Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 Drop the Psych Eval. I am lucky enough to have a free service available to me through my work. Otherwise it would have cost me $150 to get an evaluation from a psychiatrist that I might not even need. Drop the requirement to summarize the types of contact a pre-op has with post-op patients. You don't want that to become a " cut and paste " activity. Pre-ops are going to seek out people to contact and ask lots of questions. It all depends on the stage they are at...filling out the form, waiting for insurance, getting a date, what to expect at clinic, surgery day, post-op diet, and so on. Sharon in MD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 Hi Dr. Rutledge: 1) I really found the pysch evaluation a total waste of time and money. I had to find a pysch from the yellow pages. I spent an hour with the doc who really didn't know me and was less impressed to even write a letter for me. If I need any medication for depression, I will probably just cally my family doctor and he will prescribe it. I visited the pysch for the first time ever in my life. She didn't know me, still doesn't know me and I hope will not have a need to know me. My family doc has known me for 22 yrs. Drop the pysch part unless someone is already a patient. 2) re: time to spend in NC. Because I am coming from Canada I am prepared to stay the 7 days in NC to have my staples removed by you and to get a clean bill of health. For me it is worth the stay. One of the questions my family doc. asked me was " what are you going to do if anything goes wrong? " My answer was that I would stay in NC to clear up any problems should they arrive and that I would provide your phone # for consultation if necessary for meds or fly back to NC if necessary and able. 3) Drop the number of contacts. They are not necessary. There is so much information provided on the net. Everyone talks about the good, the bad and the ugly. No one has short changed us on information. We have even been provided with menus etc. I can honestly say that the information I have received on the net was not much different to the ten contacts. I have downloaded and kept all the info. for future reference. MGB News: > Other ideas for changes, deletions or additions??? > > > > 2) We are probably going to start offering an outpatient version of a > stomach only version of the Mini-Gastric Bypass for patients that need to > lose only 50-100 lbs. This will be similar to the Mini-Gastric Bypass but > not include the bypass part of the surgery. I expect that it will take > 20-30 minutes and should result in much less weight loss than the > Mini-Gastric Bypass but might be a consideration for the hundreds of people > who email me asking about the MGB but are not heavy enough to justify the > risks of a full bypass surgery. It will be called the Mini-Gastroplasty. I > do not expect insurance to pay for this type of surgery but since it is > designed to be outpatient I expect that it will be much less expensive than > the full MGB. > > P.S. Also remember no more faxes. I instructed Debbie to discard any faxes > that we receive. > Your preop information needs to arrive all together in a single package. > > RR > > Rutledge, M.D., F.A.C.S. > The Center for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery > 4301 Ben lin Blvd. > Durham, N.C. 27704 > Telephone #: > Fax #: > E mail: DrR@... > > ****************************************** > Please Visit our Web site: http://clos.net > ****************************************** > > Durham Regional Hospital: > > Also, Please consider joining the > Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List > at http://www.onelist.com > > MiniGastricBypass is a general discussion of the Mini-Gastric Bypass > ( http://www.onelist.com/community/MiniGastricBypass ) > > Talk with lots of other Pre and Post Op > patients and friends. > Keep up to date on the latest news about > the Mini-Gastric Bypass. > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > MAXIMIZE YOUR CARD, MINIMIZE YOUR RATE! > Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as > 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/2122/1/_/453517/_/953786240/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at Onelist.com > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net > Get the Patient Manual at http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 Dr. Rutledge, I personally fell that the psychiatric evaluation is not necessary if the patient has a good relationship with their PCP. I could understand requiring an evaluation for patients that have had previous problems with depression. As a pre-op, I am not sure if my opinion really counts, but I thought I would give some input. ~~ Regan Brown MGB News: > > > Hi, > > News: > > 1) We are reviewing our preop process to try and make things better and > easier. > > What about the psych eval? Keep it or Drop it. (I am inclined to drop it, > your Dr and family can confirm that you are not psychotic and if you get > depressed you Dr can prescribe Prozac or you can see someone then.) > > Preop Clinic Visits? Keep it at 2 or More or Drop to one? (I think one, my > wife says no one should be required to hear me talk for that long :-) > > Time to stay in NC for out of state patients? > > Other ideas for changes, deletions or additions??? > > > > 2) We are probably going to start offering an outpatient version of a > stomach only version of the Mini-Gastric Bypass for patients that need to > lose only 50-100 lbs. This will be similar to the Mini-Gastric Bypass