Guest guest Posted November 27, 2004 Report Share Posted November 27, 2004 What a great attitude you have. I am so glad that you got to cancel your surgery and hope that excellent supplementation will keep you from needing a revision. You have the right attitude however, it isn't up to YOU, it IS up to your body. We are all in your court. I battle with low iron but infusions have worked for me. You know that is something you CAN get long term. The protein seems harder to fight to me...hang in there and we are all on your side. V Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 27, 2004 Report Share Posted November 27, 2004 felice? try keeping 2 " snack-sized " ziploc baggies in your purse-- one with a protein bar chopped into tiny pieces (or smoked almonds) to nibble all day long and another one with beef jerky to chew on .... the jerky is protein AND salt, sodium, potassium, etc... also use lite salt on your food in addition to other regular salt-- its a BIG source of potassium.... take your iron supplements with OJ and away from any calcium incl. dairy products. gosh i hope you can avoid the revision.... be well and keep us posted! cathy s in va > > Hi and Happy Thanksgiving to my entire MGB Family! > > You have all been so supportive and helpful, I am so thankful. If you have > been following my story, I got ill last month and was hospitalized on > November 1st for 3 days. > > The symptoms: Severe foot, ankle and leg swelling, severe bone- chilling > cold (in South Florida!), severe fatigue (I'm a full time college student > and haven't been to class since 11/1 and am having to finish the semester at > home), and no appetite. > > The tests: Sonograms of my legs, heart, entire digestive system. CT scans. > Lots of blood work, and urine flow tests. > > The diagnosis: Extremely low protein, iron, potassium and folic acid (among > other low levels of stuff) due to mal-absorption. In other words, I'm not > absorbing enough nutrition from my intake of food. > > The in-hospital treatment: Infusions of potassium, folic acid, iron, and > lasix (to get ride of the swelling). Discussions with a nutritionist (at my > request) to learn as much as I could about protein, iron, potassium, folic > acid and other vitamin intake. > > The cure: After forwarding all my doctor and hospital information to Dr. > Rutledge, we decided that a partial or full revision was in order. I was > scheduled to leave for Michigan this coming Tuesday 11/30, to have my > revision on Friday 12/3. I've been eating nothing but protein, high iron > foods, etc. I've really been diligent about my food and vitamin intake. I > was/am hoping that I can help myself as much as possible. For the last 5 > days, the swelling has gone from my legs and my energy is returning, very > slowly, but surely. I spoke to Dr. Rutledge the other day and asked about > postponing/canceling the surgery, if I can keep my levels up nutrition. He > agreed. > > So, here I am. I cancelled the surgery, for now!! I can always have it > later if need be. I am hoping and working really hard at being my own best > health care advocate and doing everything I can to make a revision not > necessary. But, ultimately it's not up to be, it's up to my body. Can I > get enough protein in??? I hope so. And if any of you experienced mgb'ers > have any suggestions, I'm all ears. I need all the help I can get. > > This is nothing that Dr. Rutledge did. If there had been a sign on my > intestines when he did my original surgery that said, > --->>> CUT HERE <<<---, well then, we'd all have the perfect mgb. But, > alas, the sign wasn't there. I am still so grateful to Dr. Rutledge and the > mgb for giving me my life back. No one ever said it would be easy and that > we wouldn't have to do some of the work. The mgb is... a tool. A really > good tool, but still a tool, we must learn to operate it with skill and > practice. > > Thank for all for being here for me. You truly are the only ones who > understand what I'm going through. Your prayers for me have worked, keep > them up. As I will for you!! > > Love, > Felice (Fort Lauderdale) > May 20, 2003 > 247/118 5'4 " > Dr. Rutledge Statesville, NC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 28, 2004 Report Share Posted November 28, 2004 Hi Felice, I am hopeful you will be able to do it by your intake of food and do not have to have the revision if possible. I agree it is a tool and I know we both want to continue to use it. I have a long way to go to loose the weight.... I'm 8 months out and still have about 90 pounds to go. I am interested in what type and how much protein and iron rich foods you are eating. I too have some low hemoglobin levels and am trying to keep them up. My doctor hopes I do not have to have a infusion of iron. How many victims do you take and how often? I am interested in the responses you get online. Would you please share with me you routines and any words of advice by other mgbers who can relate to our problems. Thank you. Beth Revision Update Hi and Happy Thanksgiving to my entire MGB Family! You have all been so supportive and helpful, I am so thankful. If you have been following my story, I got