Re: New In VA

>Subject: Re: New In VA

>Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 12:10:20 -0700 (PDT)

>

>Kim,

> Hey there! I know where Great Falls is - we

>produce corporate entertainment and we do a lot of

>Murder Mystery dinners all around DC.

> About the pain associated with the open procedure

>- it is my understanding that the majority of the pain

>I had was related to the removal of my gall bladder

>and not with the bypass. I was never in any constant

>pain. However, for the first 2 days after surgery, I

>had muscle spasms surrounding my incision that made my

>hair stand on end. You have had 2 kids? - OK - these

>spasms felt like the knock-your-socks-off contractions

>you get when you are going through transition.

>HOWEVER, they were gone as quickly as they came,

>lasting a split second, compared to the minute-long

>contractions of child birth. I would certainly not say

>that my pain was any worse than child-birth. It hurts

>the first few time you get out of bed - but you deal

>with that with the LAP procedure too, I hear. I

>learned during childbirth, that narcotics do not

>really help me deal with my pain - they merely

>distract me. So after surgery, I only hit my demerol

>pump once an hour maybe, as opposed to the every 6

>minutes that I was allowed to have it. I think this

>helped me heal quicker. but by all means, you should

>use the pain meds if they help you.

> If you have any other questions - feel free to

>ask. This was the best decision I ever made and I

>would do it again even if I did not lose another lb.

> - Tara Lynn

>

>--- Tonon1@... wrote:

> > From: Tonon1@...

> >

> > Tara,

> >

> > Thanks for getting back so quickly! I am in Great

> > Falls VA (just outside

> > Washington, DC).

> >

> > I was told the recovery time for the open Rouen X

> > was 4-6 weeks! You must be

> > super woman. Did you have a lot of pain? You'd

> > think after 2 kids I

> > wouldn't worry about it, but it scares me.

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Kim

> >

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > How has ONElist changed your life?

> > Share your story with us at http://www.onelist.com

> >

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at

> > Onelist.com

> >

>

>_________________________________________________________

>

June 17, 1999

Thank you...thank you and thank you..., Katy, Dr. R and ...your

words are like water to a man dying of thirst...I thank you from my heart

for your words.......I was so encouraged by them beyond what I could say in

this message...I am so thankful for you all and I thank you all....I was

down so much and my spirit has been lifted by your kindness....God Bless you

Rhonda in Florida

surgery date-8/2

>From: MoShel30@...

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>Subject: Re: New In VA

>Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 22:52:06 EDT

>

>From: MoShel30@...

>

>Rhonda,

>

>You are not a failure and this surgery is definitely not a cop out! I have

>tried everything to lose weight and keep it off and nothing has ever

>worked.

>There are studies out there that show obesity can be hereditary, due to

>gene

>mutations, etc. I felt the same as you in the beginning but after doing a

>lot of research and reading, I don't feel so bad and like such a failure

>anymore.

>

>I have only been in this group for a short time, and despite some of the

>recent turmoil, I have found wonderful, loving, and very supportive people

>reside here on this list! Just open up and let everyone help, because they

>will. Some of the people on this list have definitely renewed my faith in

>humanity. To know that there are some loving, caring people with such good

>hearts is a great feeling.

>

>I can't answer your technical question, I'll have to leave that one for Dr.

>R, but hey, it can't hurt to ask!

>

>Your new friend,

> in AL.

>Preop pending approval.....

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

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>http://www.onelist.com

>Deadline for " GROW TO GIVE " is June 19. See homepage for details.

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_______________________________________________________________

Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com

June 17, 1999

HELLO I AM NEW TO THE GROUP AND AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM MY INSURANCE CO. TO

SEE IF THEY WILL APPROVE THE SURGERY. CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT IT WAS LIKE

GOING THROUGHT THE SURGERY AND YOUR RECOVERY . I WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS HAD THE SURGERY DONE. HOW LONG BEFORE

YOU RETURNED TO WORK ANYTHING THAT YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO SHARE.

THANKS

CHERYL

> From: KMusolino@...

>

> Rhonda-

>

> Don't let you uninformed friends get you down. We have all lived with

> society's ideas that we are fat because we are lazy, eat too much, stupid,

> etc. Have you read some of Dr R's articles on the website about the role

> that genetics plays. It's great reading and very reassuring.

>

> Remember that all forms of diets have abysmal success rates--all less than

> 5%. Do people continue with medical treatments with that sort of success?

> So why should patients with obesity have to endure such treatment?

Because

> surgery is just the opposite--it's success rate is very high. Certainly

> there are risks with any surgery, but I can tell you that the benefits of

> this surgery are very great. Being in control of one's weight and seeing

> medical problems greatly improve and sometimes disappear is very heady

stuff.

> I highly recommend it.

>

> Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have or just express

> your feelings or opinions. We all know what you're going through. We've

> been there too.

>

> Welcome

>

> Katy Musolino

> Durham

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Get involved. Share your thoughts!

> http://www.onelist.com

> Join the ONElist Weekly Survey. Go to homepage for details.

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com

_______________________________________________________

Get your free, private email at http://mail.excite.com/

June 17, 1999

Rhonda, I also have had multiple abdominal surgeries and while the procedure

took almost six hours for me, it was worth it. Dr. Rutledge would need to

examine you I think and make a judgement call based on the exam. Send him an

email explaining the situation and ask his professional opinion ... he will

give you an idea if he can or not.

June 17, 1999

Rhonda-

Don't let you uninformed friends get you down. We have all lived with

society's ideas that we are fat because we are lazy, eat too much, stupid,

etc. Have you read some of Dr R's articles on the website about the role

that genetics plays. It's great reading and very reassuring.

Remember that all forms of diets have abysmal success rates--all less than

5%. Do people continue with medical treatments with that sort of success?

So why should patients with obesity have to endure such treatment? Because

surgery is just the opposite--it's success rate is very high. Certainly

there are risks with any surgery, but I can tell you that the benefits of

this surgery are very great. Being in control of one's weight and seeing

medical problems greatly improve and sometimes disappear is very heady stuff.

I highly recommend it.

Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have or just express

your feelings or opinions. We all know what you're going through. We've

been there too.

Welcome

Katy Musolino

Durham

June 17, 1999

Rhonda,

You are not a failure and this surgery is definitely not a cop out! I have

tried everything to lose weight and keep it off and nothing has ever worked.

There are studies out there that show obesity can be hereditary, due to gene

mutations, etc. I felt the same as you in the beginning but after doing a

lot of research and reading, I don't feel so bad and like such a failure

anymore.

I have only been in this group for a short time, and despite some of the

recent turmoil, I have found wonderful, loving, and very supportive people

reside here on this list! Just open up and let everyone help, because they

will. Some of the people on this list have definitely renewed my faith in

humanity. To know that there are some loving, caring people with such good

hearts is a great feeling.

I can't answer your technical question, I'll have to leave that one for Dr.

R, but hey, it can't hurt to ask!

Your new friend,

in AL.

Preop pending approval.....

June 17, 1999

Rhonda,

You know I have had abdominal surgery too and Dr R said I would be ok. I

guess you have had a bit more. I wonder what the magic reasoning is? I had

exploritory and the removal of an ovarian cyst. I wonder if Dr R is more

concerned with upper torso surgeries? I guess it would bother me too if my

Doc would not even listen to my ideas. Now,if he is after the almighty buck

then I would not be thrilled about him telling you that. Did I help at all?

