2 year anniversary

[Guest guest]

Happy Anniversary

I'm sure you feel great and what a nice trip to win. Rome, you enjoy

yourself there and just think how much more you will be able to do now

while you are there. Keep up the good work and if you haven't already

done so please fill out a follow up form on the website so we can keep

track of your progress. Take care and again congratulations...

Penny Belcher

Business Manager

704-871-0031(office)

704-682-1226 (cell)

800-248-8961 ( fax)

www.clos.net

2 year anniversary

Today is my 2 year anniversay where my life changed forever. I have

lost about 140 lbs. I weighed 318 lbs at the date of surgery and now

weigh between 180-185 depends on the week. Overall I feel good I just

been tired and depressed. The doctor put me on anti-depressents and I

feel better emotionally. I just need to work on being so tired.

I am glad I am skinnier now because I just won tickets to Rome and it

will be so nice traveling now.

Hope everyone is doing well.

01-10-01 318/185

[Guest guest]

Congratulations !!!

Wow ...such great success...AND a trip to Rome ! wow !!!

Much luck to you !

in Fl

~ ~

>From: " girlscout98023 <morris_karen@...> "

><morris_karen@...>

>Reply-

>

>Subject: 2 year anniversary

>Date: Fri, 10 Jan 2003 17:14:54 -0000

>

>Today is my 2 year anniversay where my life changed forever. I have

>lost about 140 lbs. I weighed 318 lbs at the date of surgery and now

>weigh between 180-185 depends on the week. Overall I feel good I just

>been tired and depressed. The doctor put me on anti-depressents and I

>feel better emotionally. I just need to work on being so tired.

>

>I am glad I am skinnier now because I just won tickets to Rome and it

>will be so nice traveling now.

>

>Hope everyone is doing well.

>

>

>01-10-01 318/185

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

Have you tried the estragen patch? This can be a great help for both

tiredness and depression.

Sincerely,

Pusey, FNP

2 year anniversary

Today is my 2 year anniversay where my life changed forever. I have

lost about 140 lbs. I weighed 318 lbs at the date of surgery and now

weigh between 180-185 depends on the week. Overall I feel good I just

been tired and depressed. The doctor put me on anti-depressents and I

feel better emotionally. I just need to work on being so tired.

I am glad I am skinnier now because I just won tickets to Rome and it

will be so nice traveling now.

Hope everyone is doing well.

01-10-01 318/185

[Guest guest]

No, I have not. My PCP does not want to put me on the estrogen patch.

2 year anniversary

Today is my 2 year anniversay where my life changed forever. I have

lost about 140 lbs. I weighed 318 lbs at the date of surgery and now

weigh between 180-185 depends on the week. Overall I feel good I just

been tired and depressed. The doctor put me on anti-depressents and I

feel better emotionally. I just need to work on being so tired.

I am glad I am skinnier now because I just won tickets to Rome and it

will be so nice traveling now.

Hope everyone is doing well.

01-10-01 318/185

[Guest guest]

Rosemary,

It's good to hear from you and to know that your arm surgery went well. Hope

the breast lift is equally successful. Congratulations on your 2 year

anniversary of a new lease on life. You are a courageous and gracious lady.

Judith

DrR 1/8/02

230/116/115

2 year anniversary

> Hello,

>

> January 26, 2001, was the beginning of a new life for me. That is

the

> day I had my MGB with Doctor Rutledge in Durham at the Durham

Regional

> Hospital. My beloved was with me every minute, and stayed in my

> hospital room all night with me on a recliner. He wanted this for me so

> much. It took Doctor Rutledge 38 minutes to do my surgery, with no

> complications, thank God. I was so afraid I was going to be the one who

died

> on the table. The first few hours were very uncomfortable, but not really

> painful. I had a pain pump and I really used it which helped so much. As

> the hours passed it was much better. That evening we walked a little

outside

> of my room at the hospital, with my husbands help. And again the next

> morning, the walking helps. That day after Doctor Rutledge came to see

me,

> we went back to the hotel, and I really rested on and off all evening. It

> was a little hard to get on and off the bed at the hotel, but each time it

> got easier. I was so glad it was over and I was alive, and very thankful

> that all was well and going very smooth. The next day we took a walk

across

> the street from the hotel, just to get moving, there was a little shopping

> center there so we went to the drug store and we had gone to get dinner

for

> my husband, and I had a soup. We walked back to the hotel and I rested.

