Guest guest Posted May 21, 2001 Report Share Posted May 21, 2001 Ellen, you are a inspirartion girl. Keep it up and enjoy your good health Warmest Regards, TommyB from Woodstock, NY Two Year Anniversary > June 17 marks two years since my MGB. I have lost 186 lbs and I now weigh > 128. I am healthier than I have been in 25 years. All of the health > problems I had which were associated with morbid obesity (sleep apnea, high > blood pressure, degenerative arthritis of the spine, knees and hips, chronic > tendonitis in the feet and ankles, etc.) are resolved. > I recently had aesthetic surgery to remove the loose, hanging skin from my > thighs, abdomen, and buttocks (a lower body lift) and I am delighted with > the results. I now wear a size 8 petite and since I'm only 5'2 " I can > finally carry my weight easily and comfortably. I really am grateful to Dr. > Rutledge and this surgery for giving me such a powerful tool in my battle > against the beast. I followed his dietary advice as much as possible and I > worked out religiously 4-5 times a week. After I heal from the " body > sculpting " I will return to that practice. I usually eat 5-6 times a day > and I really try to eat healthy, natural foods. Not a lot of meat but lots > of fresh vegetables and whole grain breads. I still have a sweet tooth and > I treat myself with dessert whenever I want to but I only have a couple of > bites and I'm satisfied. Life is wonderful and I am content as I have never > been before. I have truly changed my eating habits and for the first time in > my life, I feel that I have conquered the beast within. I feel empowered as > a woman and as a person. Happy Anniversary to , Cheryl, and Deb. It's > been a wonderful journey. > > Ellen > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2001 Report Share Posted May 21, 2001 congratulations---just curious how many months were you out before you completely quit losing anything-- - In @y..., " ELLEN BYRD " <embyrd@h...> wrote: > June 17 marks two years since my MGB. I have lost 186 lbs and I now weigh > 128. I am healthier than I have been in 25 years. All of the health > problems I had which were associated with morbid obesity (sleep apnea, high > blood pressure, degenerative arthritis of the spine, knees and hips, chronic > tendonitis in the feet and ankles, etc.) are resolved. > I recently had aesthetic surgery to remove the loose, hanging skin from my > thighs, abdomen, and buttocks (a lower body lift) and I am delighted with > the results. I now wear a size 8 petite and since I'm only 5'2 " I can > finally carry my weight easily and comfortably. I really am grateful to Dr. > Rutledge and this surgery for giving me such a powerful tool in my battle > against the beast. I followed his dietary advice as much as possible and I > worked out religiously 4-5 times a week. After I heal from the " body > sculpting " I will return to that practice. I usually eat 5-6 times a day > and I really try to eat healthy, natural foods. Not a lot of meat but lots > of fresh vegetables and whole grain breads. I still have a sweet tooth and > I treat myself with dessert whenever I want to but I only have a couple of > bites and I'm satisfied. Life is wonderful and I am content as I have never > been before. I have truly changed my eating habits and for the first time in > my life, I feel that I have conquered the beast within. I feel empowered as > a woman and as a person. Happy Anniversary to , Cheryl, and Deb. It's > been a wonderful journey. > > Ellen > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2001 Report Share Posted May 21, 2001 Ellen this is such an uplifting post! Wonderful, yippee for you! Rosemary Two Year Anniversary > June 17 marks two years since my MGB. I have lost 186 lbs and I now weigh > 128. I am healthier than I have been in 25 years. All of the health > problems I had which were associated with morbid obesity (sleep apnea, high > blood pressure, degenerative arthritis of the spine, knees and hips, chronic > tendonitis in the feet and ankles, etc.) are resolved. > I recently had aesthetic surgery to remove the loose, hanging skin from my > thighs, abdomen, and buttocks (a lower body lift) and I am delighted with > the results. I now wear a size 8 petite and since I'm only 5'2 " I can > finally carry my weight easily and comfortably. I really am grateful to Dr. > Rutledge and this surgery for giving me such a powerful tool in my battle > against the beast. I followed his dietary advice as much as possible and I > worked out religiously 4-5 times a week. After I heal from the " body > sculpting " I will return to that practice. I usually eat 5-6 times a day > and I really try to eat healthy, natural foods. Not a lot of meat but lots > of fresh vegetables and whole grain breads. I still have a sweet tooth and > I treat myself with dessert whenever I want to but I only have a couple of > bites and I'm satisfied. Life is wonderful and I am content as I have never > been before. I have truly changed my eating habits and for the first time in > my life, I feel that I have conquered the