happy new year

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I just want to wish all of you a Happy New Year. I have been looking back

over the last year.. it has been one of the best years of my life. I " knew "

that my life would be changed after surgery, but the reality is even more

drastic then I had anticipated.

My weight loss has been so easy that it's kind of hard to realize that I've

lost so much. I try go to the gym 3 times a week and keep a good mental

attitude, but it is a little hard to believe that I'm getting so small!

Well, I'm not exactly small, but an 18/20 now, instead of a 32/34 is a big

deal for me. Even better then being smaller is feeling so much better. A

friend said to me the other day that I had a spring in my step now.. well,

heck yeah.. try springing carrying an extra 120 pounds! Some days I can

barely keep my feet on the ground.

I have hope now. Last year I was looking at health care catalogs, at canes

and wheelchairs and wondering how long I could take the pain of just moving.

Anything beyond going to work and coming home was too much effort. I

faked it pretty good at work, rushing around, doing my share, and more. I

would never let my size stand in my way, to allow someone to equate fat with

lazy or slow. But after work I did nothing but sit at the computer and then

drag myself to bed. In the morning, just getting out of bed was painful. I

had to use many, many bottles of Nuprin just to exist. I remember now, I

used to panic if I ran out or forgot to bring Nuprin or Alka Seltzer. I

think that an added bonus of my MGB has been saving all those dollars for

those drugs, not to mention eating at fast food places twice a day. My

grocery bill is much different also. I enjoy making veggie soups and

packing fresh fruits and vegtables in my lunch. I drink water or juice

instead of the 3-5 cans of Pepsi a day. Gosh, I must be saving at least

$200.00 a month from all these changes! Really, do the math.

I still like staying home, I love my house. I also enjoy going to the

movies, shopping and out to eat. I fit in the movie seats, they no longer

cut into my legs and hips. Restaurant booths are not nightmares anymore. I

reward myself now without food. I treat myself to manicures, buy little

gifts for myself, try on new makeup or get my hair done.

Sorry this is so long, but I just need to say thank you to all the list

participants, pre and post op. I am greatful for your support and

camaraderie. I am most grateful for Dr Rutledge. Not only for his surgical

skill. I am thankful that he thinks enough of his patients to require a 10

page patient letter. This surely is not for his reading enjoyment! I still

read mine every couple of months, writing it was an enlightening learning

experience. If it were not for the good doc, I would not be sitting here

smiling. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

in Ohio

MGB, Dr R. Rutledge

2/22/2000

325-208

117 pounds in 10 months

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