Re: need patient contact letters please

[Guest guest]

You can't get on the post op boards until you have had your surgery. You

have to ask to be placed there. I get e-mail from both boards in my regular

e-mail on AOL. One is addressed to MGB_post op and the others are addressed

ossg-minigastricbypass. I think you can limit what e-mail comes thru on .

I really don't understand how pre-op's get on the post op board unless they

use a letter they see online to send their request for contacts out to

people on the post op board. Maybe we need to require personally that unless

you

send me a personal request from the MGB Gallery you won't get any responses

to your request. Someone who sent me a request the other day didn't even give

their name. Until I have a name to personalize the contact letter I won't

send it out. Someone else wanted to know where to stay when they had their

surgery and then failed to mention what center they were having surgery at.

People need to think a little before sending requests like that. I just hit

the delete button. I get too many e-mails to fool with those.

If I don't keep up daily I can have as many as 185 e-mails in my box. So

people just a little common courtesy would really help those of us who have

agreed to be contacts. My husband still can't understand why I feel a need to

answer these request. Hey, I was there once and it is nice to know someone

out there cares enough to help you the way others helped me when I was going

thru the process. So send the request for contacts but please give some

information like a name will help. God Bless.

Hugs,

5/17/2006

Dr. Rutledge

246/238.8/174/140 = 72 lbs lost

high/pre-op/now/goal

34 minutes/6 foot bypass

[Guest guest]

I don't mean to sound unwelcoming, but I thought this Post-Op group was for

Post-Ops, and not for pre-ops looking for contacts and other basic information.

I monitor the pre-op message board (online), I respond to questions when I can,

and I'm happy to be a contact, though I prefer to respond to folks that contact

me directly. Can the Post-Op moderator return-to-sender the requests for

contacts that come through the Post-Op message board?

Thanks. You can let me know if you think I'm out of line. I'm just trying to

manage my email load a bit.

:-) Kathy in VA

7/6/06

297/214

[Guest guest]

I'll be glad to help you. E-mail me at denise_herder@.... You'll have to

remind me what info you need. Good luck.

Herder

Dr. R 7/15/02

259/ 141

t_papolczy <t_papolczy@...> wrote:

I was wondering if anyone could help me with the patient contact

requirement for my packet. I am shooting for surgery around Easter and

trying to get things wraped up. You are all so encouraging. Thanks so

much for your help.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I agree Kathy - things shared here should be to post-ops, by post-ops. That's

my undestanding of why there are different boards.

Jeannie

Re: need patient contact letters please

I don't mean to sound unwelcoming, but I thought this Post-Op group was for

Post-Ops, and not for pre-ops looking for contacts and other basic information.

I monitor the pre-op message board (online), I respond to questions when I can,

and I'm happy to be a contact, though I prefer to respond to folks that contact

me directly. Can the Post-Op moderator return-to-sender the requests for

contacts that come through the Post-Op message board?

Thanks. You can let me know if you think I'm out of line. I'm just trying to

manage my email load a bit.

:-) Kathy in VA

7/6/06

297/214

[Guest guest]

I am 5 1/2 years post-op, I read all the messages, but rarely respond. I think

you're both being a little picky, don't you? I remember the days when I needed

the help, it was all so overwhelming at times, and I would have taken the help

anywhere I could have gotten it. Give the lady a break, she's just asking for

help. IF she got on the post-op list it was because she was approved by Dr. R.

and we should welcome her. If it bothers the two of you just simply by-pass the

message, plain and simple. I don't mean to come on too strong, but I just think

there are bigger issues for us to think about.

Pat P from RI

Re: need patient contact letters please

I don't mean to sound unwelcoming, but I thought this Post-Op group was for

Post-Ops, and not for pre-ops looking for contacts and other basic information.

I monitor the pre-op message board (online), I respond to questions when I can,

and I'm happy to be a contact, though I prefer to respond to folks that contact

me directly. Can the Post-Op moderator return-to-sender the requests for

contacts that come through the Post-Op message board?

Thanks. You can let me know if you think I'm out of line. I'm just trying to

manage my email load a bit.

:-) Kathy in VA

7/6/06

297/214

[Guest guest]

I understand your point, Pat - but why not just have one 1 big happy MGB group

then if pre-ops are allowed on the post op group? I just believe that if you

are going to have a post-op list, it should be for people who have had the

surgery. I don't feel comfortable posting some info on the pre-op board as

there are people there that need not know my personal info. I believe I have a

right to be picky when it comes to ME!