beast within. I feel empowered as > a woman and as a person. Happy Anniversary to , Cheryl, and Deb. It's > been a wonderful journey. > > Ellen > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2001 Report Share Posted May 21, 2001 --Congratulations Ellen - what a success story! You are an inspiration to all of us. Peggy MGB 01/17/01 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2001 Report Share Posted May 22, 2001 I think I got to 138 around January and then stayed there until the lower body lift which removed about 12 lbs of skin. I still have a little swelling and fluid retention so I don't know where I'll end up. But the majority of my weight loss (150 lbs) took place in the first 12 months. The last six months though I lost 25 lbs very slowly. Ellen >From: donnabreckenridge@... >Reply- > >Subject: Re: Two Year Anniversary >Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 23:58:48 -0000 > >congratulations---just curious how many months were you out before >you completely quit losing anything-- > >- In @y..., " ELLEN BYRD " <embyrd@h...> wrote: > > June 17 marks two years since my MGB. I have lost 186 lbs and I >now weigh > > 128. I am healthier than I have been in 25 years. All of the >health > > problems I had which were associated with morbid obesity (sleep >apnea, high > > blood pressure, degenerative arthritis of the spine, knees and >hips, chronic > > tendonitis in the feet and ankles, etc.) are resolved. > > I recently had aesthetic surgery to remove the loose, hanging skin >from my > > thighs, abdomen, and buttocks (a lower body lift) and I am >delighted with > > the results. I now wear a size 8 petite and since I'm only 5'2 " I >can > > finally carry my weight easily and comfortably. I really am >grateful to Dr. > > Rutledge and this surgery for giving me such a powerful tool in my >battle > > against the beast. I followed his dietary advice as much as >possible and I > > worked out religiously 4-5 times a week. After I heal from >the " body > > sculpting " I will return to that practice. I usually eat 5-6 times >a day > > and I really try to eat healthy, natural foods. Not a lot of meat >but lots > > of fresh vegetables and whole grain breads. I still have a sweet >tooth and > > I treat myself with dessert whenever I want to but I only have a >couple of > > bites and I'm satisfied. Life is wonderful and I am content as I >have never > > been before. I have truly changed my eating habits and for the >first time in > > my life, I feel that I have conquered the beast within. I feel >empowered as > > a woman and as a person. Happy Anniversary to , Cheryl, and >Deb. It's > > been a wonderful journey. > > > > Ellen > > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com > _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2001 Report Share Posted May 22, 2001 Hi Ellen, Would you please share your lower body lift story with us (what was done, pain, recovery etc.). Also who was your surgeon and the cost. Thanks so much and congratulations on your new life. Debbie W Tallahassee, FL MGB Dr. Ruthledge Durham, NC 9/15/99 306 lb today 192 lb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2001 Report Share Posted May 22, 2001 Ellen- Congratulations on your terrific weight loss. I know your life has really changed. When and where did you have your plastic surgery. Please give us any details that might help those of us looking at this. It is so hard to believe two years has passed. Our lives have really changed for the best. I wish I could have lost as much weight as you did, but I know where and how I fell down on the job. I am still thankful for the weight I did lose and don't regret one minute having this surgery. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. My life is so much better than it was. I have heard from Deb and Cheryl recently and they are doing well. The " oldie goldies " need to keep in touch. We seem to be the ones in unchartered territory. It would be nice to hear from the MGBers that were even before us. Anyone out there??? Take care- R 6-14-99 275/155/??? Two Year Anniversary > June 17 marks two years since my MGB. I have lost 186 lbs and I now weigh > 128. I am healthier than I have been in 25 years. All of the health > problems I had which were associated with morbid obesity (sleep apnea, high > blood pressure, degenerative arthritis of the spine, knees and hips, chronic > tendonitis in the feet and ankles, etc.) are resolved. > I recently had aesthetic surgery to remove the loose, hanging skin from my > thighs, abdomen, and buttocks (a lower body lift) and I am delighted with > the results. I now wear a size 8 petite and since I'm only 5'2 " I can > finally carry my weight easily and comfortably. I really am grateful to Dr. > Rutledge and this surgery for giving me such a powerful tool in my battle > against the beast. I followed his dietary advice as much as possible and I > worked out religiously 4-5 times a week. After I heal from the " body > sculpting " I will return to that practice. I usually eat 5-6 times a day > and I really try to eat healthy, natural