I've lost 51 pounds in 8 weeks (which I'm thrilled about) but lost the social aspect of sitting down with my family at a meal or going out with friends. My huge weight loss mainly comes from basically not eating on a daily basis, because of everything going down felt so uncomfortable. I talked to Flo a few weeks ago, and she said not to worry, that at 2 months everything seems to just come together.

Well, once again, she was right. I took my family to Kobe last night to have some family time after a long day (basically to avoid cooking, but we wont tell them that)and I was a little grumpy at first that I wouldn't be able to enjoy a meal with them.

Well guess what! I was thrilled when I was able to eat with no discomfort and nothing hitting like a rock in my tummy! I ordered the veggie delight (no meat) and I ate a little of everything, satisfying my hunger, and enjoying the social aspect of dinner!!! And on the up-upside, I've got 2 days of leftovers! LOL

So thank you for your words of wisdom Flo, now that I can eat something normal, I'm finally sure I did the right thing.

I had my MGB on March 2, 2007.  It has been the best thing ever for me.  I am 35 yrs old, 5'10" and started at 365 lbs.  This morning I weigh 254.  I have lost 111 lbs.  I feel fantastic.  I still have around 65 more to lose and then will definitely need to get the skin removed.  My stomach and a little on my upper thighs seem to be the only areas that will need skin taken off.  My feet used to hurt all of the time, from when I woke up in the morning until I went to bed. 

They never hurt at all anymore.  For all of you that are just getting yours done,  make the time to exercise.  I could barely walk 1/2 a mile in March and now I run 2 1/2 miles almost everyday.  This has definitely been key to my weight loss.  I think I can say that I'm starting to love to exercise. :o)  I went home to see my family for the month of July and they couldn't believe how different I looked. 

Well it has been a year exactly since I have had the operation. During the year many things have changed and I can't think of any that were not positive. I have reduced my weight by 185 lbs. in the year. While not unlike everyone else it has been a great learning experience, from how people react to me, to going shopping. My diet has changed of course, and the amount of food I eat has been reduced incredibly. I finally have learned what a doggy bag is when you leave a restaurant, something I new nothing about.

During the year I have only seen my Doctor, as per checkups and tests that CLOS, where the year before I was at the doctor's office about once a week. So I have done my part to assist the government in reducing my OHIP costs.

So it has been fun, the past year.

I researched bypass surgery for well over a year. I was ready to have the same surgery that Carnie Wilson had. God interceded when I confided in my sister. We were both ashamed that we were resorting to surgery, but we needed to tell someone at the same time. I sent her the web site. She sent it to a friend that had the MGB. Her friend told her that she needed to go to CLOS.net and check out the MGB. Once there, we were both believers.

I went with my sister when she had her surgery. We flew to NC and went to the Statesville office. It was so hard to watch her go through all of this knowing that I couldn't afford to have it done. She was my "skinny sister" and was 80-90 pounds less than I was. Her surgery took 22 minutes; Dr Rutledge came out to tell me that she was fine. I was green with envy and so happy for her. We met someone that was in the hospital that had a twisted bowel or a kink or something that happened. She was miserable and had an NG tube that went from her nose into her stomach. We would watch her eat a Popsicle and watch the liquid flow through her NG tube. The day her tube was removed, she glowed! We didn't even realize it was gone. Nothing else was billed to her and it was all covered. She is over 100 pounds skinnier and believes it was all worth those first few bumpy days.

Six months later, almost to the day, I had the MGB. Even knowing the problems people can have, I was confident going in to surgery. Once the IV was in, I was calm and ready to go! My surgery was without problems. It did take 72 minutes since Dr R was showing two other surgeons how to do this procedure. I had a drain in me when I woke up that kind of freaked me out until it was pointed out to me that it was better to have it drain out than stay in. I was so nauseous when I woke up that I just kept going back to sleep until I felt better. I went shopping the day after surgery. Proudly showed people my ports at a Woman's conference a few days later and felt skinnier every second. Went to the annual picnic in NC and looked at all of that lovely food and didn't want any of it.

Went home and watched amazed as my body changed. I was 300 pounds on the morning of surgery. I weighed myself once a month and measured myself once a month. I took the first year to remake my life. I exercise now, I eat well and I love myself. That is not something I would have said and meant at 300 pounds. I wanted to love myself, but I didn't. What do I love most? My new size? My new wardrobe? No, I love the fact that I finally put myself first. I had a problem and it wasn't going away. We didn't have 17,000 to spend, but who does? We begged, borrowed and did everything but steal to scrape the money together. I will be paying my 401K and my sister back for another three years. It was worth every penny of it!

One of my littermates had a leak. They took her back in to surgery the morning that most of us were leaving the hospital. She too had an NG tube and was pretty miserable. She was diabetic and her diabetes was not under good control when she had her surgery. I asked her while she was in the hospital if she would do it again; she said it was too soon to ask that question. She was in the hospital about 17 days. It was all covered under the 17,000 and she is now in the Ukraine doing God's work. It was worth it to her after all.

I weigh 155 pounds now. BMI's show that I am overweight still. I am 5 4 3/4 inches tall and wear size 10 dresses and am most comfortable in size 11/12 pants. I wear medium to large tops depending on the style. I started in size 28 pants that were five years old... meaning they were probably stretched out to 32's. I wore 3X tops. My body is still shrinking. I lost over a size in my feet alone! My self confidence amazes me on a daily basis.

Negatives? Even those that experienced problems in the beginning don't regret having this surgery. I can only report on those problems I saw, mine has been the typical problem free experience. Once I have been stable for a year, I will get a tummy tuck. Maybe size 8's will be in my future after all!?! All I know is that before September 2003, I didn't feel like I had much of a future.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Should you? Life has taught me about choices and the only one that can make this decision is you. Check out every piece of information you can. Do you want to talk? Call me. I am home after 5:00 and up until 10:00 central time. If I am not home, leave a message and I will call you back. 972-910-8429

I personally want to take the time to say thank you. I was a patient of yours Oct. 21, 2003. My weight loss has been fantastic. I believe I started at 254 and right now I am about 161. So I am definitely not complaining. I actually look cute in a bathing suit again. My person goal is to be at 150 and I am quite sure I will reach that by my year anniversary. Any other weight that falls off will be a blessing, but not really necessary.

I will say I am the happiest I have been in several years. My self-esteem has improved greatly. Instead of doing web-design from my house, I am now an administrative assistant in one of my father's offices. People come in all the time and tell me they hardly recognize me. That's a great feeling. Plus they offer health insurance, so I am waiting the 60 day period...... patiently waiting. I haven't had insurance in 3 years so 60 more days won't kill me.

