48,363 --> 00:14:50,564 I feel like this is where my road has led to. 220 00:14:50,599 --> 00:14:53,000 This is my last chance. 221 00:14:53,035 --> 00:14:55,736 I have to take control of this. I want to live. 222 00:14:55,771 --> 00:14:57,104 [Robert speaking] 223 00:15:07,616 --> 00:15:09,083 [Jessica] Thank you. 224 00:15:10,819 --> 00:15:13,321 [Jessica] I don't have a clue what my current weight is, 225 00:15:13,355 --> 00:15:15,923 but I know it's gonna be a big number. 226 00:15:15,958 --> 00:15:17,959 I'm worried about you, I really am. 227 00:15:17,993 --> 00:15:21,228 You are a very, very unhealthy person, 228 00:15:21,263 --> 00:15:24,098 and we're starting from a very bad place here. 229 00:15:31,239 --> 00:15:32,506 [Jessica speaking] 230 00:15:34,910 --> 00:15:36,477 [Lori] You're welcome. 231 00:15:36,511 --> 00:15:39,714 I'm glad I got to do it. Really glad. 232 00:15:39,748 --> 00:15:42,216 [Jessica] Today, I'm going to see Dr. Procter, 233 00:15:42,250 --> 00:15:45,653 the bariatric surgeon I found through Amanda. 234 00:15:45,687 --> 00:15:48,489 And my friend Lori is bringing me to the appointment 235 00:15:48,523 --> 00:15:52,226 because she has a vehicle that I can get in and out of, 236 00:15:52,260 --> 00:15:54,195 that's more accommodating for my size. 237 00:15:54,696 --> 00:15:55,863 [Jessica gasps] 238 00:15:57,499 --> 00:15:58,966 [Lori speaking] 239 00:15:59,001 --> 00:16:00,801 - [Lori] Okay, hold on. - [Jessica laughs] 240 00:16:01,770 --> 00:16:03,971 I got it, you got it. Okay. 241 00:16:09,277 --> 00:16:11,479 [Jessica wheezing] 242 00:16:17,285 --> 00:16:18,753 [Jessica gasping for breath] 243 00:16:27,396 --> 00:16:28,562 Hey. 244 00:16:28,597 --> 00:16:29,563 [receptionist speaking] 245 00:16:33,101 --> 00:16:34,969 - Yes, ma'am. - [receptionist speaking] 246 00:16:35,003 --> 00:16:37,038 [Jessica] I'm walking in to Dr. Procter's office. 247 00:16:37,072 --> 00:16:38,773 I'm nervous because 248 00:16:38,807 --> 00:16:42,510 what if he tells me, "I'm not comfortable working on you 249 00:16:42,544 --> 00:16:45,046 because you're bigger than anybody I've ever worked on." 250 00:16:46,815 --> 00:16:48,015 - Hello. - Hey. 251 00:16:48,050 --> 00:16:49,383 - Jessica? - Yes, sir. How are you? 252 00:16:49,418 --> 00:16:51,585 - Hi, I'm Charlie Procter. - Yes, sir. 253 00:16:51,620 --> 00:16:53,220 - Nice to meet you. - You, too. 254 00:16:54,256 --> 00:16:56,190 You want to talk about weight loss surgery? 255 00:16:56,224 --> 00:16:57,391 Yes, sir, I do. 256 00:16:57,426 --> 00:16:59,126 Well, good, well, tell me a little about yourself. 257 00:16:59,161 --> 00:17:02,163 - Um, the past two years have been hell. - How so? 258 00:17:08,036 --> 00:17:11,005 I've had to stop driving these last nine months, I haven't driven 259 00:17:11,039 --> 00:17:14,608 because my legs swell so bad that I'm not comfortable. 260 00:17:14,676 --> 00:17:16,844 You know, it's not living. 261 00:17:16,878 --> 00:17:18,913 Do you have a lot of medical problems? 262 00:17:18,947 --> 00:17:21,816 I have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, 263 00:17:21,850 --> 00:17:23,651 and the endometrial cancer. 264 00:17:23,685 --> 00:17:25,152 [Jessica speaking] 265 00:17:36,531 --> 00:17:39,533 So you're having difficulty now just even with surveillance 266 00:17:39,568 --> 00:17:41,235 - to see where your cancer is. - Right. 267 00:17:42,037 --> 00:17:44,538 [Jessica speaking] 268 00:17:47,409 --> 00:17:49,643 [Dr. Procter] I've had high-risk patients here before 269 00:17:49,678 --> 00:17:52,980 but Jessica is one of the younger patients I've seen. 270 00:17:53,014 --> 00:17:55,249 She already has endometrial cancer. 271 00:17:55,283 --> 00:17:57,485 She understands that at any night, 272 00:17:57,519 --> 00:18:00,521 she could just quit breathing and die. 273 00:18:00,555 --> 00:18:02,857 So, Jessica's stakes are extremely high. 274 00:18:04,359 --> 00:18:06,660 [Dr. Procter] You are trapped in a body that's gonna kill you. 275 00:18:06,695 --> 00:18:08,929 - You know that. - Yes, sir. 276 00:18:08,964 --> 00:18:11,765 - We have to change this today. - Yes, sir. 277 00:18:11,800 --> 00:18:14,201 So, let's start by getting on the scales and see where we're starting from. 278 00:18:14,236 --> 00:18:15,236 [Jessica speaking] 279 00:18:19,074 --> 00:18:21,675 I don't have a clue what my current weight is. 280 00:18:21,710 --> 00:18:23,844 So when I step on the scale, 281 00:18:23,879 --> 00:18:25,813 you know, I know I don't want to see a big number 282 00:18:25,847 --> 00:18:27,681 but I know it's gonna be a big number. 283 00:18:34,756 --> 00:18:36,390 [weight scale beeps] 284 00:18:36,424 --> 00:18:40,261 [Dr. Procter] All right, 708 pounds. Go ahead and have a seat. 285 00:18:40,795 --> 00:18:42,296 [Jessica speaking] 286 00:18:49,404 --> 00:18:52,072 Um, I'm worried about you. I really am. 287 00:18:52,107 --> 00:18:55,142 You are a very, very unhealthy person, 288 00:18:55,177 --> 00:18:58,712 and we're starting from a very bad place here. 289 00:18:58,747 --> 00:19:00,581 We have to make some major changes 290 00:19:00,615 --> 00:19:03,584 before we can ever even think about getting you to the operating room. 291 00:19:03,618 --> 00:19:05,085 - [Jessica] Oh. - All right? 