but > not include the bypass part of the surgery. I expect that it will take > 20-30 minutes and should result in much less weight loss than the > Mini-Gastric Bypass but might be a consideration for the hundreds of people > who email me asking about the MGB but are not heavy enough to justify the > risks of a full bypass surgery. It will be called the Mini-Gastroplasty. I > do not expect insurance to pay for this type of surgery but since it is > designed to be outpatient I expect that it will be much less expensive than > the full MGB. > > P.S. Also remember no more faxes. I instructed Debbie to discard any faxes > that we receive. > Your preop information needs to arrive all together in a single package. > > RR > > Rutledge, M.D., F.A.C.S. > The Center for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery > 4301 Ben lin Blvd. > Durham, N.C. 27704 > Telephone #: > Fax #: > E mail: DrR@... > > ****************************************** > Please Visit our Web site: http://clos.net > ****************************************** > > Durham Regional Hospital: > > Also, Please consider joining the > Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List > at http://www.onelist.com > > MiniGastricBypass is a general discussion of the Mini-Gastric Bypass > ( http://www.onelist.com/community/MiniGastricBypass ) > > Talk with lots of other Pre and Post Op > patients and friends. > Keep up to date on the latest news about > the Mini-Gastric Bypass. > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > MAXIMIZE YOUR CARD, MINIMIZE YOUR RATE! > Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as > 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/2122/1/_/453517/_/953786240/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at Onelist.com > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net > Get the Patient Manual at http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 Dr. Rutledge, my suggestions: 1. Drop the psych. eval. My PCP knows me and I know myself. I'm not psychotic - I'm fat. I scheduled my psych. eval. today and the minimum fee is $250. 2. As is evidenced on this list today, it's difficult to find ten people to contact. Drop the number of required contacts to maybe five. If not for everyone, at least for the people that actively participate in this list. Instead of ten contacts, perhaps make our PCPs verify that in their opinion we know what we're doing. 3. As an out-of-state person (14+ air hours away) with no relatives closer than a five hour drive from Durham, it would be nice to know exactly how long I need to stay in Durham and when I will be able to fly back to Alaska (assuming there are no complications). My employer would really like to know, too. I personally think coming home two or three days after hospital discharge sounds good. Thanks, Anne Keech " Rutledge, M.D., F.A.C.S. " wrote: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2000 Report Share Posted March 22, 2000 Dr. R - I like the one clnic. If I need any other info, I can e-mail you. Great idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Tell your wife that " we " my husband and I loved hearing you talk and so did all the other folks that attended clinic that day back in January! Your wife just wants to keep you all to herself!!! lol ..........Last night my TV interview took place and was really good. All my family loved it and I was proud too. We have your copy all ready to mail. So watch for it as I'll take it to the post office today. MGB 1 10 2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Dr Rutledge, 1. I guess I am still in favor of the Psyche Eval, but maybe just have people take a standardized test, my Dr. says the MMPI is very good at picking up Psychosis. Some people could even take, and get results in a campus setting say at the Psych Dept. (just a suggestion) 2. Since you and I have only spoken on the phone and in person, I will let you know on the clinic issue, I appreciate the fact that you are so scrupulous in your requirements of us, I will let you know on April 1St! LOL 3. I guess seven days is not out of line, I will enjoy it! I do not feel it is too much to ask for your and the patients peace of mind. > >Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist >To: <MiniGastricBypassonelist> >Subject: MGB News: >Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2000 22:39:47 -0000 > >Hi, > >News: > >1) We are reviewing our preop process to try and make things better and >easier. > > What about the psych eval? Keep it or Drop it. (I am inclined to drop it, >your Dr and family can confirm that you are not psychotic and if you get >depressed you Dr can prescribe Prozac or you can see someone then.) > > Preop Clinic Visits? Keep it at 2 or More or Drop to one? (I think one, my >wife says no one should be required to hear me talk for that long :-) > > Time to stay in NC for out of state patients? > > Other ideas for changes, deletions or additions??? > > > >2) We are probably going to start offering an outpatient version of a >stomach only version of the Mini-Gastric Bypass for patients that need to >lose only 50-100 lbs. This will be similar to the Mini-Gastric Bypass but >not include the bypass part of the surgery. I expect that it will take >20-30 minutes and should result in much less weight loss than the >Mini-Gastric Bypass but might be a consideration for the hundreds of people >who email me asking about the MGB but are not heavy enough to justify the >risks of a full bypass surgery. It will be called the Mini-Gastroplasty. >I >do not expect insurance to pay