5 month update

[Guest guest]

Thanks ,

Yes, it is kind of self esteem boosting to think that I'm getting that much

healthier that my poor body doesn't have to work so hard. Just reinforces

the danger I was putting myself in before my MGB! Yikes!

Tonya in MN

5 month update

Hello everyone, I'm a few days late again in posting my five month

update.

So far I've lost 80 lbs since my highest weight and 71 lbs since surgery.

I'm

happy to be within the " average range " for expected weight loss but I have

to admit to occasional mood swings making me a little envious of all of

you that have done so much better. I just try to keep doing everything I

know I should do (i.e. make good food choices, exercise, etc.) and HOPE

that it will continue to come off even if it's slowly.

A few weeks ago I posted about a concern my PCP had with my slow

heart beat. Well, I went through a cardiology evaluation including an

echocardiogram and my cardiologist decided that everything is just fine,

that my heart is not having to work as hard to meet the needs of my

somewhat smaller body. That was a bit of good news I was happy to

hear. I wasn't looking forward to the possibility of needing a pacemaker

at 30!

I'm so anxious to meet so many of you at the picnic next month - it feels

like when I was a kid waiting for Christmas morning! That's all for now -

on to month 6!

Tonya in MN

3-28-01 Dr. R.

329 (highest) / 320 (pre-op) / 249 (current) / 175?? (goal) - Height 5'9 "

[Guest guest]

Thanks Lynda - Smiling in MN right back atcha!

Tonya in MN

Re: 5 month update

Wow wee Tonya! I am so proud of your success. Smiling in NC right now

for you :-)

Lynda Merrithew

MGB 9/15/00

323/199

www.merrithew.com

5 month update

Hello everyone, I'm a few days late again in posting my five month

update.

So far I've lost 80 lbs since my highest weight and 71 lbs since

surgery.

I'm

happy to be within the " average range " for expected weight loss but I

have

to admit to occasional mood swings making me a little envious of all of

you that have done so much better. I just try to keep doing everything

I

know I should do (i.e. make good food choices, exercise, etc.) and HOPE

that it will continue to come off even if it's slowly.

A few weeks ago I posted about a concern my PCP had with my slow

heart beat. Well, I went through a cardiology evaluation including an

echocardiogram and my cardiologist decided that everything is just fine,

that my heart is not having to work as hard to meet the needs of my

somewhat smaller body. That was a bit of good news I was happy to

hear. I wasn't looking forward to the possibility of needing a

pacemaker

at 30!

I'm so anxious to meet so many of you at the picnic next month - it

feels

like when I was a kid waiting for Christmas morning! That's all for

now -

on to month 6!

Tonya in MN

3-28-01 Dr. R.

329 (highest) / 320 (pre-op) / 249 (current) / 175?? (goal) - Height

5'9 "

[Guest guest]

Thanks 'almost littermate' !

I can't wait to see you again at the picnic!

Tonya in MN

Re: 5 month update

WAY TO GO TONYA!!! You've done great. And look GREAT! Looked your new

picture up on the MGB Friends website. WOW! What a difference 80 pounds

makes.

I'm thankful to hear that everything is okay with your heart! Thank God

for that!

See you soon!

Love,

Subj:

5 month update

Date:

Fri, 31 Aug 2001 2:19:49 AM Eastern Daylight Time

From:

" Tonya Bethke " <tonyabethke@...>

To:

" groups (DOT) com " < >,

drr@...

Hello everyone, I'm a few days late again in posting my five month

update.

So far I've lost 80 lbs since my highest weight and 71 lbs since surgery.

I'm

happy to be within the " average range " for expected weight loss but I have

to admit to occasional mood swings making me a little envious of all of

you that have done so much better. I just try to keep doing everything I

know I should do (i.e. make good food choices, exercise, etc.) and HOPE

that it will continue to come off even if it's slowly.

A few weeks ago I posted about a concern my PCP had with my slow

heart beat. Well, I went through a cardiology evaluation including an

echocardiogram and my cardiologist decided that everything is just fine,

that my heart is not having to work as hard to meet the needs of my

somewhat smaller body. That was a bit of good news I was happy to

hear. I wasn't looking forward to the possibility of needing a pacemaker

at 30!