foods. Not a lot of meat but lots > of fresh vegetables and whole grain breads. I still have a sweet tooth and > I treat myself with dessert whenever I want to but I only have a couple of > bites and I'm satisfied. Life is wonderful and I am content as I have never > been before. I have truly changed my eating habits and for the first time in > my life, I feel that I have conquered the beast within. I feel empowered as > a woman and as a person. Happy Anniversary to , Cheryl, and Deb. It's > been a wonderful journey. > > Ellen > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 23, 2001 Report Share Posted May 23, 2001 In a message dated 5/23/2001 1:04:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time, embyrd@... writes: > > I responded to the list but didn't include the cost - I think it was about > $15,000 for everything. And worth every penny. > > Ellen > > EVERYTHING? Hospital, doctor etc.......... Was this Dr. Maxwell? Woohoo, he is my next stop after my revision... Well a few months after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 23, 2001 Report Share Posted May 23, 2001 Thanks - you're right, my live has changed in so many wonderful ways. I went to Nashville to Dr. G. Maxwell. I think he is one of the best - he was listed as one of the top aesthetic surgeons in the world and goes all over to train other surgeons and he's one of the few people doing the total body lift. He performed a lower body lift (buttocks, upper thighs and abdomen) and an inner thigh lift. I have a circumferential incision all around my trunk at the bikini line (I had to ask where that was since bikini was never in my vocabulary before this). I also have incisions on the inside of each thigh from the pubic area to the knee. He uses disolvable stitches which are embedded and don't show at all - no staples or anything. The scars are already fading nicely and are very thin. I think in a year they will hardly be noticeable. However scars are better than the loose, hanging skin that was removed. I was in the OR for 5 hours and in the hospital for 3 nights. The hospital accomodations and nursing care were vastly superior to anything I have ever experienced. I returned to work (I teach high school) 1 day short of 3 weeks postop and it was too early. I worked for 3 days and had to stay out the rest of the week. Then I only worked one day the next week. I finally returned full time just shy of 5 weeks. I think if I had waited until I was 4 weeks postop I would have been okay. I was really feeling run down so I had some bloodwork done and discovered that I was anemic and am now taking iron supplements. I really feel like a human being again. I return to Dr. Maxwell in July to have an upper body lift by Dr. Maxwell - breast lift and " batwing " removal. I can't wait to have all of this behind me - I need closure on this chapter. I am so pleased with the results of my surgery that I even bought a tankini the other day and my husband thinks it (and I) look " fabulous " . When I get sassy with him, I tell him to kiss my new tight butt. Well, I use another word but I'm trying not to offend anyone. Let me know if you have any other questions or want to know any more details. Ellen >From: " Rigsbee " <danny4@...> >Reply- >< > >Subject: Re: Two Year Anniversary >Date: Tue, 22 May 2001 18:08:33 -0400 > >Ellen- >Congratulations on your terrific weight loss. I know your life has really >changed. When and where did you have your plastic surgery. Please give us >any details that might help those of us looking at this. It is so hard to >believe two years has passed. Our lives have really changed for the best. >I wish I could have lost as much weight as you did, but I know where and >how >I fell down on the job. I am still thankful for the weight I did lose and >don't regret one minute having this surgery. I would do it all over again >in a heartbeat. My life is so much better than it was. I have heard from >Deb and Cheryl recently and they are doing well. The " oldie goldies " need >to >keep in touch. We seem to be the ones in unchartered territory. It would >be >nice to hear from the MGBers that were even before us. Anyone out there??? >Take care- > R >6-14-99 >275/155/??? > > Two Year Anniversary > > > > June 17 marks two years since my MGB. I have lost 186 lbs and I now >weigh > > 128. I am healthier than I have been in 25 years. All of the health > > problems I had which were associated with morbid obesity (sleep apnea, >high > > blood pressure, degenerative arthritis of the spine, knees and hips, >chronic > > tendonitis in the feet and ankles, etc.) are resolved. > > I recently had aesthetic surgery to remove the loose, hanging skin from >my > > thighs, abdomen, and buttocks (a lower body lift) and I am delighted >with > > the results. I now wear a size 8 petite and since I'm only 5'2 " I can > > finally carry my weight easily and comfortably. I really am grateful to >Dr. > > Rutledge and this surgery for giving me such a powerful tool in my >battle > > against the beast. I followed his dietary advice as much as possible >and >I > > worked out