Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 lynda, my wife is post op, lost 20 lbs so far. I know that when it comes to family support you MUST have it. one of the other patients had a date set up and once Dr. R found out that the family didn't know about the surgery he canceled it (only hours before the surgery)...this procedure IS a life changing procedure. you will need the support of your loved ones. remember it is your decision but your family needs to support your decision. they don't have to like it just support it. GOD bless and good luck. Rob and Daphne pre wls 304 lb wls 16 Mar 99 post op 285 mar 27 99 QUESTIONS Hi! I would like to introduce myself to the group.....my name is Lynda, I live in Pittsburgh, PA, my BMI is 38....I have arthritis really bad in most of my joints, and assorted other problems to numerous to mention.....My question is for the group at large.....I would like to go to Dr. Rutledge....but I'm afraid of all the letters he requires. I know it sounds silly but...the family support letter and the work status letter have me concerned. How much do these letters count? I feel like I'm back in high school, and being graded. I'm working part time now and really looking forward to finding a full time job...does that count? The family support letter....my immediate family is emotionally abusive........I do not want them even contacted..., I try not to. Does really close friends count? Thats all I have....call them my family of choice. My family of choice can't take the time off work to go to the 3 meetings, unless they are offered over the internet... Your help...input will really be apprecoated. Thanks Lynda > > > > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 Hi Lynda, my name is Janet and I live in land. We're practically neighbors!! I am currently waiting for insurance approval, but I understand your apprehension to all the required letters for Dr. R. Please don't let them scare you too much. You can do it. I was aprehensive about family support as well. I hope I'm not speaking for Dr. R., but I believe he would discuss with you personally your situation. It is absolutely necessary to have family support. I have chosen not to tell everyone, but I have my immediate family's support (ie, husband and children). Is there anyone close to you that you can share this with who will help you but keep your decision from those family members who would not support you? I have also noticed a lot of patients are part-time workers. Again, it might be worth it to give Dr. R. a call and speak with him directly. Good luck, hang in there. lynda kaczmarski wrote: > Hi! > I would like to introduce myself to the group.....my name is Lynda, > I live in Pittsburgh, PA, > my BMI is 38....I have arthritis really bad in most of my joints, and > assorted other problems to numerous to mention.....My question is for > the group at large.....I would like to go to Dr. Rutledge....but I'm > afraid of all the letters he requires. I know it sounds silly > but...the family support letter and the work status letter have me > concerned. How much do these letters count? I feel like I'm back in > high school, and being graded. I'm working part time now and really > looking forward to finding a full time job...does that count? The > family support letter....my immediate family is emotionally > abusive........I do not want them even contacted..., I try not to. > Does really close friends count? Thats all I have....call them my > family of choice. My family of choice can't take the time off work to > go to the 3 meetings, unless they are offered over the internet... > Your help...input will really be apprecoated. > Thanks > Lynda > > > >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> > >> >> > >> > >> > >> >> > >> > >> ----------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 Hi Lynda, my name is Janet and I live in land. We're practically neighbors!! I am currently waiting for insurance approval, but I understand your apprehension to all the required letters for Dr. R. Please don't let them scare you too much. You can do it. I was aprehensive about family support as well. I hope I'm not speaking for Dr. R., but I believe he would discuss with you personally your situation. It is absolutely necessary to have family support. I have chosen not to tell everyone, but I have my immediate family's support (ie, husband and children). Is there anyone close to you that you can share this with who will help you but keep your decision from those family members who would not support you? I have also noticed a lot of patients are part-time workers. Again, it might be worth it to give Dr. R. a call and speak with him directly. Good luck, hang in there. lynda kaczmarski wrote: > Hi! > I would like to introduce myself to the group.....my name is Lynda, > I live in Pittsburgh, PA, > my BMI is 38....I have arthritis really bad in most of my joints, and > assorted other problems to numerous to mention.....My question is for > the group at large.....I would like to go to Dr. Rutledge....but I'm > afraid of all the letters he requires. I know it sounds silly > but...the family support letter and the work status letter have me > concerned. How much do these letters count? I feel like I'm back in > high school, and being graded. I'm working part time now and really > looking forward to finding a full time job...does that count? The > family support letter....my immediate family is emotionally > abusive........I do not want them even contacted..., I try not to. > Does really close friends count? Thats all I have....call them my > family of choice. My family of choice can't take the time off work to > go to the 3 meetings, unless they are offered over the internet... > Your help...input will really be apprecoated. > Thanks > Lynda > > > >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> > >> >> > >> > >> > >> >> > >> > >> ----------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 Hi Lynda! Welcome! First of all, since you are so far away, Dr. R. requires only one visit and then 2 extensive phone consultations. As far as the work status, there are no specifications regarding full time or part time that I know of. I watch 2 or 3 children at home along with my little one, and that qualified as having an active work status. According to the patient manual (which you can download from www.clos.net), the work status is important because people who work tend to be able to adapt to the changes post op better than those who do not work. But he does also say that he will consider non-working patients if they can provided enough documentation of activity and a stable, supportive life-style. As for the letter of support from your family, my vote would be that he would understand your situation and accept a letter from your chosen family. But you could e-mail him (at Dr_Rutledge@...) and ask him if you like...he responds really quickly. He has these precautions because he wants to be sure you have the best chance possible at having a successful operation, and a stable environment surrounded by supportive people will go a long way towards fending off depression. QUESTIONS Hi! I would like to introduce myself to the group.....my name is Lynda, I live in Pittsburgh, PA, my BMI is 38....I have arthritis really bad in most of my joints, and assorted other problems to numerous to mention.....My question is for the group at large.....I would like to go to Dr. Rutledge....but I'm afraid of all the letters he requires. I know it sounds silly but...the family support letter and the work status letter have me concerned. How much do these letters count? I feel like I'm back in high school, and being graded. I'm working part time now and really looking forward to finding a full time job...does that count? The family support letter....my immediate family is emotionally abusive........I do not want them even contacted..., I try not to. Does really close friends count? Thats all I have....call them my family of choice. My family of choice can't take the time off work to go to the 3 meetings, unless they are offered over the internet... Your help...input will really be apprecoated. Thanks Lynda > > > > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 Oh! I just responded too. But it sounds like you were more informed! Thanks! QUESTIONS Hi! I would like to introduce myself to the group.....my name is Lynda, I live in Pittsburgh, PA, my BMI is 38....I have arthritis really bad in most of my joints, and assorted other problems to numerous to mention.....My question is for the group at large.....I would like to go to Dr. Rutledge....but I'm afraid of all the letters he requires. I know it sounds silly but...the family support letter and the work status letter have me concerned. How much do these letters count? I feel like I'm back in high school, and being graded. I'm working part time now and really looking forward to finding a full time job...does that count? The family support letter....my immediate family is emotionally abusive........I do not want them even contacted..., I try not to. Does really close friends count? Thats all I have....call them my family of choice. My family of choice can't take the time off work to go to the 3 meetings, unless they are offered over the internet... Your help...input will really be apprecoated. Thanks Lynda > > > > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 Oh! I just responded too. But it sounds like you were more informed! Thanks! QUESTIONS Hi! I would like to introduce myself to the group.....my name is Lynda, I live in Pittsburgh, PA, my BMI is 38....I have arthritis really bad in most of my joints, and assorted other problems to numerous to mention.....My question is for the group at large.....I would like to go to Dr. Rutledge....but I'm afraid of all the letters he requires. I know it sounds silly but...the family support letter and the work status letter have me concerned. How much do these letters count? I feel like I'm back in high school, and being graded. I'm working part time now and really looking forward to finding a full time job...does that count? The family support letter....my immediate family is emotionally abusive........I do not want them even contacted..., I try not to. Does really close friends count? Thats all I have....call them my family of choice. My family of choice can't take the time off work to go to the 3 meetings, unless they are offered over the internet... Your help...input will really be apprecoated. Thanks Lynda > > > > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 Lynda, Hi! This is Amy from IL. I, too am new and haven't started the process other than a lot of reading. At first I thought it seemed overwhelming, the requirements of preop, but I realize the importance of many of these things. Please don't give up also, try to talk with Dr. R. or staff personally or in some way problem-solve. Don't let the concern stop you from trying. Good luck! Amy-BMI 41 QUESTIONS Hi! I would like to introduce myself to the group.....my name is Lynda, I live in Pittsburgh, PA, my BMI is 38....I have arthritis really bad in most of my joints, and assorted other problems to numerous to mention.....My question is for the group at large.....I would like to go to Dr. Rutledge....but I'm afraid of all the letters he requires. I know it sounds silly but...the family support letter and the work status letter have me concerned. How much do these letters count? I feel like I'm back in high school, and being graded. I'm working part time now and really looking forward to finding a full time job...does that count? The family support letter....my immediate family is emotionally abusive........I do not want them even contacted..., I try not to. Does really close friends count? Thats all I have....call them my family of choice. My family of choice can't take the time off work to go to the 3 meetings, unless they are offered over the internet... Your help...input will really be apprecoated. Thanks Lynda > > > > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 Dear Lynda, Dr. R is not as tough a taskmaster as it sounds (i.e. the letters). He just wants well-informed patients. He has special exceptions for out-of-state patients. If you go to the web site www.clos.net there are sample letters you can use as a guideline. What Dr. R really wants is for everyone to be familiar with the pros & cons. I don't think he requires out-of-state patients to attend the support group meetings except for maybe the one the Saturday before your surgery is scheduled and I think he plans surgeries for out-of-staters at the first of the week so they can come to one meeting before surgery. As far as family support letters go, I feel sure your " family of choice " will qualify. What he is really aiming for is a support group who will be able to help after the surgery. And you will have more Internet angels than you can count. The MiniGastricBypassonelist is full of built-in supporters. My family support letter was only 3 short paragraphs long. If you'd like I'll e-mail you a copy. The reason behind the " work " letter is that those people who have outside interests or have hobbies at home seem to adjust better to the surgery. I am currently on disability leave and have been for the past 2 years, but that still didn't disqualify me from his surgery. Dr. R is the most compassionate, dedicated surgeon and human being I have ever met. This was the best decision of my life. When you start calling the 10 contacts he wants you to talk to you'll not only get a lot of first-hand information from those who have " gone before " but as much love and support and encouragement as you can handle. Everyone of Dr. R's patients has agreed to list their phone #'s and e-mail addresses. We are a bit fanatical in our support of him, but as you talk to those of us who have experienced WLS done by him you will understand why. I had MGB via lap on 1-4-99. My pre-op weight was 314 (@ 5' 4 " ). As of 3-24 I have lost 50 lbs and will weigh again today. I have had no complications and was only in the hospital two days. By the end of my first week my port hole incisions, (which were only 1/2 " long anyway) had closed up completely and I even took my own 5 staples out with a pair of tweezers since they were almost out anyway. My full strength was back before the end of the second week post-op and I can truly say that except for occasional twinges of what I call " mind and mouth " hunger I have not really felt deprived as far as food goes. If you can't find a sample patient letter on the web site write back and I'll give you some pointers or see if I can dig up mine. It used to be posted on the website. Then all you have to do is copy it verbatim, just changing names. Dr R is the best and all 100+ of his patients are here to help. QUESTIONS Hi! I would like to introduce myself to the group.....my name is Lynda, I live in Pittsburgh, PA, my BMI is 38....I have arthritis really bad in most of my joints, and assorted other problems to numerous to mention.....My question is for the group at large.....I would like to go to Dr. Rutledge....but I'm afraid of all the letters he requires. I know it sounds silly but...the family support letter and the work status letter have me concerned. How much do these letters count? I feel like I'm back in high school, and being graded. I'm working part time now and really looking forward to finding a full time job...does that count? The family support letter....my immediate family is emotionally abusive........I do not want them even contacted..., I try not to. Does really close friends count? Thats all I have....call them my family of choice. My family of choice can't take the time off work to go to the 3 meetings, unless they are offered over the