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Hi, Kristy,
I had surgery on March 26th, 2008 and stayed at Sienna Suites. It was comfortable and very reasonable with the CLOS discount. We stayed for 10 days and the cost was 732.00 for a 2 bedroom suite with kitchen. It had a full size fridge, stove, and microwave. Each room had a TV and AC. It is right on Boulder Highway.......
Winnie

Hi Katherine, Not sure what your age group is, but here's my contact letter if ya need it!

I started researching this surgery in 2003. I weighed 230 pounds when I started researching. My knees and feet constantly hurt, and I just had a total overall feeling of being unhealthy. Once I found the MGB site, I knew it was the one I wanted to do. So I started the process.. I had my surgery in Southern California on 2/11/04 with Dr Rutledge and Dr Peraglie. My official weigh in was 236. It took 28 minutes for the surgery and I had a 6 ft bypass. I had my stitches out 4 days later, flew home and went back to work the next day. I was definetely tired and weak, and that lasted for a couple of weeks. But the weight just flew off! After a few months I became anemic, and after 6 months I needed to go in and get the iron infusions. Which I did, and they helped. But I was still losing alot of weight, so after another 7 months I needed more infusions. So I went and got those. I had no complications, other than anemia and eventually losing too much weight. My goal weight was 120, or so I thought it was in my mind. Once I got to 120, I knew it was too thin for me. Interesting how you can weigh the same as you did when you were 18, and it does NOT look the same as it did then! HA! I was better off at 130. I got down to 106 at my lowest. There was some definite concern as to whether this "train was gonna stop" or not! At this point I was about 14 months out. Dr Rutledge was talking a possible reversal on me, and I wasn't having that! Not while I was still alive and kicking! :) So I just started eating.....and eating.......not large amounts mind you, because you can't. But I started eating basically all day, high protein, high calorie, high fat ( as much as I could tolerate anyway) lots of peanut butter. Lots of carbs, if I wanted it, I ate it. I craved seafood, lobster to be exact. But I ate fish several times a day. When my body finally learned how to reabsorb again, I started putting the weight back on. But it was a struggle to do so. Now I realize how that sounds, and when you are overweight the only thing you can think of is Dang I wish I had THAT problem! However, it truly was a problem for a while, but I was determined to "eat" my way through it. During this process, Dr P was always available if I needed him. He did consult via phone with my PCP on more than one occasion, letting him know what I needed. Even my doctor said "You won't find many doctors that will do that". My weight now is a steady 125. I pretty much eat any and all kinds of foods. My taste for food is very distinct now and flavors are very important! My appetite for bad foods pretty much changed almost immediately. No more chips, soda (which you shouldn't have anyway) candy, I just don't want them. Every now and then I might have a bite of something like that, but really I only want a bite, and it never really tastes that good. Cooked vegetables I can do alllll day long, and seafood of course :) Gravies still don't set well with me, but some days I can't resist and I just know that if I indulge I'm going to pay the price for about 15 minutes! Life is awesome now. Diet is not in my vocabulary. I eat normally, and still in small amounts. No regrets here... I recommend this surgery completely. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to email me!
Good luck to you!
Suzanne in CA (Sacramento)
2/11/04 Dr R & P
236/125

From: Lori C <chst...@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun Apr 29, 2007 12:42 pm
Subject: Re: [Mini-Gastric-Bypass]

     I have the LAP-BANDŽ, and you should surely check out all you options before you
do anything and so with that in mind, I do need to tell you that it did not work
for me and I do know that the stats on it are not correct. None of the people
that I had it with I do not believe are walking around glad and with great
results.
      Problem is, after a while (I have had it six years) all you can get in are
cookies, ice cream, dips and chips. If I try to eat healthy, fruits or
vegetables, then it comes right back up. Even one bite. So, after a while you
get head hunger and just eat whatever will go down. I never get to eat meat.
      So, the GOOD thing is, its reversible and I am having Dr. R take it out for
me. If you have any questions just e-mail
      Lori Texas

Dear Sir,

I just want to relay my experience with the mini-gastric bypass surgery that I had on 3/7/01.

I weighed in at 362 lbs on the day of surgery and wore a size 28 tightly. Today I am over 200lbs less and wear a size 8 nicely. My health has made major improvements. I no longer have sleep apnea, esophageal reflux, high blood pressure,high cholesterol and no longer have problems with congestive heart failure. There is a history of heart disease in my family with both my parents passing away from it. I am certain I was next in line for the heart attack. This surgery has been a life saver for me. Prior to surgery I was alive and today I am living once again thanks to Dr. Rutledge.

I have always realized there could be risks with this surgery and it was my informed decision to go ahead and do it. Because for me my health risks at the time out weighed the risks of this surgery. I felt as if things could not have gotten worse then the condition I was in at the time of surgery. I researched the many different surgeries for months before choosing Dr. Rutledge and even flew to North Carolina to have him operate on me.

Do you even know what it is like to be obese? Things you take for granted every day as a thin or a less heavy person are almost impossible for most of us. Ex. Putting a seat belt on in a car or airplane, sitting in a restaurant booth, walking for any length of time, moving at all is painful, playing with ones kids or grandkids, prejudice from the public eye thinking obese people are all just fat and lazy, bending to put ones pants on or to tie ones shoes and there are so many more.

I encourage you to focus on the positives of this surgery and the lives it has saved. I for one would be outraged if you turn this in to a negative event. Doing that, a lot of other lives that could be saved or made better might be lost. Dr. Rutledge is a wonderful, caring, gifted surgeon who puts his patients safety and health above all. He is available to his patients 24/7 for any reason. Do you know of ANY other physician who does that? I certainly don't. Before having this surgery he makes sure you are educated about the benefits and the risks and you know exactly what he will be doing to your stomach and intestines. He gives you the opportunity and the education to look at the other gastric bypasses and allows one to make an informed decision.

I hope that you show the true sides of this surgery,as a good reporter should. I am not saying don't show the risks because the good doctor sure doesn't try to hide them from anyone, but show the health, joy and happiness it has brought to many people and their families.

Thank you

Pat Iurato

Henderson, Nevada

If you have any questions for me, please feel free to contact me.

To Mr. Jay Jones,

I am writing to express my admiration and respect for Dr. Rutledge and his supportive and helpful staff. I am a pre-op from Oregon who has suffered from obesity for all of his life. I also suffer from a heart condition known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. While this heart condition is genetic in origin, it is exacerbated by excessive weight. While undergoing all pre-operative preparations, Dr. Rutledge has taken his time to help me understand the potential dangers and the benefits that weight loss surgery can give me. This education is above and beyond the required education that all pre-operative patients must learn. Dr. Rutledge is also confirming with my primary care physician and cardiologist for post-operative care and pre-operative planning.

I have spent over a decade researching various weight loss surgeries. I am convinced that the mini laparoscopic bypass surgery is not only the safest weight loss surgery available, but also the most effective.

Thank you,
Bryan Jackson, LMT
Tigard, OR.

Hi Mr. Jones!

I am so glad someone is taking an interest in reporting the miracle of surgical weight loss. My surgery has changed my life and I would do it again in a minute.

Before surgery obesity had nearly crippled me for physical activity.

I had seen an orthopedist and was told I was simply too heavy for my own feet and ankles. My blood pressure was fluctuating dangerously and my sugar had become a problem. Thankfully, these issues have all been resolved!

I am dancing again! I go to the gym three times a week, nothing strenuous - I'm almost sixty, but I am moving again.

I commend you for taking an honest look at the last best hope many in my situation will ever have - weight loss surgery.

I understand you interviewed my own surgeon, Dr. Robert Rutledge, for your feature. It's incredible to actually have my surgeon's cell number, and get him on the line when I call! I'm sure you found him as warm and articulate as he is at bedside, in clinic and at our seminars.

We need responsible, unbiased journalists so badly - good for you!

Tj Mendez

     Dear Dr. Rutledge,
     Thanks so much for contacting me I am doing well and am thrilled with my gastric bypass surgery. I have lost 114 lbs and have maintained a weight of 177 lb for about 8 months. I deeply appreciated the time you provided. I have followed your timely advise and have faithfully taken the prescribed medication.
     I feel that I have received superb treatment and that your mini gastric bypass surgery indeed provides the best alternative to obesity.
     My brother in law and 4 of his family had the banding surgery done in Mexico and very nearly lost his life in Tijuana. He considered only the cost-his wife a registered nurse, had this type of surgery done also and had to stay down there an extra 6 days. She vomits 2 or 3 times during the course of every single meal and still has not had the weight loss desired.
     Again thanks for looking out for my welfare the very best regards to you and all your most competent staff.
     Sincerely Doug W.

Hi, my name is Star Sweet, Patient Representative for CLOS- MIDWEST, and I wanted to thank you for your interest in the mini gastric bypass developed by Dr. Robert Rutledge.

Please find my personal information below and let me know what I may do to assist you. I had the procedure in March of 2004 performed by Dr. Hargroder in Joplin, MO. My starting weight was 312 pounds and I have now lost 156 pounds!

I cannot begin to tell you how my life has changed. I can fit into restaurant booths, cross my legs, and play with my 3 year old granddaughter without becoming exhausted! I know these seem like simple things but at 312 pounds I couldn't do any of them.

I have two grown children, a beautiful granddaughter, and a wonderful husband of 38 years. I had a good life, but just didn't enjoy it to the fullest. I spent a lot of time worrying about what others thought of me, embarrassed by going to restaurants or movies and not being able to fit into the booths and seats. I won't even talk about airline seats! I was unable to enjoy the sports that my husband and I had enjoyed until I "dieted" myself to over 300 pounds.

At the time of surgery, I was wearing a women's size 26-28, which were getting tight. I now wear a size 12 if it has a zipper and a size 10 if it has an elastic waistband! I can't remember the last time I wore this size clothing!!! It is so exciting!

When I went into surgery, I really thought I was throwing away $17,000; that it wouldn't work for me. I had been on so many diet programs and none of them worked that I was very skeptical of anything ever helping me lose weight! Imagine my surprise when I lost 12 pounds the first week!!!!! This is the best decision I ever made for myself. I feel fantastic and have energy to spare at the end of the day!!

I did not have any serious medical problems before I had surgery, but both of my parents suffer from heart problems, high blood pressure, etc. I didn't want to live the life I see them living.