292 00:19:05,120 --> 00:19:08,355 That starts, number one, with weight loss. 293 00:19:09,858 --> 00:19:11,759 [Dr. Procter] Jessica, at 31 years old 294 00:19:11,793 --> 00:19:14,161 is on her way to a quick grave. 295 00:19:14,196 --> 00:19:17,131 "At a height of 5' 4", weighing 708 pounds, 296 00:19:17,165 --> 00:19:19,733 that puts her at a BMI, a body mass index, 297 00:19:19,768 --> 00:19:22,636 of 125 kilograms per meter squared. 298 00:19:22,671 --> 00:19:25,973 A BMI of 40 is morbidly obese. 299 00:19:26,007 --> 00:19:29,143 A BMI of 121 really doesn't even have a name. 300 00:19:30,245 --> 00:19:32,846 I want to see you drop 50 pounds over the next month. 301 00:19:33,782 --> 00:19:35,649 You ever done that before? 302 00:19:35,684 --> 00:19:38,152 You think you can lose 50 pounds in 30 days? 303 00:19:45,627 --> 00:19:47,461 You're gonna amaze yourself, 304 00:19:47,495 --> 00:19:49,964 that if you make a commitment to yourself, 305 00:19:49,998 --> 00:19:52,399 to your health, to you living longer, 306 00:19:52,434 --> 00:19:55,636 that if you just make these incremental changes in your diet, 307 00:19:55,670 --> 00:19:57,471 you're gonna see that weight come off. 308 00:19:59,674 --> 00:20:03,110 I can try. If it's meant to be, it'll be. 309 00:20:08,984 --> 00:20:11,051 [Dr. Procter] It's worrisome when somebody tells me 310 00:20:11,086 --> 00:20:13,120 what they can't do right at the start. 311 00:20:13,154 --> 00:20:15,322 It tells me they're already somewhat defeated. 312 00:20:15,357 --> 00:20:18,626 She's more than capable of losing 50 pounds over the next month, 313 00:20:18,660 --> 00:20:20,294 and really, even more. 314 00:20:20,328 --> 00:20:21,929 You know, if she wants to live, 315 00:20:21,963 --> 00:20:25,666 she has to completely change her mindset and commit to this. 316 00:20:25,700 --> 00:20:28,302 This is life or death for you, that's what you have to think about 317 00:20:28,336 --> 00:20:30,337 every time you want to cheat on your diet, 318 00:20:30,372 --> 00:20:32,806 every time you want to eat a little bit later, 319 00:20:32,841 --> 00:20:36,543 every time you're gonna do something that moves you further away from 320 00:20:36,578 --> 00:20:39,413 a potential surgery that's gonna save your life, 321 00:20:39,447 --> 00:20:40,914 that's what you have to think about. 322 00:20:40,949 --> 00:20:42,883 - We have a deal? - I'm ready. 323 00:20:42,917 --> 00:20:45,619 - All right. Jessica, it was great to meet you. - You too. 324 00:20:45,654 --> 00:20:47,755 I'm looking forward to joining you 325 00:20:47,789 --> 00:20:49,556 - with this journey. - Yes, sir. Thank you. 326 00:20:49,591 --> 00:20:51,592 - All right, I'll see you son. - Yes, sir. Thank you. 327 00:20:54,929 --> 00:20:57,598 Fifty pounds sounds like a big number. 328 00:21:00,368 --> 00:21:02,369 [Jessica] It's gonna be a lot on my end... 329 00:21:04,539 --> 00:21:06,640 but life is hard, so... 330 00:21:06,675 --> 00:21:09,510 It's hard where I'm at now, so it can't get any harder. 331 00:21:10,845 --> 00:21:12,046 Okay. 332 00:21:32,434 --> 00:21:34,635 I'm just gonna come in here and watch you. 333 00:21:34,669 --> 00:21:36,070 [Danielle] All righty. 334 00:21:38,239 --> 00:21:41,442 Dr. Procter gave me a goal to lose 50 pounds in a month 335 00:21:41,476 --> 00:21:43,043 before I can have surgery. 336 00:21:43,078 --> 00:21:44,611 I'm starting my diet 337 00:21:44,646 --> 00:21:45,879 [Jessica speaking] 338 00:21:52,554 --> 00:21:56,890 ...for my, um, healthy diet. 339 00:21:56,925 --> 00:21:59,126 Salad, a good old salad. 340 00:21:59,160 --> 00:22:01,462 We're gonna let Miss Jessica taste this 341 00:22:01,496 --> 00:22:03,063 and we're gonna prep the rest of it. 342 00:22:03,098 --> 00:22:04,565 I'm gonna get you a fork, Miss Jessica. 343 00:22:24,619 --> 00:22:26,954 It's good. Thank you. 344 00:22:26,988 --> 00:22:29,156 - It's good? All right. - Yes, ma'am. 345 00:22:29,958 --> 00:22:31,925 - Thank you. - Got this. 346 00:22:43,772 --> 00:22:45,305 Amanda. 347 00:22:45,340 --> 00:22:47,474 - How are you doing? - Good. How are you? 348 00:22:47,509 --> 00:22:49,476 - So wonderful to see you. - You too. 349 00:22:50,078 --> 00:22:51,945 Oh my goodness! 350 00:22:51,980 --> 00:22:54,548 [Amanda] Jessica has told me that she decided to do surgery, 351 00:22:54,582 --> 00:22:57,117 so since I'm due for my two year check-up anyway, 352 00:22:57,152 --> 00:22:59,420 then it gave me a chance to talk to Dr. Procter 353 00:22:59,454 --> 00:23:00,387 about Jessica. 354 00:23:01,723 --> 00:23:04,024 - It's amazing. - Thank you. 355 00:23:04,058 --> 00:23:05,826 So, uh... 356 00:23:05,860 --> 00:23:07,761 Very different from our first meeting 357 00:23:07,796 --> 00:23:09,296 - two and a half years ago, right? - Yes. 358 00:23:09,330 --> 00:23:12,866 So, I wanted to thank you for taking on my friend Jessica. 