6 month update

[Guest guest]

Lara congrats on the weight loss...I did not get an email where he required a

follow up appointment..Is this with him or our PCP???? Please, someone let me

know...I have been out of commission for a while and have not kept up with

the group and might I add that I have missed the group something terrible...

Zoey

-135 pounds

4/20/2000

PS...Just thought I would add this..I now weigh 127 pounds..I can't ever

remember weighing that...I put on a size 4 jeans, had to lay on the bed to

get them zipped but that counts ...lol..

[Guest guest]

WOW WONDERFUL NEWS! We are so proud of you!

Sorry that this has been a bad month, for whatever reasons. Count on change,

and I hope it is to a much happier time!

HUGS

in ARk

3-08

322-272

[Guest guest]

Wow Zoey, you must be lookin good!

I can't even dream that small, but will live vicariously through you!

SUsan in Ark

3-08

322-272

[Guest guest]

Hi Christy, my fellow Californian. I am amazed at the size 8 in 6

months, you have done AWESOME. You were beautiful in the last picture

I saw of you on Trish's site, you simply must post an updated picture

of you in a size 8. My goal is to wear a size 12 so I can buy in the

petite department. How is Sperb doing? I haven't heard about either of

you in ages.

Wishing we were closer so I could see your thin new self.

Marjory/Ca

8/30/00 285/181

6 Month Update

> Hi everyone.........Just thought I would share my 6 month update

with

> you....which was actually on May 8th. I am proud to say that I am

down 85

> pounds and feeling great. I am buying clothes that are size

8....and some

> 10's....depends on how they run in size. It is so amazing how much

I love to

> shop now.......I live at the malls!!! The only bad part is buying

something

> and then it not fitting a couple of weeks later, which drains the

checkbook.

> I'm working on toning my body and tightening all the flabby

parts......ha/ha.

>

>

> I thank God everyday for Dr. R and his surgery. I am so thankful to

be free

> of the diabetes and healthy once again. The energy I have now, and

the

> confidence I have in myself, is worth a million bucks.

>

> I'm planning to come to the picnic in September and can't wait to

see

> everyone.

>

> Christy / California

> MGB 11-8-00

> 240/155/140

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> Lara, I got the email and I replied saying that I couldn't possibly

> take off of work and drive to Durham all of those times. I didn't

> read it as a requirement, just something that he'd like for us to

> do. Perhaps if he went back to Saturday clinics. Also, I have a

> problem with choking down the gas money to drive to Durham to tell

> him that I am perfectly fine. Are we gonna get some kind of

> examination, or just talk to him? Too bad teleconferencing isn't

> something we can all easily do... perhaps in a few years.

>

> in VA

***,

I called and talked to Barbara today and she said it applied to all of

his post-op patients. However, if you lived far away then they

understood. they are only holding clinics on Tuesday now so I told

her I would be there on Tuesday May 22nd at 1:00 PM. If anyone else

is going please let me know I would love to meet with you and maybe

have lunch???

Love,

Lara Akin

November 8, 2000

108 Pounds gone FOREVER!!!!( I was weighed today at doctors office I

have lost 3 pounds in 8 days)

141 pounds gone since the begining!!!

[Guest guest]

> Lara, I got the email and I replied saying that I couldn't possibly

> take off of work and drive to Durham all of those times. I didn't

> read it as a requirement, just something that he'd like for us to

> do. Perhaps if he went back to Saturday clinics. Also, I have a

> problem with choking down the gas money to drive to Durham to tell

> him that I am perfectly fine. Are we gonna get some kind of

> examination, or just talk to him? Too bad teleconferencing isn't

> something we can all easily do... perhaps in a few years.

>

> in VA

***,

I called and talked to Barbara today and she said it applied to all of

his post-op patients. However, if you lived far away then they

understood. they are only holding clinics on Tuesday now so I told

her I would be there on Tuesday May 22nd at 1:00 PM. If anyone else

is going please let me know I would love to meet with you and maybe

have lunch???