I haven't had any complications whatsoever. I ate too fast once... just once. I learned my lesson. I have had no dumping syndrome. I will be honest in saying I have had sweet tea a few times. I couldn't resist the urge. Hard to live in South Carolina without an occassional sweet tea. Especially at our famous shrimp boils in the low country. I did have a cold last week. I could hardly believe it. I never get sick!! When I do get sick I call it my 3 year cold. It hits maybe every 3 or 4 years. It wasn't bad. Just a lot of coughing. I sucked on some sugar-free Halls and was fine. It was just no fun being sick in summer.

I did run into a slight problem a couple of months ago. I did become pregnant after a condom mishap and I did discover quickily that I was pregnant. My doctor sent me to Planned Parenthood because she knew and I knew I was definitely not ready for that especially just being 29 years old, not married, just had this surgery and just getting my life started again. That went fine. I do have one question. I know you said not to go back on birth control until your body works things out. How do we know when that happens? I honestly don't want another birth control problem, at least until I am married, so I want to get back on birth control soon. I'm getting married next year, but don't really want another accident before then. LOL mishaps cost too much.

Thanks again for everything! This has been a great experience and I am so happy I have a life again. I hope you are coming to the picnic in October near Winston-Salem.

There are certain and very few major decisions in life that change the course of your life. Once set, the course is easier to follow, though we are still able to screw up the direction, largely because of inadvertence or carelessness. Compasses help. Each of us turns to various authorities for support and guidance. The critical thing about this experience is the ability to recognize the possibilities and potential to make the course changes that will, only afterwards, become one of those major decision.

With the passage of almost six months, it is clear to me that I have made a major decision in my life, a critical one, that may prolong my life and that has already had a profound impact on the quality of my life, and on my self-esteem and sense of myself. That decision, of course, is to have a bitten the bullet so to speak, and to have undergone the MGB operation. Connecting to Clos and Dr. Rutledge has made the implementation of the decision that much easier, as is my gratitude to my family physician, Dr. H. Fiala, for steering me to Dr. Rutledge in North Carolina, and for his encouragement throughout the process and afterwards and still.

I had the surgery on February 2, 2004 in Statesville. Surgery was completed without complication. I was on the table for forty minutes. Apparently hard to intubate me, but the skillful anesthetist managed without breaking any teeth. 6-7 feet of duodenum was bypassed, though Dr. Rutledge reminded me in the pre-Op discussion that there are not markers on the bowels. My liver was reported to be fatty. No big surprise there. Recovery was without very special incident. A bit of low grade fever. Drive home to Toronto after 7 days in the Holiday Inn with my wife. Bought a size 3x jacket which is now very big and which gives me pleasure every time I put it on. Rained a lot during the week in Statesville. Day time TV was, well, awful.

I returned to work after about 8 days following the surgery. Adjusted to my small stomach, new food, supplements, pills, etc. I have not looked back since.

I am now off all hypertension medication, all drugs of all kinds, except drugs related to the gall bladder - Ursol is what it is called in Ontario. I am religiously taking the vitamin pills and more, including salmon oil, folic acid, vitamin E, and others. I had a sleep study two weeks ago. My very serious sleep apnea, more than 70 apneas per minute ten years ago, is now a mere several shallow breathings every few minutes. I expect to stop using the CPAP very soon, except that I am used to it, and rather like it... I get used to sleeping with, well... whatever...

I have much more energy, no joint pain, no back pain, and I am expecting to be ready to ski in Europe this winter. Sex is much better, too.

I have begun muscle and toning training twice per week, and I have bought one of those balls and I have discovered muscles in my stomach that I did not think existed - abs. The training is both weight and aerobic, and I am walking much more, even regularly, several kilometers per day. I no longer try to park right near where I want to go. I walk upstairs just for the heck of it. I am not out of breath, except following real exertion.

>From a high weight of 408 in August 2003, I dropped about 10 pounds in pre-surgery dieting, fearful that I would be too big for the instruments. I weighted 399 at the weigh in before the surgery. I now weigh 288 pounds. I am amazed by the weight loss, and by how terrific I feel. I am also not accustomed to all the nice comments about my appearance. Women respond very differently to men who are just fat as opposed to apparently morbidly obese, I have discovered.

I eat protein, vegetables, fish and Gatorade. I avoid fried foods, especially deep fried anything, and I eat very little red meat, pork and only chicken without skin. "White" ocean fish are best I have found, like cod, monkfish, haddock, halibut, sole, grouper, etc. I also eat lobster and scallops, all in very small quantities. Yogurt every day, Oatmeal every second day. Poached eggs regularly, almost no bread. Soups with legumes and oats and barley, cream vegetable based soups, etc. Fruit from time to time, especially bananas.

Lots of variety, Much healthier than every before in my life. Simply amazing. Few agent orange bouts, one vomit after over eating Chinese food, early mon. Spending less time on toilets that 3 months ago. Bowels are working well, though frequently compared to the camel bowels I had when I was huge.

To those thinking about this, and who are fearful, bon courage!!

To those struggling with the decision to proceed or not, I hope this report helps.

To those who are on the path with me, felicitations!!

To those who are amazed, like me, about who they have become. Say hello to the new you. Bonjour!!

I am now down from a 62 inch waist to 48 inches. Neck is down from 21.5 inches to 18.5 inches. All of my clothes are too big, and I can hardly keep up with losing the weight. I buy new suits in September, after a rest here in Newfoundland where I watch whales, eat partridgeberry, blueberry, and rhubarb and fish, walk on the Rock, and experience the rebirth that this surgery has afforded to me.

Regards to all my friends at CLOS. Special Hello to Dr. Rutledge...and to Penny Belcher.

I will announce another Toronto MGB Support Group meeting for mid to late September, assuming there is interest.

Cheers to all,

Brian Shell brianmexico2003@yahoo.ca

Surgery Date: February 2, 2004 Surgery: Dr. Robert Rutledge High Weight in August 2003: 408 pounds Pre-Op weight in February 2004: 399 pounds Present weight after 5.5. months (July 15, 2004): 288 pounds.

===== BRIAN SHELL Shell Lawyers 672 DuPont Street, Suite 401 Toronto, ON M6G 1Z6 CANADA

Telephone: 416 5390226 ext. 201 Facsimile: 416 5390235

Visit Our New Website: www.shelllawyers.ca

First Name: Deb 

Method of Contact Email

Patient's email Address dsmith@medclaiminc.com

Date of Mini-Gastric Bypass 8/19/03

PreOp Weight 280 (1 week before surgery); 272 pre-op ( I was a good girl and really ate light for the week before surgery - I kinda think I should get to count these as lost pounds, don't you guys???