for this type of surgery but since it is >designed to be outpatient I expect that it will be much less expensive than >the full MGB. > >P.S. Also remember no more faxes. I instructed Debbie to discard any faxes >that we receive. >Your preop information needs to arrive all together in a single package. > >RR > > Rutledge, M.D., F.A.C.S. >The Center for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery >4301 Ben lin Blvd. >Durham, N.C. 27704 >Telephone #: >Fax #: >E mail: DrR@... > >****************************************** >Please Visit our Web site: http://clos.net >****************************************** > >Durham Regional Hospital: > >Also, Please consider joining the >Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List >at http://www.onelist.com > >MiniGastricBypass is a general discussion of the Mini-Gastric Bypass >( http://www.onelist.com/community/MiniGastricBypass ) > >Talk with lots of other Pre and Post Op > patients and friends. >Keep up to date on the latest news about > the Mini-Gastric Bypass. > > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Yeah Dr. R. You are the only dr I have ever heard of who continually assesses procedures and evaluates them in order to make life easier for your patients. God Bless you on that!.. I am in agreement with some who say, if a person already has a good working relationship with hi/her PCP that a psych evaluation can be waived. I understand the need if one does not have a PCP who has followed them, but if one does, that doctor probably knows more about the patient than one or two visits with a Psych. would show. Also as far as the contacts. I have also found that by being a part of this onelist that ppl have shared good bad and ugly stories and that I have learned so much form those on this list. Perhaps for the ppl who are not a part of this fewer contacts could be required, but I certainly have had many questions answered and ppl have been great about offering their time and views. As for stay in Durham. Being from out of town, I need to make my reservations and plans in advance, so it is important to know if i will be home in a week or a few days. I would rather be there the week and be sure all goes well, then to leave too early and have to deal with any complications that might arise. As for pre ops visits One seems to be right. I dont know what phone consultations will help unless one has VERY specific questions that need to be addressed, but what i am hearing from ppl is that at the clinic everything is covered. Anyways. this is in my humble opinion..Thank you for caring enough to ask. Gloria In Colorado Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Yeah Dr. R. You are the only dr I have ever heard of who continually assesses procedures and evaluates them in order to make life easier for your patients. God Bless you on that!.. I am in agreement with some who say, if a person already has a good working relationship with hi/her PCP that a psych evaluation can be waived. I understand the need if one does not have a PCP who has followed them, but if one does, that doctor probably knows more about the patient than one or two visits with a Psych. would show. Also as far as the contacts. I have also found that by being a part of this onelist that ppl have shared good bad and ugly stories and that I have learned so much form those on this list. Perhaps for the ppl who are not a part of this fewer contacts could be required, but I certainly have had many questions answered and ppl have been great about offering their time and views. As for stay in Durham. Being from out of town, I need to make my reservations and plans in advance, so it is important to know if i will be home in a week or a few days. I would rather be there the week and be sure all goes well, then to leave too early and have to deal with any complications that might arise. As for pre ops visits One seems to be right. I dont know what phone consultations will help unless one has VERY specific questions that need to be addressed, but what i am hearing from ppl is that at the clinic everything is covered. Anyways. this is in my humble opinion..Thank you for caring enough to ask. Gloria In Colorado Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Dr Rutledge: What about the psych eval? I say drop it. To me it is worthless. Yes, my family and PCP can tell if I am mentally stable. Preop Clinic Visits? I would think 1 would be enough. Time to stay in NC for out of state patients? I think if the patient is doing good, they should be allowed to travel and go home within a day or so. Should depend on the patient. Thanks, Ann Hopefully Pre-Op Soon!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Dr. R, I too believe that the psych eval needs to be dropped. As for the Preop Clinic Visits, I feel that one is enough. As for the time of stay for out of state patients, I can't answer that because I live close by. The contact list seems to be a big concern for everyone at this time. Anyone that is on the onelist is getting all kinds of information. If a person does not have a computer then maybe they need to contact some people by phone but why should it be a requirement. If they come to the clinic they are also going to get plenty of information. Maybe at least one support group meeting should be required if they don't have a computer, that way they can talk to post-ops and it won't cost for the extra clinic. The support of the people on this list is amazing and helps tremdously while dealing with the insurance companies. I am so greatful to be apart of this list, although