Working on your packet can be frustrating and very overwhelming and I would like to offer my assistance in any way I can to help you on your journey. Consider me your contact person at CLOS.

I have been where you are and I understand what you are going through. I am here to help you.

Please feel free to contact me if I can help in any way or if you have any questions. My cell phone number is 417-291-2892 and my e-mail is stars@clos.net. I am also available at the Joplin office at 417-206-2596 during the day or you may call me on the alternate line, 417-206-2597.

Good Luck!

Star Sweet
Patient Representative
CLOS-MIDWEST
1905 W. 32nd Street, Suite 304
Joplin, MO 64804
Office: 417-206-2596
Cell: 417-291-2892
Fax: 417-206-2599
E-mail: stars@clos.net

Subject: BCBSPAID 80%
From: Joyce of Kc

My husband worked for General Motors or GM we got an approved and then they sent us back $2,100 right away. It took me five months to get the appeal in and in 60 days they sent the rest of the 80%. So they do pay but it depends on the group your with.

I saved my insurance over $8,000 a year just in perscriptions. I was Diabetic. Now my sugar is 119 average, before surgery it was 198 with pills and insulin shots.
I was taking 4 high blood pressure pills before and 168/94 was a good pressure now, it is 130/79 average. Finally, No more shots in my knees for my arthritis!!

Y E S.

Joyce, MGB May 7,2003 in Joplin Both Drs.
Starting weight 354/ now 254
fron dress size 4x to a large in pants and tops.
YA!!!!!!! a large not 1x YES!!!!!!

Insurance and the MGB

Cami M wrote: I was waiting to have it in my hand before telling anyone and it arrived yesterday so I'm spilling the beans. I have Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield but because I went out of state I had to deal with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. I was denied the first time I tried so I sent in an appeal. Surprise, surprise.....I received a check in the mail for $9,399.75. We are going to try for more but I just wanted to let everyone know. It was a great Christmas present. Cami in IN 264/178 (surgery date 5/28/03) 26-3X/12-medium

Cami-I am so happy for you. I sent in an appeal on my insurance earlier this month. They only approved about $4,000.00 the first time and then paid at 70% because of being out of network. I appealed the approved amount first. After I win that battle (confident, aren't I?) I will appeal the out of network percentage. Baby steps! too much information will only confuse these insurance companies. I work with Insurance companies every day and I tell my staff that patience and persistence pays off. And of course, document, document, document! PS Congratulations on you size 12! WOW!!!!!!

Hugs! Judi in SC 6/5/03 309/220/149

Hello!!

I just wanted to update everyone on my 2 year MGB anniversary.

I won't go into a lot of details from PreOp. Suffice it to say like everyone else I was feeling quite hopeless and then quite hopeful - hopeless as to where I was headed and then very hopeful to the fact that I had found a way to a healthier new life. At the time of surgery I did not have any real complications of my obesity yet. I was "only" hypertensive.

Well, it is two years + later. I have gone from an all-time high weight of 320 (back in the early 1990's) to a pre-surgery weight of 286 to a current weight of between 165 and 170. I have been a weekly Weight Watcher member until recently (when I thought maybe I didn't need it any more and could take a break) and much to my surprise have managed to gain 5 to 7 pounds in the last month! Big surprise - I still need the support and accountability of WW weekly meetings! I am scheduled for plastic surgery on my breasts and arms on 12/12 with an abdominoplasty and thigh lift to follow in late 02/03 or early 03/03. By then I would like to be at no more than 155 - my plastic surgeon estimates 10 to 15 pounds on my abdomen and thighs that will be removed. I am pleased that I for the most part have been able to maintain my weight for the last six months and feel that by going back to WW after my little slide I will be able to get to that goal of 155!

As most of you know I have never believed that this surgery "cured" me of anything. It gave me a tool and what I do with that tool is strictly up to me (as evidenced by the past month!) I could not have survived the past couple of years without the friendship and support I have found on these lists. You are some of the best people in the world and I care deeply for you all.

Julie in GA

Carol~

I've had type 2 diabetes for the past 5 years. I had the MGB on 1/3/03 with my endocrinologist's blessing. He is actually my follow up dr. I have not been on any meds or insulin since surgery and my blood sugar, although not in the desired normal range of 80-120, has much improved. Most days it averages 145-150. My endo. is happy enough with that to let me go unmedicated and we both expect that as I lose more weight my blood sugar numbers will come down. What is it, specifically, that you wanted to know? I am available to help with whatever questions you have.

Judie in MI 1/3/03 235/190 in 3 months

GJ,

That is what you mind is there for, to make sure your heart isn't steering you wrong.

I know in my case I listened to my heart and having the MGB was the best thing I ever did. I had to ask myself what would my health be like in two to five years( if I lived that long) without having the surgery? How much heavier would I get? You have to make the decision yourself. I got scared and I think everyone did as the read the possible side effects and possible negative out comes. I almost talked myself out of this surgery, That scares me now.

I know you will get lots of responses to this and there is a lot of support here in the network. I met two of the people this weekend (in Las Vegas) that have been writing back and forth to me and I know them as friends now. There isn't any guarantee on the out come and you should be having these thoughts, if you didn't have those thoughts going through your mind, then I'd say something was wrong, good luck and you'll do just fine.

Kirk- Las Vegas

This surgery has changed my life. I am normal now and no longer invisible. People treat me nicer (which is sad), men look at me and smile, and I went into the Limited and tried on pants and the sales lady told me they did not have those in my size. They only had larger ones left all the small sizes were out in that color. I wear a size 10 now and I will wear a size 8 soon. I never imagined at 36 I would be in a normal size.

None of my old clothes fit. Not even my underwear. I bought 2 thongs today just because I can, I don't know that I will ever wear them but it was fun to buy them. My husband thinks I look great. If you are thinking about this surgery just do it. I have lost almost 50 pounds in 4 months and feel great. No problems. I do not have gas or orange issues any more. I exercise 5 times a week and enjoy it. I do crave fruits and veggies and do not want fast food at all. It turns my stomach. This has saved me and I have a new life.

Thank you Dr. R. Warmly Tonya 205/159 5' 3" hypothyroid, endometriosis and wearing size 10 down from 16.

Dear Dr. Rutledge;

Yesterday was my one year anniversary of my MGB. I weighed today at Indian
Health Services, and am glad to report that in one year I've managed to shed
126 pounds. (9 pounds lost in my 12th month)

I couldn't be happier with my progress. I have 24 pounds until my first
goal of 150. Here are some before/after comparisons for you to read:

              Before                     One Year
**************************************************
Weight:           #300                    #174
BP: 194/114                  164/73 (No more BP meds!)
Waist:            52"                      33"
BMI:              48                       28
Pants:       A *TIGHT* 28W               sz. 12
Shirt:          3-4XXL                   Medium
Bra:             48GG           34 Long...LOL (stuffs into a "C" cup)
Other: Chronic Liver insufficiency    Normal Liver Function
        Moderate Obst. Sleep Apnea     No sleep apnea

Thanks for literally saving my life! I thank God for the gift that He has
entrusted to you.

My very best!
Jenn in OR
Lap MGB 11-1-00 #300
        11-1-01 #174
300/174/150

I know this is a few days after the discussion but I'm almost always behind in my reading, which is why I don't post more. I couldn't resist this one however because I find some new pleasure I didn't have before surgery everyday it seems.

Here are the ones I think of now, in no apparent order:

10. You've heard this one before but it bears repeating- being AVERAGE! Who knew average could be so wonderful when it came to size?

9. Being able to shop with normal people and not be humiliated that you had to shop on the other side of the store or in some stores just pretend to only be interested in the jewelry or gloves or whatever because nothing else would fit you.

8. Being able to eat at a buffet without feeling like everyone in the room is looking to see how much you put on your plate or thinking that you don't need a plate at all.

7. Grocery shopping and not feeling intimidated that everyone in the store thinks that you are going to eat it all by yourself (even if you were :)).

6. Running in to people you haven't seen in a long time and getting compliments instead of looks of sympathy. I actually was walking through my office parking lot last week and a colleague I hadn't seen in months rode by. I waved and he kept going. Then he stopped, put his car in park and got out. He hadn't recognized me and when he realized it was me wanted to say how great he thought I looked. In no way a come on, just genuine pleasure for me.

5. Being able to look at my daughter's wedding pictures without wanting to cry at how I look. And knowing my daughter can show those pictures to friends for the rest of her life without being ashamed of her fat mother.

4. Remembering that I was able to walk down the aisle on my son's arm as the mother of the Bride and be praying for the bridal couple instead of worrying about what people were thinking about how bad I looked.

3. Being able to meet my new son-in-law's family and not worrying that they would only remember me as " that fat one".

2. Getting on a crowded elevator without worrying that the door wouldn't close because I had put it over the weight limit. That was a real fear for me when I attended business meetings.

1. And my number one new pleasure is knowing, understanding, and being understood by the best group of folks I've ever met- this list!

Thank you all for your support.
Hugs,
B. in NC

Carla:
Here are my top ten pleasures.

01. Sitting in church and not having to look around to see who is larger and who isn't.

02. Being able to climb in the back seat of our van.

03. Waking up in the morning painless and rested.

04. Being able to tie my shoes without propping my foot on something.

05. Going in a store and finding something I could wear out of the store if I wanted too.

06. Climbing up in our friends truck and not having to have someone push.

07. Holding my grand children on my lap (I have one now).

08. Cooking and not worrying about how much I am cooking or how much I am eating because it is not enough to hurt me.

09. Putting on makeup and feeling good about myself.

10. Going to PCP and climbing on the scales before the nurse tells me too,

Do ya want ten more?

PP    MGB 11-29-2000 105-

My top 10 is going to probably sound strange since I still weight 189 pounds.

  10) Not being ashamed to tell my weight to people

  9) Wearing clothes that are not plus size

  8) Not feeling totally wore out after taking a shower (and like Carla said a bath was OUT of the question)

  7) Feeling "normal" when I sit down to eat, even though Dr. R pointed out that WE      ARE NOT NORMAL! I don't feel ashamed eating in front of people anymore.

  6) Hearing my 6 year old say, "Mommy, you're getting skinny!"

  5) Sometimes eating less than my 6-year-old <grin>.