ill last month and was hospitalized on November 1st for 3 days. The symptoms: Severe foot, ankle and leg swelling, severe bone-chilling cold (in South Florida!), severe fatigue (I'm a full time college student and haven't been to class since 11/1 and am having to finish the semester at home), and no appetite. The tests: Sonograms of my legs, heart, entire digestive system. CT scans. Lots of blood work, and urine flow tests. The diagnosis: Extremely low protein, iron, potassium and folic acid (among other low levels of stuff) due to mal-absorption. In other words, I'm not absorbing enough nutrition from my intake of food. The in-hospital treatment: Infusions of potassium, folic acid, iron, and lasix (to get ride of the swelling). Discussions with a nutritionist (at my request) to learn as much as I could about protein, iron, potassium, folic acid and other vitamin intake. The cure: After forwarding all my doctor and hospital information to Dr. Rutledge, we decided that a partial or full revision was in order. I was scheduled to leave for Michigan this coming Tuesday 11/30, to have my revision on Friday 12/3. I've been eating nothing but protein, high iron foods, etc. I've really been diligent about my food and vitamin intake. I was/am hoping that I can help myself as much as possible. For the last 5 days, the swelling has gone from my legs and my energy is returning, very slowly, but surely. I spoke to Dr. Rutledge the other day and asked about postponing/canceling the surgery, if I can keep my levels up nutrition. He agreed. So, here I am. I cancelled the surgery, for now!! I can always have it later if need be. I am hoping and working really hard at being my own best health care advocate and doing everything I can to make a revision not necessary. But, ultimately it's not up to be, it's up to my body. Can I get enough protein in??? I hope so. And if any of you experienced mgb'ers have any suggestions, I'm all ears. I need all the help I can get. This is nothing that Dr. Rutledge did. If there had been a sign on my intestines when he did my original surgery that said, --->>> CUT HERE <<<---, well then, we'd all have the perfect mgb. But, alas, the sign wasn't there. I am still so grateful to Dr. Rutledge and the mgb for giving me my life back. No one ever said it would be easy and that we wouldn't have to do some of the work. The mgb is... a tool. A really good tool, but still a tool, we must learn to operate it with skill and practice. Thank for all for being here for me. You truly are the only ones who understand what I'm going through. Your prayers for me have worked, keep them up. As I will for you!! Love, Felice (Fort Lauderdale) May 20, 2003 247/118 5'4 " Dr. Rutledge Statesville, NC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Thank you ! The suggestions are great ones. And again to all of your out there, I'm still seeking hints, ideas and suggestions on getting in lots and lots of protein, potassium, iron, and folic acid. So far so good. I'm going to have my blood work done in another 2 weeks and see how I stand. I am and will continue to work very hard NOT to have the revision. At least I know, if in the end, I do have to have the revision, it won't be for lack of trying on my part! Everybody, keep well through the holiday season!! Felice (Fort Lauderdale) May 20. 2003 247/120 5'4 " Dr. R. Statesville, NC. Re: Revision Update > > > > felice? try keeping 2 " snack-sized " ziploc baggies in your purse-- > one with a protein bar chopped into tiny pieces (or smoked almonds) > to nibble all day long and another one with beef jerky to chew > on .... the jerky is protein AND salt, sodium, potassium, etc... > also use lite salt on your food in addition to other regular salt-- > its a BIG source of potassium.... take your iron supplements with OJ > and away from any calcium incl. dairy products. > > gosh i hope you can avoid the revision.... > > be well and keep us posted! > > cathy s in va > > > > > > > Hi and Happy Thanksgiving to my entire MGB Family! > > > > You have all been so supportive and helpful, I am so thankful. If > you have > > been following my story, I got ill last month and was hospitalized > on > > November 1st for 3 days. > > > > The symptoms: Severe foot, ankle and leg swelling, severe bone- > chilling > > cold (in South Florida!), severe fatigue (I'm a full time college > student > > and haven't been to class since 11/1 and am having to finish the > semester at > > home), and no appetite. > > > > The tests: Sonograms of my legs, heart, entire digestive system. > CT scans. > > Lots of blood work, and urine flow tests. > > > > The diagnosis: Extremely low protein, iron, potassium and folic > acid (among > > other low levels of stuff) due to mal-absorption. In other words, > I'm not > > absorbing enough nutrition from my intake of food. > > > > The in-hospital treatment: Infusions of potassium, folic acid, > iron, and > > lasix (to get ride of the swelling). Discussions with a > nutritionist (at my > > request) to learn as much as I could about protein, iron, > potassium, folic > > acid and other vitamin intake. > > > > The cure: After forwarding all my doctor and