I am still a pre-op. For those of us that are still working on our packet of information, Do we need to schedule a second clinic session or can we stop at the one session? Thank you so much for what you do Dr. R you are the GREATEST!! Karla Ikerd MGB Hopeful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Dr. Rutledge: Please, Please let me know if you proceed with the Mini-Gastric Bypass. My daughter would certainly want to be considered for that. She weighs somewhere between 230 and 250. I am all for that. You know obesity runs in the family, having done my sister, me and my neice. Thanks for everything. Frances Rountree Dept. of Pathology and Lab Medicine UNC-Chapel Hill Rutledge, M.D., F.A.C.S. wrote: > > > > Hi, > > News: > > 1) We are reviewing our preop process to try and make things better and > easier. > > What about the psych eval? Keep it or Drop it. (I am inclined to drop it, > your Dr and family can confirm that you are not psychotic and if you get > depressed you Dr can prescribe Prozac or you can see someone then.) > > Preop Clinic Visits? Keep it at 2 or More or Drop to one? (I think one, my > wife says no one should be required to hear me talk for that long :-) > > Time to stay in NC for out of state patients? > > Other ideas for changes, deletions or additions??? > > 2) We are probably going to start offering an outpatient version of a > stomach only version of the Mini-Gastric Bypass for patients that need to > lose only 50-100 lbs. This will be similar to the Mini-Gastric Bypass but > not include the bypass part of the surgery. I expect that it will take > 20-30 minutes and should result in much less weight loss than the > Mini-Gastric Bypass but might be a consideration for the hundreds of people > who email me asking about the MGB but are not heavy enough to justify the > risks of a full bypass surgery. It will be called the Mini-Gastroplasty. I > do not expect insurance to pay for this type of surgery but since it is > designed to be outpatient I expect that it will be much less expensive than > the full MGB. > > P.S. Also remember no more faxes. I instructed Debbie to discard any faxes > that we receive. > Your preop information needs to arrive all together in a single package. > > RR > > Rutledge, M.D., F.A.C.S. > The Center for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery > 4301 Ben lin Blvd. > Durham, N.C. 27704 > Telephone #: > Fax #: > E mail: DrR@... > > ****************************************** > Please Visit our Web site: http://clos.net > ****************************************** > > Durham Regional Hospital: > > Also, Please consider joining the > Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List > at http://www.onelist.com > > MiniGastricBypass is a general discussion of the Mini-Gastric Bypass > ( http://www.onelist.com/community/MiniGastricBypass ) > > Talk with lots of other Pre and Post Op > patients and friends. > Keep up to date on the latest news about > the Mini-Gastric Bypass. > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > MAXIMIZE YOUR CARD, MINIMIZE YOUR RATE! > Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as > 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/2122/1/_/453517/_/953786240/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at Onelist.com > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net > Get the Patient Manual at http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Psych Eval: Drop it Clinic visits: 1 for everybody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Psych Eval: Drop it Clinic visits: 1 for everybody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Hi Dr Rutledge.. My family could very well attest to the fact that I need to be in a psyche ward but, thats another story.. LOL.. Yes... I honestly think our families and PCP's would know more about our mental health than someone we just decide to go to for an eval.. And for those with insurance companies that don't cover the psyche, it would be a little cheaper too... Cinic visits, my personal opinion.. Have one visit to talk about specific questions and to go over the procedure and also to have the " clinic " group... When I went to the saturday clinic, it made me feel much more comfortable getting to personally know others and talking about different things.. I think it would be a great loss if you discontinued this.. And then have one more clinic visit on the day of surgery just to go over everything, correct changes, expectations, height/weight check, more questions, and anything else that can be discussed that that time.. Contacts.. There has been a lot of " talk about the pre op contacts.. There has been suggestion of maybe circulating the list somehow.. Perhaps even having someone at their 3 month check to re-evaluate if they would still like to be a contact? Some did not realize they would get so much email.. Perhaps stating that when they say yes or no to being a contact? Online Form.. There have been many patients to include myself, who did not know/understand to fill out the online form in third party.. If this is what we should do, could you put it on the page so that new pre ops don't get confused. Insurance.. When I read your website it didn't say anything about needing all medical records for medicaid patients... I know I should have asked to make sure but would you please be willing to give that small piece of information on your website as well? Guaiac test.. Right now you only require men to have this test done... Perhaps men are more likely to have colon cancer but I think it would be most beneficial