  4) Hearing "You are getting skinny, you don't need to lose anymore." Even though   I sure do, they haven't saw me naked - - - Totally different situation there <grin>

  3) No longer feeling LARGER than EVERYONE else.

  2) No longer feeling obese, even though I still have about 30-40 pounds to go. I   can see the end in sight! FINALLY!

  1) And number ONE! I feel SO much better about my appearance and myself!       That is probably the most important one to me! I'm actually wearing make up      again. I quit wearing it for so long, because I didn't feel that it helped my    appearance one little bit. I felt like, "Why bother?"

Thanks for asking C. I enjoyed thinking about my top 10 pleasures!

S. In OK
MGB 3/29/2001
303/189 -114
THANK YOU GOD AND DR. R!

Wow....
What a weekend! From the moment I walked up to pavilion # 5.... I was overwhelmed. Everywhere I glanced was a soul I knew and cared about behind a face I had to learn. My cup runneth over. And as someone said before...my brain and my emotions were so stimulated and the world around me was snap snap snapping that I just could not keep focused!
I feel I owe some of my lovely list mates an apology for not being very attentive. I would be talking to them and staring over their shoulders at nametags walking by.... How Rude! But, But, But... I just could not help it! It was like my brain was saying...dang Beth, you can talk online to your friends any day.... but how often do you just get to look at them! lol
And that is what I wanted to do most.....just look at you guys! How wonderful you all look! I spent most of my time walking around and looking from name tag to face, from name tag to face, around and around I went. Hoping that when I got back to Florida and behind this desk again, I would finally be able to put a face to the posts.
I have a plan for next year, I am going to set up a photo booth......where everyone has to come and have their picture taken...that way I get to meet and greet you all! I wish I had thought of it this year dang it.....cause I missed meeting so many people I care about.
So please forgive me for my rudeness ....
I was like a kid on Christmas morning ripping through my gifts....not really taking time to savor them one at a time. I would LOVE for you all to send me your favorite picnic pictures so I can develop a PowerPoint slide show with them......that way we all can take time to savor the moments. Please do!!!

Warmly,
B.

B,

You put into words exactly how I felt. First, we were late from being at Dr. R's office with G. Then when we got there, I was starving but there were so many people to talk to that I put off eating, lost my ticket, had to get another, stood in line, and all the while I was staring at people's nametags. Then I sat down to eat for about five minutes and it was up and at 'em again meeting more people. There were so many I didn't get to meet, so many I just shared a brief hug with, then something else would distract me. It went by all to briefly and I just barely got a mental picture of some people to go with the emails, which will come.

Of course I did get insulted by M who asked me if N.V. was my daughter...LOL...poor M. was so embarrassed. She must have forgotten her glasses. Surely she could see that N. is quite elderly and that it's not possible for N. to be my child. (I'm ducking here because I feel N.'s shoe whizzing in the air headed from Raleigh to Maryland). N. will never let me forget..she's reminded me 100 times already. Geez M., next time you think N. is my daughter; you have to find an empty bed for me. Living with N. who thinks you thought she was my daughter is not an easy thing.

I was so moved by Lara A. She's lost so much weight. Last year she was just hopeful. This year she's well on her way. It was touching to me that she stuck around and cheered so many people on with only one bout of being discouraged. Then back at it again until she had her surgery.

Like B., I was so distracted, running from person to person, trying to meet as many people as I could! My only regret was not meeting more people and not getting to talk longer to the people I met.

I didn't get to talk to Dr. R, a quick hug on my way out. I only got to say hello to so many people I would like to have sat down and talked with at length, so many I would like to have teased, just not enough time.

Did lots of you feel like you were running on adrenalin and like it was an out of body experience when it was all over?

F.

Picnic Report:

Ditto everything everyone else said. Maggi (Book Imps), Chris Earle and I came in together and it was such an awesome experience to meet all these people we have come to "know" so well.

I was at my Dr. R appt til late so we barely made it to the Chinese restaurant in time. First person we see is Linda V.....what a hoot! She is everything we expected and more.

All of my littermates were there (Terri and Tanya and David) and looked gorgeous!!!! All three of us women have lost over 100 lbs. since our surgery (our anniversary is in 2 weeks). You can imagine how much fun we had ooing and aaaing over our changed appearance and pride in how well our litter has done. Tanya was wearing a killer pair of leather pants Friday night and Terri gave us the great news that she is pregnant!!! That was one of the main reasons she had the surgery so it made me want to cry.

I am so glad I was able to go. Lots of folks took photos so I'm sure they will post.
Love to all of you...

A. in Atlanta

Saturday was as fantastic as already described. It was sooooo interesting to put faces (and bodies) to the support group. Has anyone mentioned what a hot babe Gloria has become???

Hi,

The picnic was so much fun! It was incredible seeing everyone. I'm not terribly active on the boards here...but it was fun seeing how people were doing and how great everyone looked. I got to see Joni, who came at Christmas 2 days after her surgery and she now looks like a new woman!!! Way too cool. Even the husbands seemed to mingle and talk...which was great. When Dr R arrived, everyone applauded. He told stories and spoke poignantly about 9/11 and how his troubles this year weren't so bad, considering.....

My husband (a Dr) and he did some Dr talk about the past 6 months..... and hopefully, soon Dr R can start doing what he's good at! Making us healthier, thinner people!!!

My 3 yr old S. enjoyed meeting all of the children...my other kids really enjoyed the beach as all the kids did. The park was beautiful.

Oh, and who did I meet from Boone, special ed teacher??? I'm terrible with names.... Id love to e-mail you.... maybe stop by and see you in Boone, as we plan on doing some skiing this winter, now that I CAN!!! :) Take care and it was great speaking with some of you yesterday!

D from W.S.....

Hello,

Since driving away from the picnic site on Saturday, I keep reliving, over and over, the wonderful experiences of that day. Wonderful, and overwhelming.

Each time I would meet someone I "knew" ~ but had never seen, I was flooded with memories of their lives and their postings and was asked, within my own mind, to reconcile the picture I had made up of them with the reality that was standing and smiling right before me.

It was heady stuff. I felt as though I had been given way too much information in a millisecond. I would stare at them, then ask again (or check their name tag) to try to put a real name and an email name to the real person I was now seeing. Daunting, I tell you. Daunting. I needed hours more than we had, and getting lost and being late didn't help. After the first few warm and wonderful introductions, I truly felt overwhelmed. I seemed unable to process all of this new information and make sense of it in so little time. So many faces, so many real names, so many email names, OH!

And while I was talking with one person, another one would walk by and I'd see her name and think "Oh! Look there, there's -------!!!!!" And before I knew it, the picnic was over and people were leaving, and I still hadn't met half of them. I can't believe that Larice and Doris were right there, and had left before I could meet them! I did get a plate of food, but never got to eat it. I even got a drink of lemonade, but made the mistake of putting my glass down, and well . . . . No more drink!

But it was great. And well worth the trip.

We are quite a sight, are we not? What a huggy, happy group we are. We run the gamut of ages, races, creeds and gender. We are tall and short, thin and not so thin, heads full of hair or barely there, black, white, Jewish and gentile, probably with one or two other belief systems thrown in for good measure, young and young-at-heart, male, female, straight and gay.

What else are we? We are fortunate, and we know it. We found a way out of misery and into joy. We are aware, every single day that we are alive, of the great gift of rebirth we have been allowed to obtain. We are grateful for the skilled and caring hands of our surgeon. We are grateful for the love and support of all who helped us, encouraged us, and took care of us when we whined, whimpered and worried. We are grateful for every minute that we are no longer carrying the burden of ----- number of pounds. We exemplified the word "CELEBRATE". We were there. Hugging, crying, laughing, loving. We are family. A rainbow colored, loving, living, and CELEBRATING family. I am proud to be a member.

PhillyJude MGB 11-3-00

Ok guys and gals,

It is my turn to talk (watch out). Friday evening I arrived at the Hawthorne ready to meet other gals when I spotted "Manda" who immediately invited me back with the other gals. I felt right at home immediately Pat I. and I, another loud Italian from the North!!! We bonded immediately like only gals like we can (by screaming and talking about food!) yes, I did a makeover of Manda and I must tell you, she looked beautiful!!!!!!!!!! Wait until you see the pictures, especially of the two of us showing off our well-endowed cleavages (I was a bad influence on her!) Manda is a very mature, very nice and kind lovely girl.

We arrived at the Chinese place and entered a room filled with other MGB'ers, I had my name pinned to my jacket and everyone came up to me asking about my love life!! What riot! Everyone was soo excited to see the others and hugging and screaming in delight. I met R. C. and her handsome husband, V., boy are they Italian!!!!!! I loved it!! Her son and his wife were there and lots of fun also. Rosemary is warm and beautiful with bright loving blue eyes.

We stayed for about two hours and then broke up; we had to leave because the owner was practically kicking us out!!! He probably didn't know what the hell to make of us!

The next day, I arrived at the Falls Lake picnic area at about 12:30 pm, I pulled up and a few folks were there. I must say that Glo, Ginny, and gosh I forget the other gals name who worked the picnic (she did the Christmas party also) well they worked their butts off because there were fruit and veggie and snack trays all over then a wonderful lunch and dessert and drinks. Glo made us all beautiful bracelets that I will cherish, how thoughtful she is! The tables were under a roof and the patio looked out over a beautiful lake where the sun shined down on the water and reflected soooo beautifully. There was even a fireplace right in that picnic area that was lit and when folks got a little chilly, they sat by it. Other people brought lawn chairs and blankets and folks sat there on the lawn. We had tons and tons of clothes to swap and of course all the gals looked at everyting!!!! The site where this picnic was held was very beautiful and the people were all loving and happy. You could not find a more cohesive group anywhere!!!! The girls who made this happen are truly wonderful people

Within no time lots and lots of folks showed up with their families and loved ones. Then we all gathered in the middle and lit candles for the folks who were hurt in the attacks on Sept. 11 and we prayed for them and their families and all expressed our concern and love for those who were lost and our commitment to our wonderful country.