internet... Your help...input will really be apprecoated. Thanks Lynda > > > > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 QUESTIONS Hi! I would like to introduce myself to the group.....my name is Lynda, I live in Pittsburgh, PA, my BMI is 38....I have arthritis really bad in most of my joints, and assorted other problems to numerous to mention.....My question is for the group at large.....I would like to go to Dr. Rutledge....but I'm afraid of all the letters he requires. I know it sounds silly but...the family support letter and the work status letter have me concerned. How much do these letters count? I feel like I'm back in high school, and being graded. I'm working part time now and really looking forward to finding a full time job...does that count? The family support letter....my immediate family is emotionally abusive........I do not want them even contacted..., I try not to. Does really close friends count? Thats all I have....call them my family of choice. My family of choice can't take the time off work to go to the 3 meetings, unless they are offered over the internet... Your help...input will really be apprecoated. Thanks Lynda > > > > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 QUESTIONS Hi! I would like to introduce myself to the group.....my name is Lynda, I live in Pittsburgh, PA, my BMI is 38....I have arthritis really bad in most of my joints, and assorted other problems to numerous to mention.....My question is for the group at large.....I would like to go to Dr. Rutledge....but I'm afraid of all the letters he requires. I know it sounds silly but...the family support letter and the work status letter have me concerned. How much do these letters count? I feel like I'm back in high school, and being graded. I'm working part time now and really looking forward to finding a full time job...does that count? The family support letter....my immediate family is emotionally abusive........I do not want them even contacted..., I try not to. Does really close friends count? Thats all I have....call them my family of choice. My family of choice can't take the time off work to go to the 3 meetings, unless they are offered over the internet... Your help...input will really be apprecoated. Thanks Lynda > > > > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 -- Don't be afraid of the letters. Dr. R's main concern is that patients are fully informed about what they are getting into and that they have support before, during and after surgery. After all, this is a radical way to deal with obesity. I think he's mostly interested in being sure that you know what you're getting into. Call and talk to Debbie or email Dr. R directly. He's really great about answering back. He's one of the few doctors in the world who really wants to talk to his patients. Talk to him about your concerns about family. Tell him about your support from friends. I think you'll find him very understanding. I'm 2 1/2 weeks post-op and can tell you that he's great to work with. I'm really glad I did it, but I researched it thoroughly and waited 1 1/2 years before the surgery finally happened. But by then I was REALLY ready. Good Luck Katy Musolino Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 Daphne-- Just missed you in the hospital. My surgery was Mar 15. Have lost about 22 lbs. Rob, you're right about family support. My husband is 100% behind me, and my sister even came all the way from Memphis to be with me in the hospital and the week afterwards. It helps so much. Katy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 Daphne-- Just missed you in the hospital. My surgery was Mar 15. Have lost about 22 lbs. Rob, you're right about family support. My husband is 100% behind me, and my sister even came all the way from Memphis to be with me in the hospital and the week afterwards. It helps so much. Katy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 In a message dated 3/31/99 1:07:02 AM Eastern Standard Time, lseidl@... writes: << my immediate family is emotionally abusive........I do not want them even contacted..., I try not to. Does really close friends count? >> Please talk this over with Dr. R....The most important thing is that you would have support around you after the surgery.... & an abusive family is NOT a support system....Sometimes our close friends are more of a " family " than the ones that are blood related.... Take care, Beth H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 1999 Report Share Posted March 31, 1999 In a message dated 3/31/99 1:07:02 AM Eastern Standard Time, lseidl@... writes: << my immediate family is emotionally abusive........I do not want them even contacted..., I try not to. Does really close friends count? >> Please talk this over with Dr. R....The most important thing is that you would have support around you after the surgery.... & an abusive family is NOT a support system....Sometimes our close friends are more of a " family " than the ones that are blood related.... Take care, Beth H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 11, 1999 Report Share Posted April 11, 1999 Jane-- I'm currently taking vitamins and Actigall, both of which I swallow whole with water or juice. I try not to take them right after I eat, but they seem