Weight Now : 167

Surgery Location: Statesville, NC

Comorbidities: Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Reflux (GERD), Sleep Apnea, Shortness of breath, elevated HgA1C (predictor of diabetes), Lower back pain, pinched nerve in my back the radiated down my leg, making walking a real pain! hypothyroidism

Personal information: I am 52 years old, a pharmacist by profession, who quit "licking sticking and pouring" and started a medical billing office. It grew from 6 employees to 140 in a little over 2 years mostly because we were very lucky to be in the right place at the right time and got an exclusive contract with a large provider. Then last May, they bought the company from me, guaranteed a job for all of my employees and asked me to stay around. Can't beat that!

I was one of the unlucky folks whose insurance specifically excluded any treatments for obesity, but I was lucky enough to have the funds as a result of the sale of the business to self pay for MGB.

Comments: Drs. Rutledge, Cherry and McKenzie are great. They take the time to explain the process and answer all your questions. The hospital was small, but they were very efficient. I think they have 10-12 patients every week, so they probably know exactly what we are all going through.

Surgery experience: I was the third person scheduled. They called me to the pre-op room about 11am and I got all dolled up in the lovely hospital gown. Started the IV and answered a bunch of questions, signed my consent form and then was given Versed and Pepcid. The woman ahead of me had some complications and her surgery took 2 hours, but I slept through most of that time - Versed really relaxes you. They gave me another dose of Versed and took me to the operating room about 2:30pm - my surgery took about 30 minutes, I woke up in my room about 5:30pm. Had a little pain - believe it or not the worst place was where they stuck me with the IV needle - really was annoying! Was up and walking about 10:30pm - went up and down the hall. Really didn't have any problem.

I was released the next morning - I live only 45 miles from the hospital, so I went home. Was in my own bed by noon. Slept and took it easy for the next 24 hours. Was up and connected to the office via the internet responding to email on Thursday the 21st. Actually went back to work on Monday.

I do have some problems getting in the 64 oz of liquid each day, but I am coming close. Really hate Pepto Bismol, but chug it down anyways - I can do anything for 3 months. Ate chicken broth, saltines, yogurt, hot V-8 juice and Gatorade for the first two weeks. This last week, I have tried mashed potatoes, cream soup, advanced to chicken noodle soup. I mix the Citrucel in the blender with yogurt and a banana and applesauce in the morning and in the hot V-8 juice at night. Have started the Actigal and Vitamins this week and knock on wood, it has not caused any problems with diarrhea that I have been reading some folks have.

September 15th update:

I have been really blessed with this operation and my clothes are getting really baggy! I would do it again in a heart beat - in fact there are 6 or 7 folks that I work with that are watching to see how I do that could really benefit from the MGB surgery.

Back pain is gone, high cholesterol is gone!

I travel a lot with my job, but I have control over my schedule, so I didn't travel for two weeks - I could have, but I decided to take it easy, work 8 hour days (usually am a workaholic and put in 10-12 hours) and get some extra sleep. The first time I left home after the surgery, I traveled by car (12 days after surgery) about 4 hours - didn't have any trouble. Packed my blender and food in a cooler in my trunk and had no problems. The room had a microwave, so I was set.

Three weeks after surgery I flew for the first time - I took Atkins bars (they have one called Creamy Cinnamon Bun that melts in your mouth and has 13 grams of protein), and took soda crackers (which did not travel very well - smashed to smithereens). The airline has tomato juice and apple juice and I carried my Gatorade in my bag.

At four weeks out, I flew to Montana for business - 8 hours in a plane - again did OK - the airport had a smoothie place and I had a banana one with extra protein added.

I think that is my biggest concern - getting in 50 grams of protein every day, so I do not lose lean muscle mass. I would rather eat the bars than the protein powder, but I am trying different ones to see which I like best.

The hotels I stay in always have microwaves, so I can heat soup and eventually Lean Cuisines or the like and I think I'll do very well. I found a small blender - makes about 1.5 cups and fits into my suitcase well. So that handles breakfast and protein powder. I plan to stay with soft foods for several more weeks. I also pulled the card for restaurants off the clos.net site that asks restaurants to give you small portions - haven't used that yet, but it should be helpful when I get to eating "real" food.

I am amazed that I have not experienced any hunger pains - in fact I have to push myself to eat to get in the 64 oz of liquids.

September 30, 2003 update:

Now have lost 44 pounds - I am 6 weeks out today. I feel great. I have had 3 episodes of feeling bad after eating and have decided that I ate too fast and didn't chew well. I have been inhaling food for 30 years, so it is hard to remember to eat very small bites and chew them up very well before swallowing!

I got to buy new pants last weekend - bought the first pair of size 18 slacks I've been able to wear in more than 10 years! Kinda feels good. Still working on getting in all the protein. And I drink tomato juice and orange juice every day - getting lots of sodium and potassium that way!

October 21, 2003 Update:

Now have lost 54 pounds - and am 9 weeks out today. I have been able to eat any food, just very small amounts. I have settled into a routine that I get tomato juice every day and orange juice every day- that provides me with sufficient potassium and sodium. Went on a trip to Canada last weekend and walked all day long, up hills and down hills and did not have a problem. This is amazing to me! Three months ago, I would have sat in my hotel room, because walking hurt. I had a pinched nerve in my back that radiated down my right leg. After 15 minutes or so, my leg hurt and I got so completely out of breath that I had to rest.

I am ready to start exercising. I have cleared off the treadmill at home, and am looking for a personal trainer to work with me a bit. We have an exercise room at work and I hope I can learn what to do on all the equipment that will benefit me the most.

November 11, 2003 Update:

Now have lost 63 pounds at 12 weeks! I've completely run out of clothes to wear and need to find something to wear - such a problem!!! I feel wonderful. The work with the personal trainer is great - in fact, several of the folks at work have joined me and we now spend our lunch hour working out! Would never have believed it a few months ago. I can walk a mile or more on the treadmill and my back doesn't hurt and I am not totally out of breath. I have found a great new bar at GNC - "Promax - cookies and Cream" - it has 20 grams of protein in 2.7 ounces. It also has 200 mg Sodium and 210 mg of Potassium. It has whey protein and about 25% of the RDA of about 20 vitamins and minerals. And on top of that it tastes GREAT!!!!! I nibble on one all afternoon at work or on the road.

Visited my PCP last week and she was amazed! Took me off a couple of my medications and have me a big hug as I walked out the door.

I am eating any food that I desire to eat - nothing seems to have given me any problems. I just eat a few bites and eat 6 times a day!

December 1, 2003 Update:

Halfway there! I've lost 70 pounds in 15 weeks. Had to buy clothes - got into a size 16. Can't believe that I've gone from a 3x to a 16/18. I've lost over 100 inches of fat!!! My sister wrote a little note for the chat room it said the following:

You know your sister has had a MGB when...

...she seems happier than she has in years.

...is way less stressed.

...smiles a lot for no reason.

...likes to walk up stairs.

...never rides the elevator any more.

...still enjoys her sister's cooking, but just eats way less.

...hums along with the radio more than ever.

...buys a sports bra for the first time in her life.