Jeannie

Re: need patient contact letters please

I don't mean to sound unwelcoming, but I thought this Post-Op group was for

Post-Ops, and not for pre-ops looking for contacts and other basic information.

I monitor the pre-op message board (online), I respond to questions when I can,

and I'm happy to be a contact, though I prefer to respond to folks that contact

me directly. Can the Post-Op moderator return-to-sender the requests for

contacts that come through the Post-Op message board?

Thanks. You can let me know if you think I'm out of line. I'm just trying to

manage my email load a bit.

:-) Kathy in VA

7/6/06

297/214

[Guest guest]

PS: I remember, as a pre-op, I saw the post-op group as a sort of " right of

passage " - you know - couldn't wait to get there! Wondered what they were

talking about? Couldn't wait to talk more candidly w/ the likes of from

Florida, TJ, Kim in Canada........ I never would have guessed that I'd be

talking about the color of my poop w/ complete strangers! and Agent Orange &

greasy farts! Some would say " too much information " , but not these post-op

veterans!

That is why I feel so strongly that there should be a pre-op & a post-op group &

the set criteria should be adheared to.

Skinny wishes to you all!

Jeannie

254/158

so close to 100 lbs gone I can taste it!

Re: need patient contact letters please

I don't mean to sound unwelcoming, but I thought this Post-Op group was for

Post-Ops, and not for pre-ops looking for contacts and other basic information.

I monitor the pre-op message board (online), I respond to questions when I can,

and I'm happy to be a contact, though I prefer to respond to folks that contact

me directly. Can the Post-Op moderator return-to-sender the requests for

contacts that come through the Post-Op message board?

Thanks. You can let me know if you think I'm out of line. I'm just trying to

manage my email load a bit.

:-) Kathy in VA

7/6/06

297/214

[Guest guest]

Pat, I agree with you. I don't have to be directly asked to be a contact. If

someone asks for a contact from anyone, I consider myself to be an anyone and

sometimes I respond. If they don't want my contact letter, they can just delete

it. My feelings are never hurt because many people have written to say how much

they appreciate my response. When I first joined this email site more than 3+

years ago, I asked generally for contacts and I was overwhelmed with them. I

thanked each one of them personally and greatly appreciated their answering my

request. Come on, people, have you forgotten how it was when you were

overwhelmed with doubts, confusion, fear and great hope for your future? If

anyone asks for help, feel free to respond even if they didn't mention your

name. I get great satisfaction from answering emails asking for help. I think

you call it " paying it forward " or as my husband says, " pass it on " . I hope

everyone has a great year and those of you waiting for approval, I hope you get

a good answer soon. I hope your surgery is as successful and uneventful as

mine. Take care and God bless. Bird@...

Re: need patient contact letters please

I don't mean to sound unwelcoming, but I thought this Post-Op group was for

Post-Ops, and not for pre-ops looking for contacts and other basic information.

I monitor the pre-op message board (online), I respond to questions when I can,

and I'm happy to be a contact, though I prefer to respond to folks that contact

me directly. Can the Post-Op moderator return-to-sender the requests for

contacts that come through the Post-Op message board?

Thanks. You can let me know if you think I'm out of line. I'm just trying to

manage my email load a bit.

:-) Kathy in VA

7/6/06

297/214

[Guest guest]

I remember very well how appreciative I was of the information I read (and

re-read) on the pre-op listserve. I asked my questions, some of them that I

realized later were in the manual, and everybody was so inspiring, informative,

and nice. I definitely believe in " paying it forward " and that's why I continue

to monitor the pre-op list and I strive to be as helpful as those that helped

me. That said, this is all the more reason I treasure the relative privacy of

the post-op board. I don't have to explain anything, or not much, to you all--

you've been there! I also couldn't wait to get to the other side so I could call

myself a " post-op. " I only had in mind that pre-op kinds of questions should be

kept to the pre-op board where those of us that monitor it can help whenever we

can, and so that other pre-ops can benefit from the answers they receive.

:-) Kathy in VA

--------- Re: need patient contact letters please

I don't mean to sound unwelcoming, but I thought this Post-Op group was for

Post-Ops, and not for pre-ops looking for contacts and other basic information.

I monitor the pre-op message board (online), I respond to questions when I can,

and I'm happy to be a contact, though I prefer to respond to folks that contact

me directly. Can the Post-Op moderator return-to-sender the requests for

contacts that come through the Post-Op message board?

Thanks. You can let me know if you think I'm out of line. I'm just trying to

manage my email load a bit.