Later Dr. R. showed up and you would have thought that he was Michael Jackson the way everyone surrounded him! He was his usual delightful self and said something that practically made me cry. He made a speech indicating how the love that he got from all of us really lifted him up during a time when he was whining from the strain of the "inquisition" over the past year, then he told funny stories about a few of us which were really great. It always amazes me how he even remembers us!!!! Then in a small group he made this comment which brought tears to my eyes and captured for me the deep pain he has felt over the past few months, when I am sure he was feeling like "no good deed goes unpunished" he said "for me this really is 'It's a Wonderful Life' Imagine that, what he was expressing, I believe is that although he was put through the tortures of this situation, knowing that he made such a difference in OUR LIVES made it all worthwhile and justified his good work and the difficult experience he has been through because of it. Isn't that remarkable? Just knowing the good that the surgery has done FOR US is enough to make him "ok" with the strain and stresses of his situation. He really is remarkable.

I also want to say that he indicated that he believes that in approximately two months time, he will be doing surgery again, God willing!!!!!!

I met friends whom I write to but never see like Larice, she looked beautiful!!! Flo was there looking painfully thin, sassy was there with her new family who you could see loves her very, very much, Tammy H., the 1/2 of the first twins to have surgery; Bethbnbad was there; Lori, I could go on and on, it was just a great time. We all signed a nice form for Trudy who couldn't be there and felt soooo bad. Nancy V. was there with the cast on her leg looking great. Jon from Alabama was then and Ken flew in, Amber announced that she is pregnant!!!! She is a great gal with a very handsome husband; I know their baby will be beautiful! Gwen, the tall and beautiful black woman was there with her mother. Michelle, who wrote the book, was there with her beautiful mom, what a wonderful woman she is!!!!!! I could go on and on!!!!

I really didn't want the time to end. I looked back on the past year and for me, remembered the last Christmas party when I couldn't even walk into the room of people and posted for someone to meet me, as I was tooooo insecure to go to the party alone. Now, one year later, due to my surgery, my self-esteem is getting better and most of all the acceptance and love from the other MGB'ers has made me feel "welcome" and "accepted" two words that those of us who were and are obese have rarely felt. What a blessing this surgery is, this doctor is and this group is!!!

Love to all L!!!!

My Picnic Experience,

I got to Durham Saturday afternoon and immediately spotted L.V.! What a wonderful lady. She of course hated my hair and gave me a complete make over before we went out to the Chinese place. Several people stopped by S.'s room (I stayed with her Friday night and had a BLAST). I loved M., S., and V. immediately, but there was no doubt in my mind that I wouldn't. There are so many people that I met and wished I could spend more time with, like B, T, and L. Got to talk to C and T. (S.) for a while. There are many others, so many it'd take me forever to list. But I had SUCH a good time. I tried to come back last night, but B. wouldn't let me. I stayed the night with P I and SB. I knew P from my pre-op clinic days, so it felt like getting to know an old friend even better. I finally got to meet Flo, and AP. If there is any one I have forgotten, please believe that it was unintentional (M., P., PP., VA, DH... etc).

I can't wait for the picks to come out. I don't know at this point if I'll be able to make the Christmas parties. That's 2 trips in too close of a time. I'm still exhausted from last week, and didn't get to make it up this week.

Hey everybody-

I am still in Durham. VA and I came over the 24-hour Kinkos to check our email. We are going through withdrawal.

I have been looking forward to this picnic since last September when I sat home as a pre-op, working on my packet, and reading all the fun reports about the MGB picnic. I decided right then and there that I would be at the next one minus a lot of weight! I have been so excited about this that I was afraid it would be a disappointment. Not so!    It was everything I expected plus more. I feel like I have found long lost family here.

We spent most of the day Friday at Dr. R's office for our clinic appointments. WE re-arranged his reception room furniture and partied all day long. (Hint to Dr. Rutledge: next year we need some FOOD in that waiting room!) We passed around pictures and shared stories.

Then we all gathered at a Chinese buffet in the evening. More pictures and more stories. I wonder if anyone counted how many people were there? I would guess at least 50.

I won't even attempt to report on the picnic itself after reading Flo's account. It was too perfect.    Lots of hugging and even a few tears. My only regret would be that I didn't have enough time to speak to more people on a personal level. I've never been lucky enough to be a part of a group that I feel so comfortable with immediately. MGB'ers are the best. Many different personalities, races, religions; it doesn't matter. We all share a common thread.

The weather has been perfect. Blue skies, sunshine, cool breeze.   I roomed with V.A. from Alabama and J.R. and K.M. from Seattle. I have to say I was surrounded by the BEST. We did some outlet shopping and went to a movie. We went out to eat and shared meals and still had food left over! I will be sending pictures to Tricia to post.   We sat up late in the night talking, talking, and talking.   Most people have gone home now. Vicki and I will be spending the evening with Susan from Ark and her pre-op friend, Karen and any other mgb'ers we can find. Then back home tomorrow. Sigh....

We had a great turn out, but there were still lots of people we missed meeting. I hope that more of you will be able to attend next year. TB- I had your name tag there just in case! I am sorry that it will be yet another year before I get to meet Trudy.

I want to thank Glo, Ginny and Eileen for all their hard work. I know you spent lots of time and energy. It is very appreciated.

M. in St. Louis
MGB 12/13/00
250 / 162

Hi Guys:

Yesterday I found myself in Durham with nothing to do. So I took a ride to this state recreation area. There were all these cars...lots of them...there was a motor home with Oklahoma tags and a big sign in the back window that said something about MGB. All these people were eating barbecue and laughing. And hugging? You never saw such hugging in your whole life.

First these folks acted like they never saw each other before. Next thing you know, they're hugging and saying I wanted to meet you, or I'm so happy to see you...how is your mother, how is your cold...and it's the strangest thing. Just a few minutes before they're staring at someone's chest squinting looking at these name tags like they didn't know their name, and next thing you know they're hugging and talking about good times and bad times and were actually telling potty stories. I stood back and observed a bit. Some of these people actually yanked up their shirts and were counting...1 2 3 4 5. Some lady said, "he did me in 20 minutes", and another would say, "well I took 40 minutes but I had some problems from years ago They were a strange group. But they seemed to be a nice group.

Then this skinny little dude with glasses arrives. And everyone gathers around him to talk. And then later they ask him to go up to the front of the picnic shelter and he stands up and you never heard such cheering and clapping in your life. It kind of choked me up. They seemed to love him. Lots of people thanked him for saving their lives. They were pretty teared up. And then he stood on a picnic table and started telling stories...like he knew and cared about these people....there was a lot of talking and laughing..and story telling.

What a bunch. I hung around a few hours. I don't know what it was about this bunch but this was an awesome thing. Hundreds of friendly, warm and loving people who obviously cared about each other. It was neat.

Hope if any of you get a chance that you'll meet this wonderful bunch of folks. I guarantee you lots of hugs, love and warm friendships!

Flo from Maryland wandering around Durham

Hi Gang
Picnic getting near.
PCP Visit Update:
03/05/99     Duke Diet Fitness Center   420lbs
01/02/01     MGB 377lbs
09/21/01                264lbs - 156 Gone Forever
Blood Pressure 158/60 (No More Meds/Baby Aspirin)
Blood Glucose 135 (No more Insulin)
Sleep Apnea CPAP Pressure deduce from 15psi to 8 psi
Still member in good standing of the airborne Orange Team. Otherwise I feel Great. Working in Real Estate, meeting people, getting out GREAT!!!!!
Warmest Regards,
TommyB

Hi,

I'm sorry, I know it has been a long time since I have posted but I have been really tied up with my new life. Of not only being 147.5 lbs. lighter but also my new husband and trying to get my son adjusted to our new life.

I do read everyone's posts daily, it just seems like there are not enough hours in the day to sit in front of the computer to respond to them. I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers constantly so even though I don't post often I get excited when someone hits a new goal or I cry when something terrible happens.

I just wanted to tell you all that I never thought I would see the day when I needed to go shopping for clothes and I couldn't find my size, not because they didn't come big enough but because the size I needed (a XL) was sold out. I tried to buy a sweater this evening and every thing was 2X, 3X or 4X. No XL, I was shocked. I couldn't believe that I could even fit into an XL. I still always go to the larger sizes first. I could have fit in a Large if my lower stomach wasn't still so big. I don't ever remember being able to fit in a large, even as a child.

I sent Trish a new picture to update her website. As I checked it this evening, my husband was watching over my shoulder, and as my pre- op picture came up he said, "I still don't believe that was you!" "Maybe that was just a relative of yours." Unfortunately it was me and I have Dr. Rutledge to thank for the new me.

Thank you all for being there to listen to all of my ups and downs. I hope to be there for someone else as they go through their ups and downs.

Love You All and God Bless!!!

BIG {{{{{HUGS}}}}}
K.
8/4/00
364/216.5
147.5 lbs. gone forever

Hi All,
   Since we're not allowed to donate blood, plus we're dirt poor right now (!) I went out to the airport and picked up one of the stranded passengers to host at our house.   He stayed for 3 days and 2 nights.   His name is Adam, a US Army guy, newly wed on his way to serve in Germany.   On my way to the airport yesterday I couldn't understand something he said so I turned to him and he was crying.   He said, " You have a big heart".   Then I was crying!
I didn't DO anything!   We just have a big house!   And there he was, going to serve US, to protect US!   Anyway he was so great and we really enjoyed having him here.
   I hope you are all well and I can't wait till the picnic!
Angels on your Pillow,
A.

Good Morning,

I'm sorry that I couldn't post sooner, but my systems are finally available this morning after the events yesterday here in Washington DC. I was in the Pentagon east parking lot, heading to a meeting in the wing, where the jet crashed into the building. I had been in meetings since 7:30 AM at U.S. Treasury and headed directly to another set of meetings at the Pentagon set for 10 AM. My group (4 of us) was unaware of the happenings in New York but knew something was wrong when we saw the jet coming down the freeway, and watched it crash.

Helpless, was our feelings. We couldn't do anything. Since no one in our party of four was military personnel we decided we better head back to our buildings in downtown Washington. An hour later we found our offices closed down and were sent home. I walked 5 miles before I was able to get on the Metro (subway). We're all back in the offices this morning but waiting word from our counterparts at the Pentagon. We believe that some of our project team were killed in the attack but waiting for official word.

I'm grateful to be alive and so blessed by the Lord protection. We had missed our shuttle so we were late. I'm also grateful that I had the MGB or I won't have been able to walk any of that distance to get myself to safety. We are secured in our building today. The DC Police has sealed the two blocks around our building behind police line tapes. We could only get in if we proved we worked in the buildings and no cars are permitted in the parking lot. But work must go on.