359 00:23:12,901 --> 00:23:14,868 She told me she had an appointment a few days ago. 360 00:23:14,903 --> 00:23:17,204 Yes, I really enjoyed meeting her, 361 00:23:17,238 --> 00:23:19,206 but I worry for her 362 00:23:19,240 --> 00:23:21,608 because I sort of feel like she is trying to go this somewhat alone, 363 00:23:21,676 --> 00:23:24,978 - Yeah. - and as you know, that's not a very easy thing to do. 364 00:23:25,013 --> 00:23:28,816 Right. And she lives by herself, so it's really just her. 365 00:23:28,850 --> 00:23:30,284 But I'm hoping that I can help her 366 00:23:30,318 --> 00:23:31,919 since I'm getting my certifications 367 00:23:31,953 --> 00:23:34,955 as a licensed nutritionist and wellness coach. 368 00:23:34,989 --> 00:23:37,191 - Good for you. - Thank you. 369 00:23:37,225 --> 00:23:39,426 [Amanda] I decided to become a wellness coach 370 00:23:39,461 --> 00:23:42,529 because I wanted to be able to give back. 371 00:23:43,298 --> 00:23:44,798 Hey, guys. 372 00:23:44,833 --> 00:23:47,968 Thank you for hopping on for another motivational Monday. 373 00:23:48,002 --> 00:23:51,205 So, this week we're going to talk about food guilt. 374 00:23:51,239 --> 00:23:54,475 [Amanda] Jessica is the first person that I'm really working with 375 00:23:54,509 --> 00:23:59,279 one on one since I've started this whole process of becoming a certified nutritionist 376 00:23:59,314 --> 00:24:01,582 and life wellness coach. 377 00:24:01,616 --> 00:24:06,420 I have a lot riding on this, not only for her but for me, because I want to see 378 00:24:06,454 --> 00:24:10,724 if the skills that I've learnt and my life experience can actually help somebody 379 00:24:10,758 --> 00:24:12,893 that is in the situation that I was once in. 380 00:24:13,895 --> 00:24:16,530 I just really wanna be there for Jessica. 381 00:24:16,564 --> 00:24:19,266 Well, that's something that's going to be great for her. 382 00:24:19,300 --> 00:24:21,034 It's a tremendous asset. 383 00:24:21,069 --> 00:24:23,537 As you know, this is a tough journey to go on 384 00:24:23,571 --> 00:24:26,773 and just having that kind of encouragement along the way 385 00:24:26,808 --> 00:24:29,076 is going to do her a lot of good, so... 386 00:24:29,110 --> 00:24:31,044 Let's weigh you in. See how things are going here. 387 00:24:32,280 --> 00:24:35,215 [Amanda] I was 715 pounds at my highest weight, 388 00:24:35,250 --> 00:24:37,050 and it's been about three years 389 00:24:37,085 --> 00:24:39,553 since I have been on my weight loss journey. 390 00:24:39,587 --> 00:24:40,854 Right, right, step up. 391 00:24:43,958 --> 00:24:46,360 [Amanda] There was a point where I was obsessed with 392 00:24:46,394 --> 00:24:48,529 what the number on the scale said. 393 00:24:48,563 --> 00:24:53,467 So, for me, I try not to look at the scale as much. 394 00:24:55,403 --> 00:24:56,236 [machine beeps] 395 00:24:57,372 --> 00:24:59,573 - 220 pounds. - Yeah. 396 00:24:59,607 --> 00:25:02,109 - It's a big difference from 715 pounds. - Big difference, yeah. 397 00:25:02,143 --> 00:25:03,377 That's great. 398 00:25:03,411 --> 00:25:04,923 [Dr. Procter] I am really proud of Amanda, 399 00:25:04,947 --> 00:25:07,981 not only physically, but such a huge change mentally with her 400 00:25:08,016 --> 00:25:09,483 and the things that she's done. 401 00:25:09,517 --> 00:25:12,553 I really hope that seeing everything that Amanda has accomplished 402 00:25:12,587 --> 00:25:15,122 will be a big inspiration for Jessica. 403 00:25:15,156 --> 00:25:16,490 What's next on the horizon? 404 00:25:16,524 --> 00:25:20,160 Um, anything I can do to help Jessica, like, I'm on board with... 405 00:25:20,194 --> 00:25:22,763 Like I told you before, she reminds me so much of me 406 00:25:22,797 --> 00:25:25,132 'cause our stories are so similar. 407 00:25:25,166 --> 00:25:27,668 [voice breaks] My heart just goes out to her so much 408 00:25:27,702 --> 00:25:30,404 because I know what it's like [crying] 409 00:25:30,438 --> 00:25:33,173 to be that way and it just breaks my heart. 410 00:25:33,207 --> 00:25:36,143 So, if I can use 411 00:25:36,177 --> 00:25:40,314 my experience to help someone, then that's what I want to do. 412 00:25:40,348 --> 00:25:42,149 You know, you've, you've... 413 00:25:42,183 --> 00:25:43,817 literally worked your tail off. 414 00:25:43,851 --> 00:25:47,821 - Yeah. Right. - [both laughing] 415 00:25:47,855 --> 00:25:49,723 I am terrified for Jessica right now 416 00:25:49,757 --> 00:25:53,961 because I don't think that she has the choice of wasting time. 417 00:25:53,995 --> 00:25:56,563 And I hate to say this because it sounds crude 418 00:25:56,598 --> 00:25:58,899 but she basically has one foot in the grave right now. 419 00:25:58,933 --> 00:26:02,169 And what she does with her other foot is gonna decide 420 00:26:02,203 --> 00:26:04,571 whether she steps backward or she falls in. 421 00:26:04,606 --> 00:26:06,974 I don't think she realizes how sick she is 422 00:26:07,008 --> 00:26:09,343 and she won't be independent much longer. 423 00:26:09,877 --> 00:26:10,711 Right. 424 00:26:12,013 --> 00:26:13,513 - Hey. - Hi girl. 425 00:26:13,548 --> 00:26:14,815 Do you feel like you've lost weight? 