I feel as though I am rambling. LOL Hope this helps Paige

>

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>Subject: Re: New In VA

>Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 19:15:40 PDT

>

>Thanks for this information....I was just told this week by my Family

>practice doctor I should have the open procedure because of past abdominal

>surgeries...I have had four--exploratory lap for endometriosis, C-section

>for birth and Hysterectomy for endometriosis...then ab surgery for ureter

>blockage due to endometriosis...my question to you, DR. R and everyone out

>there is what do you think about this...I am leary to accept this doctors

>opinion because I don't think he is fully informed (even though I tried to

>inform him) about this procedure...so I thought I would ask you...the

>matter

>experts your opinion of this...Please respond...I am feeling a bit insecure

>about writing to you all because of no response to previous messages I

>posted (the fear of rejection) and because of all the previous turmoil

>that

>was on this group...I am fairly new to your group and feel like an outsider

>because of the above reasons...I have been afraid to ask for your help but

>am finally doing so as a last attempt to belong...I don't say these things

>to offend anyone but just expressing real geniune concerns and feelings as

>well as fears....I am scared and feeling nervous....and saddened by the

>lack

>of support I thought I might get from my doctor, my family and my

>friends...they seem to think I am less of a person for deciding on this

>surgery...like I am a failure because I can't lick this problem on my

>own...and that I am doing this because I am looking for a cop out...I

>expected to get support from them and just feel very sad and alone...(none

>of them are obese and have no idea what we all have to deal with)...So I am

>reaching out to this group because I have no one else to be my support

>group...(I do have a thin husband and he is trying but unfortunately has no

>grasp of the urgency and severity I feel in getting healthy and living a

>better quality of life)...He wants this but he doesn't completely

>understand

>what we have to endure on a daily basis...So I am sorry for going on...I am

>ventilating to you all and hoping that someone will respond...

>Thanks

>Rhonda in florida

>

>>

>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 12:10:20 -0700 (PDT)

>>

>>Kim,

>> Hey there! I know where Great Falls is - we

>>produce corporate entertainment and we do a lot of

>>Murder Mystery dinners all around DC.

>> About the pain associated with the open procedure

>>- it is my understanding that the majority of the pain

>>I had was related to the removal of my gall bladder

>>and not with the bypass. I was never in any constant

>>pain. However, for the first 2 days after surgery, I

>>had muscle spasms surrounding my incision that made my

>>hair stand on end. You have had 2 kids? - OK - these

>>spasms felt like the knock-your-socks-off contractions

>>you get when you are going through transition.

>>HOWEVER, they were gone as quickly as they came,

>>lasting a split second, compared to the minute-long

>>contractions of child birth. I would certainly not say

>>that my pain was any worse than child-birth. It hurts

>>the first few time you get out of bed - but you deal

>>with that with the LAP procedure too, I hear. I

>>learned during childbirth, that narcotics do not

>>really help me deal with my pain - they merely

>>distract me. So after surgery, I only hit my demerol

>>pump once an hour maybe, as opposed to the every 6

>>minutes that I was allowed to have it. I think this

>>helped me heal quicker. but by all means, you should

>>use the pain meds if they help you.

>> If you have any other questions - feel free to

>>ask. This was the best decision I ever made and I

>>would do it again even if I did not lose another lb.

>> - Tara Lynn

>>

>>--- Tonon1@... wrote:

>> > From: Tonon1@...

>> >

>> > Tara,

>> >

>> > Thanks for getting back so quickly! I am in Great

>> > Falls VA (just outside

>> > Washington, DC).

>> >

>> > I was told the recovery time for the open Rouen X

>> > was 4-6 weeks! You must be

>> > super woman. Did you have a lot of pain? You'd

>> > think after 2 kids I

>> > wouldn't worry about it, but it scares me.

>> >

>> > Thanks,

>> >

>> > Kim

>> >

>>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> > How has ONElist changed your life?

>> > Share your story with us at http://www.onelist.com

>> >

>>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at

>> > Onelist.com

>> >

>>

>>_________________________________________________________

>>

June 17, 1999

Hi,

>>>I was just told this week by my Family

> practice doctor I should have the open procedure because of past

> abdominal

> surgeries...I have had four--exploratory lap for endometriosis, C-section

> for birth and Hysterectomy for endometriosis...then ab surgery for ureter

> blockage due to endometriosis...my question to you, DR. R and

> everyone out

> there is what do you think about this

We have done lots of patients that have had previous surgery.

RR

Rutledge, M.D., F.A.C.S.

The Center for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery

4301 Ben lin Blvd.

P. O. Box 15698

Durham, North Carolina 27704

Telephone #:

Fax #:

E mail: Dr_Rutledge@... (Note:

There is an “_” between the Dr and Rutledge:)

Web site: http://clos.net

Durham Regional Hospital #:

Also, Please consider joining one of the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing Lists

at http://www.onelist.com

MiniGastircBypass is a general " Wide Open " discussion of the Mini-Gastric

Bypass

MGB-Tech is for technical questions and answers

MGB-PostOp is for post op patients and others

MGB-Friends is for " Chatting "

We have created mailing lists for people interested in the Mini-Gastric

Bypass.

It is hosted by " Onelist.com " in the Health Category.

Talk with lots of other Pre and Post Op patients and friends.

Keep up to date on the latest news about the Mini-Gastric Bypass.

> Re: New In VA

> >Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 12:10:20 -0700 (PDT)

> >

> >Kim,

> > Hey there! I know where Great Falls is - we

> >produce corporate entertainment and we do a lot of

> >Murder Mystery dinners all around DC.

> > About the pain associated with the open procedure

> >- it is my understanding that the majority of the pain

> >I had was related to the removal of my gall bladder

> >and not with the bypass. I was never in any constant

> >pain. However, for the first 2 days after surgery, I

> >had muscle spasms surrounding my incision that made my

> >hair stand on end. You have had 2 kids? - OK - these

> >spasms felt like the knock-your-socks-off contractions

> >you get when you are going through transition.

> >HOWEVER, they were gone as quickly as they came,

> >lasting a split second, compared to the minute-long

> >contractions of child birth. I would certainly not say

> >that my pain was any worse than child-birth. It hurts

> >the first few time you get out of bed - but you deal

> >with that with the LAP procedure too, I hear. I

> >learned during childbirth, that narcotics do not

> >really help me deal with my pain - they merely

> >distract me. So after surgery, I only hit my demerol

> >pump once an hour maybe, as opposed to the every 6

> >minutes that I was allowed to have it. I think this

> >helped me heal quicker. but by all means, you should

> >use the pain meds if they help you.

> > If you have any other questions - feel free to

> >ask. This was the best decision I ever made and I

> >would do it again even if I did not lose another lb.

> > - Tara Lynn

> >

> >--- Tonon1@... wrote:

> > > From: Tonon1@...

> > >

> > > Tara,

> > >

> > > Thanks for getting back so quickly! I am in Great

> > > Falls VA (just outside

> > > Washington, DC).

> > >

> > > I was told the recovery time for the open Rouen X

> > > was 4-6 weeks! You must be

> > > super woman. Did you have a lot of pain? You'd

> > > think after 2 kids I

> > > wouldn't worry about it, but it scares me.

> > >

> > > Thanks,

> > >

> > > Kim

> > >

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > > How has ONElist changed your life?