Let's remember our fellow Americas, who lost their lives, and show how great
a country we can be.

M.J.
MGB-2/28/2001

Well boys and girls,

It's finally happened!!! As you all know by now, I'm a female fire fighter. This week I went to take a test at the
fire academy for a promotion requirement.
Part of the test was a physical exam. I've been so busy with grass fires and other things I haven't weighed in about two weeks. To my surprise I weighed in at 160!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had broke the 100# lost and didn't even know it! So I'm offically down 103 BIG ONES!!!!!!!!
I'm so excited. Oh yes, I did pass all my tests!!
As always I thank God and Dr.R. It's taken almost 18 months to get this far but I made it. I'll be seeing all you at the picnic this year. I can hardly wait to see everyone in my MGB family!!!

A. MGB 3-20-00 263/160! 150ish size28/12

P.S. Hey Doc: Not bad for a re-do! LOL

Hi everyone,
Well its been 6 months minus one day that I had my surgery. I thank God every day for leading me to North Carolina and Dr. Rutledge. Sometimes I feel I might have even been dead by now,thats how hard it was carrying this extra weight around. I was so depressed and so sick all the time and so sick of being in pain. I have made many wonderful friends here on line and I just want to thank all of you for your support thru the good times and the bad. I love you all and cant wait to put some faces with names when I come to the picnic. OK now for the weight loss , I am down 86lbs and life is good.

P. I.
03/07/01 Dr. R
362/276/?????

Well folks,

I had my weekly WW weigh in and was totally blown away by them numbers. I had a dinner party last Thursday nite although I cooked very healthy. I had a pool party buffet Saturday with THREE CAKES and all kinds of wonderful casseroles and great food. I ate very little all day so I could sample. (I've learned to do that when I know I may want to eat higher calorie foods). I had a hamburger/hotdog cookout Sunday and another cookout Labor Day. I had company for five days and worked constantly in the house and the kitchen. I guess it all paid off cause I lost 3.3 lbs. I am thrilled!! Guess entertaining is hard work and CAN burn calories. OH And I forgot last Tuesday was my anniversary and I ate a very decadent meal with desert. NOW, this week I have less activity so I have to do really well.

I know I know I am rambling but I am pretty psyched. I haven't loss this much weight since my earlier MGB days.

I also have 3.5 lbs to lose before I hit, you won't believe it, the 200 lbs loss marker. 30 of that was in order to have this surgery, 170 would be post-op. But I still contribute it ALL to this surgery as I would have never struggled to lose the 30 lbs if I had not been working toward the goal of this MGB. I plan on really celebrating a 200 lb weight loss when that day comes!!!!

C. one cup coffee caffeine buzzed!!!

Hello Friends,

Although I don't post very often, and I am terrible about answering e-mail or letters, (but I am much better about returning Phone Calls), I thought that this was an appropriate time to post this exciting news! (I know that it is about 10 days late, but at least it is getting done.)

H. and I were the first Father-Daughter duo to have the MGB with Dr. Rutledge. Since that time we have both had very little trouble with any of the things that we read about. We have both gotten sick a couple of times, mostly on Steak, but we have survived and we are both eating Steak now, and loving it. Of course our appetites have decreased quite a bit, at least physically, but my mind still thinks that I want 3 eggs, Hash Browns, Bacon, Sausage, 2 slices of toast, and juice for Breakfast, but my stomach will only let me eat 1 egg, a piece of Bacon, and if I'm lucky a piece of toast, and a little Milk. (In one of the posts that I read at an earlier date, someone said that our minds can play alot of tricks on us, and they were very right.) The mind is the hardest part to train after the surgery!

Well, back to why I am sending this e-mail.

As of August 21st, H. had lost 104 lbs. and looks absolutely beautiful, and it also makes her look like she is 17 again.

As of August 27th I (L.) have lost exactly 100 lbs. and I feel like a new person. I have also recently retired, and my wife and I have done some traveling, and some fishing. I can honestly say that I don't really feel like I am 56 years old, and to think that last December I felt like I was closer to 80 years old.

I am sorry that we are not going to be able to make it down to the Picnic on the 29th of September, but I hope that you'll all have a wonderful time!

Please keep me informed about the Christmas Party, because Heather and I would love to come to it.

I truly believe that God led us to Dr. Rutledge, and that the good Dr. saved my life. Even my family Dr. is so happy about what has and is happening with my health that he just can't stop smiling.

Love to all of you and I hope that God sees fit to help us all get together again and give us the opportunity to really get to know each other, because we found out when we were at the February Support Group meeting at the Hospital that you are all tremendously wonderful and caring people.

L. from Nebraska

MGB 2-21-01
Dr. Rutledge
369/269----- Hoping to get to between 200 and 210 lbs.

  D.,

  I've gone from an overly tight 28 and 4x to a 20 and 1x. My friends at work tell me all the time how good I look, they are really supportive! I went to the pet store to get dog food a few weeks ago and my vets office is inside the store. Dr D. came all the way across the store to tell me how great I look!!! Then, he asked his assistant if she had seen me, she didn't even recognize me!! That was really fun!!!!!! I still have a very long way to go, but the difference 88 pounds has made is just amazing. I can't even imagine how I will feel and look if I can get another 80 pounds off to reach my goal.

  I hope time passes quickly for you. It is just amazing; you won't believe how wonderful you will feel by Christmas and New Years!!

  Please keep in touch and let me know how everything goes for you. I will keep you in my prayers.

  Best Wishes
  S., MI
  (Hey, I am turning 40 this Oct)

Hi Friends,

As of Today (8 months after my MGB) I have lost 105 lbs.

    Duke DFC ..... 3/5/2000 .. 420
    MGB ........... 1/2/2001 .. 377 -43
    Today ......... 9/2/2001 .. 272 -105
    Realistic Goal ........... 200 -230
    Dream Goal ................ 185 -210
    Waist Inches ..............     -16"

I used to be pretty Ho-Hum about the ladies on the Email List always talking about sizes, and fitting into a 12 or 14, etc. I just wasn't into sizes.

Well when I open up a package of under-shorts size 52, (this morning) I bought about 15 years ago, and I had no expectation they would fit. SHAZAM!! They Fit!! Who is happier than me?

NOBODY!!!!!!

T.B.

Hello,

Here I am again, to dutifully report my 6-month update. After a decrease in my loss in month #5, I wasn't expecting to have a big loss this past month, and thought I was on the slow-down path. Instead, it was my best month since the first 2 months postop, which just goes to show, you never know what to expect or how to predict what weight loss will be like for each individual person.

I'm still having some 1 to 2-week plateaus, which drive me slightly nuts since I am a daily scale-stepper, but I am trying to learn patience. Here's a rundown of my 6 months of weight loss:

Month 1: 29 lb
Month 2: 20 lb   (49)
Month 3: 10 lb   (59)
Month 4: 14 lb. (73)
Month 5:    9 lb. (82)
Month 6: 15 lb. (97)
Total:       97 lb. lost

My 6 month goal was a lofty one, 100 lb. And I'm honestly tickled pink to be so close to that goal, because I thought there was just no way I could achieve it. My 1 year goal is to get below 200, which will be 37 more pounds. I hope that's doable, we'll just have to wait and see.

I can still eat pretty much anything I want, but I've found that if I eat too much fatty junk too often, or if I skip meals, I get an achy spot on my far far left upper abdomen, under my ribs. It seems way too far to the left to be my stomach pouch causing the pain, but it may be "referred pain". I had about 3 episodes of this pain within a 2 week span early this month, and although the discomfort was fairly mild, I was worried. I was going through some major life stress with a serious family illness, and I wasn't eating regularly or healthily. I took Carafate for several days, and restarted my Prevacid. The discomfort went away quickly and hasn't returned, and I've continued on with the daily Prevacid.

I've never had any vomiting, never had any acid or bile reflux (thank God). I try to be careful about what I eat near bedtime, and I sleep slightly
elevated just as a precaution.   My hair loss has slowed to just slightly
more than average.

I'm getting lots of people noticing and complimenting me, and that's difficult, as I've spent most of my life trying to stay out of the spotlight in regard to my appearance. It feels uncomfortable to have attention drawn to my body, even if it's positive attention. I still feel very fat, and when I hear all the exclamations of how good I look, I wonder just how awful
I looked before... I think "Geeze, I must have been disgusting!"   Old
thought patterns are a hard thing to change. I can't imagine a day when I won't feel fat and unsightly anymore... but I feel SO much better than I did 6 months ago. As a close friend told me just after my surgery... losing the weight will be only a fraction of the change we will each experience.

I wish you all good health and happiness.

S. (KY)
MGB 3-1-01
334/237/???

Hi Dr. Rutledge,

It's been a while since I've emailed you but I wanted to send you a quick update. As you know a little over 18 months ago I weighed 372 lbs. I was on medication for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Within a month of having my MGB I was off all medication. For that reason alone I would be grateful for having the surgery. Since that time I have lost over 140 lbs. and I've lost around 16" from my waist. For the first time in over 20 years I don't have to buy my clothes in the Big & Tall department.

It's now about 2:00am. I've just returned home from running in my first 5k run. Every year a local restaurant sponsors a race called the Midnight Express. It took me around 39 minutes to complete the 3.1 miles. Not a screaming pace but nothing to be ashamed of either. I finished in the middle of the pack and probably did well for my age group. Eighteen months ago I could hardly walk 3 miles much less jog it.

Once again I'd like to thank you. I'm a different person than I was 18 short months ago and I owe much of it to the MGB and following the guidelines you set out for us.

Thanks,

B.G.

Hi all,
I dont know what has happened to all my littermates but if your out theyre just thought Id update u on me. Lol I had surgery on the 3rd of Jan 2001. And today I have lost 100 lbs YEAH!!!!
I have had an endoscope and it was fine. All my blood work is great also. I do take all the supplements and protein shakes and I dont know but I think that is what works for me. I feel like I have more energy than ever and yesterday my son took me to botanical gardens and I could walk them with out feeling like I was going to have a heart attack. My back still hurts me but as long as there arent a lot of hills I can tolerate it for a while. It was such a great day. And the gardens where beautiful. The weight loss has slowed down quite a lot maybe 5 or 6 lbs a month but I have not been very good either I have been eating lots of things I shouldn't. Lots of cookies and such. But hopefully I will keep loosing for at least another 47 lbs. so everyone keep u fingers crossed for me. Hope everyone is great!
Hugs M.