426 00:26:15,516 --> 00:26:17,517 I don't think that I have. 427 00:26:17,552 --> 00:26:21,388 What you've done before up to this point hasn't worked. 428 00:26:21,422 --> 00:26:24,191 I don't wanna get a phone call saying that you didn't make it. 429 00:26:46,614 --> 00:26:47,447 [cell phone ringing] 430 00:26:48,516 --> 00:26:50,150 Good morning, Jessica. 431 00:26:50,184 --> 00:26:51,818 Good morning. How are you? 432 00:26:51,853 --> 00:26:52,953 I am well. How are you? 433 00:26:52,987 --> 00:26:54,988 It's nice to meet you. 434 00:26:55,023 --> 00:26:56,289 Yes, ma'am. 435 00:26:56,324 --> 00:26:57,658 [Jessica] These past few days, 436 00:26:57,692 --> 00:27:01,395 I've changed a lot of things in my diet 437 00:27:01,429 --> 00:27:04,665 and overall, I do feel better from changing them. 438 00:27:04,699 --> 00:27:06,867 I think that I'm doing everything right. 439 00:27:08,002 --> 00:27:09,302 The next step is 440 00:27:09,337 --> 00:27:12,406 I have to talk with the bariatric psychologist. 441 00:27:12,440 --> 00:27:15,142 It's part of the check list before you can have surgery. 442 00:27:15,176 --> 00:27:16,476 It's a lot to go through. 443 00:27:17,045 --> 00:27:19,146 So, one of the things 444 00:27:19,180 --> 00:27:21,181 that I want you to try on 445 00:27:21,215 --> 00:27:26,019 is just visualization of what you want your life to be like. 446 00:27:26,054 --> 00:27:31,291 Picture as many, you know, real life scenarios 447 00:27:31,325 --> 00:27:33,326 that would bring you happiness and joy, 448 00:27:33,895 --> 00:27:35,495 um, as you can. 449 00:27:35,530 --> 00:27:38,598 It's like mentally rehearsing what you're gonna do, 450 00:27:39,500 --> 00:27:41,201 when you get healthier. 451 00:27:41,903 --> 00:27:43,336 I just wanna get back to work. 452 00:27:43,371 --> 00:27:46,239 I was a CNA in the nursing home 453 00:27:46,274 --> 00:27:49,676 and there are still some of the residents that are still alive. 454 00:27:50,578 --> 00:27:51,978 They still ask about me. 455 00:27:52,013 --> 00:27:55,782 And, you know, for somebody to be able to remember you 456 00:27:55,817 --> 00:28:00,554 from so long ago. That means you meant something to them. 457 00:28:00,588 --> 00:28:01,421 Sure does. 458 00:28:03,558 --> 00:28:06,193 Yes, I want my... And I want to... 459 00:28:06,227 --> 00:28:10,541 I love, I love to buy clothes and dress and... 460 00:28:10,565 --> 00:28:13,133 They don't make stuff for... 461 00:28:13,167 --> 00:28:15,402 for fat people that you can afford anyways. 462 00:28:15,436 --> 00:28:17,270 And then they wanna put flowers on everything 463 00:28:17,305 --> 00:28:20,240 and I don't wanna look like no flower garden. 464 00:28:20,274 --> 00:28:23,944 I just wanna be one flower in the garden, not the whole garden 465 00:28:23,978 --> 00:28:26,546 [both laughing] 466 00:28:26,581 --> 00:28:30,584 We're going to use that little analogy of a flower because you're gonna have 467 00:28:30,618 --> 00:28:34,721 to take good root in this new way of life so you can grow. 468 00:28:34,756 --> 00:28:36,790 Yeah, right now, I don't have a green thumb. 469 00:28:36,824 --> 00:28:39,459 [both laugh] 470 00:28:39,494 --> 00:28:42,362 So, continue to mentally rehearse 471 00:28:42,396 --> 00:28:44,598 those things that you wanna do 472 00:28:44,632 --> 00:28:47,734 because I hear some really great goals. 473 00:28:47,769 --> 00:28:51,138 Dr. Stapleton's bedside manner is very good. 474 00:28:51,172 --> 00:28:52,706 I like talking to her. 475 00:28:52,740 --> 00:28:56,610 My next appointment with Dr. Procter is coming up in two weeks 476 00:28:56,644 --> 00:29:00,247 and I really do feel like surgery is my last chance, 477 00:29:00,281 --> 00:29:02,983 so I need to just keep pushing. 478 00:29:03,017 --> 00:29:05,952 I look forward to meeting with you again and hearing 479 00:29:05,987 --> 00:29:10,690 about your visualizations for what's to come in your life. 480 00:29:10,725 --> 00:29:12,826 - Yes, ma'am. - All right, talk to you soon. 481 00:29:12,860 --> 00:29:14,528 - All right. - Bye-bye. 482 00:29:28,876 --> 00:29:31,344 -Jessica, it's Amanda. I'm here. -Come in. 483 00:29:32,980 --> 00:29:34,047 I'm back here. 484 00:29:34,615 --> 00:29:36,416 - Hey. - Hi, girl. 485 00:29:36,450 --> 00:29:39,152 [Amanda] After talking to Dr. Procter, I called Jessica the other day 486 00:29:39,187 --> 00:29:41,454 and asked her if it would be okay if I came over. 487 00:29:41,489 --> 00:29:44,624 I know she has to see Dr. Procter again in a few weeks. 488 00:29:44,659 --> 00:29:46,760 And hopefully, I can help motivate her 489 00:29:46,794 --> 00:29:48,628 and get her moving in the right direction. 490 00:29:49,397 --> 00:29:50,931 You mind if I take this off? 491 00:29:50,965 --> 00:29:53,700 - Not at all. Go ahead. - You know I'm always extra safe. Okay. 492 00:29:53,734 --> 00:29:55,936 - We're both high risk, so. - Yeah. 493 00:29:55,970 --> 00:29:58,672 - It's real crazy. - I have a bag full of goodies. 494 00:29:58,706 --> 00:30:02,242 I know it's been difficult lately that you've been going through some things, 495 00:30:02,276 --> 00:30:05,512 and I'm just concerned. I want you to stay on track 496 00:30:05,546 --> 00:30:07,147 and get to where you need to be. 497 00:30:07,181 --> 00:30:08,982 Do you think that right now 498 00:30:09,016 --> 00:30:11,351 that you feel like you've done well or that you've lost weight? 499 00:30:11,385 --> 00:30:13,787 [sighs] I don't think that I have. 500 00:30:13,821 --> 00:30:15,589 I'm a bit more short of breath, 501 00:30:15,623 --> 00:30:19,759 you know, so I don't feel like I'm progressing the way I should. 502 00:30:19,794 --> 00:30:22,028 I want to join a gym, you know, 503 00:30:22,063 --> 00:30:27,701 and exercise daily but I can't breathe to get started, you know. 504 00:30:27,735 --> 00:30:29,603 I know you can't go to the gym right now, 505 00:30:29,637 --> 00:30:31,104 but there is a lot of other workouts 506 00:30:31,138 --> 00:30:33,173 you can do right here at your house. 507 00:30:33,207 --> 00:30:36,109 So, I brought these resistant bands. 508 00:30:36,143 --> 00:30:40,680 Put it on, on your arms as far up as you can get them and just, like, 509 00:30:40,715 --> 00:30:43,283 and pull them out and stretch them out, so you try it. 510 00:30:45,286 --> 00:30:46,419 Oh, wow. 511 00:30:46,454 --> 00:30:48,421 This is kind of hard. 512 00:30:48,456 --> 00:30:49,689 - Yeah, it's tough. - [both laugh] 513 00:30:51,325 --> 00:30:56,263 Are you able to put things over your feet and pull a little bit. 514 00:30:56,297 --> 00:30:58,265 - And that would help with-- - Kind of like this? 515 00:30:58,299 --> 00:31:02,369 Yeah, and see that it helps some of the circulation in your legs. 516 00:31:02,403 --> 00:31:06,940 See, you can exercise so don't tell yourself that you can't. 517 00:31:06,974 --> 00:31:10,410 - Do you feel like you're eating better? - Um... 518 00:31:10,444 --> 00:31:14,414 It's really hard for me to eat as many times in a day as they want me to. 519 00:31:14,448 --> 00:31:18,685 What you've done before up to this point hasn't worked. 520 00:31:18,719 --> 00:31:20,921 So, you have to trust the process, 521 00:31:20,955 --> 00:31:23,590 you have to trust Dr. Procter and you have to trust the nutritionist, 522 00:31:23,624 --> 00:31:25,191 and you have to do what they say. 523 00:31:25,226 --> 00:31:27,227 All right, this is not... 524 00:31:27,261 --> 00:31:30,063 I don't like it, it's, my life depends on it. 525 00:31:30,097 --> 00:31:31,865 So, you have no choice. 526 00:31:31,899 --> 00:31:34,901 You have to do this because if not, 527 00:31:34,936 --> 00:31:38,171 I don't wanna get a phone call saying that you didn't make it. 528 00:31:38,205 --> 00:31:40,507 Like, I want to get a phone call 529 00:31:40,541 --> 00:31:42,142 from you telling me to come pick you up 530 00:31:42,176 --> 00:31:45,545 so we can go get our nails done. That's what I want. 531 00:31:45,579 --> 00:31:48,848 At this point, I need Jessica to face reality 532 00:31:48,883 --> 00:31:51,651 and know that she has to put forth her full effort 533 00:31:51,719 --> 00:31:55,555 because if Jessica doesn't meet her goal and doesn't get the surgery, 534 00:31:55,589 --> 00:31:57,557 she's not gonna be here much longer. 535 00:31:57,591 --> 00:32:00,427 So, I'll continue our workouts and communicate with her 536 00:32:00,461 --> 00:32:02,028 and do everything I can to help her. 537 00:32:03,331 --> 00:32:05,265 So, we need to get serious, okay? 538 00:32:05,299 --> 00:32:06,666 - Promise? - Yes. 539 00:32:18,980 --> 00:32:20,580 I woke up today. 540 00:32:21,315 --> 00:32:22,916 I really don't feel good. 541 00:32:22,950 --> 00:32:25,285 I haven't peed in a few days and... 542 00:32:27,421 --> 00:32:30,423 I'm freezing to death, I can't get warm. 543 00:32:30,992 --> 00:32:34,094 I just feel horrible. 544 00:32:34,128 --> 00:32:37,731 I hurt really, really bad. I can't get comfortable. 545 00:32:37,765 --> 00:32:39,032 I am kind of short of breath 546 00:32:39,834 --> 00:32:42,902 and that always scares me... 547 00:32:42,937 --> 00:32:45,271 that it could be another blood clot in my lungs. 548 00:32:46,007 --> 00:32:48,375 I want to just gonna lay here 549 00:32:49,076 --> 00:32:50,810 and try to make it go away. 550 00:32:50,845 --> 00:32:54,714 But if I lay here and wait too long, 551 00:32:54,749 --> 00:32:56,783 what if something is really, really wrong? 552 00:32:57,785 --> 00:32:59,185 Then what if it's too late? 553 00:33:01,655 --> 00:33:02,689 I don't understand. 554 00:33:03,824 --> 00:33:05,158 Why, why can't you get up 555 00:33:05,192 --> 00:33:06,259 and go to the doctor? 556 00:33:13,367 --> 00:33:16,202 You're never gonna get better if you don't do something. 557 00:33:20,641 --> 00:33:22,075 [siren wailing] 558 00:33:41,929 --> 00:33:43,797 [Danielle] All righty, ma'am. How you feeling? 559 00:33:44,999 --> 00:33:46,166 - Tired. - Tired. 560 00:33:52,273 --> 00:33:54,307 - You can give me that. - Okay. 561 00:33:54,341 --> 00:33:56,042 I look at it as the worst... 562 00:33:56,077 --> 00:33:57,777 - Okay. - ...hospital stay. 563 00:33:57,812 --> 00:33:59,612 - It was? - Yeah. 564 00:33:59,647 --> 00:34:02,182 -Sorry to hear that. Sorry to hear that. -I just wanna lie down. 565 00:34:03,017 --> 00:34:05,718 - And rest. - She looked tired, 566 00:34:05,753 --> 00:34:09,122 funny breathing and everything, 567 00:34:09,156 --> 00:34:11,124 So, I'm just concerned, I'm just worried. 568 00:34:11,158 --> 00:34:14,027 She is feeling depressed, she is down. 569 00:34:14,061 --> 00:34:18,798 So, I'm worried that Jessica is not gonna push herself to lose the weight. 570 00:34:18,833 --> 00:34:22,135 But, she just can't give up. She got to keep pushing. 571 00:34:22,169 --> 00:34:24,537 She will get that goal, she just got to keep pushing. 572 00:34:28,175 --> 00:34:31,177 - Make sure you get some rest now, okay? - Yes, ma'am. 573 00:34:31,212 --> 00:34:33,046 - Thank you. - See you later. 574 00:34:33,114 --> 00:34:36,015 [Jessica] I'm supposed to go see Dr. Procter in a few days 575 00:34:36,050 --> 00:34:38,818 and I'm nervous 'cause I don't feel close to my goal. 576 00:34:38,853 --> 00:34:42,489 But at the same time, I just need to get better first. 577 00:34:43,224 --> 00:34:44,691 I just wanna sleep 578 00:34:44,725 --> 00:34:46,259 and just be left alone for a while. 579 00:34:56,103 --> 00:34:57,570 Let's try with the beginning. 580 00:34:57,605 --> 00:34:59,239 Let's put a little heart and soul. 581 00:35:00,274 --> 00:35:01,875 - Start with the basics? - Yes. 582 00:35:01,909 --> 00:35:04,377 - We're supposed to put this in there first? - Yes. 583 00:35:04,411 --> 00:35:07,280 Yeah, because you wanna kind of, you know, irrigate it a little bit. 584 00:35:07,615 --> 00:35:08,848 Thank you. 585 00:35:08,883 --> 00:35:11,017 So, how is the coaching going? 586 00:35:11,051 --> 00:35:13,286 I went over to Jessica's house 587 00:35:13,320 --> 00:35:15,388 to just get her started on... 588 00:35:15,422 --> 00:35:17,090 - try and get her more active. - Mm-hmm. 589 00:35:17,124 --> 00:35:19,692 But I don't think she is taking any of it seriously. 590 00:35:19,727 --> 00:35:21,227 - I don't know. - Really? 591 00:35:21,262 --> 00:35:24,297 I told her several times, I'll continue our workouts 592 00:35:24,331 --> 00:35:27,133 and communicate with her and do everything I can to help her. 593 00:35:28,469 --> 00:35:29,969 But since then, 594 00:35:30,004 --> 00:35:31,437 she doesn't answer my calls. 595 00:35:31,472 --> 00:35:33,139 - Really? - Yeah. 596 00:35:33,174 --> 00:35:34,807 [Amanda] I heard through a mutual friend 597 00:35:34,842 --> 00:35:37,043 that Jessica had to spend time in the hospital 598 00:35:37,077 --> 00:35:39,112 and I'm very worried about her. 599 00:35:39,146 --> 00:35:42,115 Jessica has to lose weight and get this surgery 600 00:35:42,149 --> 00:35:45,885 in order to take care of her cancer and save her life. 601 00:35:45,920 --> 00:35:49,189 She is just mentally... I don't know if she is ready or not. 602 00:35:49,223 --> 00:35:51,391 But the problem is, she's at the point 603 00:35:51,425 --> 00:35:53,359 where she doesn't have a choice to take her time. 604 00:35:53,394 --> 00:35:54,861 Okay. 605 00:35:54,895 --> 00:35:57,697 Because if she doesn't do something right now, she is not gonna be here. 606 00:35:57,731 --> 00:36:00,099 And that's what my fear is with her is that 607 00:36:00,134 --> 00:36:02,669 when she decides to do something, it's gonna be too late. 608 00:36:02,703 --> 00:36:05,004 Well, you just have to keep trying. 609 00:36:05,039 --> 00:36:08,808 My weight loss journey started out with 578 pounds. 610 00:36:08,876 --> 00:36:12,445 I met Amanda at my initial appointment with Dr. Procter, 611 00:36:12,479 --> 00:36:16,482 and I know I couldn't have gotten through my surgery process without her, 612 00:36:16,517 --> 00:36:17,917 and I hope that 613 00:36:17,952 --> 00:36:21,287 Jessica will understand that she has a team that's behind her. 614 00:36:21,322 --> 00:36:25,158 And that Amanda will walk with her through the entire process. 615 00:36:25,192 --> 00:36:28,094 I mean one thing I can say personally is 616 00:36:28,128 --> 00:36:31,998 when I had those times when I wasn't on track, you didn't give up on me. 617 00:36:32,032 --> 00:36:35,201 -You still were right there calling, you know, -Right. 618 00:36:35,236 --> 00:36:37,203 "Lashandria girl, get it together." 619 00:36:37,238 --> 00:36:40,506 - Um, so, you know, you just have to keep trying. - Right. 620 00:36:40,541 --> 00:36:42,475 I think I need to find a way 621 00:36:42,509 --> 00:36:46,012 to get through to Jessica from a different perspective. 622 00:36:46,046 --> 00:36:49,182 Because this is a life or death situation. 623 00:36:49,216 --> 00:36:51,351 If I don't get Jessica to have this surgery, 624 00:36:51,385 --> 00:36:53,553 I don't see her having another year. 625 00:37:12,406 --> 00:37:13,239 You ready to go? 626 00:37:15,409 --> 00:37:17,010 You've got to go to the doctor. 627 00:37:22,549 --> 00:37:24,417 Excuse me? 628 00:37:24,451 --> 00:37:26,886 [Jessica] Today, I'm supposed to see Dr. Procter 629 00:37:26,920 --> 00:37:28,554 to see if I met my goal, 630 00:37:28,589 --> 00:37:32,558 but I don't feel that I've lost what I need to in my journey 631 00:37:32,593 --> 00:37:33,960 So, it's gonna be 632 00:37:33,994 --> 00:37:37,764 such an inconvenience, such an embarrassment to go to the doctor. 