religiously 4-5 times a week. After I heal from the " body > > sculpting " I will return to that practice. I usually eat 5-6 times a >day > > and I really try to eat healthy, natural foods. Not a lot of meat but >lots > > of fresh vegetables and whole grain breads. I still have a sweet tooth >and > > I treat myself with dessert whenever I want to but I only have a couple >of > > bites and I'm satisfied. Life is wonderful and I am content as I have >never > > been before. I have truly changed my eating habits and for the first >time >in > > my life, I feel that I have conquered the beast within. I feel >empowered >as > > a woman and as a person. Happy Anniversary to , Cheryl, and Deb. >It's > > been a wonderful journey. > > > > Ellen > > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 23, 2001 Report Share Posted May 23, 2001 I responded to the list but didn't include the cost - I think it was about $15,000 for everything. And worth every penny. Ellen >From: debbiew930@... >Reply- > >Subject: Re: Re: Two Year Anniversary >Date: Tue, 22 May 2001 22:03:08 EDT > >Hi Ellen, > >Would you please share your lower body lift story with us (what was done, >pain, recovery etc.). Also who was your surgeon and the cost. Thanks so >much and congratulations on your new life. > >Debbie W >Tallahassee, FL >MGB Dr. Ruthledge Durham, NC >9/15/99 306 lb >today 192 lb _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 23, 2001 Report Share Posted May 23, 2001 I suppose it varies from person to person depending on what he has to do but I'm pretty sure that was for everything. It might have been closer to $16,000 but no more than that. Ellen >From: metrishal@... >Reply- > >Subject: Re: Re: Two Year Anniversary >Date: Wed, 23 May 2001 15:31:32 EDT > >In a message dated 5/23/2001 1:04:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >embyrd@... writes: > > > > > > I responded to the list but didn't include the cost - I think it was >about > > $15,000 for everything. And worth every penny. > > > > Ellen > > > > > >EVERYTHING? Hospital, doctor etc.......... Was this Dr. Maxwell? > >Woohoo, he is my next stop after my revision... Well a few months after. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2001 Report Share Posted August 6, 2001 Hey Ellen! Did you have the other work done? How are you doing? I had saved this post for inspiration. I need a lot of work done myself! Let us know how you are... ~Amy. --- ELLEN BYRD <embyrd@...> wrote: > Thanks - you're right, my live has changed in > so many wonderful ways. > I went to Nashville to Dr. G. Maxwell. I > think he is one of the > best - he was listed as one of the top aesthetic > surgeons in the world and > goes all over to train other surgeons and he's one > of the few people doing > the total body lift. He performed a lower body lift > (buttocks, upper thighs > and abdomen) and an inner thigh lift. I have a > circumferential incision all > around my trunk at the bikini line (I had to ask > where that was since bikini > was never in my vocabulary before this). I also > have incisions on the > inside of each thigh from the pubic area to the > knee. He uses disolvable > stitches which are embedded and don't show at all - > no staples or anything. > The scars are already fading nicely and are very > thin. I think in a year > they will hardly be noticeable. However scars are > better than the loose, > hanging skin that was removed. I was in the OR for > 5 hours and in the > hospital for 3 nights. The hospital accomodations > and nursing care were > vastly superior to anything I have ever experienced. > I returned to work (I > teach high school) 1 day short of 3 weeks postop and > it was too early. I > worked for 3 days and had to stay out the rest of > the week. Then I only > worked one day the next week. I finally returned > full time just shy of 5 > weeks. I think if I had waited until I was 4 weeks > postop I would have been > okay. I was really feeling run down so I had some > bloodwork done and > discovered that I was anemic and am now taking iron > supplements. I really > feel like a human being again. I return to Dr. > Maxwell in July to have an > upper body lift by Dr. Maxwell - breast lift and > " batwing " removal. I can't > wait to have all of this behind me - I need closure > on this chapter. > > I am so pleased with the results of my surgery that > I even bought a tankini > the other day and my husband thinks it (and I) look > " fabulous " . When I get > sassy with him, I tell him to kiss my new tight > butt. Well, I use another > word but I'm trying not to offend anyone. > > Let me know if you have any other questions or want > to know any more > details. > > Ellen > > > > >From: " Rigsbee " <danny4@...