Hello MGB Family:

It has been a long time since my last post. I read the posts as much as I can and try to keep tabs on all of you. Life has been so busy since my surgery on November 8th. This summer has been busy with weekly trips to the beach, waterparks, amusement parks, etc. with my children and their friends.

To date I have lost 95 pounds and am wearing a size 5/6......have even squeezed into some 3/4's. I think my weight is stable, but I tend to keep loosing those inches. My health is great....and I haven't felt this wonderful in years. I have no problems eating at all, in fact I am noticing that I am able to eat more now. In the beginning I felt I was not eating enough, but now I feel like my body is absorbing more, which gives me more energy.

This surgery has made such a difference in my life. I have found my inner-self, and who I am. It is such a wonderful feeling to be able to walk out my door and not be afraid that I am going to run into an old high school friend, and end up hiding from them because of my weight. Now, it is hard for me to even stay in the house at all!!!

I hope to be able to make it to the picnic to meet each and every one of you. Take care!!

C. / California
MGB 11-8-00

Well,

This is my first report. I am a little over five months post-op. I have lost 72 lbs. Because I started working out of town in May, I have not been able to exercise so that I believe has slowed me down. I have not dumped in a long, long time, I take three vitamins with iron, extra calcium, I do have to take Darvoset on occasion for my arthritis in my neck, hip, and right hand, I began as a size 24 and now 18's are a bit big on me. Not a lot of change in sizes but I am so happy to be this much smaller. I lose weight all over, but my face seems to have gotten thin very fast!! I just (Monday) got a job here in town (more pay, better hours, and here in town!!) so I will go back to Curves again. I also will check out the water aerobics at the YMCA.

I am off nearly all of my medications; I will have a sugar episode (low sugar) if I do not eat for very long periods of time. I no longer have high blood pressure, and I do not have edema any more, (I do have low iron)!!! I can eat anything and everything, but I try to stay healthy since there is not that "drive" to eat!!! People seem not to recognize me all the time, it is strange when I look in the mirror as well, and I am not the same person physically... I am losing my hair and since it is already cut short, maybe I am the only one who notices. It is also very, very dry. I leave the conditioner on it. At 204 I am really excited about breaking that 200 barrier!!! Also, I am only 28 lbs from losing 100 lbs!!! I still have about 70 pounds I want to lose, my goal weight is 135, I suspect I will be happy with 140-150...

I cannot believe that I have gotten to the point where I am no longer 100 lbs or more over weight!!!

This surgery has changed my life, I have more confidence, better self-esteem, control over my food, and I only have 5 tiny scars from this major change in my life!!!!

Last note, I have even been wearing bright red finger polish and dresses (these nearly everyday), this may sound minor, but they were what I considered normal sized people as wearing and I did not wear them much!!! I still am broke most of the time (I am playing catch up from being unemployed for a year), I still am overweight (but I do not feel overweight and people do not believe I weight 204, they think I weigh 160-170), I am still dealing with issues (family) I had before, so this has allowed me to have a sense of reality about what has happened, I did not become a new person, I just found this body and my health issues 100 percent better!!!

We ARE bonded by our experiences!!

S.

MY 7MONTH UPDATE!!!

Today I went to my doctor for my 7-month check up. I can't believe it but I am actually down 110 lbs. I am still averaging about 2 - 2- 1/2 lbs weight loss per week. I tossed out my scales a long time ago and just weigh at my doctors office once a month. I believe this gives a more accurate reading of my progress. I had the MGB on 1/01 and began at 324 lbs and I am now at 214. I am hoping to lose about 40 - 50 more pounds - I can't believe how close I am!

People that don't have a weight problem can't comprehend what a difference it makes in your life to lose it. Today my sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol levels are all normal (I had blood work done at 3 months and will do that again at 9 months). Life has changed in SO many ways for me. I just began scuba diving lessons 2 weeks go, something I have always wanted to try but was fearful with the weight that I would not be able to climb up on a boat. I bought my first pair of high heals in over 15 years (strappy I may add!). I am now dating, riding on the back of motorcycles, jet skiing, sitting cross legged and painting my toe nails, wearing shorts, looking forward to wearing leather this fall and I could go on and on about how life is so different!

I had really studied this surgery before making the decision because the surgery, to me, isn't the answer to my problems. It is the catalyst for change in my life. I wanted to think differently about food, to eat healthier and to learn and participate in exercise (had always been sedative in my life). I would encourage anyone that is earlier on in the surgery to seriously follow the outline Dr. Rutledge laid out for us. I actually stayed on liquids and soft foods for 6 weeks instead of 3. I wanted to heal completely and was forcing myself to change those old bad habits I had before surgery. I have not drunk any kind of soda or carbonated drinks since before my surgery. I rarely ever drink caffeine and have only tried fast food about 4 times since January. I exercise on a regular basis from cardio training to weight training. I have a couple of areas that haven't been toning as well as others, so I started working with a personal trainer about two weeks ago to focus on those areas.

God has given us an awesome opportunity with this surgery to make major changes in our lives. Use every day to make small steps and changes for a better, healthier and longer life. I am so grateful to Doctor Rutledge and the technique he developed. I have met many that have had other surgeries that didn't have near the support or information provided to make the necessary lifestyles changes that I have received through this surgery. NOTHING has ever changed my life as this has.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the picnic in September! What an experience that will be to see the dramatic changes in everyone! I hope everyone is bringing before pictures!!!

Many blessing!!

P.
MGB - 1/01
324/214/? (Wherever I may land!)

Hi Everyone

I don't post often but read daily, actually a couple of times a day. Anyway, I wanted to share something. Yesterday I went to the mall and was trying on pants...something I hate to do because my legs have always been the bigger part of me, meaning if it fit in the leg, then it was way to big in the waste.

Well, I fit into a size 10 Tommy girl jeans and 10 Levi's....I am so excited. I settled for the Levi's cause they were half the price, but when I get down to my goal weight I will buy some Tommy Jeans....

WooHoo a size 10, a couple of more months and I will be in the single digits for sizes!!! I am 5'1 so single digits for me is a lot better! It's funny cause I have only lost about 8lbs since mid June, but went back to work on Friday for just the day (off for the summer) and everyone noticed a HUGE difference, so even if you aren't losing on the scale doesn't mean your not losing that fat!!

Whatta ride, thanks Dr. Rutledge!!!

T. in MD
9/7/00 Starting Weight-242
Current Weight-157
Goal Weight-118-128

Well folks,

  Today is my 5-month anniversary, and this morning on my cheapy scale I was 216. That's a total loss of 72 lbs, not so bad for someone who only lost 18 lbs the first month. I'm feeling great, except for a little bit of the "that time of the month" blues. I honestly don't think I'm depressed. Actually, I feel better than I have in years. I honestly think the loss of weight has effective my hormones, or how I react to my hormones, or something like to that effect. And I have a very stressful life, which I'm sure all of you can relate to. I'm feeling much better today, I went to the gym and worked out for 2 hours, came home, cleaned, and then crashed. I got a GREAT nights sleep and I'm raring to go to my first ever MGB get together *yeah* this afternoon. I wonder if we'll compare bat wings?

   Anyway, I'm the lightest I have weighed in my entire adult hood, and teenage years for that matter. It can only get better from here. Now, I won't go as far as to say that if I never lost another lb, I'd be happy, but I'm certainly very happy with the way things are going now. But If I get to 144(half my starting weight) I can't imagine that I'd have anything to complain about. To be "normal" was all I wanted when I started this journey. To eat, and feel, like a normal person. Perfection isn't my goal. I never plan on weighing 115 lbs. I've never in my life successfully lost more than 25 lbs and kept it off for more than a month. Here I am, down 72 lbs after 5 months. I have plenty to be thankful for.

   I can get on any exercise machine and go for 35 minutes, and then get on another one! Before I was dizzy after 3 minutes. It was an achievement for me to get to 10 minutes. I think back to 8 months ago, with me struggling to get my exercise in, walking, very s l o w l y, on my treadmill, and it very uncomfortable, and now I can even run a couple of minutes on my treadmill.

   So I am very thankful for the improvement to my health, and for the new tummy Dr R has given me. I'm too selfish to give him credit for the new "fit" me, because it has taken a lot of work on my part, but I do recognize that I probably wouldn't be where I am today without his surgical skills. Diet and exercise, as I have demonstrated, just weren't working for me. So now, 5 months later, I'm no longer addicted to food, but am quickly working on becoming an exercise addict. Does anyone know if there is a fitness center in Hawthorne suites? How about a YMCA?

See y'all in September!

M.

Good morning all,

As one who won't be able to join the picnic again this year -- JEEZ it is a long way from Colorado to North Carolina -- I'm so envious ... I also would love to purchase one of the T-shirts, even though I won't be going...

I am so proud to have found Dr. R (Rocky) and that he has given me the tool to get to where I am today ... I would shout about the MGB from the rooftops to anyone who would listen ... I said a long time ago, if I could have MGB tattooed on my forehead for all to question and ask me about I would ... but then my children already think I am weird ...

Count me in for an L size T-shirt ... whatever the cost ... not a 3XL (which, of course would have been tight) like last year ... YAY for all of us.

My plateau continues ... 5 months ... maybe my body is just content for right now ... I know I am...

Thank you Dr. R. thank you to the MGB support group for all the words of wisdom ... thank you Ginny for being such a wonderful friend ... hope all my littermates are doing well.

Big hugs to all.

A.
MGB 4/18/00
316/196/160ish...

Hey MGBers...

King of the lurkers here, I was in town a couple weeks ago on business. I went to see someone I had worked face to face with for a couple years. He had not seen me since surgery. Losing 115# and keeping my beard off has really changed my looks. Anyway, I walked up to him and said "Hi Steve" and he just looks at me. I said "Hi, Steve...I'm K.." So he puts out his hand and says "Pleased to meet you". I said " Steve...I'm K. He looks at me another couple seconds, cocks his head, then recognition set in. "HOLY SH*#, K., THAT YOU?!?"

I saw a lot of people I hadn't seen for more than a year or more that day. It really made me feel good to get all the compliments and praises. Life has improved SO much. To be able to work outside in the heat. To be able to fit comfortably in a airline coach seat. To able to walk all day and not ache. This really is LIFE 2.0.