I'm so anxious to meet so many of you at the picnic next month - it feels

like when I was a kid waiting for Christmas morning! That's all for now -

on to month 6!

Tonya in MN

3-28-01 Dr. R.

329 (highest) / 320 (pre-op) / 249 (current) / 175?? (goal) - Height 5'9 "

[Guest guest]

Thanks Pat,

I'm happy about it too!

Tonya in MN

Re: 5 month update

Happy to hear about the good outcome of your tests!!!

Pat

5 month update

Hello everyone, I'm a few days late again in posting my five month

update.

So far I've lost 80 lbs since my highest weight and 71 lbs since

surgery.

I'm

happy to be within the " average range " for expected weight loss but I

have

to admit to occasional mood swings making me a little envious of all of

you that have done so much better. I just try to keep doing everything

I

know I should do (i.e. make good food choices, exercise, etc.) and HOPE

that it will continue to come off even if it's slowly.

A few weeks ago I posted about a concern my PCP had with my slow

heart beat. Well, I went through a cardiology evaluation including an

echocardiogram and my cardiologist decided that everything is just fine,

that my heart is not having to work as hard to meet the needs of my

somewhat smaller body. That was a bit of good news I was happy to

hear. I wasn't looking forward to the possibility of needing a

pacemaker

at 30!

I'm so anxious to meet so many of you at the picnic next month - it

feels

like when I was a kid waiting for Christmas morning! That's all for

now -

on to month 6!

Tonya in MN

3-28-01 Dr. R.

329 (highest) / 320 (pre-op) / 249 (current) / 175?? (goal) - Height

5'9 "

[Guest guest]

Thanks Beth and Jenn!

Tonya in MN

Re: 5 month update

Congrats on the weight loss, the better health and the good news

about your heart beat!

I saw your pics on the MGB Friends page and you look fantastic! So

proud for you Tonya!

Keep up the wonderful attitude and the work you are doing to eat

better and burn more.

Warmly,

Beth

[Guest guest]

Thanks !

Tonya in MN

Re: 5 month update

Tonya,

Congratulations on your terrific weight loss!!!

- Cincinnati

> Hello everyone, I'm a few days late again in posting my five month

update.

> So far I've lost 80 lbs since my highest weight and 71 lbs since

surgery.

> I'm

> happy to be within the " average range " for expected weight loss but

I have

> to admit to occasional mood swings making me a little envious of

all of

> you that have done so much better. I just try to keep doing

everything I

> know I should do (i.e. make good food choices, exercise, etc.) and

HOPE

> that it will continue to come off even if it's slowly.

>

> A few weeks ago I posted about a concern my PCP had with my slow

> heart beat. Well, I went through a cardiology evaluation including

an

> echocardiogram and my cardiologist decided that everything is just

fine,

> that my heart is not having to work as hard to meet the needs of my

> somewhat smaller body. That was a bit of good news I was happy to

> hear. I wasn't looking forward to the possibility of needing a

pacemaker

> at 30!

>

> I'm so anxious to meet so many of you at the picnic next month - it

feels

> like when I was a kid waiting for Christmas morning! That's all

for now -

> on to month 6!

>

> Tonya in MN

> 3-28-01 Dr. R.

> 329 (highest) / 320 (pre-op) / 249 (current) / 175?? (goal) -

Height 5'9 "

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

To the Mermaid.

I didn't want to take the Estrogen either, but it has done wonders for my

attitude and short fuse not to mention the night sweats and hot flashes.

Please give it a try. Only 1 month and see how it goes? Do it for yourself

since you aren't getting any rest. My husband just chimed in and said do it

for your family and friends too! tee hee

in SC

[Guest guest]

,

Your husband is absolutely right. Believe me, I have been there and

heard it from the pro. You are right on target. 67 pounds in 5 months

is great. That is 13 lbs. a month. What other diet have you been on

that gave you that great of a weight loss? Enjoy your new life. You

will lose the weight.