> > > Share your story with us at http://www.onelist.com

> > >

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at

> > > Onelist.com

> > >

> >

> >_________________________________________________________

> >

June 17, 1999

The doc showed us a movie about surgery and explained the drawbacks from

previous surgeries. If he is willing to try this surgery on you I would say

absolutely go with him. You will be amazed at the difference and I know he

is meticulous enough that if he thought it wouldn't work he wouldn't do it!

Good Luck

Re: New In VA

>> >Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 12:10:20 -0700 (PDT)

>> >

>> >Kim,

>> > Hey there! I know where Great Falls is - we

>> >produce corporate entertainment and we do a lot of

>> >Murder Mystery dinners all around DC.

>> > About the pain associated with the open procedure

>> >- it is my understanding that the majority of the pain

>> >I had was related to the removal of my gall bladder

>> >and not with the bypass. I was never in any constant

>> >pain. However, for the first 2 days after surgery, I

>> >had muscle spasms surrounding my incision that made my

>> >hair stand on end. You have had 2 kids? - OK - these

>> >spasms felt like the knock-your-socks-off contractions

>> >you get when you are going through transition.

>> >HOWEVER, they were gone as quickly as they came,

>> >lasting a split second, compared to the minute-long

>> >contractions of child birth. I would certainly not say

>> >that my pain was any worse than child-birth. It hurts

>> >the first few time you get out of bed - but you deal

>> >with that with the LAP procedure too, I hear. I

>> >learned during childbirth, that narcotics do not

>> >really help me deal with my pain - they merely

>> >distract me. So after surgery, I only hit my demerol

>> >pump once an hour maybe, as opposed to the every 6

>> >minutes that I was allowed to have it. I think this

>> >helped me heal quicker. but by all means, you should

>> >use the pain meds if they help you.

>> > If you have any other questions - feel free to

>> >ask. This was the best decision I ever made and I

>> >would do it again even if I did not lose another lb.

>> > - Tara Lynn

>> >

>> >--- Tonon1@... wrote:

>> > > From: Tonon1@...

>> > >

>> > > Tara,

>> > >

>> > > Thanks for getting back so quickly! I am in Great

>> > > Falls VA (just outside

>> > > Washington, DC).

>> > >

>> > > I was told the recovery time for the open Rouen X

>> > > was 4-6 weeks! You must be

>> > > super woman. Did you have a lot of pain? You'd

>> > > think after 2 kids I

>> > > wouldn't worry about it, but it scares me.

>> > >

>> > > Thanks,

>> > >

>> > > Kim

>> > >

>> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> > > How has ONElist changed your life?

>> > > Share your story with us at http://www.onelist.com

>> > >

>> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at

>> > > Onelist.com

>> > >

>> >

>> >_________________________________________________________

>> >

June 18, 1999

Thanks for sharing this with me...your words are encouraging and I thank

you...I feel confident from yours and everyone elses words of praise and

their confidence in DR R that he will be able to do the closed on me...and I

am only go to listen to what he tells me because I feel he will make the

best decision about case--

So again thanks and congratulations on your surgery and your weight

loss...!!!

Rhonda in Florida

>

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>To: <MiniGastricBypassonelist>

>Subject: Re: New In VA

>Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 21:34:10 -0800

>

>The doc showed us a movie about surgery and explained the drawbacks from

>previous surgeries. If he is willing to try this surgery on you I would

>say

>absolutely go with him. You will be amazed at the difference and I know he

>is meticulous enough that if he thought it wouldn't work he wouldn't do it!

>Good Luck

> Re: New In VA

> >> >Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 12:10:20 -0700 (PDT)

> >> >

> >> >Kim,

> >> > Hey there! I know where Great Falls is - we

> >> >produce corporate entertainment and we do a lot of

> >> >Murder Mystery dinners all around DC.

> >> > About the pain associated with the open procedure

> >> >- it is my understanding that the majority of the pain

> >> >I had was related to the removal of my gall bladder

> >> >and not with the bypass. I was never in any constant

> >> >pain. However, for the first 2 days after surgery, I

> >> >had muscle spasms surrounding my incision that made my

> >> >hair stand on end. You have had 2 kids? - OK - these

> >> >spasms felt like the knock-your-socks-off contractions

> >> >you get when you are going through transition.

> >> >HOWEVER, they were gone as quickly as they came,

> >> >lasting a split second, compared to the minute-long

> >> >contractions of child birth. I would certainly not say

> >> >that my pain was any worse than child-birth. It hurts

> >> >the first few time you get out of bed - but you deal

> >> >with that with the LAP procedure too, I hear. I

> >> >learned during childbirth, that narcotics do not

> >> >really help me deal with my pain - they merely

> >> >distract me. So after surgery, I only hit my demerol

> >> >pump once an hour maybe, as opposed to the every 6

> >> >minutes that I was allowed to have it. I think this

> >> >helped me heal quicker. but by all means, you should

> >> >use the pain meds if they help you.

> >> > If you have any other questions - feel free to

> >> >ask. This was the best decision I ever made and I

> >> >would do it again even if I did not lose another lb.

> >> > - Tara Lynn

> >> >

> >> >--- Tonon1@... wrote:

> >> > > From: Tonon1@...

> >> > >

> >> > > Tara,

> >> > >

> >> > > Thanks for getting back so quickly! I am in Great

> >> > > Falls VA (just outside

> >> > > Washington, DC).

> >> > >

> >> > > I was told the recovery time for the open Rouen X

> >> > > was 4-6 weeks! You must be

> >> > > super woman. Did you have a lot of pain? You'd

> >> > > think after 2 kids I

> >> > > wouldn't worry about it, but it scares me.

> >> > >

> >> > > Thanks,

> >> > >

> >> > > Kim

> >> > >

> >>

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >> > > How has ONElist changed your life?

> >> > > Share your story with us at http://www.onelist.com

> >> > >

> >>

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >> > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at

> >> > > Onelist.com

> >> > >

> >> >

> >> >_________________________________________________________

> >> >

June 18, 1999

Thank you Paige...your words are very encouraging...I feel so much better

and happy again because of your words and everyone elses...so thank you and

thanks for taking the time to write me...knowing someone else who has had

abd surgery and is going to have the closed surgery is very encouraging to

me...

When is your surgery date???

Please keep in touch so we can ramble on together...

Rhonda in Florida

SD 8/2

>

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>Subject: Re: New In VA

>Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 00:06:25 PDT

>

>Rhonda,

>You know I have had abdominal surgery too and Dr R said I would be ok. I

>guess you have had a bit more. I wonder what the magic reasoning is? I had

>exploritory and the removal of an ovarian cyst. I wonder if Dr R is more

>concerned with upper torso surgeries? I guess it would bother me too if my

>Doc would not even listen to my ideas. Now,if he is after the almighty buck

>then I would not be thrilled about him telling you that. Did I help at all?