The picnic is being held 1 week after my 1-year anniversary. It'd be nice to be down 120# for that and I might make it. I am really looking forward to putting faces to all these names I've seen posting for this past year. It's going to be so nice to meet you all.

See you soon!!

K.

Okay, today is my official 5-month anniversary...WOW time just flies by as a post op!

5 months ago I started a journey armed with a lot of encouragement and a lot of great advice from many post ops who took the time to tell me the truth.... and plenty of it! They told me stuff I didn't want to hear: That it was about lifestyle change that I would have to change everything, not just this one thing...I didn't always appreciate their frankness, then. I do now.

They told me that it would be tough...that the first month I would learn to hate soup and yogurt. They were right! They told me I had to get my protein in. They were right. They told me I had to exercise. They were right. They told me "No coke, no coffee" they were right again! (I think I hated them for that one in particular!). They told me not to waste away my nutrition by drinking with or directly after meals. They were right. They told me to take my vitamins. They were right.

They told me that I could do it. That I wasn't too sure of...but ya know what? These are some smart people, because I can! And I am. One day at a time, one step at a time and one meal at a time.

Life is very, very good. How simple that is to say, how much more wonderful it is to live! Every change that has come my way has been wonderful. There were a few changes that were hard, but they were needed lessons and have left me with a greater knowledge and happiness. Sometimes we owe our enemies a thank you...I know I do. They made me re-evaluate myself, and I found out that I truly like myself, my life and my vision of the future. So thanks, guys.... I owe you more than you'll ever know!

My marriage is better than ever. I now feel more self-assured that I can give back instead of just take. For years, my pain was so high that I couldn't help my husband no matter what. Now I can. I don't always :) but I can help if I want to and that is a blessing. We had planned an active retirement, and now I will be able to be a part of it! LOL! We will one day hike the Appalachian trail and I now know I might be able to SMOKE HIM instead of the other way around! I LOVE THAT! He loves me no matter what, but is so happy to see me happier and healthier than I've been in years...what a blessing that is in my life!

My relationship with my daughter is growing. She works out, harder than Mom does! and makes me very proud of her! She is also proud of me! She knows what life for me was, and is jazzed that her 'new' Mom can now do just about whatever she wants! I think she is very happy for me, but hey, she's 13 so who knows half the time? LOL

My support team is superb! I have two main lists that are full of people I love. They are family to me already, and I look forward to knowing them and sharing with them for many years to come.

I have several very close friends in my life that are 110% there for me, and I hope they know I'm right there back! They support all of my efforts and I couldn't ask for a greater gift than to know these women are in my life for good. Thanks ladies! YOU ROCK! To my very bestest friend, TYILUMTUWEK.

My health is very good. The fibro can rear its ugly head, yes, and it does from time to time. But I know that that is part of being me, and such a small part now, that I just say "Okay body, today you rest" and forgive myself for being human and go back to it the next day.... My sleep apnea is gone. My arthritis is so minute now that it isn't worth mentioning. The headaches are GONE. I have had two small ones since surgery.... nothing a hot bath and rest didn't cure! My eternal heartburn, GONE. Medications, GONE. I can now walk 2 miles on the treadmill, and then do water aerobics. I can walk in the mall, as I did today, without joint pain or paying for it later. I CAN do just about anything already.... and there is MORE TO COME! How exciting is THAT?

Eating is easy. I eat what I want, when I want. I have more of a problem with lack of hunger than with hunger. I make positive choices and they affect me positively. I don't deny myself anything I want, but 99% of the time I want something good for me. Ain't it great? Last week I had a craving for something very fattening. . Alvocado.... Well I just had it and enjoyed it. That is how I approach food today. There are no absolutes other than Coke and coffee. If I wanted an ice cream cone, I'd have one. Usually I crave watermelon, but if I ever crave a cone, I'll step up, get one, and then resume my healthy eating habits. I lived with too many absolutes before...today I am free of all that head-trip. And glad to be free of it. The old black and white thinking about food weighed MORE than the weight I've lost thus far....

Which is, officially, -105lbs. I'm still a pretty big girl, but I am about a 1/3 of the person I was 5 months ago. I feel very fortunate and blessed with my weight loss, but I also feel proud. Proud that I didn't just lay on the table and expect the work to be done once I hit recovery...Proud that I took good advice and applied it to my life. Proud that I chose a surgery that I STILL feel good about. Proud that I didn't say, "I don't need to learn" but parked my butt in a chair and read until my eyes almost BLED about what it meant to take on the challenge of WLS. And then applied what I learned, not perfectly, but to the very best of my ability. I DID THAT.... so thanks, S., for giving yourself the best you could.

Thanks everyone else for all the love, support and kindness you have given to me along the way...it has meant more to me than mere words could express. I look forward to watching the preops climb the wall, watching the post ops continue to lose and learn and watching the years fly by from a healthier place than I've probably ever been. It's been a great ride so far...and I see plenty of bright lights just around the bend. I can't wait to get there!!

Enjoy your journey!
THANKS AND LOVE
S.
3-08-01 MGB Dr. J Quattlebaum
322-217
IMOLRIPF

Hi everyone,

It has been a while since I have written to let you know how my post surgery weight loss is going. From surgery date, 15 months ago, I have lost 160 lbs. With the 33 lbs I lost right before surgery, that makes a grand total of ....................193 lbs gone forever!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippy!!!!!!

I have so much more energy and feel so much healthier. I just bought a new dress that was size 16. I used to wear size 34. It's great to be able to go into any store and buy clothes. Even though I can see my dress size getting smaller, I still (mentally) see myself 193 lbs heavier. I think it will be a while till my brain catches up with the change in my body.

We will send comparison pictures next month. Hope all is going well with you. Drop me line and let me know how you are doing.

Take care and God bless,

D.

Hi,

Until the last time I went to the doctor and weighed in it didn't really feel real - do you know what I mean? I know that my clothes were either fitting better or were too big but I kept expecting to wake up in the morning and they would fit the same again. When I weighed in and had lost the first 100 pounds I laughed, cried and praised God all the way back to work. I feel like it is REAL now - my hearts desire is really going to come true. I just have to keep exercising like crazy to work on the extra skin - yuck is right.

Thanks for letting me add my two cents.

S.
364/252 - 130 God willing
2/28/01

<< throw out the fact that1 cup of cottage cheese has 28 grams of protein (Breakstone 2%). I have a cup every morning with fruit! >>

I use this form of protein quite a bit myself. I vary it by having fresh raspberries, blueberries or strawberries with the cc, or some canned peaches (lite syrup) or even about 2-3 oz of lite Yoplait yogurt. Very yummy and even pretty portable in a small cooler. I'm always toting a cooler with water and stuff like this. I also eat Vegie Jerky....it's a meat free jerky made with vegetable protein and has no nitrates (made by Vegi Deli...they have a website with more info/products).

I like to have an occasional protein bar...my favorite is Strawberry Cheesecake by Pure Protein. 30 grams protein, 7 grams of carbs. I get them at Vitaglo.com

Another protein bar I like but don't eat often (b/c it's higher in carbs, I limit these to special treats...and they are good!!) This one is by EAS...Myoplex Deluxe with 24 grams of protein and 43 grams of carbs. EAS has some lo-carb bars that are good too.

For protein shakes....I've tried a whole bunch of them and have not had too many that have been good. The ones that I've liked are Designer Protein and EAS has Myoplex Lite shakes that I like. I split the envelopes into 2 shakes using 12 oz of very cold skim milk to make them. GNC is a good place to try various proteins, b/c if you don't like them you can return them for a refund/replacement. I experimented to find the ones I thought tasted good. Everyone's taste varies, but it's good to get suggestions and try him or her out. I have at least 1 shake per day...sometimes 2. I do the cottage cheese thing more and can tolerate meat very well, so fish and meat are consumed often.

T. in Il

Hi J.,
  Yes, the 2-month plateau finally broke the day after my one-year   anniversary! In the first 10 days after my 1-year anniversary I lost   4 lbs! So, looks like we do lose into the 2nd year - COOL! Either   way, I am thrilled to be in the 160s.

  After S. posted the article about fluid loading and how   to use the "pouch" as a tool, I realized how many things I was doing   wrong. I was, inadvertently, eating like someone trying to   beat "the pouch". I was drinking with meals, drinking high-calorie   stuff (lots of juice), grazing throughout the day, and eating meals   over a long period of time allowing me to eat a lot.

  Now, I drink a high-protein drink every morning at home, which somehow keeps me from being quite as hungry during the day, and still have   yogurt once at work. I drink 1 juice a day and the rest water or milk   and have cut back on "junk" food. Still eat 3 squares a day plus   snacks (fruit) and do have some "junk" every day.

  Hope your plateau ends soon and hope to meet you at the picnic.

  Hugs,
  B.
  TX
  MGB 7/24/00
  247.5/161.5 (almost the 150s!!!!!!!)

C.,
It's great to hear more folks experience that we do continue to lose into the 2nd year. Wow, 10 lbs. from the abdominoplasty, I hope mine will take that much too. Hope all the hernia surgeries are over.
B.

Hi all,

Sorry it has been a while since I posted. I started a new job and have had to travel to Tampa for training.

I have been doing well. Being off my schedule with traveling and staying in a hotel has brought on some challenges. But I have managed my way around most of them.

For instance, when the office ordered Pizza for the staff last week, I had some tapioca pudding (like 3 teaspoons). I felt like a freak!

I was not even tempted to eat the pizza, but I found I was pretty self conscious about what I imagined everyone was thinking about me.

I do know that it is mostly in my head. People do not tend to notice as much as you think. And, it does not really matter in the big picture.

Then getting dinner before retiring to my hotel. I went to longhorn steakhouse and ordered a single baked potato to go, another weird thing to do. LOL

It has also been a challenge for me to get to eat when I need to.

Typically people have lunch during working hours and that is it. I have had to figure out a way to eat a little more frequently. So, I now carry those prepackaged crackers and peanut butter or cheese in a small ziploc bag in my purse and nibble on one when I get hungry.

It works perfectly, is discreet and there is no issue with spoilage.

And only one will do the trick for taking vitamins or getting you through until a meal. I also have a small ice chest in the car with ice and gatorade and smart water.