The

> next day I went to the beauty parlor, and later we went out for a while.

I

> was feeling great, each day was better, I had my staples removed on the

> seventh day and we were ready to head back to New York. I was 297 lbs

before

> my surgery, and in the week I had lost 6 lbs. We drove home, I should say

my

> husband drove home. We were told not to drive for two weeks. I reported

in

> everyday, and was on the computer all the time, I kept in touch with

Doctor

> Rutledge daily and would write to the list all the time. I lost at a

steady

> pace, I think I was much slower than others, but I was 58 years old when I

> had my surgery and I was very happy with my progress. Within a year I had

> lost 100 lbs.

>

> We went back to Durham for the picnic and I had my follow up visit

with

> the good Doctor. My was so happy that I was doing so good and

> although at the time I had lost 87 lbs and still had a way to go (this was

in

> September). But seeing everyone was great, Vinnie was so happy to meet

> everyone, we went to the Doctor's office, to the Friday night dinner, and

> then to the picnic and we were both so happy. We said good bye to

everyone

> at the picnic, and we left for home the next morning. We drove from New

York

> and we were on the way home almost had reached home (we had 3 hours more

to

> reach home) and Vinnie had a massive heart attack behind of the wheel of

the

> car. He died that Sunday, September 30. Since that time I continue to go

> on, and hope that he sees me and the progress I have made since then.

>

> This past December 30th, I had plastic surgery on my arms to get rid

of

> all the excess skin, there was a lot to cut off. I am still recovering,

had

> lymph nodes removed at the same time, thank God the report was good. Now

if

> all goes as planned I am going to have a breast lift in either March or

> April. After that, I would like to start an exercise program which I

never

> did yet. But I am 61 years old now, I will play thing by ear now and as

long

> as I do not gain any weight, I will be happy. I do take all of my

vitamins

> and supplements, my protein drinks I get in but not the way I should. I

do

> not know how to thank Doctor Rutledge for the change in my life through

the

> surgery, I had tried so many things all of my life and nothing ever worked

> for me. I was headed for the wheel chair and not kind of a life at all.

It

> is too bad my Vinnie cannot be here to see and enjoy the changes and do

all

> the things we had planned to do. Hope to see everyone again, I feel I

have

> made so many friends in all of you and keeping in touch is my lifeline. I

> treasure each and every one of you. Thank you all for all of your help

and

> kind words. Love you all.

>

> Rosemary Commisso MGB Jan 26, 2001 291 lbs--195 lbs

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Christie,

Congratulations.... I'm so proud of you. What a great story and

It sounds like your life is great! If you haven't already done so please

fill out your 2 year follow up form. This helps us to better be able to

keep up with how wonderful you are doing. I will be posting my 3 year

story next month and let me tell you, it just continues to get better.

Take care and thanks for posting... I'm sorry about your friend.

Penny Belcher

Business Manager

704-871-0031(office)

704-682-1226 (cell)

800-248-8961 ( fax)

www.clos.net

2 year Anniversary

Hello Everyone!

It has been awhile since my last post. Life has really been reeling.

Wednesday, Feburary 26 will be my 2 year anniversary. I would do it

again

tomorrow. Dr R I will always be your biggest fan. I can never thank

you

enough. I give God the glory first but Dr R he sends his angels in many

forms and I know you are a gift to me and many others.

I have lost a total of 167 pounds and am now a size 6 - 8. I even have

a

couple 4's in my closet. I love to shop and I'm loving life. I am full

of

energy and have no pains anywhwere. It's really the little things that

amaze

me, like crossing my legs, fitting in any seat I wish to sit in, being

able

to tie my shoes, walking and running. Yes I can run now!!! I feel

feminine

now and to be honest I feel down right pretty most of the time.