:-) Kathy in VA

7/6/06

297/214

[Guest guest]

My name is Margaret Ann ,I am 53 years old and I weighed 316 lbs and

felt awful mentally and physically. When I began completing my packet for the

MGB surgery, I also began losing weight! I had given up all hope and felt like I

would not live another year. Doing the packet helped me to finalize in my mind

what I needed to do for myself. Two days before surgery I weighed 309 lbs. And

the day of surgery I weighed 307 lb. the day of surgery. At almost 5 months out,

I weighed 234 lbs. I weighed on November 13th, and weighed 228 lbs. I had the

MGB on June 8th,2006, Dr. Rutledge did a 7 ft. bypass in 37 minutes. They filmed

my surgery via the IPOD and seven minutes were lost because of a cable

malfunction. I had no physical complications as long as I took the medicine as

prescribed. I walked and moved about within an hour after surgery. The next

morning I was very dizzy…I NEEDED SALT, but a salt packet helped me feel much

better. On the third day, I walked 1 mile with a

friend who encouraged me. The next day I walked at least two miles in the

Nevada sun. I was drinking, resting and getting salt. I did fine!

The problem began to evolve about two months out. I grew sick of the all the

fruit flavors, the different taste were very upsetting to my system. I begin

backing off Pepto Bismol, then fruit flavor Tums…and well, you get the

picture…The routine got very tiring very fast! BEWARE… this so far, has been one

of the hardest parts! Just remember, the broth and medications are given for

specific reasons, and it helps keep things coated for your new stomach. The

changes are do-able…but difficult from time to time. You will have both positive

and negative changes to go through, and you will need to be mindful of the

possibility of depression rearing up. It may not seem so, but you will fare

better giving yourself time to adjust to everything. I have predisposition

toward depression so I monitor my emotions pretty closely anyway. Don’t expect

too much too soon! The weight is coming off, but I am adjusting in so many

different ways! I am just now, getting a clearer picture of how

one is suppose to feel with the MGB. I got an ulcer and have been extremely

nauseated and throwing up for about 3 months and finally called Dr. Rutledge.. I

have suffered needlessly, because I backed off on the medication too soon. The

last 5 days I have felt great! I just wished I would have called Dr. Rutledge

sooner! The way I am seeing it, is over the next few months-up to a year, I am

adjusting to a new life. The MGB is not a magic bullet, but our new tool must be

used wisely! It will be up to you to follow the rules. If something is unclear,

or you have symptoms which don’t feel right, let the staff know immediately so

they can help you! In spite of my “bumps in the road” I am very thankful I had

the opportunity to complete the packet and have the MGB surgery. My “story” is

like so many others, but it is my story.

I was the youngest of five children and I remember having basically the same

breakfasts until I left home. My mother fixed forty biscuits every morning, and

by that nightfall, these were gone! We survived on grits, eggs, fatback, bacon,

sausage, or ham for breakfast. We always had syrup and plenty of Blue Bonnet on

the table too. At lunch, we had pinto beans, or pinto bean soup, onion and

cornbread or whole-cakes. On school days, I would have the pinto beans for

supper. Our Sunday meals usually were fried chicken ,cubed steak, and sometimes

a roast. I also remember getting more vegetables in the spring and summer. My

father would also bring home all types of processed “goodies”. I remember him

bringing home wonderful cheese cakes in pie tins and I would eat most of them

all by myself! When I was older and could be left alone, my mother and father

would leave me at the house with a loaf of bread, mayonnaise, and bananas. I

would literally make myself sick on banana

sandwiches. I would follow it with a large Coke. It was also nothing for me to

down a whole container of ice cream and eat a Pepperidge Farm cake by myself. My

father was a big eater, and it was one way all of us children received attention

from him. I was forever having sugar lows and highs and once I found out about

dieting, I was on a perpetual diet. I binged and purged many times.

To compound the problem, I had ADHD-undiagnosed and all the excess sugar gave

way to some explosive episodes at home. At school I couldn’t focus and had a

difficult time. The other children made horrendous fun of me. I weighed

one-hundred fifty pounds in the sixth grade. I remember because the teacher

yelled it across the room to a nurse recording the weights and the heights of

the children. I was voted the Halloween queen for my classroom and it was in

jest. The teacher couldn’t do a thing about the students making fun of me. It

was an awful thing to endure! Later in middle school and high school too, the

“popular” students would call my house and tell my mother they needed to speak

with me. My mother would give out my friend’s phone number and these people

would call my friend’s house to harass me. I was also made terrible fun of on

the bus and hated riding it to school. If I were walking on the side of the

road, people would yell awful things out of the window. I was

harassed and hated school. I had also been sexually molested by a friend’s

grandfather, the taunting reinforced an already very low self esteem. My

confidence was nil, but I had a silly, sense of humor that I have always loved

about myself. It has helped me endure many of life‘ storms.

In high school I went on a second major diet. I lost down to 160 lbs. The mini

diets were too numerous to count! The attention I received was overwhelming,

especially from the boys. I gained all the weight back because I lacked the

emotional security and nutritional knowledge to maintain it. I continued

resorting to all types of methods attempting to lose the excess weight. I

fasted, binged ate, and used laxatives. You name it, I have attempted it! About

3 years ago, I got down to 243, and I was very proud of my accomplishments. I

had seen several counselors and some of my work was beginning to pay off.

However, life happened and I gained the weight back. This effort to lose weight

wiped me out emotionally. I began researching weight loss surgery, but did so

only dreamingly. I never thought it would actually work out! When I hit fifty,

my body began not to cooperate. I almost couldn’t go. My years of yo-yo dieting,

mind games, and binge eating, caused me to be in an awful

mess. I couldn’t go through the process of losing the weight, only to gain it

back again. I knew of some friends that had the MGB surgery, and I spoke with

them in detail. It was amazing how things worked out! God can make a way when

there doesn’t seem to be a way.

By the time I decided to do the packet, I was at the end of my rope and had

ran out of options, I had heard all the horror stories about weight-loss

surgery, and one of my good friends had died from complications from the earlier

gastric bypass surgery. The risks of not having the surgery were just as real

for me! I knew my time was short without major interventions, so I chose the MGB

surgery. Once I began to work on my packet I had many scary thoughts. However,

the application process while frustrating, helped me somehow! The process

actually empowered me and I did the packet by myself with very little help from

anyone! The ADHD was alive and well during the process, so, if I can do the

packet, anyone can!

I was intimated to ask my doctor about a support letter. Much to my surprise,

he was extremely supportive. My family and friends have also been there for me

in spite of my difficulties with my taking the medication properly. I also felt

that Dr. Rutledge would turn me down, or I would be mistreated somehow. I had a

very pleasant surprise! I was treated like a queen! The staff or Dr. Rutledge

did not brow beat me at all…and I felt very comfortable with everyone! Dr.

Rutledge said in the pre-op meeting a hormone called ghrenlin was to blame for

obesity. This was one of the most important things I remembered. He helped me to

be more accepting of myself and present, temporary, circumstances.

I have learned you are not your weight. You are worthy of being saved and we

are all viable human beings who deserve a chance at life!

I can only tell you about my story. I cannot tell you what is best for you.

Only you and your gut feelings can make this decision. I didn’t have another

option. I did not feel I had another year left…and I definitely had no quality

of life. Any surgery you have can be risky, but my very life was in jeopardy

before the surgery anyway. The MGB gave me another chance at life, so I will be

forever, grateful!

I do advise you make yourself very familiar with the medicines and procedures

after the surgery. Read and reread the manual, in my opinion, it is impossible

to do this too much! It will always be of benefit to you. Also realize the MGB

is not a “cure all”. You will be required to make some choices you might not

like, and there can be some trade-offs. . You can even have some down times! Do

your part and maintain the agreement you will make to take your medicines and

choose your foods wisely. Don’t blame anyone, if you know you are not complying

with the directions given in the manual and the surgeon of your choice.

The surgeons who have trained with Dr. Rutledge and each staff member meets a

certain criteria of expertise. If you have any questions or concerns let someone

know. If you feel more ill than usual, let someone know this too! They will call

and check up on you the first week, but you have to talk with them about any

concerns you have. You have a responsibility in your own care! It is only fair

to say, if you know there is something you are not able to do, or you are not

doing, don’t blame the doctor. I quit some of the medicine too soon, and the

chances are great, it caused me to develop an ulcer. I went for months without

letting anyone know. I even questioned if I had made the right decision about

having the surgery. Any surgery involves risk, but in my opinion, Dr. Rutledge

and all the MGB surgeons, do not take their profession lightly, and are very

methodical. By all means, do not hesitate to try anything they suggest, and call

sooner than later, if you have a problem.