I have been enjoying a lot of chili and potatoes in stage 2. It agrees with me well and is very satisfying. Soup is also a great choice. I will be happy to reach stage 3 and start salads and chicken again. I have been craving both.

But despite any changes that may have been slightly negative (cause these things are so very unimportant) there have been much more positive things. My clothes are fitting better and some are already too big. The scale keeps going down and I am feeling much more energetic. I look at Victoria's Secret Catalogs and know that soon I will be able to shop where everyone else shops. My seatbelt fits more comfortably. MY HUSBAND CALLED MY BUTT "SKINNY" yesterday!!

(liar, but cute)

No matter what stress I am under or how I am feeling, I can relect on years past of having no hope, knowing I would always be fat, and feeling bad about it. I don't feel that way anymore, and I never have to feel like that again. The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades!

I would do this all over again in a heartbeat.

Ok,....hope I haven't elaborated to boredom here!!

lol

I will be at the clinic on Feb 19th in Davenport.

Kim in Orlando

1-16-06 Dr. R and Dr. P

Davenport

34yo 5'2"

268/242/?

Dear Dr. Rutledge,

I was delighted to see the first MGB paper on your web site this evening. After all that's gone on the past few months, it was good to see the encouraging statistics, rather than merely read the scary anecdotes.

As I've told everyone, I consider the MGB to have saved my life. I'm grateful not to have had any significant complications or side effects, and to have very satisfactory weight loss. I believe I was fully informed of the risks, and indeed can't imagine more thorough patient education and pre and post op support from you than I received.

You have my everlasting thanks.

Best regards,

J.

Dee,

I am 3.5 years out and do you want to know what one of the best and

yet simplest pleasures I can partake of now that I had my mgb is? When I

go to a fair or Disney world or six flags, I can ride any ride I want to. I don't have to worry about if I am going to fit . I know it sounds silly but it really means a lot for my to be abvle to go to one of those places and literally not worry about ANYTHING for awhile. It is really amazing!

kelli

Hi
I have to tell you this began as a hope to increase the quality and length of my life.
At 38 years old I weighed in at 332 pounds. I was overweight my entire life and morbidly obese for all but 2 years of my adult life. I had two children as a young adult and even though I was morbidly obese I was able to physically able to interact with them. Since I grew up overweight I had always had to push myself to water ski, dance, roller skate, downhill ski, etc. I even took off 130 pounds at one point, but as soon as I lost focus I regained all plus more. I was a fantastic dieter, but never able to maintain. Then 10 years after my second child I delivered a precious baby boy when I was 31 years old. I soon found out that in the last 10 years the weight was beginning to slow me down. As my weight crept up over the years my world was becoming smaller. I would make excuses to avoid school skate nights and similar activities. I found that I would come home from work and outside of house work and running my older kids to their extra-curricular activities I was exhausted. Hence, my little guy was quickly becoming a TV and computer game zombie.
I was watching my morbidly obese mom and many other family members health deteriorate as they grew older and I knew that was my future if I continued on the current path. I spent 2 1/2 years researching weight loss surgery and was on the schedule to have the RNY procedure for the third time when I was told about the Mini-Gastric Bypass performed in North Carolina.
I have to say it took some serious convincing and facts to change my decision to head to NC for surgery with a surgeon I had never met. I was going to travel 12 hours from home, spend 7 days in a hotel, and pay $17,000 up front with the prayer that my insurance would reimburse me. I contacted a couple of other unrelated doctors and was told each time that they had heard of the MGB and it was the way to go. My cousin a heart specialist in Texas confirmed that I needed to proceed to North Carolina. I went as far as making the check out to me or CLOS just in case I changed my mind when I arrived.
I called Dr. Rutledge's phone number listed on the CLOS.net web site on a Sunday morning and was shocked when he personally answered the call. I immediately hung up, but with the technology he redialed immediately. I was so embarrassed, but at the same time IMPRESSED to the maximum that he took the call and spoke so patiently with me. I have to tell you NOWHERE have I ever been in contact that I would have received such personal attention by a surgeon or any staff member in the medical field.
I had to put more time in preparing for the Mini-Gastric Bypass, MGB, than some of my college courses. I took it serious and talked to many others that had the MGB. We were required to speak/communicate with 10 patients, but I must have contacted more than 20. I knew someone personally that was 18 months postpone and she looked and felt fantastic. I wrote a 15 page report explaining that I clearly understood the topics related to the procedure. I had to include a letter of support from my family. These letters were from my husband, children, and parents. This was just a couple of steps in addition to the clinical requirements. I had to get the support of my primary care physician. He had to provide clinical testing, history and physical exam, EKG, labs, and letter of his support. His letter had to include his support of me as well as his willingness to support me long term. Since I was traveling away for the surgery it was important to have someone local to assist in my long term follow-up care.
Since at the time I was physically healthy as you can be at 332 pounds I knew I was creating a health condition. By this I mean that I was going to be responsible for having labs done annually and following up with both my primary care physician and Dr. Rutledge/CLOS. Long term my PCP reminded me that he would be able to keep my healthier with extra vitamins than if I maintained my current weight. Over time my weight was going to cause problems. At the time I experienced a problem with my bladder, feet ache, becoming out of breath when climbing stairs, and many routine daily tasks that the average sized person takes for granted. It was a chore to properly clean myself.
After completing the intense PreOp preparation and receiving approval from CLOS that I would be a good candidate for the MGB my friend, Patti, and I went down with our husbands for the surgery. I was nervous and excited all at the same time. Once we arrived and met with Dr. Rutledge and his very professional and caring staff of CLOS I confirmed that this was the right decision for me. I had to attend a clinic and learn more about the preOp, surgery, and postpone care. I was also able to meet several other postops in person that were willing to share their experiences and their results. I say results because each of them was a success. For each of them the success wasnt in the number of pounds they had lost or the beauty queen they wanted to become. It was the freedom to live their lives again in a healthy more average sized body. They could cross their legs, get on the floor with grand children; eliminate insulin and the physical damage that Diabetes was responsible for, and on and on
My surgery took 25 minutes. This was a real surgery but I can tell you it was much easier than the other two surgeries I had experienced in my life. I was in the hospital over night. Other than being nauseated I felt fine. I was released the following day and went out and about daily. I didnt feel like running a race, but not like I had just had surgery either. We were asked to call in and check with Dr. Rutledge each day. The staples were removed 7 days later and we headed back to Michigan. I spoke to Dr. Rutledge and his staff several times over the first several months with questions related to diet, vitamins, etc. Each time I felt well cared for.
Over the next 14 months I lost a total of 186 pounds. I was able to eat anything in smaller amounts. My food choices became much healthier. I slowly began to regain my active life with my family. I was no longer the bystander cheering them on. I was along side them enjoying or experiencing the moment. I have rode roller coasters, downhill skied, water skied, roller skated, ice skated, weekly bike rides, etc.
Over the last 4 years I feel that this surgery not only opened the doors for my world but also my youngest son. I have now been able to incorporate all these things into his life and hopefully avoid the limitations and risks that my have accompanied his sedentary lifestyle. Hes slimmed down and swims on a competitive swim team 5-6 days per week, plays football, soccer, and rides his bike with my.
4 years later my life continues to be healthy and something I thought I would never be able to say I am still 146-150 pounds. I have sustained the 186 pounds lost. I felt lucky and loved by family and friends before surgery. I am still the same person inside and my life is the same (same kids, husband, etc.), but what I DO with my life is different today. I play/manage about 10 pounds. I have to avoid milk and real ice cream, but other than that I eat a regular portion. The surgery has since become the tool Dr. Rutledge promised me. He said long term we would be on the same fair playing field as other average sized people. Hes right. Now I have to manage 10 pounds, but I can verify that managing 10 pounds is a world of difference compared to the 200 extra pounds I battled for so many years. Please know that the freedom I feel to move around physically and the perception of others is fantastic.
I just celebrated my 4th anniversary of the MGB and my recent labs are all in normal range. I have to take multi-vitamins and a few other vitamins daily, but its worth the healthy life I now enjoy. I did have to give up pop, coffee, and tea as a result of my surgery. I no longer take an Advil or similar medicine for a headache. Each of these was small sacrifices to pay for what I have been given.
At the time of my surgery I was employed by The Dow Chemical Company in accounting. I had been an employee of Dow for 14 years when Dr. Rutledge brought the Centers of Excellence for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery, Mini-Gastric Bypass to Bay City, Michigan. I never intended to change this part of my life, but was offered the opportunity to become the CLOS Director of Michigan. I have since changed my career.
It has been 2 years this month and 188 successful cases have been performed at our hospital in Michigan. Dr. Rutledge came here for 1 week a month for 14 months to train and experience our local surgeon, Dr. Paul Doroghazi. In the beginning, Dr. Doroghazi watched the first few and then as the time passed the roles reversed. The last few months that Dr. Rutledge was here with us for surgeries he sat in the OR lounge and said, Call me if you need me.
I cant tell you how wonderful it is to be part of such a well organized and guided program assisting others to have this surgery. Its so rewarding to see them become healthier and increase not only their health, but the quality of their lives. The surgeons not only care for the MGB patients while preparing for the surgery, but the care and attention to their labs and follow up continues to be of the highest quality. I am proud to be part of this organization.
Before the MGB ever came to Michigan, I had several friends, co-workers, and relative that also went to North Carolina for the MGB with CLOS under the care of Dr. Robert Rutledge. All of which I am proud to say are healthy today. Some are going into their 3rd year.
Over a year ago, Dr. Rutledge performed the MGB on both of my parents. At the time of surgery my mom was 63 and my dad 67. My mom didnt have as many of the co-morbidities as my dad at the time, but both were in poor health. Prior to having the MGB my dad had a heart bypass, Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Today, hes on one medicine to protect his heart. His heart doctor and primary care physician are thrilled. My moms quality of her life has much improved. From a woman who had to sit in her chair for the rest of the day if she vacuumed her one-story home to an active grandma that runs and cares for her 6 year old grandson daily. She has resumed activities like shopping and sporting events. She lived on pain medicine for the pain in her joints. Today she will tell you she has had maybe 5 pills in over a year. My parents health and quality of life has also been significantly improved.
I apologize for rambling, but as you can see the Mini-Gastric Bypass performed by Dr. Robert Rutledge under the Centers of Excellence for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery has my greatest respect. I do not feel that