Monroe

Patient Representative

Dr. Rutledge's Office

704-682-0260 (cell)

704-871-0031 (office)

5 month update

Hi guys. Just a note to let you know where I am 5 months post op. I

have lost a total of 67 pounds as of today. I have lost a total of 80

1/4 " from head to toe. I know that sounds like a lot, but I measured

everything. I have had a slow (4th ann.) month journey. Pretty much

plateaued the whole month. The scale finally moved the other day. I

hope that month 5 will be back on track. It's hard to lose at such a

steady pace and then *WHAMO* nothing!!! Needless to say that I did not

handle my plateau very well. My husband was praying the scales would

move too, he was tired of hearing me complain. Well, that might be

somewhat exaggerated. It wasn't that bad. I just realized that I

needed to not get on the scales for a while and stop watching it so

closely and just let it happen.

My husband was very sweet. He told me that my body has to have time to

adjust to the weight that I have already lost and that it would began

moving soon to just hang in there and not get discouraged. Boy, I know

he is probably right, but I sure doesn't make you feel any better when

nothing is happening.

I know that there are those of you out there that can relate. I know

that I am only 5 months out and that I can loose up to 2 years out, so

am I just being silly, or are there those who have lost fast in the

first 6 months and then did not loose anymore? I just want to be sure

that I am not putting myself through all of this worry for nothing.

Oh well, I hope to hear some feedback from some of you " old pros " out

there. Sorry for such a long post and listening to me whine. I just

needed to get it out there.

God Bless..........

Sheffield

Concord, NC

11/26/02

261/194 -down 67 pounds

Dr. R

[Guest guest]

If any of you have personal questions regarding my weight loss or the

vitamins/nutrition that I take, feel free to email me directly at

drdon@... . I will notice these emails faster - it has been a

couple months since I checked my juno (MGB) emails - shame on me.

Dr Don Warren, DC

5 month update

It's been 5 months since my surgery on December 20, 2002. I have now lost 104

pounds, approximately 16 inches around my waist, and have lots of energy. I'm

amazed each evening at what I was able to accomplish and thank God for my new

life. More energy at work, at home, with my kids, my wife ) , etc... We

recently took a vacation to Disney World and I was able to: 1) fasten my airline

seatbelt with 5 inches extra 2) fit in all the amusement rides 3) go

parasailing for the first time.

Occassionally, I get worn out quick which usually means I have not had enough

electrolytes (gatorade/emergen-c) or forgot to keep up on my vitamins. I have

found that the liquid vitamins called " Isotonix " have helped me more than

anything else. Even when I was days out of surgery, they were easy for me to

take without nausea because they are isotonic and... yes they have all the daily

requirements including iron.

There are days that I still am concerned about the " what ifs " in the future.

Then, I quickly am reminded of where I would be without the surgery with all the

health risks of being 180 pounds overweight.

Thank you Dr. Rutledge!

Sincerely,

Dr. Don Warren

[Guest guest]

hi don....what type of Dr. are you?

cathy s in va

> It's been 5 months since my surgery on December 20, 2002. I have

now lost 104 pounds, approximately 16 inches around my waist, and

have lots of energy. I'm amazed each evening at what I was able to

accomplish and thank God for my new life. More energy at work, at

home, with my kids, my wife ) , etc... We recently took a

vacation to Disney World and I was able to: 1) fasten my airline

seatbelt with 5 inches extra 2) fit in all the amusement rides 3)

go parasailing for the first time.

>

> Occassionally, I get worn out quick which usually means I have not

had enough electrolytes (gatorade/emergen-c) or forgot to keep up on

my vitamins. I have found that the liquid vitamins called " Isotonix "

have helped me more than anything else. Even when I was days out of

surgery, they were easy for me to take without nausea because they

are isotonic and... yes they have all the daily requirements

including iron.

>

> There are days that I still am concerned about the " what ifs " in

the future. Then, I quickly am reminded of where I would be without

the surgery with all the health risks of being 180 pounds overweight.

>

> Thank you Dr. Rutledge!

> Sincerely,

> Dr. Don Warren

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am a Chiropractic Physician in Indiana.

Don

Re: 5 month update

hi don....what type of Dr. are you?

cathy s in va

> It's been 5 months since my surgery on December 20, 2002. I have

now lost 104 pounds, approximately 16 inches around my waist, and

have lots of energy. I'm amazed each evening at what I was able to

accomplish and thank God for my new life. More energy at work, at

home, with my kids, my wife ) , etc... We recently took a

vacation to Disney World and I was able to: 1) fasten my airline

seatbelt with 5 inches extra 2) fit in all the amusement rides 3)

go parasailing for the first time.