hospital information > to Dr. > > Rutledge, we decided that a partial or full revision was in order. > I was > > scheduled to leave for Michigan this coming Tuesday 11/30, to have > my > > revision on Friday 12/3. I've been eating nothing but protein, > high iron > > foods, etc. I've really been diligent about my food and vitamin > intake. I > > was/am hoping that I can help myself as much as possible. For the > last 5 > > days, the swelling has gone from my legs and my energy is > returning, very > > slowly, but surely. I spoke to Dr. Rutledge the other day and > asked about > > postponing/canceling the surgery, if I can keep my levels up > nutrition. He > > agreed. > > > > So, here I am. I cancelled the surgery, for now!! I can always > have it > > later if need be. I am hoping and working really hard at being my > own best > > health care advocate and doing everything I can to make a revision > not > > necessary. But, ultimately it's not up to be, it's up to my body. > Can I > > get enough protein in??? I hope so. And if any of you experienced > mgb'ers > > have any suggestions, I'm all ears. I need all the help I can get. > > > > This is nothing that Dr. Rutledge did. If there had been a sign on > my > > intestines when he did my original surgery that said, > > --->>> CUT HERE <<<---, well then, we'd all have the perfect mgb. > But, > > alas, the sign wasn't there. I am still so grateful to Dr. > Rutledge and the > > mgb for giving me my life back. No one ever said it would be easy > and that > > we wouldn't have to do some of the work. The mgb is... a tool. A > really > > good tool, but still a tool, we must learn to operate it with skill > and > > practice. > > > > Thank for all for being here for me. You truly are the only ones > who > > understand what I'm going through. Your prayers for me have > worked, keep > > them up. As I will for you!! > > > > Love, > > Felice (Fort Lauderdale) > > May 20, 2003 > > 247/118 5'4 " > > Dr. Rutledge Statesville, NC. > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 2005 Report Share Posted March 31, 2005 Whatever we " lay people " say is just an opinion. Please listen to the expert! in GA > > > Well, I got quite the surprise this morning when I got up out of > bed. apparently I had a bowel movement sometime early this morning and > had NO idea...freaked me out. I guess this is not uncommon in the > first few days after surgery (right??) so I stuffed my panic and read > my manual and tried to relax about it. I can feel some of my old > nausea wanting to creep up on me again. Dr. R. thinks I need to take > the Prev Pac and get rid of my ulcer for good as that could have been > the cause for my nausea and it'll just come back if we don't get rid of > the ulcer. I'm afraid the prev pac wil make me nauseous again...and so > soon after surgery, but I need to do what the doc tells me. any > advice/ideas on the taking of the prev pac or the b-movements? > > thanks! > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2005 Report Share Posted May 3, 2005 Thanks for posting. You have been in our prayers and I am so glad you are healthy again. I can only imagine the weight gain issues. I KNOW it must be horrible and I don't have any words of wisdom on that front except that I hope and pray that being at a normal weight will give you the motivation and desire and whatever else is required to find a way to maintain it. It sure sounds to me like you are doing everything YOU can do. God bless you! V Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2005 Report Share Posted May 3, 2005 my heart is broken felice. i am so sorry for all your troubles. i thank God for my MGB success and for my health. you are right. this IS a big huge serious surgery and i cannot imagine people wanting to cut corners and find a way around Dr Rs requirements (many from day 1 and lots do it pre-op!)you dotted all te " i " s and crossed all the " t " s. you did everything in your power to get healthy. Felice, you are 165. you say you are going to WW. go. you can do this. the mountain is no longer 100 pounds high! it is only 1/3 that. I wish i had some word of wisdom for you, but alas, i am at a loss. I, too am trying weight watchers at this time due to 10 pounds that will NOT go away. you only have 20 more than me, lets do this. we can, you know. after all you have been through, you have the strength. good luck felice. xoxoxo cathy s in va > Hi Everyone, > > First let me apologize for not answering the e-mails I've received. > I am healthy again. My journey back to good health has been much easier > than my journey of weight gain since the revision. I weighed 100 pounds on > New Years Day and weigh 163 as of today. After having had the gift of the > mgb - I am now back (mentally) to where I was before the mgb. I am > constantly worried about what I eat and am constantly worried about gaining > weight. The weight seems to come on effortlessly. I don't feel that I'm > eating so much, but the scale says otherwise. I'm happy to be alive and > healthy but sad that I'm gaining weight. And I'm doing something about it. > I walk and run over 2 miles a day and work out with a personal trainer 