Love,

Lara Akin

November 8, 2000

108 Pounds gone FOREVER!!!!( I was weighed today at doctors office I

have lost 3 pounds in 8 days)

141 pounds gone sice the begining!!!

[Guest guest]

> Lara,

>

> WOW!!! congrats on the amazing weight loss!!!

>

> I also received the email from Dr. R about the follow-up visits.

> Unfortunately there is no way I can do that... I live in Cincinnati,

> OH and I am not able to spend two days every few months driving to

> Durham. I would be glad to do the follow up visits, but it isn't

> practical from this distance. However, I already have followup

> visits scheduled with my PCP and we can report the finding to Dr. R.

> That's all I can think to do. I have also been filling out the

> monthly follow-up form on-line... well two of them so far, since my

> operation was only two months ago.

>

> Congrats again!!

>

>

> Cincinnati

> 3/8/01

> 294/252

***,

Hey I understand!!!! I appreciate your support. I LOVE to watch those

numbers decrease!!!!

Love,

Lara Akin

November 8, 2000

108 POUNDS gone FOREVER!!!!!!!!

141 POUNDS gone since the Begining!!!!

[Guest guest]

> Hi ,

> I got the same email. I will be there at my 1 year

> appt. I am so proud for you!! I am 7 months out and

> have lost 110#. I am happy about that!!! The last

> month has slowed to almost no weight loss. But, The

> inches are coming off!

>

> Memory

***Memory,

WOOOOOOOOOOOWWWW!!!! Congratulations on your 110 pounds lady...That is

Fantastic!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the encouragement!! I am very excited

about the weight loss!!!!! It was nice to hear from you.

Love,

Lara Akin

November 8, 2000

108 pounds gone FOREVER!!!!

141 pounds gone since the begining!!!!!!

[Guest guest]

> Lara congrats on the weight loss...I did not get an email where he

required a

> follow up appointment..Is this with him or our PCP???? Please,

someone let me

> know...I have been out of commission for a while and have not kept

up with

> the group and might I add that I have missed the group something

terrible...

> Zoey

> -135 pounds

> 4/20/2000

> PS...Just thought I would add this..I now weigh 127 pounds..I can't

ever

> remember weighing that...I put on a size 4 jeans, had to lay on the

bed to

> get them zipped but that counts ...lol..

***Zoey,

OMG!!!!!!! 127 pounds!!!! That is FABULOUS!!!!! Barbara said that if

we live real far away it was okay. But they would love to see us!!! I

am going on Tuesday the 22nd of May. Take care!!!

Love,

Lara Akin

November 8, 2000

108 pounds GONE FOREVER!!!!!!

141 pounds gone since the begining!!!!!

[Guest guest]

> WOW WONDERFUL NEWS! We are so proud of you!

>

> Sorry that this has been a bad month, for whatever reasons. Count

on change,

> and I hope it is to a much happier time!

>

> HUGS

> in ARk

> 3-08

> 322-272

***,

Thanks A MILLION!!!! You name it everything has happened to me this

month. So far this one has been a little better. Thanks for

writting. I appreciate the support. WOW look at your weight loss!!!!

That is SUPER!!!! Taht is my sons birthday 3-08 he just turned 4. Take

care of yourself!!!

Love,

Lara Akin

108 pounds gone FOREVER!!!!!

141 pounds gone since the begining!!!!

[Guest guest]

> 105 pounds in 6 Months! That's awsome. Congratulations.

>

> in OK

>

***,

THANKS A MILLION!!!!!

Love,

Lara Akin

108 pounds gone FOREVER!!!!

141 pounds gone since the begining!!!!!!

[Guest guest]

> Congratulations on your weight loss!!!! That is great!!!!! No, I

> have not gotten any e-mails from Dr. Rutledge. I'm almost 6 months

> post op. I plan on going to the picnic in September. I hope he

will

> count that as my 1 year visit. I will be a couple months shy of one

> year. I'm so happy for you. This is such an adventure, isn't it?