...digs clothes out of her closet that she hasn't seen in years....and they are too big!!

And the list could go on and on!!!

Kinda think that says a lot! Don't realize what an impact this is having of folks around you or what they notice, but guess they do notice!

December 19, 2003 Update:

Well, it's been 4 months and I've lost 77 pounds. Gone from a size 26 to a 16 (sometimes an 18) and feel great. I've had to learn the difference between a womens size 16 and a misses size 16. (hint - the women's sizes are bigger in the butt!) Had a sleep study done last week to see if I could throw away the bi-pap machine - good news I am much better, but still not fixed. Said to test again after another 50 pounds or so. I am also losing hair - glad I have a lot of it. Crazy time now, getting all ready for Christmas. Wish everyone well!! Happy Holidays!

January 30, 2004 Update:

Where does the time go? It's been 5½ months and I'm down 86 pounds. Endured my first plateau - 4 weeks stuck at 202 pounds! I really wanted to be under 200 by New Years Day, but didn't make it. Then, like magic, on the 14th I got on the scale and had lost 5 pounds! Amazing! I have purchased all the flavors of the Nectar products that someone talked about on this group site about a month ago (web page is wlssuccess.com) They are delicious and have 46 grams of protein per 8 oz drink. My favorite is the Caribbean Cooler - tastes like a pina colada. And I don't have any problem getting in 60 grams a day of protein. They also have some great Protein cookies - I got the lemon zest ones and eat one a couple of times a week. Nice change.

We got an exercise class started at work - a personal trainer comes in twice a week and we work out for an hour! There are five of us who exercise (although I am the only one who has had bypass surgery) and so it makes it affordable and fun! I have muscles that I didn't even know I had. We are lucky to have some nice exercise equipment, but really our trainer does a lot with weights, exercise balls and bands, so we could do it without all the machines and probably be just as successful.

We've made plans to go on a cruise in May - Got the tickets and may even look for a swimming suit!

February 19, 2004 Update

Well, had my 6 month check up in Statesville last week. Everything is going great. I have lost 91 pounds. I have lost 130 inches. I measure a lot of places, but it is pretty amazing where you lose weight. I've lost an inch from each wrist, and 1.5 inches from each ankle, not to mention 14 inches from my waist! As others have said, it is nice to measure and keep track, so when I get a little frustrated when I hit a plateau, I can measure and have usually lost inches!!!

I am exercising now most days - 3 days of aerobic stuff, walking and using the elliptical machine and 2 days of weight work. Seems to be working - I'm not totally drooping after loosing 90 pounds!

March 18, 2004 Update:

This contact letter is really getting long, but I know when I was making my decision to have the surgery, this information would have been helpful, so I guess I'll just keep adding to it - probably less frequently!! I've had to have links taken out of my watch, and my rings are way too big, but it is a problem that I love having. I'm going to see my dad for the first time in 6 months tomorrow - bet he'll be surprised! I'm now at 98 pounds lost at 7 months out. Thank you Dr. Rutledge!

May 13, 2004 Update

Now down 108 pounds - weight loss is slowing down, and that seems to be a mixed blessing!. My biggest fear before surgery was "what do I do if I can't stop loosing weight?" and the fact the MGB was reversible was a big reason that I was comfortable having the surgery. So, because of that, the slow down is a good thing! On the other hand, I really wanted to get to my goal of 140 pounds and find myself wishing I could "hurry and and get there" What a quandry!!!!!!

Just got back from a 7 day cruise to the Western Carribbean - what a wonderful time we had! I walked on the beaches and took several tours and never got tired! I wore a swimming suit for the first time in years and wore shorts every day! My legs are getting better looking every day. All that work with the personnal trainer seems to be paying off. Had a lot of fun in the dining room each night ordering each course and then just eating a few bites - and giving the rest to the others in our group. Also bought some new jewelry since they have such great bargains in Mexico.

June 15, 2004 Update

Finally!!!! I had been on a plateau for a month - stuck at 172 pounds. Went to the beach house this last weekend and walked miles on the beach and went out in the water and found sand dollars with my toes and jumped up and down to keep my head above water during the big waves. I don't know if that had any effect, but this morning I am down 2 pounds. Let's hope I don't have another one of these really slow months for a while - still want to lose 25-30 pounds. I am now wearing size 12-14 clothes, so if I never lost another pound it would be OK. By the way, for those of you who have WalMarts close (and who doesn't) they have a line of clothing "White Stag" that looks good and is really inexpensive! AND the sizes run large - I wear a medium (size 8-10) in their shorts and slacks!!! What a mind trip! From 26/28 to 8/10 in 10 months. I've now lost 159 inches ( I measure 14 places - neck, upper arm, elbow, wrist, armpit, bust, under bust, waist, hips, thigh, above and below the knee, calf and ankle). I haven't had real problems with digestive problems and leaking that I have been reading a lot about. Sometimes hate to discuss some of this personal stuff, but... I usually have a bowel movement in the morning - it is usually quite loose and truly smells bad! I am an Ozium addict!! It is truly wonderful at neutralizing the smell. The only time that I have problems is if I eat a few pieces of candy (which I must admit I did around Christmas and at Valentine's Day), then I visit the porcelain Idol more than once a day.

July 8, 2004 Update

It's been a lonnngggg month! I was stuck again - but got on the scale this morning and am down to 167 pounds. I am going to follow the advice of some of the smart folks on this board and concentrate on protein. It is easy to get into a carb routine with all of the fruits available in the summer - I could eat them all of the time. I am still exercising and losing inches and feeling great.

I wish you success it getting your packet complete and know that you'll count the days until you can have the surgery. It is the best thing I ever did for myself.

Let me know if you need any more info!

Deb in Charlotte, NC

Sandy MGB 11-12-02 5'3" age 44 Pre op wt 315 wt today 155 from a size 28 to a 12

Wt loss as of today 160 pounds!!!

I have battled my weight all my life and been successful on many diets but not successful in keeping the weight off once the diet was over. I had researched weight loss surgery for 2 years and had given up hope. All the ones I found out about were way to invasive and risky and the side affects not something I could live with. One night I woke up at 3:00 a.m. and I went and sat down in front of my computer. I said out loud, "God, please.if there is anything out there that can help me lose weight and be healthy lead me to it!" I logged onto Yahoo and did a search and the first thing that came up was the Mini-Gastric Bypass. I read through a lot of information on the internet and then printed off the manual. After reading that I was so excited but still a bit skeptical so I contacted several former MGB patients by phone. Finally, I had found what I had been searching for and today I am so much thinner and healthier, the MGB has changed my life!!!

I had the MGB by Dr. R. in Statesville. The staff at Davis was great and took very good care of me. The hospital was older and smaller than I expected but clean. My surgery went fine, a little longer than some because Dr. R said I am so short waisted. I do not remember needing to use the pain pump after surgery. As soon as I was able I got up and started walking the halls and visiting the other MGB patients. I think a big key to staying pain free and a quick recovery is to get up and get moving! I did have a minor complication - pneumonia, but was treated with IV antibiotics and breathing treatments. I stayed in the hospital an extra day and there was no extra charge. I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, the room was nice and it was around $50. I could have easily gone back to work in a week after surgery but instead my husband and I flew to Florida for a week's vacation then I returned to work. I am now off all of my cholesterol and blood pressure medications and no longer use my C-PAP machine for sleep apnea. I can now exercise without getting short of breath. I used to have bad headaches every day. I have only had one sinus headache in the past 11 months. I have not had problems with any foods or liquids. My favorite yogurt is Dannon la Crème Mousse French Vanilla. Like everyone else I did have some hair loss but my husband bought me the Volumizing Essentials Continuity 1 kit from Nick Chavez off QVC item number A107541 for $47. You get 6 full sized products that really work and make your hair feel plump and thick!!!! I use about a pea size of each product so it is lasting me for a long time and I am getting lots of compliments on my hair.

I take my Citrucel twice a day and One Source vitamins 3 times a day. I have been very pleased with the results of my surgery and would do it again. If you have any specific questions please feel free to contact me.

I had my one year post op visit with my local physician. He was very impressed with my good lab results and of course the weight loss. My only regret is that I didn't know about the MGB years ago!

Sandy Hays, Kansas

dbangle@ruraltel.net

I need to be removed from your distribution list. I will be leaving my job shortly to begin a new life, thanks to God and the MGB surgery. I plan to go to Elim Bible Institute in Lima, NY for two semesters to get some medical training. Then, probably next May or June, I should be leaving for Nairobi, Kenya (Africa) on a work permit for Rehema Home orphanage.

This would not have been possible before MGB. I had severe diabetes and very high blood pressure that was not controlled properly with medications. I don't have those co-morbidities anymore! I do HAVE A LIFE now! I can hardly believe it myself, but I am finally on the move and living my life in such a full way.

Attached is the most recent photo of me (80 pounds lighter than before MGB). I don't celebrate my year's anniversary until September 15th, but I am celebrating every day now. I know you understand that.

Thank you and Dr. Rutledge and all the staff for the wonderful things you are doing to improve the lives of so many. We love you all. God bless you.

Henry & I went to our family reunion yesterday and as you know I celebrated my 18 month MGB anniversary this weekend losing 150 lbs. It was an unforgetable experience. No more worries about will a lawn chair crash and my big butt hit the ground when I sit in it, no more will I be able to breathe walking up the hill from the parking lot, no more sitting and sweating because I can't take the heat, no more being ashamed of being the heaviest person there, no more no more no more!!!

Instead I could sit in any chair or picnic bench that was there, I walked up and down all the hills and could breathe easily, I didn't sweat any more or less than anyone else, and I was PROUD of how I looked in a Size 8-10 jean capris and Medium pink tee shirt with normal size 7 pink sandals!! My hair is now light brown with blonde streaks!! Got rid of the grey! Being 54 yrs old is not so bad after all. Needless to say, I received many many compliments from the young gals, many many groans from my sister-in-laws for being smaller than them now, and many winks and hugs from my brother-in-laws!!

I am still floating on cloud nine this morning!! And grinning!!

What a difference in a year and a half!! Going from a Size 26-28 weighing 320 lbs to a Size 8-10 weighing 170 is so sweet! Thank you Dr. Rutledge for all you have done for me and my family!!! I live such a totally different life and I am so happy!!

May you all find such joy!

Hugs,

Carla 320/170

I live in Joplin and just had my MGB with Dr. H. on Tuesday. My procedure took longer than most because he found a hernia that he had to repair before he could do my procedure plus the surgical instrument misfired right at the beginning and cut but didn't staple so Dr. had to do some additional stitching by hand. My surgery took 59 minutes. Even though I was off to a rather rocky start, I haven't had any trouble with recovery. I didn't once have to use the morphine pump and have had no trouble with nausea. I was up walking just a few hours after I woke up in my room. I will go Tuesday to my PCP to have my staples out. Dr. H. is in Florida this week so he suggested that I have my own Dr. remove the staples rather than having them out on Friday. Like many others I am getting tired of the liquid diet but I have found that the Campbell's brand "Soup at Hand" is a welcome change. The chicken and mini noodles as well as the blended vegetable medley are both good and both went down well for me.I In answer to your question as to what to do in Joplin in August one thing I can suggest is to check out Precious Moments in Carthage and well as all the neat Victorian homes in Carthage. Carthage is only about a 15 minute drive from Joplin. It is also a Civil War town with a lot of history. We also have a fairly large group of artists that live in and around Carthage. You might want to check it out on the web to see what is going on while you will be here. I recently went to the Lady Diana exhibit at Precious Moments and thought it was great. Make sure you eat before you go in because it will probably take you more than 2 hours to get through it. If I think of anything else that you might like to see I will let you know. When you live here you don't think about all the tourist opportunities that might interest someone. I wish you the best with your procedure. Dr. H. is a really nice guy and he is great to explain what is going to happen with the surgery and to answer all your questions. Let me know if you have more questions or if I can help with anything else. Maybe I can stop by and see you while you are in the hospital. I will have a month under my belt by then. Best of Luck.

First Name: Deb

Last Name Smith

Method of Contact Email

Patient's email Address dsmith@m...

Date of Mini-Gastric Bypass 8/19/03

PreOp Weight 280 (1 week before surgery); 272 pre-op ( I was a good girl and really ate light for the week before surgery - I kinda think I should get to count these as lost pounds, don't you guys???

Weight Now : 167

Surgery Location: Statesville, NC

Comorbidities: Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Reflux (GERD), Sleep Apnea, Shortness of breath, elevated HgA1C (predictor of diabetes), Lower back pain, pinched nerve in my back the radiated down my leg, making walking a real pain! hypothyroidism

Personal information: I am 52 years old, a pharmacist by profession, who quit "licking sticking and pouring" and started a medical billing office. It grew from 6 employees to 140 in a little over 2 years mostly because we were very lucky to be in the right place at the right time and got an exclusive contract with a large provider. Then last May, they bought the company from me, guaranteed a job for all of my employees and asked me to stay around. Can't beat that!

I was one of the unlucky folks whose insurance specifically excluded any treatments for obesity, but I was lucky enough to have the funds as a result of the sale of the business to self pay for MGB.

Comments: Drs. Rutledge great. They take the time to explain the process and answer all your questions. The hospital was small, but they were very efficient. I think they have 10-12 patients every week, so they probably know exactly what we are all going through.