Everyday, I

run in to people who have known me for years but don't reconize me at

first

glance. I never knew how much difference this surgery would and has

made in

my life.

My mom has been diagnoised with Alzheimer's this past year and I'm

dealing

with it the best I can. It's not going to get any better but I know I

would

have never have had the enery or the indurance to fight this battle 164

pounds ago. Keep me in your prayers.

I have had no problems . I eat what I want but just not as much as

before.

There are certain foods I don't care for anymore, especially CHINESE,

yuk!!

I have an occasional sweet treat but only occasionally. I take my

vitamins

daily and stay away from sodas, chocolate, coffee and high fat foods. I

love

brocolli!! I nibble all day long on different foods. I have one weakness

and

that's my sweet tea (DECAF). I have about 8ozs a day (1 glass at lunch

or

dinner). I'm really pleased with the elasticity of my skin also. My

thighs

are the worst and my stomach could be better but it isn't noticable in

my

clothes. I'm not yet considering PS. All my check ups and blood work

have

come back normal and ny PC is thrilled. I have no reflux, no gas ,no

problems.

I lost a friend about 4 weeks ago to complications from WLS. She had a

blood

clot that moved to her lungs and died 6 days after her surgery. I'm not

sure

what procedure she had but I know it was an open procedure. She was a

wonderful person. She left a 7 year old son and her husband. I again

realize everyday how blessed I am. Thank you again Dr R and I love you!

Thanks to all of my sisiters and brothers out there that helped me make

the

right decision for me. God bless you all!!

Christy Temple

MGB 2-26-01 309pounds

2-23-03 142 pounds

[Guest guest]

Christy,

167 lbs! That's phenomenal! Congratulations!

Judith in Texas

DrR 1/8/02

230/115

2 year Anniversary

> Hello Everyone!

> It has been awhile since my last post. Life has really been reeling.

> Wednesday, Feburary 26 will be my 2 year anniversary. I would do it again

> tomorrow. Dr R I will always be your biggest fan. I can never thank you

> enough. I give God the glory first but Dr R he sends his angels in many

> forms and I know you are a gift to me and many others.

> I have lost a total of 167 pounds and am now a size 6 - 8. I even have a

> couple 4's in my closet. I love to shop and I'm loving life. I am full

of

> energy and have no pains anywhwere. It's really the little things that

amaze

> me, like crossing my legs, fitting in any seat I wish to sit in, being

able

> to tie my shoes, walking and running. Yes I can run now!!! I feel

feminine

> now and to be honest I feel down right pretty most of the time. Everyday,

I

> run in to people who have known me for years but don't reconize me at

first

> glance. I never knew how much difference this surgery would and has made

in

> my life.

> My mom has been diagnoised with Alzheimer's this past year and I'm dealing

> with it the best I can. It's not going to get any better but I know I

would

> have never have had the enery or the indurance to fight this battle 164

> pounds ago. Keep me in your prayers.

> I have had no problems . I eat what I want but just not as much as before.

> There are certain foods I don't care for anymore, especially CHINESE,

yuk!!

> I have an occasional sweet treat but only occasionally. I take my

vitamins

> daily and stay away from sodas, chocolate, coffee and high fat foods. I

love

> brocolli!! I nibble all day long on different foods. I have one weakness

and

> that's my sweet tea (DECAF). I have about 8ozs a day (1 glass at lunch or

> dinner). I'm really pleased with the elasticity of my skin also. My

thighs

> are the worst and my stomach could be better but it isn't noticable in my

> clothes. I'm not yet considering PS. All my check ups and blood work

have

> come back normal and ny PC is thrilled. I have no reflux, no gas ,no

> problems.

> I lost a friend about 4 weeks ago to complications from WLS. She had a

blood

> clot that moved to her lungs and died 6 days after her surgery. I'm not

sure

> what procedure she had but I know it was an open procedure. She was a

> wonderful person. She left a 7 year old son and her husband. I again

> realize everyday how blessed I am. Thank you again Dr R and I love you!