>

> Bonded by our experience, strength and hope

>

> Rhonda

> MGB - 11/30/00

> 279/219/???

***Rhonda,

hey thanks. I plan on going to the picnic too and I will also be 10

months out almost 11. I hope I can use that time for the one year.

Possibly going to clinic on the Tuesday before??? Glad to hear from

ya!!! See you soon!!!

Love,

Lara

108 pounds gone FOREVER!!!!!

141 pounds gone since the begining!!!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi !

Hey if you want to take in a clinic, I'll ride down with ya. Just let me know

when you want to go.

aW

Re: 6 month update

> Lara, I got the email and I replied saying that I couldn't possibly

> take off of work and drive to Durham all of those times. I didn't

> read it as a requirement, just something that he'd like for us to

> do. Perhaps if he went back to Saturday clinics. Also, I have a

> problem with choking down the gas money to drive to Durham to tell

> him that I am perfectly fine. Are we gonna get some kind of

> examination, or just talk to him? Too bad teleconferencing isn't

> something we can all easily do... perhaps in a few years.

>

> in VA

***,

I called and talked to Barbara today and she said it applied to all of

his post-op patients. However, if you lived far away then they

understood. they are only holding clinics on Tuesday now so I told

her I would be there on Tuesday May 22nd at 1:00 PM. If anyone else

is going please let me know I would love to meet with you and maybe

have lunch???

Love,

Lara Akin

November 8, 2000

108 Pounds gone FOREVER!!!!( I was weighed today at doctors office I

have lost 3 pounds in 8 days)

141 pounds gone since the begining!!!

[Guest guest]

a,

It'll a be a while, unless my bills start paying themselves. I

might go down next March, but I had always planned on going back at

one year. My 3 month is next month, and there is just no way I can

take off an entire day of work to go down there.

> > Lara, I got the email and I replied saying that I couldn't

possibly

> > take off of work and drive to Durham all of those times. I

didn't

> > read it as a requirement, just something that he'd like for us

to

> > do. Perhaps if he went back to Saturday clinics. Also, I have

a

> > problem with choking down the gas money to drive to Durham to

tell

> > him that I am perfectly fine. Are we gonna get some kind of

> > examination, or just talk to him? Too bad teleconferencing

isn't

> > something we can all easily do... perhaps in a few years.

> >

> > in VA

> ***,

> I called and talked to Barbara today and she said it applied to

all of

> his post-op patients. However, if you lived far away then they

> understood. they are only holding clinics on Tuesday now so I

told

> her I would be there on Tuesday May 22nd at 1:00 PM. If anyone

else

> is going please let me know I would love to meet with you and

maybe

> have lunch???

> Love,

> Lara Akin

> November 8, 2000

> 108 Pounds gone FOREVER!!!!( I was weighed today at doctors

office I

> have lost 3 pounds in 8 days)

> 141 pounds gone since the begining!!!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

what about the cost??????? especially since he won't take insurance and when

we signed on, the rules were come back in one year and use insurance, the

rules have been changed midstream. I know I can't afford to shell out any

money and then hope my insurance will cover it. especially since my PCP is

taking care of me at $10 per visit with the insurance.

Re: 6 month update

a,

It'll a be a while, unless my bills start paying themselves. I

might go down next March, but I had always planned on going back at

one year. My 3 month is next month, and there is just no way I can

take off an entire day of work to go down there.

> > Lara, I got the email and I replied saying that I couldn't

possibly

> > take off of work and drive to Durham all of those times. I

didn't

> > read it as a requirement, just something that he'd like for us

to

> > do. Perhaps if he went back to Saturday clinics. Also, I have

a

> > problem with choking down the gas money to drive to Durham to

tell

> > him that I am perfectly fine. Are we gonna get some kind of

> > examination, or just talk to him? Too bad teleconferencing

isn't

> > something we can all easily do... perhaps in a few years.