to go down just fine. You will also take Zantac orally for two weeks after surgery. I took that whole too, after crushing the first one and finding it the most vile thing I ever tasted. But check with Dr R about the others you mentioned. Katy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 11, 1999 Report Share Posted April 11, 1999 Jane, I started taking my synthroid the day after I got out of the hospital. They are pretty small and easy to swallow. I also take Effexor XR which is a capsule and it went down easily as well, never crushed either of them. Good Luck, Kathy _________________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 1999 Report Share Posted April 12, 1999 Jane, here. I can answer about the synthroid, as I am hypothyroid also. When you are in the hospital, Dr. R. orders lab work, and then has enough synthroid put into the IV to keep your level up for a couple of weeks. Then, at two weeks, you can take your synthroid pills with a couple of small sips of water. This is great, since the synthroid is sooooooooooo bitter. I cannot say about the premarin, but maybe you could switch to the patch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 1999 Report Share Posted April 12, 1999 Jane, here. I can answer about the synthroid, as I am hypothyroid also. When you are in the hospital, Dr. R. orders lab work, and then has enough synthroid put into the IV to keep your level up for a couple of weeks. Then, at two weeks, you can take your synthroid pills with a couple of small sips of water. This is great, since the synthroid is sooooooooooo bitter. I cannot say about the premarin, but maybe you could switch to the patch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 1999 Report Share Posted April 19, 1999 I thought the DH was for Dumb Husband. <<<< giggle>>>>> Marie Irmo, SC Investigating MGB Sister to Lydia Dawn BMI 48 Mother to Adam 16/Aiman 10 Fiance to Mohammad (in Saudi now) ****The camel, treat him nice and he’ll remember you always with kindness -- treat him badly and he has a surprise in store for you! Remember and learn.***** (Camel lover and collector) _ .-- ' | /__ ^ | .----. ) | / \ / | /` '. | ' - ' / \ \ | | \ \ / \ /\ | \ / '--------` \ / | | | \ \ | ( ( | ( ( | | | | | | | jgs / / _( / /_( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 1999 Report Share Posted April 19, 1999 I thought the DH was for Dumb Husband. <<<< giggle>>>>> Marie Irmo, SC Investigating MGB Sister to Lydia Dawn BMI 48 Mother to Adam 16/Aiman 10 Fiance to Mohammad (in Saudi now) ****The camel, treat him nice and he’ll remember you always with kindness -- treat him badly and he has a surprise in store for you! Remember and learn.***** (Camel lover and collector) _ .-- ' | /__ ^ | .----. ) | / \ / | /` '. | ' - ' / \ \ | | \ \ / \ /\ | \ / '--------` \ / | | | \ \ | ( ( | ( ( | | | | | | | jgs / / _( / /_( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 1999 Report Share Posted April 19, 1999 I thought the DH was for Dumb Husband. <<<< giggle>>>>> Marie Irmo, SC Investigating MGB Sister to Lydia Dawn BMI 48 Mother to Adam 16/Aiman 10 Fiance to Mohammad (in Saudi now) ****The camel, treat him nice and he’ll remember you always with kindness -- treat him badly and he has a surprise in store for you! Remember and learn.***** (Camel lover and collector) _ .-- ' | /__ ^ | .----. ) | / \ / | /` '. | ' - ' / \ \ | | \ \ / \ /\ | \ / '--------` \ / | | | \ \ | ( ( | ( ( | | | | | | | jgs / / _( / /_( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 1999 Report Share Posted April 19, 1999 Hi . I am curious about the Pepsi thing, too. I don't know the answers to the aspirin question, and I would LOVE to know what DH stands for. An angel is the person who is going to be checking in on you while you're in the hospital and letting us all know how you are. Lydia Modert 27 yo/wife to Izzy/mother to /sister to Marie pre-op w/Humana PPO/awaiting approval BMI 49 Cary NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 1999 Report Share Posted April 19, 1999 Hi . I am curious about the Pepsi thing, too. I don't know the answers to the aspirin question, and I would LOVE to know what DH stands for. An angel is the person who is going to be checking in on you while you're in the hospital and letting us all know how you are. Lydia Modert 27 yo/wife to Izzy/mother to /sister to Marie pre-op w/Humana PPO/awaiting approval BMI 49 Cary NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 1999 Report Share Posted April 19, 1999 DH=dear husband i think Re: questions >From: ldmodert@... > >Hi . I am curious about the Pepsi thing, too. I don't know the >answers to the aspirin question, and I would LOVE to know what DH stands >for. An angel is the person who is going to be checking in on you while >you're in the hospital and letting us all know how you are. > >Lydia Modert >27 yo/wife to Izzy/mother to /sister to Marie >pre-op w/Humana PPO/awaiting approval >BMI 49 >Cary NC > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Did you know that we add over 1,000 new e-mail communities every day? >http://www.ONElist.com >Explore a new hobby, discover a new friend, laugh at a new joke! >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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