633 00:37:37,798 --> 00:37:40,233 I'll just stay home. I just rather be here. 634 00:37:41,235 --> 00:37:43,703 I don't understand, I don't understand. 635 00:37:45,139 --> 00:37:46,773 Why? Why can't you get up and go? 636 00:37:50,944 --> 00:37:54,013 You're never gonna get better if you don't do something. 637 00:37:55,082 --> 00:37:55,915 [sighs] 638 00:38:05,626 --> 00:38:07,827 But, the bottom line is... 639 00:38:07,861 --> 00:38:11,798 you gotta step up, you gotta be who you gonna be, 640 00:38:11,832 --> 00:38:14,200 regardless of whatever is going on in life. 641 00:38:14,935 --> 00:38:16,169 You do understand? 642 00:38:17,338 --> 00:38:18,338 You do understand? 643 00:38:24,478 --> 00:38:25,478 Yes, ma'am. 644 00:38:26,113 --> 00:38:28,214 So, bottom line, 645 00:38:28,248 --> 00:38:30,483 we gotta do what we gotta do to get to what we gotta get. 646 00:38:30,918 --> 00:38:31,851 I don't know. 647 00:38:34,788 --> 00:38:36,689 You got your hair up, you ready to go, right? 648 00:38:38,959 --> 00:38:39,959 [sighs] 649 00:38:47,634 --> 00:38:49,102 This makes no sense. 650 00:38:51,538 --> 00:38:54,073 Not coming back until you decide, 651 00:38:54,108 --> 00:38:55,775 you're gonna get out of this house 652 00:38:55,809 --> 00:38:57,343 and you're gonna live your life. 653 00:39:04,017 --> 00:39:05,752 [Jessica] I don't need anybody's opinion. 654 00:39:07,588 --> 00:39:08,855 At the end of the day, 655 00:39:08,889 --> 00:39:10,022 I'm the one who carries the weight, 656 00:39:10,057 --> 00:39:13,126 so at the end of the day, if I wanna get rid of it 657 00:39:13,160 --> 00:39:14,527 then that's my choice. 658 00:39:14,561 --> 00:39:19,766 God might allow me to live another 50 years overweight. I don't know. 659 00:39:19,833 --> 00:39:25,138 Either way, if I live another five years 660 00:39:25,172 --> 00:39:31,077 or if I die tomorrow, I mean, at least I know I did what I wanted to do. 661 00:39:36,383 --> 00:39:37,216 [knocking at door] 662 00:39:39,186 --> 00:39:40,153 [Amanda] Jessica? 663 00:39:41,588 --> 00:39:45,525 At this point, I feel like Jessica has just completely shut down. 664 00:39:45,559 --> 00:39:46,826 I don't know what else to do. 665 00:40:04,011 --> 00:40:06,279 [Amanda] We're finally here. That was a long drive. 666 00:40:06,313 --> 00:40:07,580 [Lashandria] Yes it was. 667 00:40:07,614 --> 00:40:10,950 Well, I'm hoping that you can help me get through to Jessica 668 00:40:10,984 --> 00:40:13,986 'cause I don't really... I don't know what else to do. 669 00:40:14,021 --> 00:40:16,222 So, I'm hoping that you can help me 670 00:40:16,290 --> 00:40:19,625 bring a different perspective to her, so we can get through to her. 671 00:40:19,660 --> 00:40:22,261 [Amanda] Jessica hasn't been answering my calls for weeks now. 672 00:40:22,296 --> 00:40:26,732 I called Dr. Procter. He said that she canceled her weigh-in last week. 673 00:40:26,767 --> 00:40:30,503 So, honestly, I'm going in with a hopeful attitude 674 00:40:30,537 --> 00:40:33,806 to Jessica's house with Lashandria 675 00:40:33,841 --> 00:40:37,810 but at this point, I feel like Jessica has just completely shut down, 676 00:40:37,845 --> 00:40:40,480 so I'm not very optimistic right now. 677 00:40:41,615 --> 00:40:42,915 [knocking at door] 678 00:40:46,019 --> 00:40:47,286 Jessica? 679 00:40:48,455 --> 00:40:49,956 [Amanda] I know she is home. 680 00:40:49,990 --> 00:40:51,924 - Let me try and call her. - All right. 681 00:40:51,959 --> 00:40:53,926 [cell phone ringing] 682 00:40:55,529 --> 00:40:57,063 I'm gonna leave her a message. 683 00:40:57,097 --> 00:40:59,832 'Cause it's not just me. She is not even going to her doctor's appointments. 684 00:40:59,867 --> 00:41:01,367 [operator] Your call has been forwarded 685 00:41:01,401 --> 00:41:03,636 to an automated voice messaging system. 686 00:41:03,670 --> 00:41:06,706 - At the tone, please record your message. - [beep] 687 00:41:06,740 --> 00:41:10,810 Jessica, this is Amanda. I'm outside your house. I know that you're home. 688 00:41:10,844 --> 00:41:15,114 I have a friend here, Lashandria that I brought to talk to you. 689 00:41:15,148 --> 00:41:17,049 She's been through some of the same things 690 00:41:17,084 --> 00:41:18,317 that you've been through, 691 00:41:18,352 --> 00:41:21,621 so we are just trying to get you the help that you need 692 00:41:21,655 --> 00:41:23,856 because we both care about you. 693 00:41:23,891 --> 00:41:27,927 [Amanda] I know she's home because she doesn't go any places with her mobility. 694 00:41:28,762 --> 00:41:30,997 Please just call me back. 695 00:41:31,031 --> 00:41:35,401 She is in a defensive mode right now which I understand because I was there. 696 00:41:35,435 --> 00:41:37,336 It was like I was trapped in my own body. 697 00:41:38,238 --> 00:41:40,406 Like, it's constant excuses, 698 00:41:40,440 --> 00:41:42,542 that one after the other. 699 00:41:42,576 --> 00:41:45,811 I am so sorry that she is not responding. 