>I feel as though I am rambling. LOL Hope this helps Paige

>

>>

>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 19:15:40 PDT

>>

>>Thanks for this information....I was just told this week by my Family

>>practice doctor I should have the open procedure because of past abdominal

>>surgeries...I have had four--exploratory lap for endometriosis, C-section

>>for birth and Hysterectomy for endometriosis...then ab surgery for ureter

>>blockage due to endometriosis...my question to you, DR. R and everyone out

>>there is what do you think about this...I am leary to accept this doctors

>>opinion because I don't think he is fully informed (even though I tried to

>>inform him) about this procedure...so I thought I would ask you...the

>>matter

>>experts your opinion of this...Please respond...I am feeling a bit

>>insecure

>>about writing to you all because of no response to previous messages I

>>posted (the fear of rejection) and because of all the previous turmoil

>>that

>>was on this group...I am fairly new to your group and feel like an

>>outsider

>>because of the above reasons...I have been afraid to ask for your help but

>>am finally doing so as a last attempt to belong...I don't say these things

>>to offend anyone but just expressing real geniune concerns and feelings as

>>well as fears....I am scared and feeling nervous....and saddened by the

>>lack

>>of support I thought I might get from my doctor, my family and my

>>friends...they seem to think I am less of a person for deciding on this

>>surgery...like I am a failure because I can't lick this problem on my

>>own...and that I am doing this because I am looking for a cop out...I

>>expected to get support from them and just feel very sad and alone...(none

>>of them are obese and have no idea what we all have to deal with)...So I

>>am

>>reaching out to this group because I have no one else to be my support

>>group...(I do have a thin husband and he is trying but unfortunately has

>>no

>>grasp of the urgency and severity I feel in getting healthy and living a

>>better quality of life)...He wants this but he doesn't completely

>>understand

>>what we have to endure on a daily basis...So I am sorry for going on...I

>>am

>>ventilating to you all and hoping that someone will respond...

>>Thanks

>>Rhonda in florida

>>

>>>

>>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>>Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 12:10:20 -0700 (PDT)

>>>

>>>Kim,

>>> Hey there! I know where Great Falls is - we

>>>produce corporate entertainment and we do a lot of

>>>Murder Mystery dinners all around DC.

>>> About the pain associated with the open procedure

>>>- it is my understanding that the majority of the pain

>>>I had was related to the removal of my gall bladder

>>>and not with the bypass. I was never in any constant

>>>pain. However, for the first 2 days after surgery, I

>>>had muscle spasms surrounding my incision that made my

>>>hair stand on end. You have had 2 kids? - OK - these

>>>spasms felt like the knock-your-socks-off contractions

>>>you get when you are going through transition.

>>>HOWEVER, they were gone as quickly as they came,

>>>lasting a split second, compared to the minute-long

>>>contractions of child birth. I would certainly not say

>>>that my pain was any worse than child-birth. It hurts

>>>the first few time you get out of bed - but you deal

>>>with that with the LAP procedure too, I hear. I

>>>learned during childbirth, that narcotics do not

>>>really help me deal with my pain - they merely

>>>distract me. So after surgery, I only hit my demerol

>>>pump once an hour maybe, as opposed to the every 6

>>>minutes that I was allowed to have it. I think this

>>>helped me heal quicker. but by all means, you should

>>>use the pain meds if they help you.

>>> If you have any other questions - feel free to

>>>ask. This was the best decision I ever made and I

>>>would do it again even if I did not lose another lb.

>>> - Tara Lynn

>>>

>>>--- Tonon1@... wrote:

>>> > From: Tonon1@...

>>> >

>>> > Tara,

>>> >

>>> > Thanks for getting back so quickly! I am in Great

>>> > Falls VA (just outside

>>> > Washington, DC).

>>> >

>>> > I was told the recovery time for the open Rouen X

>>> > was 4-6 weeks! You must be

>>> > super woman. Did you have a lot of pain? You'd

>>> > think after 2 kids I

>>> > wouldn't worry about it, but it scares me.

>>> >

>>> > Thanks,

>>> >

>>> > Kim

>>> >

>>>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>> > How has ONElist changed your life?

>>> > Share your story with us at http://www.onelist.com

>>> >

>>>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at

>>> > Onelist.com

>>> >

>>>

>>>_________________________________________________________

>>>

June 18, 1999

AMEN, AMEN and AMEN...Wow...your words are so very true...and I thank you so

much for sending them to me...I have carried the guilt and shame of being

obese for so long and then buying into these people who like you said have

no grasp of my reality...what I have to live through...then saying their

judgemental and callous words to a hurting person who is reaching

out...trying to make her life a better life...one that is worth

living...THEY DONT have that right and they don't have a clue of what this

living hell of obesity is like...I am just so thankful that you all have

helped me to see this....NO MORE GUILT and SHAME...so thank you guys from

the bottom of my heart...I know I am thanking everyone so much...but for the

first time in my life someone truly understands ME...and knows what I am

going through...AND I just feel completely blessed...such a burden that is

being lifted on a daily basis through the people in this support group...SO

thank you DR R for this mail group and THANK YOU ALL for lifting me up and

supporting me..>>>

HUGS TO everyone...

Rhonda in Florida

>From: SunniAngel@...

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>Subject: Re: New In VA

>Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 10:39:38 EDT

>

>From: SunniAngel@...

>

>Rhonda,

>I had my surgery with Dr. R. on 3-31. I had 2 previous abdominal

>surgeries.

>It took Dr. R a long time to do my surgery because of scar tissue, but I am

>none the worse for it! He is very meticulous and precise.

>

>If he does not feel he can do it, he will be truthful with you. Trust him,

>he is a miracle worker!

>

>BTW, anyone who thinks having SURGERY for WEIGHT LOSS is taking the EASY

>WAY

>OUT is obviously out of touch with REALITY. THERE IS NOTHING EASY ABOUT

>BEING INTUBATED, INDUCTED UNDER ANESTHESIA, CATHETERIZED, CUT, POKED,

>PRODDED, STAPLED, SUTURED, HAVING YOUR STOMACH CUT AND RESHAPED, AND YOUR

>GUTS REARRANGED.

>

>Now, please do not misunderstand me, I have NO REGRETS WHATSOEVER. This is

>the best thing I have ever done for myself, but it is not an easy way out.

>Do not let anyone give you any more guilt to carry around. You give

>yourself

>enough already, after years of destined to fail diets.

>

>Take Care,

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>How has ONElist changed your life?

>Share your story with us at http://www.onelist.com

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com

_______________________________________________________________

Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com

June 18, 1999

Rhonda,

I had my surgery with Dr. R. on 3-31. I had 2 previous abdominal surgeries.

It took Dr. R a long time to do my surgery because of scar tissue, but I am

none the worse for it! He is very meticulous and precise.

If he does not feel he can do it, he will be truthful with you. Trust him,

he is a miracle worker!

BTW, anyone who thinks having SURGERY for WEIGHT LOSS is taking the EASY WAY

OUT is obviously out of touch with REALITY. THERE IS NOTHING EASY ABOUT

BEING INTUBATED, INDUCTED UNDER ANESTHESIA, CATHETERIZED, CUT, POKED,

PRODDED, STAPLED, SUTURED, HAVING YOUR STOMACH CUT AND RESHAPED, AND YOUR

GUTS REARRANGED.

Now, please do not misunderstand me, I have NO REGRETS WHATSOEVER. This is

the best thing I have ever done for myself, but it is not an easy way out.

Do not let anyone give you any more guilt to carry around. You give yourself

enough already, after years of destined to fail diets.