Surgery experience: I was the third person scheduled. They called me to the pre-op room about 11am and I got all dolled up in the lovely hospital gown. Started the IV and answered a bunch of questions, signed my consent form and then was given Versed and Pepcid. The woman ahead of me had some complications and her surgery took 2 hours, but I slept through most of that time - Versed really relaxes you. They gave me another dose of Versed and took me to the operating room about 2:30pm - my surgery took about 30 minutes, I woke up in my room about 5:30pm. Had a little pain - believe it or not the worst place was where they stuck me with the IV needle - really was annoying! Was up and walking about 10:30pm - went up and down the hall. Really didn't have any problem.

I was released the next morning - I live only 45 miles from the hospital, so I went home. Was in my own bed by noon. Slept and took it easy for the next 24 hours. Was up and connected to the office via the internet responding to email on Thursday the 21st. Actually went back to work on Monday.

I do have some problems getting in the 64 oz of liquid each day, but I am coming close. Really hate Pepto Bismol, but chug it down anyways - I can do anything for 3 months. Ate chicken broth, saltines, yogurt, hot V-8 juice and Gatorade for the first two weeks. This last week, I have tried mashed potatoes, cream soup, advanced to chicken noodle soup. I mix the Citrucel in the blender with yogurt and a banana and applesauce in the morning and in the hot V-8 juice at night. Have started the Actigal and Vitamins this week and knock on wood, it has not caused any problems with diarrhea that I have been reading some folks have.

September 15th update:

I have been really blessed with this operation and my clothes are getting really baggy! I would do it again in a heart beat - in fact there are 6 or 7 folks that I work with that are watching to see how I do that could really benefit from the MGB surgery.

Back pain is gone, high cholesterol is gone!

I travel a lot with my job, but I have control over my schedule, so I didn't travel for two weeks - I could have, but I decided to take it easy, work 8 hour days (usually am a workaholic and put in 10-12 hours) and get some extra sleep. The first time I left home after the surgery, I traveled by car (12 days after surgery) about 4 hours - didn't have any trouble. Packed my blender and food in a cooler in my trunk and had no problems. The room had a microwave, so I was set.

Three weeks after surgery I flew for the first time - I took Atkins bars (they have one called Creamy Cinnamon Bun that melts in your mouth and has 13 grams of protein), and took soda crackers (which did not travel very well - smashed to smithereens). The airline has tomato juice and apple juice and I carried my Gatorade in my bag.

At four weeks out, I flew to Montana for business - 8 hours in a plane - again did OK - the airport had a smoothie place and I had a banana one with extra protein added.

I think that is my biggest concern - getting in 50 grams of protein every day, so I do not lose lean muscle mass. I would rather eat the bars than the protein powder, but I am trying different ones to see which I like best.

The hotels I stay in always have microwaves, so I can heat soup and eventually Lean Cuisines or the like and I think I'll do very well. I found a small blender - makes about 1.5 cups and fits into my suitcase well. So that handles breakfast and protein powder. I plan to stay with soft foods for several more weeks. I also pulled the card for restaurants off the clos.net site that asks restaurants to give you small portions - haven't used that yet, but it should be helpful when I get to eating "real" food.

I am amazed that I have not experienced any hunger pains - in fact I have to push myself to eat to get in the 64 oz of liquids.

September 30, 2003 update:

Now have lost 44 pounds - I am 6 weeks out today. I feel great. I have had 3 episodes of feeling bad after eating and have decided that I ate too fast and didn't chew well. I have been inhaling food for 30 years, so it is hard to remember to eat very small bites and chew them up very well before swallowing!

I got to buy new pants last weekend - bought the first pair of size 18 slacks I've been able to wear in more than 10 years! Kinda feels good. Still working on getting in all the protein. And I drink tomato juice and orange juice every day - getting lots of sodium and potassium that way!

October 21, 2003 Update:

Now have lost 54 pounds - and am 9 weeks out today. I have been able to eat any food, just very small amounts. I have settled into a routine that I get tomato juice every day and orange juice every day- that provides me with sufficient potassium and sodium. Went on a trip to Canada last weekend and walked all day long, up hills and down hills and did not have a problem. This is amazing to me! Three months ago, I would have sat in my hotel room, because walking hurt. I had a pinched nerve in my back that radiated down my right leg. After 15 minutes or so, my leg hurt and I got so completely out of breath that I had to rest.

I am ready to start exercising. I have cleared off the treadmill at home, and am looking for a personal trainer to work with me a bit. We have an exercise room at work and I hope I can learn what to do on all the equipment that will benefit me the most.

November 11, 2003 Update:

Now have lost 63 pounds at 12 weeks! I've completely run out of clothes to wear and need to find something to wear - such a problem!!! I feel wonderful. The work with the personal trainer is great - in fact, several of the folks at work have joined me and we now spend our lunch hour working out! Would never have believed it a few months ago. I can walk a mile or more on the treadmill and my back doesn't hurt and I am not totally out of breath. I have found a great new bar at GNC - "Promax - cookies and Cream" - it has 20 grams of protein in 2.7 ounces. It also has 200 mg Sodium and 210 mg of Potassium. It has whey protein and about 25% of the RDA of about 20 vitamins and minerals. And on top of that it tastes GREAT!!!!! I nibble on one all afternoon at work or on the road.

Visited my PCP last week and she was amazed! Took me off a couple of my medications and have me a big hug as I walked out the door.

I am eating any food that I desire to eat - nothing seems to have given me any problems. I just eat a few bites and eat 6 times a day!

December 1, 2003 Update:

Halfway there! I've lost 70 pounds in 15 weeks. Had to buy clothes - got into a size 16. Can't believe that I've gone from a 3x to a 16/18. I've lost over 100 inches of fat!!! My sister wrote a little note for the chat room it said the following:

You know your sister has had a MGB when...

...she seems happier than she has in years.

...is way less stressed.

...smiles a lot for no reason.

...likes to walk up stairs.

...never rides the elevator any more.

...still enjoys her sister's cooking, but just eats way less.

...hums along with the radio more than ever.

...buys a sports bra for the first time in her life.

...digs clothes out of her closet that she hasn't seen in years....and they are too big!!

And the list could go on and on!!!

Kinda think that says a lot! Don't realize what an impact this is having of folks around you or what they notice, but guess they do notice!

December 19, 2003 Update:

Well, it's been 4 months and I've lost 77 pounds. Gone from a size 26 to a 16 (sometimes an 18) and feel great. I've had to learn the difference between a womens size 16 and a misses size 16. (hint - the women's sizes are bigger in the butt!) Had a sleep study done last week to see if I could throw away the bi-pap machine - good news I am much better, but still not fixed. Said to test again after another 50 pounds or so. I am also losing hair - glad I have a lot of it. Crazy time now, getting all ready for Christmas. Wish everyone well!! Happy Holidays!