> > >Reply- > >< > > >Subject: Re: Two Year Anniversary > >Date: Tue, 22 May 2001 18:08:33 -0400 > > > >Ellen- > >Congratulations on your terrific weight loss. I > know your life has really > >changed. When and where did you have your plastic > surgery. Please give us > >any details that might help those of us looking at > this. It is so hard to > >believe two years has passed. Our lives have > really changed for the best. > >I wish I could have lost as much weight as you did, > but I know where and > >how > >I fell down on the job. I am still thankful for > the weight I did lose and > >don't regret one minute having this surgery. I > would do it all over again > >in a heartbeat. My life is so much better than it > was. I have heard from > >Deb and Cheryl recently and they are doing well. > The " oldie goldies " need > >to > >keep in touch. We seem to be the ones in > unchartered territory. It would > >be > >nice to hear from the MGBers that were even before > us. Anyone out there??? > >Take care- > > R > >6-14-99 > >275/155/??? > > > > Two Year Anniversary > > > > > > > June 17 marks two years since my MGB. I have > lost 186 lbs and I now > >weigh > > > 128. I am healthier than I have been in 25 > years. All of the health > > > problems I had which were associated with morbid > obesity (sleep apnea, > >high > > > blood pressure, degenerative arthritis of the > spine, knees and hips, > >chronic > > > tendonitis in the feet and ankles, etc.) are > resolved. > > > I recently had aesthetic surgery to remove the > loose, hanging skin from > >my > > > thighs, abdomen, and buttocks (a lower body > lift) and I am delighted > >with > > > the results. I now wear a size 8 petite and > since I'm only 5'2 " I can > > > finally carry my weight easily and comfortably. > I really am grateful to > >Dr. > > > Rutledge and this surgery for giving me such a > powerful tool in my > >battle > > > against the beast. I followed his dietary > advice as much as possible > >and > >I > > > worked out religiously 4-5 times a week. After > I heal from the " body > > > sculpting " I will return to that practice. I > usually eat 5-6 times a > >day > > > and I really try to eat healthy, natural foods. > Not a lot of meat but > >lots > > > of fresh vegetables and whole grain breads. I > still have a sweet tooth > >and > > > I treat myself with dessert whenever I want to > but I only have a couple > >of > > > bites and I'm satisfied. Life is wonderful and > I am content as I have > >never > > > been before. I have truly changed my eating > habits and for the first > >time > >in > > > my life, I feel that I have conquered the beast > within. I feel > >empowered > >as > > > a woman and as a person. Happy Anniversary to > , Cheryl, and Deb. > >It's > > > been a wonderful journey. > > > > > > Ellen > > > > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > > > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at > http://explorer.msn.com > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Steve, congratulations on your success. I'm curious... how much did you lose the 1st year and how much the 2nd year? Molly > Somehow or another I let my 2 year anniversary slip by. It was Monday, if > I'd been paying attention. In those two years I have had no complications > other than a couple of bouts of mild gastritis (which a few days of Carafate > cleared up), and have dropped right around 150 pounds. I've had the > pleasure of making the acquaintance of many wonderful people, and have known > the sadness of sitting vigil at the hospital with the only MGBer to have > died, from Iceland > > Before the MGB I had hypertension; now my BP is a rock steady 120/70. I had > borderline high cholesterol; now it's 130 with a great HDL, and LDL and > triglycerides on the " abnormally low " end of the scale. > > All in all it's been a good ride, and I thank the Doc for changing my life > for the better. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, even if it were a hundred > time more dangerous than it is. After all, compared to the living death of > morbid obesity, could going down with a fight be worse? > > No purchase necessary, > Steve > Raleigh NC > 330/180 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Congratualtions Steve, Glad you are doing well and wish you many more positive life changes. I too agree I would do this again in a second...with no second thoughts or doubts about it. Its the best thing to have happened in my life in a long long time. Best for continued healthy living Jeanne in NY MGB 7/20/00 -111 pounds --- " Parsons, " <steven.parsons@...> wrote: > Somehow or another I let my 2 year anniversary slip > by. It was Monday, if > I'd been paying attention. In those two years I > have had no complications > other than a couple of bouts of mild gastritis > (which a few days of Carafate > cleared up), and have dropped right around 150 > pounds. I've had the > pleasure of making the acquaintance of many > wonderful people, and have known > the sadness of sitting vigil at the hospital with > the only MGBer to have > died, from Iceland > > Before the MGB I had hypertension; now my BP is a > rock steady 120/70. I had > borderline high cholesterol; now it's 130 with a > great HDL, and LDL and > triglycerides on the " abnormally low " end of the > scale. > > All in all it's been a good ride, and I thank the > Doc for changing my life > for the better. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, > even if it were a hundred > time more dangerous than it is. After all, compared > to the living death of > morbid obesity, could going down with a fight be > worse? > > No purchase necessary, > Steve > Raleigh NC > 330/180 > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Congrats!! Steve, you give us all something to look forward to! I have to say, there has been 2 deaths from MGB. from Michigan, who went with Dr. Starling, died a few days after her surgery. May they both rest in peace and the rest of us appreciate what we have been given. HUGS in Ark-- In @y..., " Parsons, " <steven.parsons@p...> wrote: > Somehow or another I let my 2 year anniversary slip by. It was Monday, if > I'd been paying attention. In those two years I have had no complications > other than a couple of bouts of mild gastritis (which a few days of Carafate > cleared up), and have dropped right around 150 pounds. I've had the > pleasure of making the acquaintance of many wonderful people, and have known > the sadness of sitting vigil at the hospital with the only MGBer to have > died, from Iceland > > Before the MGB I had hypertension; now my BP is a rock steady 120/70. I had > borderline high cholesterol; now it's 130 with a great HDL, and LDL and > triglycerides on the " abnormally low " end of the scale. > > All in all it's been a good ride, and I thank the Doc for changing my life > for the better. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, even if it were a hundred > time more dangerous than it is. After all, compared to the living death of > morbid obesity, could going down with a fight be worse? > > No purchase necessary, > Steve > Raleigh NC > 330/180 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Congratulations Steve! I am happy for you in your accomplishment. I hope I can do as well. Aimee 1/26/01 -110 Raleigh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2005 Report Share Posted September 15, 2005 what a great story, i felt like i was reading about my own story. i am also coming up on the 2 year mark in Nov. i cant imagine my life any other way then it is now. i was just talking to a friend of mine the other day and she said to me imagine how it would feel to weigh what you did again. and i said that i couldn't even begin to comprehend that feeling. She said imagine holding 200 packages of butter and walking around doing daily tasks like taking care of my daughter. running and playing with her. And the thought of that makes me want to just cry. tears of sadness for that other person I used to be and tears of happiness for who I have become. Thank you for sharing your story and to all the others who share as well. I don't post much but I am always here. High point NC 11/26/03 350/148 (3 months pregnant) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2005 Report Share Posted September 15, 2005 Wow Margaret... thanks for sharing you're very inspirational story.. congratulations on the weight loss, healthy changes in lifestyle, and positive attitude.. you go girl! hugs Kim mags4u2@... wrote:Two years ago today, I was 300 lbs heavy in Statesville, NC, having the procedure that would change my life forever. Dr Rutledge had plenty of sleep the night before, (I asked) and was at his best. There were five of us that day - Brett, Mehgan, Dawn, Terry and I. My surgery was shortly after 3pm and it was 74 minutes long. Dr Rutledge had two other Dr's in the operating room to observe. The only problem that I had was feeling nauseous. I would go back to sleep each time until I woke up and was not nauseous. It was shortly after midnight that I started walking the halls. My drains were removed the following day and I wondered how the big hole would ever close up. It makes me laugh when I see my barely visible scar now. I was released from the hospital and went shopping. Then preceded to drop off gifts to the nursing staff. The following night, it was very hard to sleep. My neck was extremely sore and it was difficult to get comfortable in order to sleep. Gatorade and yogurt were too sweet. Fried food my sister was eating smelled disgusting. Realized that if I never tried to eat it, the disgusting smell would keep me away and I could give up fried food forever! I was lucky in that I lost steadily until about seven months ago. My weight and measurements have not changed since February 2005. At one month out I was down to 275 pounds and had lost 26.25 inches. Two month weigh in was at 259 with 33.25 inches gone. Three months 248 with 40.75 inches gone. Four months 237 with 52.75 inches gone. Five months 228 with 60.50 inches gone. Six months 219 with 73 inches gone. Seven months 209 with 79 inches gone. Eight months 199 with 86.25 inches gone. Nine months 194 with 92.50 inches gone. Ten months 188 with 97.25 inches gone. Eleven months 179 with 103.75 inches gone. One year 175 with 110.75 inches gone. Thirteen months 170 with 111.75 inches gone. Fourteen months 168 with 113.75 inches gone. Fifteen months 163 with 116 inches gone. Sixteen months 159 with 122.75 inches gone. Seventeen months 155 with 124.75 inches gone. My measurements