How about some background info?  I bet you would like to know how I happend upon Dr. Rutledge and his procedure?  Well, about 6 months ago (May 2008) while I was doing my WLS research, I found some videos on YouTube called "Action Hero Makeover".  In these videos, actor Gil Gerard who is famous for playing TV star Buck Rogers was chronicling his weight loss battle.   As I watched these videos I realized this procedure was for me and I immediately went to Dr. Rutledge's web site CLOS.NET for more information.  It has been uplifting to hear Mr. Gerard's story and I would be honored to one day meet him in person to tell him how much his story helped me.  God works in mysterious ways and I thank God for Gil.

Hello.. My name is Mike and I would like to welcome you to my new site. If you are here there is a good chance you already know me. If not, then I hope you enjoy the site.

UPDATE: All of the info written below is from late 2008. I had the surgery March 2009 and have lost over 180lbs. Read my thoughts in 2008 below and be sure to see the many blog entries from 2008 to today.

A little about me: Over the last few years I have been looking into different weight loss surgeries (aka WLS). About a year ago, I was leaning toward the Lap-Band procedure until I happened across a video on the Internet showing how a completely different procedure had incredible results. The procedure is called the Mini-Gastric Bypass (MGB) and has some interesting benefits over the Lap-Band. If you are thinking about having a Lap-Band I would highly suggest you do some research on the MGB by searching the Internet and/or visiting the "Mission Links" to the left. You may come to the same conclusion I did and decide to have the MGB.

This brings me to why I decided to create this web site.. I wanted to have a place where my friends and family could keep up with my progress as I go forward . I also believe this site may help others who are looking for weight loss surgery. If it were not for the many people that have had the MGB who shared their experiences I would not be as informed as I am today. Therefore, I hope this will be my way of giving back and helping someone else.

I hope to have the MGB procedure first quarter 2009 but I decided to start this site now as much of the process in deciding and going through WLS is pre-operative. A good example of this is shown with the doctor who developed the MGB and will be performing my procedure: Dr. Robert Rutledge. He has an extensive (and required) application process in which the prospective patient must do a good amount of research and then write papers on specific topics regarding WLS and the MGB. As someone who is not fond of writing research papers, I know it will be a challenge, however, I know it will be well worth the time and effort involved. I believe it is a good indication that you have chosen the right doctor if emphasis is made on the patient's knowledge and continued success.. Stay tuned for what I call "MISSION POSSIBLE II".

Update: I had my surgery March 11, 2009 so if you are new to this blog you will want to START ON THIS PAGE at the BOTTOM.

Here are the resources that helped me in my decision against getting the Lapband. I compared these results to personal experiences with real people who had the Lapband and I am convinced the Lapband is not for me.

Lapband Patients That Inspired Me:
This man has the most compelling reasons against the Lapband. I know not all people will feel this way but I can relate to his experiences and feelings and I appreciate how he has shared them to help others. I hope to someday meet this man.

- Giovanni (1week)
- Giovanni (45days)
- Giovanni (3months)
- Giovanni (6months)
- Giovanni (10months part 1)
- Giovanni (10months part 2)

- More Patient Videos

Lapband related videos:
- Dr Rutledge and the LapBand 1 (video)
- Dr Rutledge and the LapBand 2 (video)
- Dr Rutledge and the LapBand 3 (video)
- Dr. Rutledge's Web Site

My MGB Closet is changing each month... Below are the dates that I changed sizes to match my weight loss. Thankfully, I have kept clothes for more than 10years and they are still in style now (at least that is what I think). So the purchase of new clothes has been at a minimum.

Date	Shirt Size	Pants Size
3-11-2009	4XL	48in
4-6-2009	3XL	46in
5-7-2009	2XL	44in
6-3-2009	2XL/XL	42in
12-11-2009	Large	32in

While it is not normal for someone to post their weight I am hoping by doing so I will be even more encourgaged to lose weight and share with those who have the same weight issues I have.

While the scale here does not show it, you should know that the starting weight was 350lbs.

Here is my current weight:

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