Minutes of the Western NC MGB support group

[Guest guest]

Hi all!

Twenty of us took over the back of the Western Steer in Hickory, just off

I-40, at 11 o'clock this morning, and we didn't stop talking until nearly 4

p.m.!!!

There were 20 postops and preops, and everyone took turns introducing

themselves, talking about their surgery experiences (or patient packet

experiences). Stories about Dr. Rutledge were in great supply. (Why the man

doesn't have a monster-sized ego is beyond me...)

Pat Lyle and Margaret Hamilton took lots of pictures for Dr. R. and for

's website.

I loved meeting everybody, and seeing the before and after pictures, and

hearing everyone's stories. So many of us have gone through such pain and

illness to reach this present state of hope. It was amazing to listen to

each one.

I was touched by everyone's incredible loyalty to this group and to Dr. R.,

and by their concern for the preops who are struggling to find their

individual ways to this surgery. I'm proud to be part of such a caring,

funny, loving bunch of people.

One very interesting note: our server's daughter is apparently very

overweight, and her mother practically started crying when she found out who

we were, and why we were meeting. She made me write down as much information

as I could, so that she could share it with her daughter.

Thank you all for coming. To those who weren't there, our next meeting will

be in October in Gastonia, NC, exact date and place to be announced. Please

do come!

Love,

Blair