> Thanks to all of my sisiters and brothers out there that helped me make

the

> right decision for me. God bless you all!!

>

>

> Christy Temple

> MGB 2-26-01 309pounds

> 2-23-03 142 pounds

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Penny

I'll fill out my 2 year form asap

Please tell Dr R hello and THANKS!

Christy in NC

[Guest guest]

It has been two years this morning since I had my dance with Dr. Hargroder here

in Joplin. At that time I was carrying 312 lbs on a 5' 6 " frame.

At the time of my surgery I was not having any serious medical problems. I was

having problems with depression, knees and ankles aching after being on my feet

all day, and shortness of breathe on exertion---even just getting out of bed! I

knew that the medical problems would probably catch up with me before long.

Both of my parents, two sisters and brother all suffer from heart problems and

other assorted health problems. I knew that I was at a severe risk of all the

health problems they were having. I didn't want to live the lives they were!

The extra weight was causing me to become a social recluse. I didn't want to go

out in public with my family as I felt they were embarrassed by the way I

looked, it was difficult to fit into restaurant booths and/or movie seats. I

was not able to participate in sports like I had for many of my younger years.

AND most importantly to me, I was not able to be the Grannie I wanted to be to

my 2 year old granddaughter. I had such fond memories of the good times I had

with my Grannie and I wanted Filumena to have those same type of memories.

As of this morning, I weigh 179 lbs; a loss of 133 lbs!!! It is still very

difficult for me to realize that I have really lost all of that weight. I was

very skeptical when I had the surgery. I had tried so many weight loss programs

over a 25-30 year period that I didn't see how anything could help me lose

weight. Boy, was I ever surprised when I lost 12 lbs that first week! Every

time I went in for my follow-up visits there was a loss again! This was a total

miracle to me!!!!

I have gone from a size 26-28 clothing down to a size 10-12; a shoe size of 9 to

7-7 ½, and from a size 9 ring to a size 5!

Measurements have gone from: Waist 61 inches on the day of surgery to a 30 inch

this morning; hips from a 71 inch to a 40 inch, and bust from a 52 DD to a 36 B!

With the loss of inches, I do have a lot of saggy skin and will be going in on

3/29 to have a tummy tuck. That is my " saggiest " area right now!

I am able to play 18 holes of golf with my husband and friends, I can snow ski

all day and still feel like going out in the evening, I am always ready for an

evening out with friends, and I love spending time with the granddaughter.

I have not taken any medication for depression or aching joints since I had the

surgery. It is wonderful to know that the only thing I am putting into by body

is multivitamins and Citrucel.

I am totally amazed at the normal things I can do now:

a.. Getting out of bed in the morning without all the aches and pains and

feeling exhausted

b.. Being able to cross my legs

c.. Being able to walk up a flight of stairs without fear of having a heart

attack

d.. Being able to go into a restaurant and sit wherever I want

e.. Being able to go to a movie and be comfortable

f.. Being able to tie my shoes without my face turning bright red and getting

very short of breath

g.. Being able to clean myself after going to the bathroom

h.. Being able to clean my house----maybe that isn't such a goody!

i.. Buying clothes that don't look like they were made for a tent cover

j.. Giving myself a pedicure

k.. Being able to wear my wedding rings again. It had been a number of years

since they fit

l.. Sitting in my sister's n furniture without being afraid I was

going to break it

m.. Having a tail on my airline seatbelt

n.. Having my hubby's arms fit around me

o.. Being able to participate in life, not just be a spectator

Thank you, Dr. Rutledge for your wonderful skills in developing this magnificent

surgery and for the surgeons that you have trained to perform the procedure.

What a world of difference it has made in so many lives.

This is the very best decision I made for myself and I would do it again without

any doubts.

Star Sweet

312/179

3/15/04 Joplin, MO with Dr. Hargroder

[Guest guest]

You have done great! Is your pic on the website? If it is what name is it

under?

Thanks for letting us know how you are going, I love to hear how losing

weight has affected peoples lives.

[Guest guest]

AMEN Star Sweet...

