shoutjoy
Now, my experience is this. My name is Paula Warner. I contacted Dr. Rutledge over twelve years ago via another email list I was on called OSSG. I was also on a list called Bandsters. I was considering many different methods of weight loss surgery. At that time, I wasn't sure it was for me. I wasn't ready to admit failure to everything else I tried. But as time past, my weight kept going up and up. I really wasn't doing it on purpose. While I was in England I had spoken to a doctor concerning a procedure called the Vertical band. It was to produce an artificial pouch above my stomach. He was going to do the procedure, but we got shipped out before I could follow through. My husband is a contractor and we travel. Anyway, I started researching Dr. Rutledge's procedure and did not feel threatened by it because it was not invasive. I joined this email list and started talking with folks. Again, I wasn't sure. I stopped the list for about three months and then rejoined. It wasn't until about December 1999 that I really started on my "steps" to get this procedure done. I asked my sister in law, who happens to live in Durham, if she would support me. She said yes. I started ordering my medical records be sent. I was really scared that my husband would not support me and because we traveled so much, having a PCP was almost impossible. Then it was March 2000, and. all of a sudden, I knew it was right! I met Amy Poe who lives near me and she told me her doctor would support her so I decided to ask too. It was a scary experience since I was asking a total stranger to support me. He did. When I found out when clinic was in April, I talked my husband into taking me to Durham the weekend of clinic. He thought he was going to visit with his sister while I went to this clinic, but I took him. He was totally clueless as to what it was about. I was that scared! By the time the clinic was over and we had our personal interview with Dr. Rutledge, he was completely supportive. At that time, I weighed 214 pounds; I'm 5'3". Everything happened so fast after that. I got my insurance approval, my contacts, all my supportive documentation in and a date of May 29th. My experience with the surgery is hazy. I remember reporting in at 7am on May 29, 2000. Signed a bunch of papers. About 10:30am I got shown to a back room, filled out more papers, changed into a gown, answered a bunch of questions, had to have an EKG because they lost mine from my PCP. A few minutes later, my limo, gurney arrived and I was taken to the holding area. There, they put in my IVs and some medicine. I was really getting restless just laying there. Dr. Rutledge walks by and wiggles my toe and says see you in a few minutes. The anesthesiologist came by and someone else who gave me some knock out stuff. Next thing I know I am in my room. I stayed overnight. I was out of it most of the day between soreness and haziness. I couldn't sleep that night. The next day I went home after I walked around a bit. It has been over eight years now and I have never felt better in my life! My lowest weight was 107. Now I weigh around 131. The complications I had were minimal and the adjustments were tolerable. Now I eat anything and am feeling so much better. I have experienced a true awakening! Dr. Rutledge and his staff were excellent!
It has been 18 years since my surgery and I have to be honest with all of you. There are so many things I have learned about nutrition that the FDA has failed to inform us. I was not happy with my health or how I felt. The depression and lack of energy. I started doing some real research "outside the box". There is no way I can tell you everything I have learned but I want you to research for yourself. Yes we are very focused on who we are after MGB but there is more to health then that. I am going to give you a few links. When you have the time, invest the time to learn. Since I have made a lifestyle change, the depression is gone, the energy has returned, the brain fog is gone and I am off all my meds. Now...understand...each person is different but the testimonials are mind boggling. Here they are:
www.draxe.com (talk about leaky gut syndrome and how the foods we eat, the toxins in our foods sprays they use etc.)
www.autoimmunesecrets.com (learn about how the immune system works, how the body processes nutrition and the foods that can heal or hurt.
www.iThrive.com (a personal quest to find out why diabetes is the way it is).
Folks, there is so much to unlearn from what the "experts" say what is good to eat. I know you will find a way to help yourself get better if you take the time.