January 30, 2004 Update:

Where does the time go? It's been 5½ months and I'm down 86 pounds. Endured my first plateau - 4 weeks stuck at 202 pounds! I really wanted to be under 200 by New Years Day, but didn't make it. Then, like magic, on the 14th I got on the scale and had lost 5 pounds! Amazing! I have purchased all the flavors of the Nectar products that someone talked about on this group site about a month ago (web page is wlssuccess.com) They are delicious and have 46 grams of protein per 8 oz drink. My favorite is the Caribbean Cooler - tastes like a pina colada. And I don't have any problem getting in 60 grams a day of protein. They also have some great Protein cookies - I got the lemon zest ones and eat one a couple of times a week. Nice change.

We got an exercise class started at work - a personal trainer comes in twice a week and we work out for an hour! There are five of us who exercise (although I am the only one who has had bypass surgery) and so it makes it affordable and fun! I have muscles that I didn't even know I had. We are lucky to have some nice exercise equipment, but really our trainer does a lot with weights, exercise balls and bands, so we could do it without all the machines and probably be just as successful.

We've made plans to go on a cruise in May - Got the tickets and may even look for a swimming suit!

February 19, 2004 Update

Well, had my 6 month check up in Statesville last week. Everything is going great. I have lost 91 pounds. I have lost 130 inches. I measure a lot of places, but it is pretty amazing where you lose weight. I've lost an inch from each wrist, and 1.5 inches from each ankle, not to mention 14 inches from my waist! As others have said, it is nice to measure and keep track, so when I get a little frustrated when I hit a plateau, I can measure and have usually lost inches!!!

I am exercising now most days - 3 days of aerobic stuff, walking and using the elliptical machine and 2 days of weight work. Seems to be working - I'm not totally drooping after loosing 90 pounds!

March 18, 2004 Update:

This contact letter is really getting long, but I know when I was making my decision to have the surgery, this information would have been helpful, so I guess I'll just keep adding to it - probably less frequently!! I've had to have links taken out of my watch, and my rings are way too big, but it is a problem that I love having. I'm going to see my dad for the first time in 6 months tomorrow - bet he'll be surprised! I'm now at 98 pounds lost at 7 months out. Thank you Dr. Rutledge!

May 13, 2004 Update

Now down 108 pounds - weight loss is slowing down, and that seems to be a mixed blessing!. My biggest fear before surgery was "what do I do if I can't stop loosing weight?" and the fact the MGB was reversible was a big reason that I was comfortable having the surgery. So, because of that, the slow down is a good thing! On the other hand, I really wanted to get to my goal of 140 pounds and find myself wishing I could "hurry and and get there" What a quandry!!!!!!

Just got back from a 7 day cruise to the Western Carribbean - what a wonderful time we had! I walked on the beaches and took several tours and never got tired! I wore a swimming suit for the first time in years and wore shorts every day! My legs are getting better looking every day. All that work with the personnal trainer seems to be paying off. Had a lot of fun in the dining room each night ordering each course and then just eating a few bites - and giving the rest to the others in our group. Also bought some new jewelry since they have such great bargains in Mexico.

June 15, 2004 Update

Finally!!!! I had been on a plateau for a month - stuck at 172 pounds. Went to the beach house this last weekend and walked miles on the beach and went out in the water and found sand dollars with my toes and jumped up and down to keep my head above water during the big waves. I don't know if that had any effect, but this morning I am down 2 pounds. Let's hope I don't have another one of these really slow months for a while - still want to lose 25-30 pounds. I am now wearing size 12-14 clothes, so if I never lost another pound it would be OK. By the way, for those of you who have WalMarts close (and who doesn't) they have a line of clothing "White Stag" that looks good and is really inexpensive! AND the sizes run large - I wear a medium (size 8-10) in their shorts and slacks!!! What a mind trip! From 26/28 to 8/10 in 10 months. I've now lost 159 inches ( I measure 14 places - neck, upper arm, elbow, wrist, armpit, bust, under bust, waist, hips, thigh, above and below the knee, calf and ankle). I haven't had real problems with digestive problems and leaking that I have been reading a lot about. Sometimes hate to discuss some of this personal stuff, but... I usually have a bowel movement in the morning - it is usually quite loose and truly smells bad! I am an Ozium addict!! It is truly wonderful at neutralizing the smell. The only time that I have problems is if I eat a few pieces of candy (which I must admit I did around Christmas and at Valentine's Day), then I visit the porcelain Idol more than once a day.

July 8, 2004 Update

It's been a lonnngggg month! I was stuck again - but got on the scale this morning and am down to 167 pounds. I am going to follow the advice of some of the smart folks on this board and concentrate on protein. It is easy to get into a carb routine with all of the fruits available in the summer - I could eat them all of the time. I am still exercising and losing inches and feeling great.

I wish you success it getting your packet complete and know that you'll count the days until you can have the surgery. It is the best thing I ever did for myself.

Let me know if you need any more info!

Deb in Charlotte, NC

8/19/03 Dr. R

280/167

I can now join the post-ops. Here's the deal - I was the first to go in of the three of us (Hi Kim and Lisa). My surgery started at about 9:30am and I was going to my room about 12:00 pm. I forgot to ask how long the surgery took - I'll ask when I go in for staple removal.

All of this "no pain" stuff is mumbo jumbo, I've decided. When I woke up they asked me if I had pain and the burning on my abdomen was so intense, but when I tried to speak I wasn't able to and couldn't move my arms (they woke me up before extubating me and my arms were still strapped down). I was freaking out. It was probably only a moment until they extubated me, but it seemed like several minutes. I was trying so hard to breathe. Then after I my arms were free I reached for my nose and it had an airway type thing in it which they then removed. Then all I could say was "I hurt" over and over. I think I may have even cussed a few times (shame on me). That experience was painful and traumatic.

I then went to the room and basically slept the whole day. It was weird that I couldn't say I was in much pain - just uncomfortable. I think I hit my morphine button about 10 times the entire stay and about the last five were just because I could and I figured out that I slept better with it. I walked that night and peed so much!!

This morning I really didn't have pain - just uncomfortableness and I think it is mostly from the gas. I was able to go home about 12:00 and I asked to weigh before leaving (they hadn't weighed me before my surgery - the scale in OR only went to 350 lbs).

GET THIS - about 3 weeks ago I stopped weight watchers with a weight of 373. I ate anything and everything since then because I just didn't want to have any regrets after. I ate so much that my stomach often hurt and I can't imagine that I didn't gain weight. So, I'm guessing my weight was probably 380, since I started WW at 382. This morning I weighed 367.7!!! Can you believe that!! So much fluid. I feel so much better already - just getting that fluid off!

My husband says even my face looks a little smaller. I'm eating with no problems (stage I of course). I got some nausea meds right away in the room just in case - so never really had nausea. I'm now trying to get all the meds I will be taking together. Oh, and guess what - Dr. Peraglie dosen't think I need my BP meds any more - he said to just monitor my BP at home.