3 > times a week, and joined Weight Watchers today. I feel fat, and am > constantly obsessed with thoughts of food, like I was before the mgb. I'm > sad that I don't have the mgb anymore. It was a gift from heaven and I > loved feeling like a " normal " person. All that is gone now. I had the gift > of the mgb and now it has been taken away. It's a nightmare!! Next to > health and happiness for myself and those I love, being a normal weight was > the most important thing in the world to me. I got my wish - I was > normal -.... and now that's gone. > > I no longer belong to this exclusive group of wonderful people. For me it's > all over. > Be well and take care of yourselves. > > For those of you who don't know me, I am Felice and had my mgb on 5/20/03 in > Statesville with Dr. R. 20 minute surgery, out of the hospital the next > morning. I was a textbook case, just like as described in the manual. I > began at 247 lbs. I am 5'4 " . (my picture is on the www.mgbfriends.com > website) > > I am the perfect mgb'er. I did everything the manual said to do. Gatorade, > vitamins, supplements, blood work, etc. > I lost 120 pounds in a year and felt great. Just after that one year mark, > starting in about May 2004: > I started to feel tired all the time. I attributed that to going back to > school. > I started to be unbelievably cold. I mean wearing a sweater over a long > sleeve shirt in the summer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I attributed that > to not having the body fat I used to. > > NOVEMBER > My feet started to swell. I called CLOS, and started to take in more > protein, I was already on additional iron from the results of my one year > labs. I went to see my local doctor and by that time I was so swollen in my > feet, legs and thighs, she admitted me to the hospital where I stayed for 2 > days on drugs to get rid of the fluid. The swelling returned and I called > Dr. Rutledge. After faxing him my blood labs, he said in no uncertain terms > that I needed a full revision. Of course my first reaction was " NO, I > refuse to gain my weight back!!! " How silly that seems to me now. What is > the good of being thin if you're dead!!!!!!!! {{{{{Keep reading, it gets > even more interesting!}}}}} Dr. R. explained that basically I was not > absorbing the nutrients I was ingesting, causing mal-nutrition from > diminished protein levels, causing the swelling. I decided not to rush into > surgery (I regret not having the revision immediately if not sooner, now, > when I look back). I told Dr. R. I wanted to try to increase my protein > intake and possibly avoid the revision. > > DECEMBER > Despite my high intake of protein, the swelling returned. I made an > appointment with my doctor. I was again admitted to the hospital. This > time the situation was more serious. I had to have a blood transfusions, > and IV's of all different kinds of drugs. I spent 5 days in the hospital. > I had so much fluid in me that I lost 30 pounds of fluid in 5 days! By this > time the revision was set for Bay City for January 9th (the first date that > Dr. R. would be doing surgeries). The idea was to get me as healthy as > possible and keep me healthy till I could get to Michigan. I came out of > the hospital weighing 100 pounds!!!! > > JANUARY > I went to Michigan 2 days before surgery in case I was swollen again. I was > immediately admitted by Dr. R. and Dr. D. (2 of my favorite men, after my > husband!!), and again IV's galore. Dr. R. even stayed in Michigan an extra > day (thank you Dr. R.) because I wasn't ready physically for the revision. > Everything went fine, Thank God! I had to stay in Michigan the required one > week. Within days of the surgery I started to swell again. The swelling > got so bad that I started leaking out one of my port sites. Back into the > hospital I went. More IV's. I was finally able to return home. > > I was swelling again. 2 days after returning home my husband woke up in the > middle of the night and heard rattling in my chest. His only decision was > whether to rush me to the hospital or call 911. Straight into the hospital, > only this time with Congestive Heart Failure. My oxygen level was at 90%. > I don't know what that means, but whenever I tell anyone who understands > these things their eyes pop out of their heads. My doctor spoke to both Dr. > D. and Dr. R. This time the hospital stay was 6 days and I lost 20 pounds > of fluid in 2 days. > > FEBRUARY > I check for swelling constantly, and so far so good. Dr. R. said it still > might take one or 2 more hospitalizations to get me right, the reasons > having to do with how long it takes protein to do whatever it's supposed to > do in your body, but I betting on no more hospitalizations. We'll see. > Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer. > > Here is what I really want to say. Listen to Dr. Rutledge, read and > UNDERSTAND the manual. I did everything right and look what happened. > Imagine if I didn't follow the rules. Eat your protein and take your > vitamins and supplements. Drink your Gatorade and stay away from everything > Dr. R. tells us to. Your life may depend on it!!! > > Be