and weight have been same since then. Highlights of my loss, and I would only share this here (can't believe I am posting to internet!) Lost a few inches in other measured places (wrists, etc) and don't forget that I lost inches off of EACH thigh, arm etc. Upper arms - 8 inch loss Neck - 7 inches Calves - 6 inches Thighs - 12 inches Hips - 17 inches Stomach - 16 inches Chest 20 inches Biggest changes? My extension belt that my wonderful husband bought me so that I would not have to ask for one is collecting dust. I have flown between Dallas and Albuquerque about five times in less than a year and went to Chicago too. I no longer felt claustrophobic on the plane. Even went to the bathroom on the plane - didn't have to go, wanted to see if I could fit! Sat in the middle seat with room to spare and was even able to cross my legs on the plane! I enjoy watching our grass grow knowing that I can mow the lawn without suffering a heart attack. My food habits are so healthy now. My biggest indulgences are the occasional cookie, ice cream or fast food burger. I eat the regular hamburger rather than two huge burgers. A couple of cookies vs the whole bag and a small scoop of ice cream rather than a huge bowlful. I walk a ton and am very aware if I don't get exercise in. Still hate exercising but do it anyway. Eat three square meals a day - pretty small - with lots of fish and chicken. Snack only when hungry and skip it unless I really am hungry. Follow all the vitamin, protein, yogurt, citrucel and supplements advise that is in the manual. Propel is my drink of choice so I make sure to get in my sodium and potassium throughout the day. Use salt and no-salt to supplement regular food intake. They are making more fashionable larger sized clothes now that I don't need to purchase 28 pants and 2-3X shirts. My pants are 12's and my tops range from medium to large depending on the style. With a tummy tuck about six months down the road, I hope to drop another pant size. My credit cards took a beating with the clothes I bought since moving to Dallas. I had only purchased a few things because I was changing sizes so frequently. Once I settled on a size, I discovered outlet malls in the area and went crazy! Well designed under garments hide so many flaws. My feet shrunk so I had to restock my closet with shoes. My calves are smaller now so I could buy boots. So many things to purchase with so little time to buy them! My hair is stylishly short since my face is no longer a round ball without a neck. My collar bones are visible again along with cheek bones. My face breaks in to a smile more easily and life is somehow brighter. The decision to have the Mini-Gastric Bypass was one that came very easily to me. Getting the IV for surgery caused more trauma than anything the surgery put me through. Dr Rutledge is a wonderful man that truly believes that every obese person should have a chance at a healthier life as a slimmer person. I thank God for him every evening and most days when I look in the mirror. Two years have flown by for me. My only regret is not having the time to tell the world person by person that there is a light at the end of the obesity tunnel. I envy the CLOS personnel since they get to watch all of us go through the process. This year will would have been my third picnic. I will not be able to go because I have to work. Please have a blast and take a ton of pictures! Make sure to get names so that we can recognize all of those that have made huge changes! Take good care of each other and enjoy! Margaret 9/15/03 - Statesville with Dr Rutledge 300 / 155 - at two year mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2011 Report Share Posted July 23, 2011 Hi all, I celebrated my two year surgical anniversaries 7/16 (left knee) and 7/20 (right knee). I saw my OS for my two year post-op appointment yesterday, and he is very pleased with how I am doing. I had x-rays done at his office, and spent about 20 minutes with him. He said my knees look great, the x-rays looked good, and he's pleased with the range of motion I've got. I asked about kneeling, as he wanted me to continue with kneeling restrictions at my last appointment (a year ago). I am to continue to avoid kneeling if at all possible since the kneecap is the weakest part of the joint. If I do need to kneel, I am supposed to use thick, cushy pads and kneel for as short of a time as possible. I have lymphadema that pre-dates the surgeries. Prior to surgery, I wore knee high compression stockings seven days a week. I couldn't wear them for 10 days or so post surgery, and that combined with the swelling that happened as a result of the surgery, my lymphadema really got out of whack and slowed my recovery from the surgery. For the last nine months or so, I've incorporated mid-thigh compression stockings 4-5 days per week and wear the knee high ones on alternating days. Yesterday, my surgeon said even my lymphadema is looking good. Life is good in my little corner of the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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