Take Care,

June 18, 1999

Well Miss Rhonda,

I do not have a surgery date yet. I am arm wrestling my insurance co. and am

currently writing an appeal. I have another condition that is helped greatly

be this surgery and I hope with three studies,and a recomendation from my

doctor at Mayo, I will be on my way to NC soon. You know I may be the only

patient of Dr R's that is ever going to be from ND LOL. Well what he does

not know for sure is that I am a BIG MOUTH and when I am pleased, EVERYONE

hears about it! I hope all of your rigamarole works out, and you are on your

way soon! Where do you live in FLA? I have LOTS of family there and was down

for Easter because my Grandfathers are both ill. My mom took me to Meckinope

and I fell in LOVE with it! My family is in Jasper and the surrounding

area.My folks and my brother went to FSU and I was born in Alatua Hosp. Well

now that you know my life story, what is yours????? LOL Paige

>

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>Subject: Re: New In VA

>Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 08:49:35 PDT

>

>Thank you Paige...your words are very encouraging...I feel so much better

>and happy again because of your words and everyone elses...so thank you and

>thanks for taking the time to write me...knowing someone else who has had

>abd surgery and is going to have the closed surgery is very encouraging to

>me...

>When is your surgery date???

>Please keep in touch so we can ramble on together...

>Rhonda in Florida

>SD 8/2

>

>>

>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 00:06:25 PDT

>>

>>Rhonda,

>>You know I have had abdominal surgery too and Dr R said I would be ok. I

>>guess you have had a bit more. I wonder what the magic reasoning is? I had

>>exploritory and the removal of an ovarian cyst. I wonder if Dr R is more

>>concerned with upper torso surgeries? I guess it would bother me too if my

>>Doc would not even listen to my ideas. Now,if he is after the almighty

>>buck

>>then I would not be thrilled about him telling you that. Did I help at

>>all?

>>I feel as though I am rambling. LOL Hope this helps Paige

>>

>>>

>>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>>Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 19:15:40 PDT

>>>

>>>Thanks for this information....I was just told this week by my Family

>>>practice doctor I should have the open procedure because of past

>>>abdominal

>>>surgeries...I have had four--exploratory lap for endometriosis, C-section

>>>for birth and Hysterectomy for endometriosis...then ab surgery for ureter

>>>blockage due to endometriosis...my question to you, DR. R and everyone

>>>out

>>>there is what do you think about this...I am leary to accept this doctors

>>>opinion because I don't think he is fully informed (even though I tried

>>>to

>>>inform him) about this procedure...so I thought I would ask you...the

>>>matter

>>>experts your opinion of this...Please respond...I am feeling a bit

>>>insecure

>>>about writing to you all because of no response to previous messages I

>>>posted (the fear of rejection) and because of all the previous turmoil

>>>that

>>>was on this group...I am fairly new to your group and feel like an

>>>outsider

>>>because of the above reasons...I have been afraid to ask for your help

>>>but

>>>am finally doing so as a last attempt to belong...I don't say these

>>>things

>>>to offend anyone but just expressing real geniune concerns and feelings

>>>as

>>>well as fears....I am scared and feeling nervous....and saddened by the

>>>lack

>>>of support I thought I might get from my doctor, my family and my

>>>friends...they seem to think I am less of a person for deciding on this

>>>surgery...like I am a failure because I can't lick this problem on my

>>>own...and that I am doing this because I am looking for a cop out...I

>>>expected to get support from them and just feel very sad and

>>>alone...(none

>>>of them are obese and have no idea what we all have to deal with)...So I

>>>am

>>>reaching out to this group because I have no one else to be my support

>>>group...(I do have a thin husband and he is trying but unfortunately has

>>>no

>>>grasp of the urgency and severity I feel in getting healthy and living a

>>>better quality of life)...He wants this but he doesn't completely

>>>understand

>>>what we have to endure on a daily basis...So I am sorry for going on...I

>>>am

>>>ventilating to you all and hoping that someone will respond...

>>>Thanks

>>>Rhonda in florida

>>>

>>>>

>>>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>>To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>>>Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 12:10:20 -0700 (PDT)

>>>>

>>>>Kim,

>>>> Hey there! I know where Great Falls is - we

>>>>produce corporate entertainment and we do a lot of

>>>>Murder Mystery dinners all around DC.

>>>> About the pain associated with the open procedure

>>>>- it is my understanding that the majority of the pain

>>>>I had was related to the removal of my gall bladder

>>>>and not with the bypass. I was never in any constant

>>>>pain. However, for the first 2 days after surgery, I

>>>>had muscle spasms surrounding my incision that made my

>>>>hair stand on end. You have had 2 kids? - OK - these

>>>>spasms felt like the knock-your-socks-off contractions

>>>>you get when you are going through transition.

>>>>HOWEVER, they were gone as quickly as they came,

>>>>lasting a split second, compared to the minute-long

>>>>contractions of child birth. I would certainly not say

>>>>that my pain was any worse than child-birth. It hurts

>>>>the first few time you get out of bed - but you deal

>>>>with that with the LAP procedure too, I hear. I

>>>>learned during childbirth, that narcotics do not

>>>>really help me deal with my pain - they merely

>>>>distract me. So after surgery, I only hit my demerol

>>>>pump once an hour maybe, as opposed to the every 6

>>>>minutes that I was allowed to have it. I think this

>>>>helped me heal quicker. but by all means, you should

>>>>use the pain meds if they help you.

>>>> If you have any other questions - feel free to

>>>>ask. This was the best decision I ever made and I

>>>>would do it again even if I did not lose another lb.

>>>> - Tara Lynn

>>>>

>>>>--- Tonon1@... wrote:

>>>> > From: Tonon1@...

>>>> >

>>>> > Tara,

>>>> >

>>>> > Thanks for getting back so quickly! I am in Great

>>>> > Falls VA (just outside

>>>> > Washington, DC).

>>>> >

>>>> > I was told the recovery time for the open Rouen X

>>>> > was 4-6 weeks! You must be

>>>> > super woman. Did you have a lot of pain? You'd

>>>> > think after 2 kids I

>>>> > wouldn't worry about it, but it scares me.

>>>> >

>>>> > Thanks,

>>>> >

>>>> > Kim

>>>> >

>>>>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>>> > How has ONElist changed your life?

>>>> > Share your story with us at http://www.onelist.com

>>>> >

>>>>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>>> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at

>>>> > Onelist.com

>>>> >

>>>>

>>>>_________________________________________________________

>>>>

June 18, 1999

My surgery went very well. I'm one of those who had previous abdominal

surgeries, including a stomach stapling almost 20 years ago. My surgery

took longer than most of Dr. R's others (about 4 hours), but went well.

I bounced back pretty quickly & was back at work in 6 days. I've lost

45 lbs in 8 weeks & feel great. I'm exercising every day & feel like I'm

on such a positive cycle. So far, I haven't found anything that really

makes me sick yet.

To put 45 lbs in perspective, this past weekend I put my 5 year old son

on my shoulders. He felt so heavy & I realized that he weighs 45 lbs

(he's a very tall kiddo for his age). This made me realize that 45 lb

does indeed make a difference in how I feel.

Good luck. Beth Sorensen in Durham

mucherson@... wrote:

>

> From: mucherson@...

>

> HELLO I AM NEW TO THE GROUP AND AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM MY INSURANCE CO. TO

> SEE IF THEY WILL APPROVE THE SURGERY. CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT IT WAS LIKE

> GOING THROUGHT THE SURGERY AND YOUR RECOVERY . I WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW

> WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS HAD THE SURGERY DONE. HOW LONG BEFORE

> YOU RETURNED TO WORK ANYTHING THAT YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO SHARE.

>

> THANKS

> CHERYL

>

> > From: KMusolino@...

> >

> > Rhonda-

> >

> > Don't let you uninformed friends get you down. We have all lived with

> > society's ideas that we are fat because we are lazy, eat too much, stupid,

>

> > etc. Have you read some of Dr R's articles on the website about the role

>

> > that genetics plays. It's great reading and very reassuring.