Well!! > Felice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2005 Report Share Posted May 3, 2005 Felice, You will always be part of our group - regardless! You have walked the walk with us and we have tried to be there for you! Be well, try to be good to yourself.... in GA > Hi Everyone, > > First let me apologize for not answering the e-mails I've received. > I am healthy again. My journey back to good health has been much easier > than my journey of weight gain since the revision. I weighed 100 pounds on > New Years Day and weigh 163 as of today. After having had the gift of the > mgb - I am now back (mentally) to where I was before the mgb. I am > constantly worried about what I eat and am constantly worried about gaining > weight. The weight seems to come on effortlessly. I don't feel that I'm > eating so much, but the scale says otherwise. I'm happy to be alive and > healthy but sad that I'm gaining weight. And I'm doing something about it. > I walk and run over 2 miles a day and work out with a personal trainer 3 > times a week, and joined Weight Watchers today. I feel fat, and am > constantly obsessed with thoughts of food, like I was before the mgb. I'm > sad that I don't have the mgb anymore. It was a gift from heaven and I > loved feeling like a " normal " person. All that is gone now. I had the gift > of the mgb and now it has been taken away. It's a nightmare!! Next to > health and happiness for myself and those I love, being a normal weight was > the most important thing in the world to me. I got my wish - I was > normal -.... and now that's gone. > > I no longer belong to this exclusive group of wonderful people. For me it's > all over. > Be well and take care of yourselves. > > For those of you who don't know me, I am Felice and had my mgb on 5/20/03 in > Statesville with Dr. R. 20 minute surgery, out of the hospital the next > morning. I was a textbook case, just like as described in the manual. I > began at 247 lbs. I am 5'4 " . (my picture is on the www.mgbfriends.com > website) > > I am the perfect mgb'er. I did everything the manual said to do. Gatorade, > vitamins, supplements, blood work, etc. > I lost 120 pounds in a year and felt great. Just after that one year mark, > starting in about May 2004: > I started to feel tired all the time. I attributed that to going back to > school. > I started to be unbelievably cold. I mean wearing a sweater over a long > sleeve shirt in the summer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I attributed that > to not having the body fat I used to. > > NOVEMBER > My feet started to swell. I called CLOS, and started to take in more > protein, I was already on additional iron from the results of my one year > labs. I went to see my local doctor and by that time I was so swollen in my > feet, legs and thighs, she admitted me to the hospital where I stayed for 2 > days on drugs to get rid of the fluid. The swelling returned and I called > Dr. Rutledge. After faxing him my blood labs, he said in no uncertain terms > that I needed a full revision. Of course my first reaction was " NO, I > refuse to gain my weight back!!! " How silly that seems to me now. What is > the good of being thin if you're dead!!!!!!!! {{{{{Keep reading, it gets > even more interesting!}}}}} Dr. R. explained that basically I was not > absorbing the nutrients I was ingesting, causing mal-nutrition from > diminished protein levels, causing the swelling. I decided not to rush into > surgery (I regret not having the revision immediately if not sooner, now, > when I look back). I told Dr. R. I wanted to try to increase my protein > intake and possibly avoid the revision. > > DECEMBER > Despite my high intake of protein, the swelling returned. I made an > appointment with my doctor. I was again admitted to the hospital. This > time the situation was more serious. I had to have a blood transfusions, > and IV's of all different kinds of drugs. I spent 5 days in the hospital. > I had so much fluid in me that I lost 30 pounds of fluid in 5 days! By this > time the revision was set for Bay City for January 9th (the first date that > Dr. R. would be doing surgeries). The idea was to get me as healthy as > possible and keep me healthy till I could get to Michigan. I came out of > the hospital weighing 100 pounds!!!! > > JANUARY > I went to Michigan 2 days before surgery in case I was swollen again. I was > immediately admitted by Dr. R. and Dr. D. (2 of my favorite men, after my > husband!!), and again IV's galore. Dr. R. even stayed in Michigan an extra > day (thank you Dr. R.) because I wasn't ready physically for the revision. > Everything went fine, Thank God! I had to stay in Michigan the required one > week. Within days of the surgery I started to swell again. The swelling > got so bad that I started leaking out one of my port sites. Back into the > hospital I went. More IV's. I was finally able to return home. > > I was swelling again. 