Hello

I just wanted to say "hello" to everyone. I am just starting the process to become a " looser" like the rest of ya. ;-) I have been thinking about surgery of some kind for over a year now. I finally got up the nerve to go and talk to my doctor last week. I had prepared myself for the "you need to try this diet and see me in 3 months" deal. I've tried dieting and excises in the past with little to no results. 3lbs. in 3 months of going to Curves 5 days a week (most days staying for an hour) and strictly following Weigh****chers is not what I would call "positive" results. Anyway, I was shocked when after hearing about my failures that I did not get the go on a diet speech. She suggested that I go to a weight loss seminar held by Dr. Jack Rutledge and that I consider surgery. She also said that she would start working on my letter for insurance. Hearing that from her made me feel so much better -- for the first time I felt like someone actually understood my frustration, and that it was justified. I am going to the seminar this coming Wed. night. I'm 99% sure that I want to move forward with some kind of surgery. I keep feeling more and more at peace with this discussion everyday, and this site has help a lot with that. I read the stories that so many of you have posted, and I think "it's not just me".... Anyway, so for such a long post. Kristen

Congratulations on making this decision! I can relate as it took me several years to finally go forward. I had to feel as if I had tried absolutely everything before such a serious step. I had a rough time with surgery because I had to have an open bypass and I had some initial regrets but now I am so glad I did this. You will be glad too! Please don't hesitate to ask any questions as you will find the people on this board are the best in the world. They have got me through some very hard times and are extremely supportive! Good luck with your new journey and keep us posted!

YEAH! KRISTEN. Dr. Rutledge is the BEST! Go read my write up about him on my profile. He's my hero twice over. By the by don't let my second surgery scare you it was fluke that had to do with how much weight I lost not the GBS surgery. AND I'm GREAT! Where do you live? We have a supoort group on the first Thursday of every month in the conference room at Parkridge East. I'm tkinging about going. If you could come I would try doubly to be there. Your gonna love the doc trust me. Beth B. in Chattanooga PM ME!

Kristen, You are are on the right path and I want to wish you all the best. Learning the most you can and making a educated decision on what is best for you is always recommended. Wishging you all the best on your journey.

Thanks for the warm welcome and words of encouragement. I'm getting excited about the seminar on Wed. I'm so ready to get this process started. I keep looking at everyone's before and after pictures and WOW! Can any of you think of any questions that I should ask the Dr. Wed night at the seminar?

Good Luck!!! I was lucky and when I went to my seminar had a wonderful surgeon that explained so much and also had a long question and answer session afterwards.

Welcome! Having the surgery was one of the single best choices I have made in my life. I feel so much better. So far I have lost 140 pounds. The best thing you can do is keep coming to the forum for support and to find the answers to questions that may arise. Mellie