> >

> > Remember that all forms of diets have abysmal success rates--all less than

>

> > 5%. Do people continue with medical treatments with that sort of success?

>

> > So why should patients with obesity have to endure such treatment?

> Because

> > surgery is just the opposite--it's success rate is very high. Certainly

> > there are risks with any surgery, but I can tell you that the benefits of

>

> > this surgery are very great. Being in control of one's weight and seeing

>

> > medical problems greatly improve and sometimes disappear is very heady

> stuff.

> > I highly recommend it.

> >

> > Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have or just express

>

> > your feelings or opinions. We all know what you're going through. We've

>

> > been there too.

> >

> > Welcome

> >

> > Katy Musolino

> > Durham

> >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > Get involved. Share your thoughts!

> > http://www.onelist.com

> > Join the ONElist Weekly Survey. Go to homepage for details.

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com

>

> _______________________________________________________

> Get your free, private email at http://mail.excite.com/

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Got an opinion?

> http://www.onelist.com

> Make it count! Sign up for the ONElist Weekly Survey now.

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com

June 18, 1999

Cheryl--

The best place to read about the surgery and how some of us felt about it is

to go to www.clos.net and read the patient testimonials. ,

, me and several others have posted them there, and it's fun seeing

it from different perspectives.

Personally, I think it's great, and I am so happy that I chose to have

surgery with Dr R.

Katy Musolino

Durham

3/15/99--344

5/18/99--274

June 18, 1999

Dear Cheryl,

My surgery with Dr. Rutledge was performed on Jan, 4, 1999 in Durham

NC.

My pre-op weight was 314 and as of 6-17-99 I have lost 90 pounds. Most of

my weight loss has been everywhere on my body except for my stomach & apron

(but hey, they were the biggest part anyway.). I have gone from a 28-30

dress size to a 22-24 and could probably wear a 20 if it wasn't for the

abdomen.

The best information you can find is at www.clos.net This is Dr.

Rutledge's website and it is chock full of information on all aspects of

WLS, battling insurance companies, justifications and studies on when WLS is

the best option.

I will be glad to answer any specific questions you have in addition to the

general info. I'm including now:

I was admitted to the hospital on the morning of my surgery. My procedure

took about 1 hour and 30 minutes. My " new " stomach is roughly the size and

shape of a cigar and only holds 1-2 ozs. of food at a time.

One of the best things I've found about this surgery is that you literally

cannot " eat around the new stomach " as you can with Vertical Banded

Gastroplasty and Gastric Stapling. If you do eat too much (and it's hard

getting used to eating small amounts at a time) you will regret it and will

probably spend the next few hours very nauseated or with stomach cramps,

vomiting or all three.

For the first 6 weeks or so your post-op diet should consist of mainly

juices and " clear " liquid type foods like jello, yogurt, Ensure, Carnation

Instant Breakfast. Then once your new stomach has healed you start adding

back foods a little at a time....it's almost like with babies when you move

from level to level.

In fact, baby foods are excellent choices if you can tolerate the taste....I

can't but my 17 year old daughter loves them.

The only complications I have had are nausea (frequent) whenever I try to

eat meat of any kind and a lot of other foods too. This is partially

because of an excess production of bile which has irritated my stomach

lining where it attaches to the small intestine, resulting in what they call

a " marginal - in reference to the location- ulcer " .

I am taking Carafate, Prilosec, Actigall (bear bile which is supposed to be

better and easier on the stomach than human bile) and Mylanta Supreme every

two hours while I'm up.

Even with those problems I still say it was the best move I've ever made. I

am so confident in the procedure and Dr. R's skills that I allowed my 17

year old daughter to have the surgery.

Her surgery was on 6-1-99. She has only lost 13 pounds so far but I keep

reminding her it has only been about 2 weeks and that she didn't gain it all

overnight and she won't lose it all overnight either.

She developed pneumonia and a kidney/urinary tract infection following her

surgery so hasn't really felt up to par since then, but she seems to be

making progress.

Please feel free to send any questions you have and I will try to answer

them.

Welcome!

June 18, 1999

,

I agree 150%. We've carried enough guilt around with us for our " character

flaws " of not being able to " control " our weight......I see no reason for us

to continue to let other people beat us over the head because of their

" ignorance " .

Remember the old adage that " nothing worthwhile is ever easy " ? Surgery that

is potentially life threatening is certainly not the " easy " way out....but

then making fun of fat people is still one of the only " accepted " means of

discrimination.

While I don't ascribe to the National Association for the Advancement of Fat

People's " wear a bikini " no matter what your size.....I too wish that we

could educate America (heck, forget all of America.....I'd settle for a

15-20 of my near acquaintances) as to the genetic components etc.....

At least we have each other!!!!!!

June 18, 1999

HI Paige...I am from Pensacola, FLorida...live close to the Alabama/Florida

line...in a small town..near Gulf Shores Alabama...its called Perdido

Key...I live in a condo on the beach...have always loved the beach so my

husband and I decided to finally buy a place...our house is in Memphis

though...he lives there and I am staying in Florida...work for the military

and couldn't get a job in Memphis with the civil service...not too many

civil service nursing jobs available there......tried very hard...but

nothing developed...so until I can get the type of job I am accustomed to...

we are having a long distance marriage...

Now that I have told you my lifes story (LOL) and probably bored you to

death...

Where is meckinope in Florida?? Wander how far it is from Pensacola? I

will put you in our prayer group for approval by your insurance...

Thanks for sharing your life story with me...and your kind words..

rhonda in Florida

>

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>Subject: Re: New In VA

>Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 13:13:23 PDT

>

>Well Miss Rhonda,

>I do not have a surgery date yet. I am arm wrestling my insurance co. and

>am

>currently writing an appeal. I have another condition that is helped

>greatly

>be this surgery and I hope with three studies,and a recomendation from my

>doctor at Mayo, I will be on my way to NC soon. You know I may be the only

>patient of Dr R's that is ever going to be from ND LOL. Well what he does

>not know for sure is that I am a BIG MOUTH and when I am pleased, EVERYONE

>hears about it! I hope all of your rigamarole works out, and you are on

>your

>way soon! Where do you live in FLA? I have LOTS of family there and was

>down

>for Easter because my Grandfathers are both ill. My mom took me to

>Meckinope

>and I fell in LOVE with it! My family is in Jasper and the surrounding

>area.My folks and my brother went to FSU and I was born in Alatua Hosp.

>Well

>now that you know my life story, what is yours????? LOL Paige

>

>>

>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 08:49:35 PDT

>>

>>Thank you Paige...your words are very encouraging...I feel so much better

>>and happy again because of your words and everyone elses...so thank you

>>and

>>thanks for taking the time to write me...knowing someone else who has had

>>abd surgery and is going to have the closed surgery is very encouraging to

>>me...

>>When is your surgery date???

>>Please keep in touch so we can ramble on together...

>>Rhonda in Florida

>>SD 8/2

>>

>>>

>>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>>Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 00:06:25 PDT

>>>

>>>Rhonda,

>>>You know I have had abdominal surgery too and Dr R said I would be ok. I

>>>guess you have had a bit more. I wonder what the magic reasoning is? I

>>>had

>>>exploritory and the removal of an ovarian cyst. I wonder if Dr R is more

>>>concerned with upper torso surgeries? I guess it would bother me too if

>>>my

>>>Doc would not even listen to my ideas. Now,if he is after the almighty

>>>buck

>>>then I would not be thrilled about him telling you that. Did I help at

>>>all?