2 days after returning home my husband woke up in the > middle of the night and heard rattling in my chest. His only decision was > whether to rush me to the hospital or call 911. Straight into the hospital, > only this time with Congestive Heart Failure. My oxygen level was at 90%. > I don't know what that means, but whenever I tell anyone who understands > these things their eyes pop out of their heads. My doctor spoke to both Dr. > D. and Dr. R. This time the hospital stay was 6 days and I lost 20 pounds > of fluid in 2 days. > > FEBRUARY > I check for swelling constantly, and so far so good. Dr. R. said it still > might take one or 2 more hospitalizations to get me right, the reasons > having to do with how long it takes protein to do whatever it's supposed to > do in your body, but I betting on no more hospitalizations. We'll see. > Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer. > > Here is what I really want to say. Listen to Dr. Rutledge, read and > UNDERSTAND the manual. I did everything right and look what happened. > Imagine if I didn't follow the rules. Eat your protein and take your > vitamins and supplements. Drink your Gatorade and stay away from everything > Dr. R. tells us to. Your life may depend on it!!! > > Be Well!! > Felice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2005 Report Share Posted May 3, 2005 My goodness, Felice, what a story! I have been peripherally following your progress for quite some time, and I'm glad you are healthy now. And, of course, I'm sorry about your weight concerns. I am quite sure that I would struggle tremendously if I needed to have my MGB reversed. That demon is still inside me. I will say that joining WW and increasing my exercise has been a huge help in knocking off the pounds. I had been on avery frustrating plateau, but since joining WW in early March, I've lost about 20 pounds. I'm running on a regular basis, lifting weights, and feeling really good. I hope that WW works well for you as well. On little piece of info: in my class, the people following the " core " plan -- which is a little more strict -- are losing more quickly that those following the flex plan. Just food for thought (pun intended!) I wish you the very best of luck -- keep us posted! Joanie 5/25/04 290/~175 Drs. Walsh and Rutledge >From: " Felice Shekar " <felice1@...> >Reply- >< > >Subject: Revision Update >Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 23:26:14 -0400 > >Hi Everyone, > >First let me apologize for not answering the e-mails I've received. >I am healthy again. My journey back to good health has been much easier >than my journey of weight gain since the revision. I weighed 100 pounds on >New Years Day and weigh 163 as of today. After having had the gift of the >mgb - I am now back (mentally) to where I was before the mgb. I am >constantly worried about what I eat and am constantly worried about gaining >weight. The weight seems to come on effortlessly. I don't feel that I'm >eating so much, but the scale says otherwise. I'm happy to be alive and >healthy but sad that I'm gaining weight. And I'm doing something about it. >I walk and run over 2 miles a day and work out with a personal trainer 3 >times a week, and joined Weight Watchers today. I feel fat, and am >constantly obsessed with thoughts of food, like I was before the mgb. I'm >sad that I don't have the mgb anymore. It was a gift from heaven and I >loved feeling like a " normal " person. All that is gone now. I had the >gift >of the mgb and now it has been taken away. It's a nightmare!! Next to >health and happiness for myself and those I love, being a normal weight was >the most important thing in the world to me. I got my wish - I was >normal -.... and now that's gone. > >I no longer belong to this exclusive group of wonderful people. For me >it's >all over. >Be well and take care of yourselves. > >For those of you who don't know me, I am Felice and had my mgb on 5/20/03 >in >Statesville with Dr. R. 20 minute surgery, out of the hospital the next >morning. I was a textbook case, just like as described in the manual. I >began at 247 lbs. I am 5'4 " . (my picture is on the www.mgbfriends.com >website) > >I am the perfect mgb'er. I did everything the manual said to do. >Gatorade, >vitamins, supplements, blood work, etc. >I lost 120 pounds in a year and felt great. Just after that one year mark, >starting in about May 2004: >I started to feel tired all the time. I attributed that to going back to >school. >I started to be unbelievably cold. I mean wearing a sweater over a long >sleeve shirt in the summer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I attributed that >to not having the body fat I used to. > >NOVEMBER >My feet started to swell. I called CLOS, and started to take in more >protein, I was already on additional iron from the results of my one year >labs. I went to see my local doctor and by that time I was so swollen in >my >feet, legs and thighs, she admitted me to the hospital where I stayed for 2 >days on drugs to get rid of the fluid. The swelling returned and I called >Dr. Rutledge. After faxing him my blood labs, he said in no uncertain >terms >that I needed a full revision. Of course my first reaction was " NO, I >refuse to gain my weight back!!! " How silly that seems to me now. What is >the good of being thin if you're dead!!!!!!!! {{{{{Keep reading, it gets >even more interesting!