> >

> > in VA

> ***,

> I called and talked to Barbara today and she said it applied to

all of

> his post-op patients. However, if you lived far away then they

> understood. they are only holding clinics on Tuesday now so I

told

> her I would be there on Tuesday May 22nd at 1:00 PM. If anyone

else

> is going please let me know I would love to meet with you and

maybe

> have lunch???

> Love,

> Lara Akin

> November 8, 2000

> 108 Pounds gone FOREVER!!!!( I was weighed today at doctors

office I

> have lost 3 pounds in 8 days)

> 141 pounds gone since the begining!!!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

When the " catalog " was briefly on the web site it stated that postop could

attend clinic for free any time.

Also --- on the web now there is a " postop question " section. However, the

form is the same form as the follow up form with no place to input a

question. Has any one else seen this? I assume it is in the " working on "

stage like most other things right now.

Re: 6 month update

>

>

> a,

> It'll a be a while, unless my bills start paying themselves. I

> might go down next March, but I had always planned on going back at

> one year. My 3 month is next month, and there is just no way I can

> take off an entire day of work to go down there.

>

>

>

>

>

> > > Lara, I got the email and I replied saying that I couldn't

> possibly

> > > take off of work and drive to Durham all of those times. I

> didn't

> > > read it as a requirement, just something that he'd like for us

> to

> > > do. Perhaps if he went back to Saturday clinics. Also, I have

> a

> > > problem with choking down the gas money to drive to Durham to

> tell

> > > him that I am perfectly fine. Are we gonna get some kind of

> > > examination, or just talk to him? Too bad teleconferencing

> isn't

> > > something we can all easily do... perhaps in a few years.

> > >

> > > in VA

> > ***,

> > I called and talked to Barbara today and she said it applied to

> all of

> > his post-op patients. However, if you lived far away then they

> > understood. they are only holding clinics on Tuesday now so I

> told

> > her I would be there on Tuesday May 22nd at 1:00 PM. If anyone

> else

> > is going please let me know I would love to meet with you and

> maybe

> > have lunch???

> > Love,

> > Lara Akin

> > November 8, 2000

> > 108 Pounds gone FOREVER!!!!( I was weighed today at doctors

> office I

> > have lost 3 pounds in 8 days)

> > 141 pounds gone since the begining!!!

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

,

There is no charge to post-ops to come back to clinic. I mean, he

doesn't even lay a hand on you. I was having problems with my

insurance paying my 1 month check up, because traditionally, follow

up visits are included in the price of the surgery. I had to explain

that I had surgery in NC, and it wasn't plausible for me to go to NC

every month for a follow up. They did pay for it, but I don't see

much point in going to NC every few months, especially to a classroom

setting. I know Dr R doesn't have one on one time. I suspect he's

trying to improve his poor follow up care reputation, but simply

being in the same room as some one doesn't do it. When I go to my

PCP, I get weighed, my blood pressure taken, he'll draw blood if he

thinks I need it, etc... I don't think there is much that Dr R can do

in that building behind the hospital than give advice, to which we

can get via email, theoretically. Maybe I'm way off base here, and

it will be more like a follow up visit than a classroom show-off.

Only time will tell.

> > > Lara, I got the email and I replied saying that I couldn't

> possibly

> > > take off of work and drive to Durham all of those times. I

> didn't

> > > read it as a requirement, just something that he'd like for

us

> to

> > > do. Perhaps if he went back to Saturday clinics. Also, I

have

> a

> > > problem with choking down the gas money to drive to Durham to

> tell

> > > him that I am perfectly fine. Are we gonna get some kind of

> > > examination, or just talk to him? Too bad teleconferencing

> isn't

> > > something we can all easily do... perhaps in a few years.

> > >

> > > in VA

> > ***,

> > I called and talked to Barbara today and she said it applied to

> all of

> > his post-op patients. However, if you lived far away then they

> > understood. they are only holding clinics on Tuesday now so I

> told

> > her I would be there on Tuesday May 22nd at 1:00 PM. If anyone

> else

> > is going please let me know I would love to meet with you and

> maybe

> > have lunch???

> > Love,

> > Lara Akin

> > November 8, 2000

> > 108 Pounds gone FOREVER!!!!( I was weighed today at doctors

> office I

> > have lost 3 pounds in 8 days)

> > 141 pounds gone since the begining!!!

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

,

I have been using that form since 2 weeks post-op. Perhaps it is

why I get a reply(not necessarily an answer) to my questions. Dr R

specifically told me that he couldn't answer my questions unless I

submitted that form. Of course, I threw a huge fit about it, because

I didn't really see the point... He already knew exactly which

questions I was going to ask... but I did it anyway.

> > > > Lara, I got the email and I replied saying that I couldn't

> > possibly

> > > > take off of work and drive to Durham all of those times. I

> > didn't

> > > > read it as a requirement, just something that he'd like for

us

> > to

> > > > do. Perhaps if he went back to Saturday clinics. Also, I

have

> > a

> > > > problem with choking down the gas money to drive to Durham

to

> > tell

> > > > him that I am perfectly fine. Are we gonna get some kind of

> > > > examination, or just talk to him? Too bad teleconferencing

> > isn't

> > > > something we can all easily do... perhaps in a few years.

> > > >

> > > > in VA

> > > ***,

> > > I called and talked to Barbara today and she said it applied

to

> > all of

> > > his post-op patients. However, if you lived far away then

they

> > > understood. they are only holding clinics on Tuesday now so I

> > told

> > > her I would be there on Tuesday May 22nd at 1:00 PM. If

anyone

> > else

> > > is going please let me know I would love to meet with you and

> > maybe

> > > have lunch???

> > > Love,

> > > Lara Akin

> > > November 8, 2000

> > > 108 Pounds gone FOREVER!!!!( I was weighed today at doctors

> > office I

> > > have lost 3 pounds in 8 days)

> > > 141 pounds gone since the begining!!!

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Way to go Ann!!! Your weight loss is much quicker than mine, but I share

your joy and good feelings as well. Keep it up. Stay healthy. How's the

skin hanging?? PhillyJude

[Guest guest]

Hi littermate!!!

You are doing so well!!! Fantastic!! I'm loving this Spring growing

season, aren't you? All the fresh fruits and vegetables.

Wish I could drink V-8, though.. I, on the other hand, have bought stock in

Gatorade. I love all the new flavors.

I only weigh once a month... so, I'll find out Friday (June 1) what my six

month total is.. not 101 lbs thats for sure.. but, I'm happy with my

progress.

Great to hear you're doing so well.

Sid Sutherland

MGB 12/01/00

-60+ (I'll know for sure on our 6 month anniversary Friday)

6 Month Update

> Hi everyone!

>

> I would like to give my 6 month update. I am feeling

> fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have lost 101 pounds in 6 months. I had a

> physical last week and all my stats are perfect. My PCP says my vitamin

> levels are amazingly high. My liver and kidneys are in very good shape.

I

> have no signs or symptoms of bile reflux. Plan to have that checked at

one

> year. Having a bone density scan next week, since I am post menopausal.

> The quick weight loss can lead to bone loss.

>

> Here are the improvements in my health:

>

> Prior to surgery

> 6 month's later

>

> hypertension gone (I have been off of

> hypertension meds for 3 months with no reoccurrence of high bp)

> severe back pain from vastly improved (planted my own garden

> this year - still have to be careful with lifting)

> ruptured disk

> pulse rate ran 110 pulse rate 75-80

> no energy incredible energy

> indigestion not even one case of heartburn

> favorite food = huge steak favorite food = Wellspring cucumber

> sandwich with savory dill spread

>

> Also had a follow-up visit with Rutledge. He suggested I think about the

> post-op supplements since I seem to be a " fast " loser.

>

> The MGB has changed by life. When I first had the MGB I was very

skeptical.

> I am one of those people who need to see proof. It's such a relief to not

> worry about my weight or overeating anymore. I feel that the burden of

> health worries has been lifted from me. I was headed downhill health

wise.

> And it was speeding up. I have certainly changed by eating habits. I

crave

> the " good foods " now. I eat very healthy which was easy for me since I

> always loved fruits and veggie. I also eat constantly, just much better

> choices. Hooked on V8 juice, drink about 5-6 large cans per day (with

added

> salt). I have heard other MGBers say, the more I eat the more I lose.

It

> certainly seems true sometimes.

>

> Anyway, THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!!!! The information we share with each

> other is vital. If you would like to check out the pictures Tricia's

> website, I have furnished a new picture.

>

> Ann Parham Barton

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You know it is really interesting - different people have different loss

patterns. But the good news is ...... it all comes out the same - SKINNY IN

THE END! Let me know what your total is! Glad you are doing well.

Ann Parham Barton

Senior System Support Specialist

PAREXEL International

Information Systems - RTP

1000 Park Forty Plaza Suite 500

Durham, North Carolina 27713

Phone: 919-544-3170 Ext 5017

Fax: 919-544-3410

Re: 6 Month Update

Hi littermate!!!

You are doing so well!!! Fantastic!! I'm loving this Spring growing

season, aren't you? All the fresh fruits and vegetables.

Wish I could drink V-8, though.. I, on the other hand, have bought stock in

Gatorade. I love all the new flavors.

I only weigh once a month... so, I'll find out Friday (June 1) what my six

month total is.. not 101 lbs thats for sure.. but, I'm happy with my

progress.

Great to hear you're doing so well.

Sid Sutherland

MGB 12/01/00

-60+ (I'll know for sure on our 6 month anniversary Friday)

6 Month Update

> Hi everyone!

>

> I would like to give my 6 month update. I am feeling

> fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have lost 101 pounds in 6 months. I had a

> physical last week and all my stats are perfect. My PCP says my vitamin

> levels are amazingly high. My liver and kidneys are in very good shape.

I

> have no signs or symptoms of bile reflux. Plan to have that checked at

one

> year. Having a bone density scan next week, since I am post menopausal.

> The quick weight loss can lead to bone loss.

>

> Here are the improvements in my health:

>

> Prior to surgery

> 6 month's later

>

> hypertension gone (I have been off of

> hypertension meds for 3 months with no reoccurrence of high bp)

> severe back pain from vastly improved (planted my own garden

> this year - still have to be careful with lifting)

> ruptured disk

> pulse rate ran 110 pulse rate 75-80

> no energy incredible energy

> indigestion not even one case of heartburn

> favorite food = huge steak favorite food = Wellspring cucumber

> sandwich with savory dill spread

>

> Also had a follow-up visit with Rutledge. He suggested I think about the

> post-op supplements since I seem to be a " fast " loser.

>

> The MGB has changed by life. When I first had the MGB I was very

skeptical.

> I am one of those people who need to see proof. It's such a relief to not

> worry about my weight or overeating anymore. I feel that the burden of

> health worries has been lifted from me. I was headed downhill health

wise.

> And it was speeding up. I have certainly changed by eating habits. I

crave

> the " good foods " now. I eat very healthy which was easy for me since I

> always loved fruits and veggie. I also eat constantly, just much better

> choices. Hooked on V8 juice, drink about 5-6 large cans per day (with

added

> salt). I have heard other MGBers say, the more I eat the more I lose.

It

> certainly seems true sometimes.

>

> Anyway, THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!!!! The information we share with each

> other is vital. If you would like to check out the pictures Tricia's

> website, I have furnished a new picture.

>

> Ann Parham Barton

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

The skin is realllllly hanging. Everything is tolerable except my arms. I

am scared a good breeze is going to create a problem for me!

Ann Parham Barton

Re: 6 Month Update

Way to go Ann!!! Your weight loss is much quicker than mine, but I share

your joy and good feelings as well. Keep it up. Stay healthy. How's the

skin hanging?? PhillyJude

[Guest guest]

Ann,

Wow, you are doing fantastic. Congratulations! Did you ever think

you'd ever be called a " fast loser " - not in a million years!

Bern

TX

> Hi everyone!

>

> I would like to give my 6 month update. I am feeling

> fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have lost 101 pounds in 6 months. I

had a

> physical last week and all my stats are perfect. My PCP says my

vitamin

> levels are amazingly high. My liver and kidneys are in very good

shape. I

> have no signs or symptoms of bile reflux. Plan to have that

checked at one

> year. Having a bone density scan next week, since I am post

menopausal.

> The quick weight loss can lead to bone loss.

>

> Here are the improvements in my health:

>

> Prior to surgery

> 6 month's later

>

> hypertension gone (I have been off of

> hypertension meds for 3 months with no reoccurrence of high bp)

> severe back pain from vastly improved (planted my own

garden

> this year - still have to be careful with lifting)

> ruptured disk

> pulse rate ran 110 pulse rate 75-80

> no energy incredible energy

> indigestion not even one case of

heartburn

> favorite food = huge steak favorite food = Wellspring

cucumber

> sandwich with savory dill spread

>

> Also had a follow-up visit with Rutledge. He suggested I think

about the

> post-op supplements since I seem to be a " fast " loser.

>

> The MGB has changed by life. When I first had the MGB I was very

skeptical.

> I am one of those people who need to see proof. It's such a relief

to not

> worry about my weight or overeating anymore. I feel that the

burden of

> health worries has been lifted from me. I was headed downhill

health wise.

> And it was speeding up. I have certainly changed by eating habits.

I crave

> the " good foods " now. I eat very healthy which was easy for me

since I

> always loved fruits and veggie. I also eat constantly, just much

better

> choices. Hooked on V8 juice, drink about 5-6 large cans per day

(with added

> salt). I have heard other MGBers say, the more I eat the more I

lose. It

> certainly seems true sometimes.

>

> Anyway, THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!!!! The information we share

with each

> other is vital. If you would like to check out the pictures

Tricia's

> website, I have furnished a new picture.

>

> Ann Parham Barton

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Pamela,

Way to go. I know how excited you are. It is a great feeling to be a

participant in life again. Thank God for DrR and his staff.

Keep enjoying.

Teri

10Jan01

350/250

----Original Message Follows----

From: " Pamela " <plmmissy@...>

Reply-

Subject: 6 MONTH UPDATE

Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001 12:24:20 -0000

6 MONTH UPDATE

It has been a while since I posted, but my thoughts and prayers are

with everyone that has gone through the MGB. WHAT A BLESSING!!! I

had my surgery on January 12, 2001 at a beginning weight of 324 lbs.

Today is my 6 month anniversary and I have lost 101 lbs!!!!! In my

lifetime of struggling to lose weight (literally a lifetime - since

the age of 8) I have never lost over 25 lbs on any program. This

first time that I have EVER felt like I was close to making a goal on

weight loss. I feel better than I have in about 15 years, all of my

blood work has come back perfect, I snore very little now (use to be

able to peel wall paper!!!) I am a cooler nature now (use to keep A/C

on about 68 now I keep it on 75). I have gone from size 28's to 18's

and I am close to some 16's. I have begun dating and my social

calendar has filled up (one of the reasons I don't post as much as I

use to!)

I feel like for years I was just existing through life and now I have

begun living. I pray success for each of you as you continue through

your journey!!!

Pamela Mathisen

MGB - 1/12/01

324/223/? (wherever I may land!)

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

,

Your six month update was great! I KNOW what you mean about all the

compliments...god I must have looked horrible before (which I did). It is

hard having attention drawn to me now but I guess we'll get used to it.

Keep up the great work!

MGB 2/7/01

-120