>>>I feel as though I am rambling. LOL Hope this helps Paige

>>>

>>>>

>>>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>>To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>>>Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 19:15:40 PDT

>>>>

>>>>Thanks for this information....I was just told this week by my Family

>>>>practice doctor I should have the open procedure because of past

>>>>abdominal

>>>>surgeries...I have had four--exploratory lap for endometriosis,

>>>>C-section

>>>>for birth and Hysterectomy for endometriosis...then ab surgery for

>>>>ureter

>>>>blockage due to endometriosis...my question to you, DR. R and everyone

>>>>out

>>>>there is what do you think about this...I am leary to accept this

>>>>doctors

>>>>opinion because I don't think he is fully informed (even though I tried

>>>>to

>>>>inform him) about this procedure...so I thought I would ask you...the

>>>>matter

>>>>experts your opinion of this...Please respond...I am feeling a bit

>>>>insecure

>>>>about writing to you all because of no response to previous messages I

>>>>posted (the fear of rejection) and because of all the previous turmoil

>>>>that

>>>>was on this group...I am fairly new to your group and feel like an

>>>>outsider

>>>>because of the above reasons...I have been afraid to ask for your help

>>>>but

>>>>am finally doing so as a last attempt to belong...I don't say these

>>>>things

>>>>to offend anyone but just expressing real geniune concerns and feelings

>>>>as

>>>>well as fears....I am scared and feeling nervous....and saddened by the

>>>>lack

>>>>of support I thought I might get from my doctor, my family and my

>>>>friends...they seem to think I am less of a person for deciding on this

>>>>surgery...like I am a failure because I can't lick this problem on my

>>>>own...and that I am doing this because I am looking for a cop out...I

>>>>expected to get support from them and just feel very sad and

>>>>alone...(none

>>>>of them are obese and have no idea what we all have to deal with)...So I

>>>>am

>>>>reaching out to this group because I have no one else to be my support

>>>>group...(I do have a thin husband and he is trying but unfortunately has

>>>>no

>>>>grasp of the urgency and severity I feel in getting healthy and living a

>>>>better quality of life)...He wants this but he doesn't completely

>>>>understand

>>>>what we have to endure on a daily basis...So I am sorry for going on...I

>>>>am

>>>>ventilating to you all and hoping that someone will respond...

>>>>Thanks

>>>>Rhonda in florida

>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>>>To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>>>>Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 12:10:20 -0700 (PDT)

>>>>>

>>>>>Kim,

>>>>> Hey there! I know where Great Falls is - we

>>>>>produce corporate entertainment and we do a lot of

>>>>>Murder Mystery dinners all around DC.

>>>>> About the pain associated with the open procedure

>>>>>- it is my understanding that the majority of the pain

>>>>>I had was related to the removal of my gall bladder

>>>>>and not with the bypass. I was never in any constant

>>>>>pain. However, for the first 2 days after surgery, I

>>>>>had muscle spasms surrounding my incision that made my

>>>>>hair stand on end. You have had 2 kids? - OK - these

>>>>>spasms felt like the knock-your-socks-off contractions

>>>>>you get when you are going through transition.

>>>>>HOWEVER, they were gone as quickly as they came,

>>>>>lasting a split second, compared to the minute-long

>>>>>contractions of child birth. I would certainly not say

>>>>>that my pain was any worse than child-birth. It hurts

>>>>>the first few time you get out of bed - but you deal

>>>>>with that with the LAP procedure too, I hear. I

>>>>>learned during childbirth, that narcotics do not

>>>>>really help me deal with my pain - they merely

>>>>>distract me. So after surgery, I only hit my demerol

>>>>>pump once an hour maybe, as opposed to the every 6

>>>>>minutes that I was allowed to have it. I think this

>>>>>helped me heal quicker. but by all means, you should

>>>>>use the pain meds if they help you.

>>>>> If you have any other questions - feel free to

>>>>>ask. This was the best decision I ever made and I

>>>>>would do it again even if I did not lose another lb.

>>>>> - Tara Lynn

>>>>>

>>>>>--- Tonon1@... wrote:

>>>>> > From: Tonon1@...

>>>>> >

>>>>> > Tara,

>>>>> >

>>>>> > Thanks for getting back so quickly! I am in Great

>>>>> > Falls VA (just outside

>>>>> > Washington, DC).

>>>>> >

>>>>> > I was told the recovery time for the open Rouen X

>>>>> > was 4-6 weeks! You must be

>>>>> > super woman. Did you have a lot of pain? You'd

>>>>> > think after 2 kids I

>>>>> > wouldn't worry about it, but it scares me.

>>>>> >

>>>>> > Thanks,

>>>>> >

>>>>> > Kim

>>>>> >

>>>>>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>>>> > How has ONElist changed your life?

>>>>> > Share your story with us at http://www.onelist.com

>>>>> >

>>>>>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>>>> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at

>>>>> > Onelist.com

>>>>> >

>>>>>

>>>>>_________________________________________________________

>>>>>

June 18, 1999

Rhonda,

Mekinope is close to gainsville. My grand pa was stationed in Pensacola and

so my father grew up there. My folks live in Wilmington and I MISS THE

BEACH! All I have in ND is one dirty 'ole river that is prone to flooding.

THere is something about the ocean that just draws me. When I was young I

wanted to be a Marine Biologist, Iended up as an artist so I paint fishies

LOL Thank you for your prayers and I hope you get good news soon on your

insurance. Paige

>

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>Subject: Re: New In VA

>Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 22:09:52 PDT

>

>HI Paige...I am from Pensacola, FLorida...live close to the Alabama/Florida

>line...in a small town..near Gulf Shores Alabama...its called Perdido

>Key...I live in a condo on the beach...have always loved the beach so my

>husband and I decided to finally buy a place...our house is in Memphis

>though...he lives there and I am staying in Florida...work for the military

>and couldn't get a job in Memphis with the civil service...not too many

>civil service nursing jobs available there......tried very hard...but

>nothing developed...so until I can get the type of job I am accustomed

>to...

>we are having a long distance marriage...

>Now that I have told you my lifes story (LOL) and probably bored you to

>death...

> Where is meckinope in Florida?? Wander how far it is from Pensacola? I

>will put you in our prayer group for approval by your insurance...

> Thanks for sharing your life story with me...and your kind words..

>rhonda in Florida

>

>>

>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 13:13:23 PDT

>>

>>Well Miss Rhonda,

>>I do not have a surgery date yet. I am arm wrestling my insurance co. and

>>am

>>currently writing an appeal. I have another condition that is helped

>>greatly

>>be this surgery and I hope with three studies,and a recomendation from my

>>doctor at Mayo, I will be on my way to NC soon. You know I may be the only

>>patient of Dr R's that is ever going to be from ND LOL. Well what he does

>>not know for sure is that I am a BIG MOUTH and when I am pleased, EVERYONE

>>hears about it! I hope all of your rigamarole works out, and you are on

>>your

>>way soon! Where do you live in FLA? I have LOTS of family there and was

>>down

>>for Easter because my Grandfathers are both ill. My mom took me to

>>Meckinope

>>and I fell in LOVE with it! My family is in Jasper and the surrounding

>>area.My folks and my brother went to FSU and I was born in Alatua Hosp.