I know completing the packet can be trying, but I can assure you, the efforts

you make toward completing the packet, phone calls and your research will not be

in vain! May God bless you in your efforts and lead you in making the best

decision for your health. Love and Best Wishes from Ann -

Pt. Of Dr. Rutledge, June 8th,2006- Weight beginning packet-316. Wt. Day of

surgery-307 and on 11-13-06, I weighed 223lbs. On Jan.5th, I lost 2 more pounds

and weigh 214. Pretty good for someone who weighed 316 when I began my packet

about a month before surgery.102 lbs. gone-

t_papolczy <t_papolczy@...> wrote: I was wondering if anyone

could help me with the patient contact

requirement for my packet. I am shooting for surgery around Easter and

trying to get things wraped up. You are all so encouraging. Thanks so

much for your help.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Amen ! I believe in Paying it Forward also, what goes around comes

around......You will be blessed....

Pat

Re: need patient contact letters please

I don't mean to sound unwelcoming, but I thought this Post-Op group was for

Post-Ops, and not for pre-ops looking for contacts and other basic information.

I monitor the pre-op message board (online), I respond to questions when I can,

and I'm happy to be a contact, though I prefer to respond to folks that contact

me directly. Can the Post-Op moderator return-to-sender the requests for

contacts that come through the Post-Op message board?

Thanks. You can let me know if you think I'm out of line. I'm just trying to

manage my email load a bit.

:-) Kathy in VA

7/6/06

297/214

[Guest guest]

Jeannie, You certainly have a right to your feelings.... If you don't feel

comfortabable posting personal issues on the pre-op board then by all means

don't, that's your choice. My point was that she only asked for contacts, and

I'm sure she felt very unwelcomed by the response, I know that I would have. I

don't want to ruffle any feathers, I just feel that we're all in this together &

we shouldn't turn anyone away or make them feel guilty in their time of need. No

offense intended. Have a great day!

PAt

From: Jeannie

Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 11:33 AM

Subject: Re: need patient contact letters please

I understand your point, Pat - but why not just have one 1 big happy MGB group

then if pre-ops are allowed on the post op group? I just believe that if you are

going to have a post-op list, it should be for people who have had the surgery.

I don't feel comfortable posting some info on the pre-op board as there are

people there that need not know my personal info. I believe I have a right to be

picky when it comes to ME!

Jeannie

Re: need patient contact letters please

I don't mean to sound unwelcoming, but I thought this Post-Op group was for

Post-Ops, and not for pre-ops looking for contacts and other basic information.

I monitor the pre-op message board (online), I respond to questions when I can,

and I'm happy to be a contact, though I prefer to respond to folks that contact

me directly. Can the Post-Op moderator return-to-sender the requests for

contacts that come through the Post-Op message board?

Thanks. You can let me know if you think I'm out of line. I'm just trying to

manage my email load a bit.

:-) Kathy in VA

7/6/06

297/214

[Guest guest]

I was granted access to this board weeks before my surgery. I just

asked for admission, and nobody questioned me. The only reason I

asked for admission, though, was just to get it set up so it would

be there after my surgery. Actually, it kind of surprised me that I

was granted permission to join without actually having had my

surgery yet. Oh, well I'm just glad to be on the other side now!

>

> Jeannie, You certainly have a right to your feelings.... If you

don't feel comfortabable posting personal issues on the pre-op board

then by all means don't, that's your choice. My point was that she

only asked for contacts, and I'm sure she felt very unwelcomed by

the response, I know that I would have. I don't want to ruffle any

feathers, I just feel that we're all in this together & we shouldn't

turn anyone away or make them feel guilty in their time of need. No

offense intended. Have a great day!

>

> PAt

> From: Jeannie

>

> Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 11:33 AM

> Subject: Re: need patient contact letters please

>

>

> I understand your point, Pat - but why not just have one 1 big

happy MGB group then if pre-ops are allowed on the post op group? I

just believe that if you are going to have a post-op list, it should

be for people who have had the surgery. I don't feel comfortable

posting some info on the pre-op board as there are people there that

need not know my personal info. I believe I have a right to be picky

when it comes to ME!

>

> Jeannie

>

> Re: need patient contact letters please

>

> I don't mean to sound unwelcoming, but I thought this Post-Op

group was for Post-Ops, and not for pre-ops looking for contacts and

other basic information. I monitor the pre-op message board

(online), I respond to questions when I can, and I'm happy to be a

contact, though I prefer to respond to folks that contact me

directly. Can the Post-Op moderator return-to-sender the requests

for contacts that come through the Post-Op message board?

>

> Thanks. You can let me know if you think I'm out of line. I'm

just trying to manage my email load a bit.

>

> :-) Kathy in VA

> 7/6/06

> 297/214

>

>