Billie

1/8/04

337/139 presently size 6

Dr. R/Dr. Walsh High Point

>

> From: " Star Sweet " <stars@...>

> Date: 2006/03/15 Wed AM 10:33:22 EST

> <OSSG-MiniGastricBypass >,

> " MGB Post-OP Group " < >,

> <MGBOffice >

> Subject: 2 year anniversary

>

> It has been two years this morning since I had my dance with Dr. Hargroder

here in Joplin. At that time I was carrying 312 lbs on a 5' 6 " frame.

>

> At the time of my surgery I was not having any serious medical problems. I

was having problems with depression, knees and ankles aching after being on my

feet all day, and shortness of breathe on exertion---even just getting out of

bed! I knew that the medical problems would probably catch up with me before

long. Both of my parents, two sisters and brother all suffer from heart

problems and other assorted health problems. I knew that I was at a severe risk

of all the health problems they were having. I didn't want to live the lives

they were!

>

> The extra weight was causing me to become a social recluse. I didn't want to

go out in public with my family as I felt they were embarrassed by the way I

looked, it was difficult to fit into restaurant booths and/or movie seats. I

was not able to participate in sports like I had for many of my younger years.

AND most importantly to me, I was not able to be the Grannie I wanted to be to

my 2 year old granddaughter. I had such fond memories of the good times I had

with my Grannie and I wanted Filumena to have those same type of memories.

>

> As of this morning, I weigh 179 lbs; a loss of 133 lbs!!! It is still very

difficult for me to realize that I have really lost all of that weight. I was

very skeptical when I had the surgery. I had tried so many weight loss programs

over a 25-30 year period that I didn't see how anything could help me lose

weight. Boy, was I ever surprised when I lost 12 lbs that first week! Every

time I went in for my follow-up visits there was a loss again! This was a total

miracle to me!!!!

>

> I have gone from a size 26-28 clothing down to a size 10-12; a shoe size of 9

to 7-7 ½, and from a size 9 ring to a size 5!

>

> Measurements have gone from: Waist 61 inches on the day of surgery to a 30

inch this morning; hips from a 71 inch to a 40 inch, and bust from a 52 DD to a

36 B! With the loss of inches, I do have a lot of saggy skin and will be going

in on 3/29 to have a tummy tuck. That is my " saggiest " area right now!

>

> I am able to play 18 holes of golf with my husband and friends, I can snow ski

all day and still feel like going out in the evening, I am always ready for an

evening out with friends, and I love spending time with the granddaughter.

>

> I have not taken any medication for depression or aching joints since I had

the surgery. It is wonderful to know that the only thing I am putting into by

body is multivitamins and Citrucel.

>

> I am totally amazed at the normal things I can do now:

>

> a.. Getting out of bed in the morning without all the aches and pains and

feeling exhausted

> b.. Being able to cross my legs

> c.. Being able to walk up a flight of stairs without fear of having a heart

attack

> d.. Being able to go into a restaurant and sit wherever I want

> e.. Being able to go to a movie and be comfortable

> f.. Being able to tie my shoes without my face turning bright red and

getting very short of breath

> g.. Being able to clean myself after going to the bathroom

> h.. Being able to clean my house----maybe that isn't such a goody!

> i.. Buying clothes that don't look like they were made for a tent cover

> j.. Giving myself a pedicure

> k.. Being able to wear my wedding rings again. It had been a number of

years since they fit

> l.. Sitting in my sister's n furniture without being afraid I was

going to break it

> m.. Having a tail on my airline seatbelt

> n.. Having my hubby's arms fit around me

> o.. Being able to participate in life, not just be a spectator

>

>

> Thank you, Dr. Rutledge for your wonderful skills in developing this

magnificent surgery and for the surgeons that you have trained to perform the

procedure. What a world of difference it has made in so many lives.

>

> This is the very best decision I made for myself and I would do it again

without any doubts.

>

>

>

> Star Sweet

>

> 312/179

>

> 3/15/04 Joplin, MO with Dr. Hargroder

>

>

>

>

>

>