That's it - the hospital and staff were great (staff a little slow to respond). Hi Kim and Lisa - hope you're doing as well as I. Hey Suzanne, Paula, and Debbie? I was thinking of comming in to check on you - is it OK? You're in good hands!! Take care - I'll talk to you soon. Perhaps a get-together Saturday or Sunday? We'll see how you feel.

I had my MGB on 12/20/01 so I am 2 1/2 years post op. I have lost 235 lbs. I started out at 375, so Dr. R bypassed 8 feet on me. I have continued to drop, even after 2 years, but just a pound here and there. I am in a size 8 now and hope and pray that I will not gain any back. I am so much healthier and feel so much better. Life is good. I don't know about the amt bypassed, but have heard that the more bypassed, the better the weight loss. I hope you continue to lose and reach your goal, but it just may take time. Good luck,

Hey don't worry about that scale. I know you have heard this a 1000 times. Your are actually still loosing. I have not lost a pound in a month but I have gone from size 9/10 to a 8 and sometimes 6. and the scale does not move. When I was at 159 lbs years ago I wore size 10 & 12. So trust me the scale with us doesn't really matter now.

I was 1 year out on july 1st and I lost in the following way:

July - 20
Aug - 14
SEP - 9
OCT - 6
NOV - 4
DEC - 9
JAN - 4
FEB -6
MAR-4
APR - 6
MAY -6
JUN -4

SO YOU SEE I WAS NOT THE FASTEST LOOSER. BUT I AM VERY VERY HAPPY. HANG IN THERE IT WILL HAPPEN.

I'm really have lost . . .

are you ready?

20 lbs

IM NOT KIDDING!!!

I stood in front of my husband and I said, "Hey - do you want to see somthing? Look (I waited a moment) - I just lost a pound - wanna see it again?"

Let me say that I could just cry. I know that I've finally put an end to gaining weight. Very soon I'll be such a more involved mom and thankfully, my 6 mo only will never remember where I came from - chances are that my 5 yr old will not either. My 7 yr old, may - but I don't remember much from being 7, other that thinking it was my best year and a few details about my friends and traumatic events. I don't know if my mom lost weight when I was 7 - so perhaps I took care of this before it had to become such an issue for them.

Thank you Dr. Rutledge for making this procedure what it is - You really saved my life (along with Dr. Peraglie) - $17,000.00 is nothing to pay for how I feel today (only 5 days post-op). Don't increase your price though - I may get lynched - lol.

Take care all!!

Please Please keep yourself a journal of your trip thru this weight loss. I started one, then got so involved in buying new clothes, and the new me, I let it slip by the side. This will never happen again to you like this is happening now. Take lots and lots of pictures of yourself now, along the way, and when your done. They will help you remember your struggle and where you came from. I've said it before and I will say it again, survive the first few months and its all a piece of cake from there. Kind of like child birth. lol If you pre-opt, take a bunch of pictures. I know you are probley like me then. Hated, hated to have my picture taken. But that person is almost gone forever, Now my waist is smaller than my thigh used to be. I'm 42-28-36 and wearing a size 9 163 pounds. I don't know this person, but really liking her size now. I have a hard time remembering that 57-38-5? something person I used to be....Keep the journal, you wont regret it.

Before I had the MGB I had to take a nap every afternoon. I always felt so bad. My husband retired from a job that required him to get up at 5?30, so he had a built-in alarm. He continued to wake at 5?30, but I didn't. Since about the 2nd month after surgery, I couldn't sleep in the afternoon. I really miss my naps. I also don't require nearly as much sleep at night as before. Many times I wake at 3:30 or 4?00 and go ahead and get up and go to the TV and watch the weather channel for a while. I am 11 months out tomorrow and this is still continuing. I just don't require as much sleep, and my energy level has multiplied many times over. No complaints from me or my husband. I just didn't realize how much the excess weight was dragging me down because the weight came on slowly over a number of years. I just blamed my lack of energy on the advancing years (I am 68). Now I don't feel or act 68.
Thank you Dr. R.
Barbara, it only gets better. Take care and God bless.

I am 14 month out and its been pretty uneventful what I mean is that my life after the first 3 months or so went back to normal the first 3 months weren’t very pleasant but after that its like as if I didn’t have the surgery the only thing is that I cant eat a lot at one sitting 1 small hamburger or 2 taco bell tacos and yes I've thrown up several times but throwing up is quit different now its very easy and painless it sounds funny but heaving is no big deal now I don’t like it but it happens, don't worry about it , I only had a 4 foot bypass I've lost a total of 80 pounds and that was perfect for me I lost 70 pound the first 6 months and after that its been slow for me . I'm 185 and a male 5ft 9ins and I don’t need to really loss any more weight , I feel light on my feet its great to be thin well lets say normal, cloths fit so nicely now and my self esteem has risen considerably one less thing to worry about know what I mean ,and my stomach feels like cast iron I can eat anything except for lot of real rich ice cream like cold stone , it makes me dump if I eat to much feels like you got the flu for about a hour real tired , you learn what works , I do take my vitamins 3 times a day and I do my Metamucil once a day in the morning I mix a helping tea spoon in to the top of the shot cup from a thing off the Pepto-Bismol and put under faucet ,warm water and stir fast with the small end of the spoon an down it and then chase it with some Gatorade , that works the best and you eliminate a lot of water in the glass thing you cant fit a 8 once glass of water and Metamucil in a 4 ounce pouch , the shot glass thing is a lot easier, that damn Metamucil its the worst of all a this thank god its only once a day for me don’t care for that stuff , that’s another thing I cant I’ve with out my Gatorade I drink it from sun up to sun down its about all I drink I’ve grown quite found of that stuff its good to keep your self hydrated I think that’s one of the secrets to good health , my wife buys it by the wheel barrel full, my favorite is orange and frost looks like grape to me, got burnt out on red. well the big question is would I do it again well if you would of ask me 12 months ago the answer would of been I don’t think so maybe its because I had a leak in my pouch after the first day and had to go back for another surgery and a week in the hospital bummer, but now looking back its funny how the mind forgets or cant quite remember all the unpleasantness of the first 2 or 3 months is that a word unpleasantness? , I have no problems with any symptoms such as hair loss, acid, skin, a little gas cant think of any bad stuff but I took all my meds and pepto and stuff like they said too pretty much, an as for Dr. Rutledge, he is by far at the top of his game if your thinking about doing this he’s the man and I don’t mean that lightly. the first 2 or 3 months you will be wondering why you did this but after awhile it will all become clear to you why, it gets better sex too, its nice to eat what ever you want and not have to worried about getting fat have you ever known the skinny guy that eats his face off and remains skinny.

Well that’s me now blows my mind, you ask me would I do it again not only yes but HELL YES!