700 00:41:45,846 --> 00:41:48,347 It's just frustrating when you give 100%, 701 00:41:48,382 --> 00:41:51,150 but then you can't get at least 50% back. 702 00:41:52,920 --> 00:41:55,021 [Amanda] I'm terrified for Jessica right now. 703 00:41:55,055 --> 00:41:56,522 This is not about letting me down, 704 00:41:56,557 --> 00:41:58,124 but she is also letting herself down. 705 00:41:58,158 --> 00:42:00,860 She has people in her life that depend on her. 706 00:42:00,894 --> 00:42:04,630 And she is not doing them any justice either by avoiding this, 707 00:42:04,665 --> 00:42:08,167 because by the time she decides to do something, it's gonna be too late. 708 00:42:18,745 --> 00:42:19,745 - [Dr. Procter] Hi, Amanda. - Hi. 709 00:42:20,380 --> 00:42:21,380 How are you? 710 00:42:21,415 --> 00:42:22,515 Good. How are you? 711 00:42:22,549 --> 00:42:23,816 Just got tested for work, 712 00:42:23,850 --> 00:42:26,319 so if you don't mind, take this off. I know you have also. 713 00:42:26,720 --> 00:42:27,553 Yeah. 714 00:42:28,255 --> 00:42:29,589 So, what's going on? 715 00:42:29,623 --> 00:42:32,892 Well, I was coming by to talk about Jessica. 716 00:42:32,926 --> 00:42:35,194 After Jessica not answering the door 717 00:42:35,228 --> 00:42:37,296 and not responding to messages or anything else, 718 00:42:37,331 --> 00:42:40,299 I came to see Dr. Procter because I don't know what else to do. 719 00:42:40,334 --> 00:42:41,400 And for me, 720 00:42:41,435 --> 00:42:43,803 Dr. Procter is more than just my physician. 721 00:42:43,837 --> 00:42:46,772 He is more like a friend and a mentor. 722 00:42:46,807 --> 00:42:50,610 Um, actually, I took Lashandria over to her house the other day 723 00:42:50,644 --> 00:42:52,845 to try and get in contact with her. 724 00:42:52,879 --> 00:42:57,016 We went there and nothing, she wouldn't come outside, she wouldn't answer the door. 725 00:42:57,050 --> 00:43:00,130 And I know she's home 'cause and I know she didn't go off anywhere. 726 00:43:00,154 --> 00:43:03,255 So, I was just gonna see 727 00:43:03,290 --> 00:43:06,759 if there is anything else that I can do to try and help her, or... 728 00:43:06,793 --> 00:43:09,295 - You know, all we can is be here at this point. - Right. 729 00:43:09,329 --> 00:43:12,798 We can't force anybody to wanna come in 730 00:43:12,833 --> 00:43:15,267 and walk into a bariatric surgeon's door, right? 731 00:43:15,302 --> 00:43:18,838 You can't force them to want a lifestyle change. 732 00:43:18,872 --> 00:43:22,174 It is just gonna have to happen within her first, 733 00:43:22,209 --> 00:43:23,809 just like it did with you. 734 00:43:23,844 --> 00:43:29,515 I just wish there was more that I could do because I know where she is at mentally. 735 00:43:29,549 --> 00:43:33,619 She makes appointments because that's what we do to avoid it. 736 00:43:33,654 --> 00:43:36,088 We just try and pacify you, so that... 737 00:43:36,123 --> 00:43:38,190 or whoever, so that they know, 738 00:43:38,225 --> 00:43:40,459 okay, "I'm gonna give you enough so you'll leave me alone, 739 00:43:40,494 --> 00:43:43,129 and I can continue to do what I want to do." 740 00:43:43,163 --> 00:43:44,530 You know, this never comes easy, right? 741 00:43:44,564 --> 00:43:48,434 Um, you know, you've been a life coach now and you don't win 'em all. 742 00:43:48,468 --> 00:43:49,502 Right. 743 00:43:49,536 --> 00:43:52,204 I wish we did, but we don't. 744 00:43:52,239 --> 00:43:54,940 [Dr. Procter] Well, I'm afraid that Jessica is... 745 00:43:54,975 --> 00:43:57,009 I don't think she is gonna live much longer 746 00:43:57,044 --> 00:44:00,246 at her current weight with her medical conditions going on. 747 00:44:00,280 --> 00:44:04,917 And unfortunately, a patient who is unable or unwilling to work with us, 748 00:44:04,951 --> 00:44:07,186 we just don't have time to continue with that. 749 00:44:07,220 --> 00:44:09,922 There are so many patients out there that need our help. 750 00:44:09,956 --> 00:44:12,191 We'll go ahead and focus on the folks that we can help 751 00:44:12,225 --> 00:44:14,260 and hope that Jessica comes around one day. 752 00:44:14,294 --> 00:44:16,362 I'm gonna try to keep trying, but I just... 753 00:44:16,396 --> 00:44:18,364 I want it for her but at this point I feel like 754 00:44:18,398 --> 00:44:20,266 I want it for her more than she wants it for her 755 00:44:20,300 --> 00:44:22,068 and it just don't work that way. 756 00:44:22,102 --> 00:44:23,002 Yeah. 757 00:44:23,036 --> 00:44:24,870 With Jessica, it just makes me... 758 00:44:24,905 --> 00:44:27,173 I mean, it really hurts to be honest. 759 00:44:27,207 --> 00:44:30,743 And it's hard to let go when you know that someone can change their life, 760 00:44:30,777 --> 00:44:33,179 but they don't believe that they can do it. 761 00:44:33,213 --> 00:44:36,182 It's really hard, but I'm not gonna give up. 762 00:44:36,216 --> 00:44:39,752 Well, thank you for seeing me so late and for always having your doors open. 763 00:44:39,786 --> 00:44:42,254 Absolutely, keep trying to save the world, okay. 764 00:44:42,289 --> 00:44:44,090 - Thank you. - Come on. 765 00:44:47,427 --> 00:44:48,527 Bye. 766 00:44:48,562 --> 00:44:49,695 - Have a good night. - You too.