}}}}} Dr. R. explained that basically I was not >absorbing the nutrients I was ingesting, causing mal-nutrition from >diminished protein levels, causing the swelling. I decided not to rush >into >surgery (I regret not having the revision immediately if not sooner, now, >when I look back). I told Dr. R. I wanted to try to increase my protein >intake and possibly avoid the revision. > >DECEMBER >Despite my high intake of protein, the swelling returned. I made an >appointment with my doctor. I was again admitted to the hospital. This >time the situation was more serious. I had to have a blood transfusions, >and IV's of all different kinds of drugs. I spent 5 days in the hospital. >I had so much fluid in me that I lost 30 pounds of fluid in 5 days! By >this >time the revision was set for Bay City for January 9th (the first date that >Dr. R. would be doing surgeries). The idea was to get me as healthy as >possible and keep me healthy till I could get to Michigan. I came out of >the hospital weighing 100 pounds!!!! > >JANUARY >I went to Michigan 2 days before surgery in case I was swollen again. I >was >immediately admitted by Dr. R. and Dr. D. (2 of my favorite men, after my >husband!!), and again IV's galore. Dr. R. even stayed in Michigan an extra >day (thank you Dr. R.) because I wasn't ready physically for the revision. >Everything went fine, Thank God! I had to stay in Michigan the required >one >week. Within days of the surgery I started to swell again. The swelling >got so bad that I started leaking out one of my port sites. Back into the >hospital I went. More IV's. I was finally able to return home. > >I was swelling again. 2 days after returning home my husband woke up in >the >middle of the night and heard rattling in my chest. His only decision was >whether to rush me to the hospital or call 911. Straight into the >hospital, >only this time with Congestive Heart Failure. My oxygen level was at 90%. >I don't know what that means, but whenever I tell anyone who understands >these things their eyes pop out of their heads. My doctor spoke to both >Dr. >D. and Dr. R. This time the hospital stay was 6 days and I lost 20 pounds >of fluid in 2 days. > >FEBRUARY >I check for swelling constantly, and so far so good. Dr. R. said it still >might take one or 2 more hospitalizations to get me right, the reasons >having to do with how long it takes protein to do whatever it's supposed to >do in your body, but I betting on no more hospitalizations. We'll see. >Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer. > >Here is what I really want to say. Listen to Dr. Rutledge, read and >UNDERSTAND the manual. I did everything right and look what happened. >Imagine if I didn't follow the rules. Eat your protein and take your >vitamins and supplements. Drink your Gatorade and stay away from >everything >Dr. R. tells us to. Your life may depend on it!!! > >Be Well!! >Felice > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2005 Report Share Posted May 3, 2005 Dear Felice, Wow, that is quite a battle you have fought. I wish you well. The thing that helps me keep the hunger at bay is taking regular doses of liquid protein (4-10oz of isopure from gnc) whenever i get a craving....that way you are not carbing up everytime you feel hungry. Try it ...you will likely find that it helps. It is the only thing that keeps the hunger away for me particularly around 3 in the afternoon.... When your body says it is hungry...feed it, protein gets rid of the munchies the fastest!!! good luck.... Felice Shekar <felice1@...> wrote: Hi Everyone, First let me apologize for not answering the e-mails I've received. I am healthy again. My journey back to good health has been much easier than my journey of weight gain since the revision. I weighed 100 pounds on New Years Day and weigh 163 as of today. After having had the gift of the mgb - I am now back (mentally) to where I was before the mgb. I am constantly worried about what I eat and am constantly worried about gaining weight. The weight seems to come on effortlessly. I don't feel that I'm eating so much, but the scale says otherwise. I'm happy to be alive and healthy but sad that I'm gaining weight. And I'm doing something about it. I walk and run over 2 miles a day and work out with a personal trainer 3 times a week, and joined Weight Watchers today. I feel fat, and am constantly obsessed with thoughts of food, like I was before the mgb. I'm sad that I don't have the mgb anymore. It was a gift from heaven and I loved feeling like a " normal " person. All that is gone now. I had the gift of the mgb and now it has been taken away. It's a nightmare!! Next to health and happiness for myself and those I love, being a normal weight was the most important thing in the world to me. I got my wish - I was normal -.... and now that's gone. I no longer belong to this exclusive group of wonderful people. For me it's all over. Be well and take care of yourselves. For those of you who don't know me, I am Felice and had my mgb on 5/20/03 in Statesville with Dr. R. 20 minute surgery, out of the hospital the next morning. I was a textbook case, just like as described in the manual. I began at 247 lbs. I am 5'4 " . (my picture is on the www.mgbfriends.com website) I am the perfect mgb'er. I did everything the manual said to do. Gatorade, vitamins, supplements, blood work, etc. I lost 120 pounds in a year and felt great. Just after that one year mark, starting in about May 2004: I started to feel tired all the time. I attributed that to going back to school. I started to be unbelievably cold. I mean wearing a sweater over a long sleeve shirt in the summer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I attributed that to not having the body fat I used to. NOVEMBER My feet started to swell. I called CLOS, and started to take in more protein, I was already on additional iron from the results of my one year labs. I went to see my local doctor and by that time I was so swollen in my feet, legs and thighs, she admitted me to the hospital where I stayed for 2 days on drugs to get rid of the fluid. The swelling returned and I called Dr. Rutledge. After faxing him my blood labs, he said in no uncertain terms that I needed a full revision. Of course my first reaction was " NO, I refuse to gain my weight back!!! " How silly that seems to me now. What is the good of being thin if you're dead!!!!!!!! {{{{{Keep reading, it gets even more interesting!}}}}} Dr. R. explained that basically I was not absorbing the nutrients I was ingesting, causing mal-nutrition from diminished protein levels, causing the swelling. I decided not to rush into surgery (I regret not having the revision immediately if not sooner, now, when I look back). I told Dr. R. I wanted to try to increase my protein intake and possibly avoid the revision. DECEMBER Despite my high intake of protein, the swelling returned. I made an appointment with my doctor. I was again admitted to the hospital. This time the situation was more serious. I had to have a blood transfusions, and IV's of all different kinds of drugs. I spent 5 days in the hospital. I had so much fluid in me that I lost 30 pounds of fluid in 5 days! By this time the revision was set for Bay City for January 9th (the first date that Dr. R. would be doing surgeries). The idea was to get me as healthy as possible and keep me healthy till I could get to Michigan. I came out of the hospital weighing 100 pounds!!!! JANUARY I went to Michigan 2 days before surgery in case I was swollen again. I was immediately admitted by Dr. R. and Dr. D. (2 of my favorite men, after my husband!!), and again IV's galore. Dr. R. even stayed in Michigan an extra day (thank you Dr. R.) because I wasn't ready physically for the revision. Everything went fine, Thank God! I had to stay in Michigan the required one week. Within days of the surgery I started to swell again. The swelling got so bad that I started leaking out one of my port sites. Back into the hospital I went. More IV's. I was finally able to return home. I was swelling again. 2 days after returning home my husband woke up in the middle of the night and heard rattling in my chest. His only decision was whether to rush me to the hospital or call 911. Straight into the hospital, only this time with Congestive Heart Failure. My oxygen level was at 90%. I don't know what that means, but whenever I tell anyone who understands these things their eyes pop out of their heads. My doctor spoke to both Dr. D. and Dr. R. This time the hospital stay was 6 days and I lost 20 pounds of fluid in 2 days. FEBRUARY I check for swelling constantly, and so far so good. Dr. R. said it still might take one or 2 more hospitalizations to get me right, the reasons having to do with how long it takes protein to do whatever it's supposed to do in your body, but I betting on no more hospitalizations. We'll see. Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer. Here is what I really want to say. Listen to Dr. Rutledge, read and UNDERSTAND the manual. I did everything right and look what happened. Imagine if I didn't follow the rules. Eat your protein and take your vitamins and supplements. Drink your Gatorade and stay away from everything Dr. R. tells us to. Your life may depend on it!!! Be Well!! Felice --------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 Just here to update on my excellent revision on June 25th in Las Vegas. I checked into the hospital weighing in at 207 pounds and am happy to report I weighed 170 pounds this morning! Thank you to Dr. R for your care, consideration and making me feel like I was the most important patient in your practice. I feel great, I am so glad I made the decision to do this. I am closer to my goal than I have ever been and I thank you Dr. R for helping me reach for my dreams. Thank you Kim Hazen for helping me get all the paperwork and info together you are a wonderful lady and CLOS is lucky to have you and your sweet, gentle disposition and wealth of knowledge and patience! I started my journey in January 2004 at almost 350 pounds and feel so fortunate to have found Dr. R and this whole procedure, I am certain that it saved my life for many reasons. God Bless You Dr. Rutledge and thank you. Emmett Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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