One Year Anniversary

[Guest guest]

Well, yesterday I celebrated my one year postop anniversary. It is amazing to

me that so much time has flown by. I started out at 235 and now weigh 122-123

lbs. I wear a perfect size 4 and have a 25 inch waist. I could not be

happier! I have had bloodwork done 3 times and it has always been outstanding. I

had

an endoscopy done at 10 months and it was normal. The best part of my new life

is that I am now very physically fit and absolutely love going to the gym. I

lift weights 4-5 times a week and can run a 10 minute mile. I never in a

million years would have beloved that I would become a fitness guru. My trainer

is

so unbelievably proud of me and swears that I am not the same person in the

pictures that I have shown her. I can proudly say that, " No, I am not the same

person. I have changed on the inside and the outside. " I can now keep up with

and outrun my very active 3 yr. old son (much to his dismay!). My marriage has

never been better! A confident woman is a happy woman!

I am so thankful for this new lease on life and credit God first for leading

me to such a fine, skilled surgeon and his unbelievable staff. I would like to

personally thank Dr. Rutledge from the bottom of my heart for delivering me

from the bondage of food. Dr. Rutledge you are a miracle worker! And I will

always cherish the kindness and compassion shown to me by Goodman.

is

truly an angel. She has done so much for me and has always made me feel so

important. Dana is an absolutely brilliant nurse. She has always encourged me

and pointed me in the right direction with sound advice! Newton was

added to the staff half way through my first year and it took no time at all for

me to see what a fine addition she has been. She is so fun and sincere! She

always makes me feel welcome when I visit. is so genuine and really cares

about each and every patient.

This past year has been so rewarding for me in so many ways. I am now the

leader of our local support group in Greenville, SC. I have had the great

fortune

of meeting so many wonderful people. It has been so fulfilling for me to

encourage others as they travel the same path. I have made some of the most

genuine friends in my life through this surgery. I truly understand the pain of

being overweight and being addicted to food and how glorious it feels to come

out

on the other side of it. I look forward to sharing this journey with others.

May you all be blessed as you walk this path.

Sincerely,

Alisha Ackerman

7/31/02

235/122