Hello,

My story is a Rutledge story...so I am tainted because of him.  I only lost 50lbs and needed to lose 150.  Did not lose one ounce when I left hospital after a WEEK.  No one...I mean NO ONE could give me any help on why I only lost 50 lbs while my friends lost 100 or more.  Dr R was great at the seminars but when he had us wheeled into surgery after the  needle is stuck into you he made you sign WAIVERS that nothing was his fault.  SNEAKY  I was told I could get a revision and he would bypass more intestine for the SAME COST.  I had spent every last dime on the first surgery.  Insurance did not pay on penny.  I did everything correct for two years.  Still only lost 50 lbs.  I WAS SO EMOTIONALLY GONE OVER THIS I went into depression.  The last phone call to Dr R was in 2006 to ask if he thought a revision would help me lose 100 lbs.  HE COULD NOT SAY IT WOULD......I was very confused and he said this:  "No, you are not going to keep talking and make me say what YOU want me to say.  I'm done with this phone call."  click he hung up on me.

I then contacted Dr Hardgroder who had me come down to his town for tests that showed I had a safe MGB and there was no fissures.  I CRIED AND CRIED going home that day.  I found people online who had the same surgery who had had the same experience I had.  ONly lost 50 lbs and NO MORE after all that money; time, etc.  He is now referred to as a CULT LEADER.  The people who had success will always think he is god.  He is not god or even close.  There is much more I could write but it wouldn't affect your surgery with Dr H. 

Marleen

 please email me! [email protected] Im having mgb October 2012

When you get the pain try taking a pepcid to release the gas if it goes away than its gas if not than its surgey pain.

Hello, it's hard to try to stay hydrated.  I had my surgery 07/27/2012 and I had to learn the hard way which lead to my being sent to the ER for an IV and IVF.  Something else that helped me with the cotton mouth was sugarfree hard candy.  Check with your surgeon and see if that is an option for you.  Stay positive :)

Hi,

I have not heard of that gastric plication at all and if it is new, it is a big risk.  Proven, long term, documented procedures are always the best way to go.  So see if you can find out as much info as you can on the side affects, risks and long term results on this before doing it.

It took me a year to come to terms with weight loss surgery.  Once I did, it went very fast.  That was 12 years ago and I would do it again in a heart beat.  Keep in mind, however, that any surgery you pick is just a tool.  It doesn't cure obesity.  The mind is the battlefield and it's the mind that needs altering.  Having good support systems set up prior to surgery is the key.  A NP is one source of support but it is only one.  Many folks need the support of a support group, counselor, nutritionist and others who have an expertise in food additions/disorders.

So, lots to think about.  If I can help in any way, let me know.