>>Well

>>now that you know my life story, what is yours????? LOL Paige

>>

>>>

>>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>>Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 08:49:35 PDT

>>>

>>>Thank you Paige...your words are very encouraging...I feel so much better

>>>and happy again because of your words and everyone elses...so thank you

>>>and

>>>thanks for taking the time to write me...knowing someone else who has had

>>>abd surgery and is going to have the closed surgery is very encouraging

>>>to

>>>me...

>>>When is your surgery date???

>>>Please keep in touch so we can ramble on together...

>>>Rhonda in Florida

>>>SD 8/2

>>>

>>>>

>>>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>>To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>>>Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 00:06:25 PDT

>>>>

>>>>Rhonda,

>>>>You know I have had abdominal surgery too and Dr R said I would be ok. I

>>>>guess you have had a bit more. I wonder what the magic reasoning is? I

>>>>had

>>>>exploritory and the removal of an ovarian cyst. I wonder if Dr R is more

>>>>concerned with upper torso surgeries? I guess it would bother me too if

>>>>my

>>>>Doc would not even listen to my ideas. Now,if he is after the almighty

>>>>buck

>>>>then I would not be thrilled about him telling you that. Did I help at

>>>>all?

>>>>I feel as though I am rambling. LOL Hope this helps Paige

>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>>>To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>>>>Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 19:15:40 PDT

>>>>>

>>>>>Thanks for this information....I was just told this week by my Family

>>>>>practice doctor I should have the open procedure because of past

>>>>>abdominal

>>>>>surgeries...I have had four--exploratory lap for endometriosis,

>>>>>C-section

>>>>>for birth and Hysterectomy for endometriosis...then ab surgery for

>>>>>ureter

>>>>>blockage due to endometriosis...my question to you, DR. R and everyone

>>>>>out

>>>>>there is what do you think about this...I am leary to accept this

>>>>>doctors

>>>>>opinion because I don't think he is fully informed (even though I tried

>>>>>to

>>>>>inform him) about this procedure...so I thought I would ask you...the

>>>>>matter

>>>>>experts your opinion of this...Please respond...I am feeling a bit

>>>>>insecure

>>>>>about writing to you all because of no response to previous messages I

>>>>>posted (the fear of rejection) and because of all the previous turmoil

>>>>>that

>>>>>was on this group...I am fairly new to your group and feel like an

>>>>>outsider

>>>>>because of the above reasons...I have been afraid to ask for your help

>>>>>but

>>>>>am finally doing so as a last attempt to belong...I don't say these

>>>>>things

>>>>>to offend anyone but just expressing real geniune concerns and feelings

>>>>>as

>>>>>well as fears....I am scared and feeling nervous....and saddened by the

>>>>>lack

>>>>>of support I thought I might get from my doctor, my family and my

>>>>>friends...they seem to think I am less of a person for deciding on this

>>>>>surgery...like I am a failure because I can't lick this problem on my

>>>>>own...and that I am doing this because I am looking for a cop out...I

>>>>>expected to get support from them and just feel very sad and

>>>>>alone...(none

>>>>>of them are obese and have no idea what we all have to deal with)...So

>>>>>I

>>>>>am

>>>>>reaching out to this group because I have no one else to be my support

>>>>>group...(I do have a thin husband and he is trying but unfortunately

>>>>>has

>>>>>no

>>>>>grasp of the urgency and severity I feel in getting healthy and living

>>>>>a

>>>>>better quality of life)...He wants this but he doesn't completely

>>>>>understand

>>>>>what we have to endure on a daily basis...So I am sorry for going

>>>>>on...I

>>>>>am

>>>>>ventilating to you all and hoping that someone will respond...

>>>>>Thanks

>>>>>Rhonda in florida

>>>>>

>>>>>>

>>>>>>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>>>>To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

>>>>>>Subject: Re: New In VA

>>>>>>Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 12:10:20 -0700 (PDT)

>>>>>>

>>>>>>Kim,

>>>>>> Hey there! I know where Great Falls is - we

>>>>>>produce corporate entertainment and we do a lot of

>>>>>>Murder Mystery dinners all around DC.

>>>>>> About the pain associated with the open procedure

>>>>>>- it is my understanding that the majority of the pain

>>>>>>I had was related to the removal of my gall bladder

>>>>>>and not with the bypass. I was never in any constant

>>>>>>pain. However, for the first 2 days after surgery, I

>>>>>>had muscle spasms surrounding my incision that made my

>>>>>>hair stand on end. You have had 2 kids? - OK - these

>>>>>>spasms felt like the knock-your-socks-off contractions

>>>>>>you get when you are going through transition.

>>>>>>HOWEVER, they were gone as quickly as they came,

>>>>>>lasting a split second, compared to the minute-long

>>>>>>contractions of child birth. I would certainly not say

>>>>>>that my pain was any worse than child-birth. It hurts

>>>>>>the first few time you get out of bed - but you deal

>>>>>>with that with the LAP procedure too, I hear. I

>>>>>>learned during childbirth, that narcotics do not

>>>>>>really help me deal with my pain - they merely

>>>>>>distract me. So after surgery, I only hit my demerol

>>>>>>pump once an hour maybe, as opposed to the every 6

>>>>>>minutes that I was allowed to have it. I think this

>>>>>>helped me heal quicker. but by all means, you should

>>>>>>use the pain meds if they help you.

>>>>>> If you have any other questions - feel free to

>>>>>>ask. This was the best decision I ever made and I

>>>>>>would do it again even if I did not lose another lb.

>>>>>> - Tara Lynn

>>>>>>

>>>>>>--- Tonon1@... wrote:

>>>>>> > From: Tonon1@...

>>>>>> >

>>>>>> > Tara,

>>>>>> >

>>>>>> > Thanks for getting back so quickly! I am in Great

>>>>>> > Falls VA (just outside

>>>>>> > Washington, DC).

>>>>>> >

>>>>>> > I was told the recovery time for the open Rouen X

>>>>>> > was 4-6 weeks! You must be

>>>>>> > super woman. Did you have a lot of pain? You'd

>>>>>> > think after 2 kids I

>>>>>> > wouldn't worry about it, but it scares me.

>>>>>> >

>>>>>> > Thanks,

>>>>>> >

>>>>>> > Kim

>>>>>> >

>>>>>>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>>>>> > How has ONElist changed your life?

>>>>>> > Share your story with us at http://www.onelist.com

>>>>>> >

>>>>>>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>>>>> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at

>>>>>> > Onelist.com

>>>>>> >

>>>>>>

>>>>>>_________________________________________________________

>>>>>>

June 19, 1999

Hi Charmane...I am in Pensacola....its nice to meet you...we Floridians need

to meet...I know Dee is from florida and there were others...I would love

for us all to get together....I vote for Orlando...hehe...My son is dying to

go to Disney World...but hopefully can do it after the surgery....

I know its scarry with insurances and approvals...I have Mail Handlers and

they approved me in a two week time frame...DR R sent off a letter and

within one week I had approval...I know that Kathy has helped so

many with the approval process and has a email support group for those that

have been denied...I am sure she will help if you have any problems...I

don't know the address but it is on this onelist group...

I hope this helps...I look forward to meeting you and if you have any

questions don't hesitate to ask this group...I did and cheated myself out of

some great people...they are wonderful on this email group and I am so glad

to be a part of it...

Take care and God Bless

Rhonda in Pensacola

>From: GrammAKA@...

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist