Progress Reports?

April 1, 1999

Mitch -- I'm not a doctor, but I'm pretty sure that with Dr. Rutledge's

procedure, you must continue to take vitamin supplements for the rest of

your life.

As he explained it to me, he disconnects most of the stomach and up to

the first 6 feet of the small intestine that's directly connected to the

outlet of the stomach. Nothing is removed and continues to live through

the normal blood supply. The first section of the small intestine that

is disconnected is the site of most caloric, fat and nutrient

absorption.

Since this has been disconnected and food no longer passes through this

" metabolic sponge, " , you must regularly supplement your diet with large

doses of mega-vitamins to maintain your nutritional balance. Our body

and vital organs require a variety of vitamins and minerals to function

properly, such as potassium for your heart, so neglecting to take the

vitamin supplements can have very serious consequences.

You can learn more about the importance of nutritional supplements

following surgery at Dr. Rutledge's web site or in his patient manual.

If you have more questions, he is always willing and eager to respond

either by phone or e-mail to any questions you may have.

I hope this is helpful.

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April 1, 1999

Mitch,

I don't know about those that have had gastric bypass/gastroplasty

laproscopically, but both of my sisters had surgery about 1980-1982. They

had different types of surgery. Neither know the names of their surgeries

but my oldest sister (Anne) describes hers as being stapled horizontally (I

believe with at least two rows) and a small opening left where food could

pass to the lower part of her stomach. She kept her weight off for about 6

yrs until she quit smoking and gained most of it back. She has lost and

regained again via different diets and continues the struggle. My other

sister(), had a surgery similar to Anne's however, she also had a

plastic ring inserted where the food was to pass through. She had

difficulties from the get-go but lost most of the extra weight....then a

staple " burst " . She had surgery again but this time it was a type of bypass

(about 1982). She immediately lost the little weight she had started to

gain back and has not gained any of it back. She has had MINIMAL problems

since then. She tells me she might have a SLIGHT problem with vomiting on

rare occassion if she " eats too much " .

It is because of her success over a period of 17 years that I am

confident of this surgery (well, one of the reasons anyway). is 53,

just had a physical and is " healthy as a horse " ....excellent lipid levels

and the whole bit.....works full time, goes 4-wheeling and camping and

fishing and hunting and travelingand...with her husband of 32 years, and is

constantly (or what seems like constantly) watching one or more of her 9

grandchildren. I am a bit jealous because I am 10 years younger and she can

run circles around me! But really I am very grateful for her and what her

surgery did for her and all of us in the family. When I was seriously