>

> Occassionally, I get worn out quick which usually means I have not

had enough electrolytes (gatorade/emergen-c) or forgot to keep up on

my vitamins. I have found that the liquid vitamins called " Isotonix "

have helped me more than anything else. Even when I was days out of

surgery, they were easy for me to take without nausea because they

are isotonic and... yes they have all the daily requirements

including iron.

>

> There are days that I still am concerned about the " what ifs " in

the future. Then, I quickly am reminded of where I would be without

the surgery with all the health risks of being 180 pounds overweight.

>

> Thank you Dr. Rutledge!

> Sincerely,

> Dr. Don Warren

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Its been 5 months today since my right hip was replaced. I am doing

well. I am a little sore today. Actually sometimes lately it seems

like I am getting sore more often instead of less. But more than

likely it is because I am doing so much more. So I try and ignore it

and pray that I can still wait several years before I have to go

through surgery again on the other side.

Did a little bit of yard work yesterday, in between rain. Here in

southern CA we are having record rain and mudslides. Luckily I live

on a big hill. My house has been here 51 years and seems content to

stay where it is, unlike many houses here lately.

I put away books for 5 hours at the library today. Thats more than I

usually do. The bottom shelf is still a challange, and I was feeling

it after about 4 hrs.

How many of you can squat all the way down???? I miss squating and

it would be so helpful doing stuff down low. I have been afraid to

try it. Those that do squat successfully (or tried and were not

succesfull) please let me know when you tried it.

Oh and to Alisa, I would be open to a new format. I do not want this

site to go away, but it might be helpful for people with hip or knee

problems to not have to wade through each others stuff. The people

with both can always switch back and forth.

Someone recently asked about when you start feeling " normal " again,

and I so agree with the answer given, that its when you start driving

again. Of course in most of S. Calif. driving is like breathing

practically. I first drove at 36 days. I went to PT, not far, had

someone go with me just in case. I did ok, but was sore after, and

did not try to drive again until my next PT session at 40 days. Then

I soloed, did fine and walked all over the Mall after PT. That was

when I really started to feel " normal " .

Stay warm and dry,

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I started 'sqautting' or crouching down with my bum resting on my

heals at arround 9 weeks and find it perfectly comfortable now at 4

and a half months as long as there is something around to hold onto

for balance. Its a bit scary whenever you try a new move but I've

been told its perfectly safe to do and the hips are not really at an

extreme angle when you do it. I find it kinder to the back than any

other type of bending and safer than taking the leg out behind as

I've tripped a few people up with that move!

Good luck,

Leigh

[Guest guest]

Hi Leigh,

I had a Hip replacement five years on April 12 and a Knee replacement three years ago I saw my dr for three years and every year he told me I have to use a High toilet and not to Squat that was a big no no . I tried sitting on a low toilet my hip didn't feel right and my knee also I never did squat yet I am going to find a new dr and see what he tells me.

Well you have a nice day.

Susie

-------------- Original message -------------- > > > Hi , > > I started 'sqautting' or crouching down with my bum resting on my > heals at arround 9 weeks and find it perfectly comfortable now at 4 > and a half months as long as there is something around to hold onto > for balance. Its a bit scary whenever you try a new move but I've > been told its perfectly safe to do and the hips are not really at an > extreme angle when you do it. I find it kinder to the back than any > other type of bending and safer than taking the leg out behind as > I've tripped a few people up with that move! > > Good luck, > > Leigh > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi ,

>

> I started 'sqautting' or crouching down with my bum resting on my

> heals at arround 9 weeks and find it perfectly comfortable now at 4

> and a half months as long as there is something around to hold onto

> for balance. Its a bit scary whenever you try a new move but I've

> been told its perfectly safe to do and the hips are not really at

an

> extreme angle when you do it. I find it kinder to the back than any

> other type of bending and safer than taking the leg out behind as

> I've tripped a few people up with that move!

>

> Good luck,

>

> Leigh

Thank you Leigh. I needed to hear someone else was doing it

safely. I will try it this week. Surpriseingly, you were the only

one that responded that you use that move. I wonder if the

other " squatters " are just too busy, or if few hippies do that.

I too have tripped a few people with the leg out behind me move.