I am hosting a monthly support group that will be meeting in North Raleigh tomorrow morning at 10 am.

This is a social networking group for people who have had or are considering any type of Weight Loss Surgery through any practice. We enjoy chatting, exchanging tips, recipes, information and support. This is open to anyone who would like to join us. Please be sure to RSVP so that we can get a head count.

This month we will be discussing ways to prepare for and enjoy the upcoming holidays while staying on track our long term weight and health goals.

We will also have a clothing swap for anyone who is interested in participating. Please feel free to bring any items you want to swap or give away. Each person is responsible for removing any left over clothing items that they bring.

For information and to RSVP, please go to www.meetup.com/nc-wls

Now, my experience is this.  My name is Paula Warner. I contacted Dr. Rutledge over ten years ago via another email list I was on called OSSG.  I was also on a list called Bansters.  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.  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 a friend 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 5'2".  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.  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. I weigh about 145.  I am wearing a size 10. It has been over two years now and I have never felt better in my life! The complications I had were minimal and the adjustments were tolerable.  Getting used to a meds schedule and a different eating pattern was the only challenge.  I suffered minimal depression because everything happened so fast and the shock to my system.  Now I eat anything and am feeling so much better.  I have experienced a true awakening!  I am a new woman through and through.  Dr. Rutledge and his staff were excellent! 

I have some advice for you.  It is easy in the beginning, but as time goes by, it is harder to exercise, eat healthy, get yearly labs and take vitamins.  Statistically, across the board of all weight loss surgeries some weight regain is seen.  It doesn’t always mean the surgery has failed but we get a little lazy.  Also, I have learned that the first two years is the best time to lose the most weight.  So during that time, it is a good idea to develop that great workout program and healthy eating habits.  Learn to identify the triggers that make us eat unhealthy and put us into that obese state.  If this requires counceling than I would suggest you get it.  Also, recognize that some people lose slower than others, some faster.  This doesn’t mean they are doing better or worse.  Each person is different.  Here are some great websites, www.obesityhelp.com, http://bsciresourcecenter.com/products.php?cat=67, and www.crchealth.com.  The latter is a site dedicated to people with serious food issues.  Don’t forget to find a support group!  These are extremely important.  Enjoy your journey.