if everyone had this done. Especially those like me who have colon cancer in their family. I have about a 75% chance of having colon cancer sometime in the future yet, I am not required to test before having surgery.. Perhaps only requiring those with a family history of it to test? Just a thought.. Well, I think thats it for now.. At least, thats all I can think of.. I know.. I'm opinionated.. hehe... Thank you.. Theresa Somers > > What about the psych eval? Keep it or Drop it. (I am inclined to drop it, >your Dr and family can confirm that you are not psychotic and if you get >depressed you Dr can prescribe Prozac or you can see someone then.) > > Preop Clinic Visits? Keep it at 2 or More or Drop to one? (I think one, my >wife says no one should be required to hear me talk for that long :-) > > Time to stay in NC for out of state patients? > > Other ideas for changes, deletions or additions??? > > > >2) We are probably going to start offering an outpatient version of a >stomach only version of the Mini-Gastric Bypass for patients that need to >lose only 50-100 lbs. This will be similar to the Mini-Gastric Bypass but >not include the bypass part of the surgery. I expect that it will take >20-30 minutes and should result in much less weight loss than the >Mini-Gastric Bypass but might be a consideration for the hundreds of people >who email me asking about the MGB but are not heavy enough to justify the >risks of a full bypass surgery. It will be called the Mini-Gastroplasty. >I >do not expect insurance to pay for this type of surgery but since it is >designed to be outpatient I expect that it will be much less expensive than >the full MGB. > >P.S. Also remember no more faxes. I instructed Debbie to discard any faxes >that we receive. >Your preop information needs to arrive all together in a single package. > >RR > > Rutledge, M.D., F.A.C.S. >The Center for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery >4301 Ben lin Blvd. >Durham, N.C. 27704 >Telephone #: >Fax #: >E mail: DrR@... ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Hi Dr. R.! 1. Drop the Psych. Eval. Dr. and Family should be able to assess/deal with this one! 2. Drop to one Preop Clinic Visit. 3. Continue to offer a week's stay for the Out of Town patients, but at their discretion. 4. Remove the " Call Ms. " running footer on the website. Those new to the website don't know how swamped she is and will call. 5. Specify on the Patient Information Form that it should be written in the third person. 6. When you increase your office staff, email a weekly list of names of those whose insurance letters have gone out. May help to cut down on the daily questions. 7. Also when you increase your office staff, email a weekly list of names of those whose insurance has been heard from. May help to cut down on the daily questions. 8. I think the idea of a Mini-Gastroplasty is a wonderful idea! Please get more office help though before you begin this! {{HUGS}} Redhead in FL Claiming her Ins. Approval! Clinic 4/29/00, 9:00 AM BMI 51 " He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. " - Phil. 1:6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 1. My opinion is to drop it as well. When I made a request, explaining that I was having a surgery that required it......the first thing she wanted to know was I considering " gender reassignment " ? I think my PCP would know if I were psychotic....don't you? 2. I don't think we should have to contact anyone. I feel like a child.....and regardless of whether we are all " in the same boat " on this surgery thing...we are not friends and this is something I don't want to discuss with anyone....including someone who has already had it. In addition....just as with any other surgery....it is my body and my choice to do this. Reading the posts here has given me plenty of information to decide whether I want to do this or not. 3. The pre-op clinics....one. 4. out of state stays? It would be nice to know exactly how long we are staying regardless of what changes are made. Seven days hotel is not covered on insurance nor is the plane fare....so one would like to be certain of the exact money needed. Extra...I do not think I should need a referral from a doctor. A simple letter stating that they will keep up with us should be sufficient. Every doctor I have encountered is vehemently against this surgery and again, I don't think I should have to have their " permission " . in MO Re: MGB News: Dr. Rutledge, my suggestions: 1. Drop the psych. eval. My PCP knows me and I know myself. I'm not psychotic - I'm fat. I scheduled my psych. eval. today and the minimum fee is $250. 2. As is evidenced on this list today, it's difficult to find ten people to contact. Drop the number of required contacts to maybe five. If not for everyone, at least for the people that actively participate in this list. Instead of ten contacts, perhaps make our PCPs verify that in their opinion we know what we're doing. 3. As an out-of-state person (14+ air hours away) with no relatives closer than a five hour drive from Durham, it would be nice to know exactly how long I need to stay in Durham and when I will be able to fly back to Alaska (assuming there are no complications). My employer would really like to know, too. I personally think coming home two or three days after hospital discharge sounds good. Thanks, Anne Keech " Rutledge, M.D., F.A.C.S. " wrote: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ MAXIMIZE YOUR CARD, MINIMIZE YOUR RATE! Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! http://click./1/2122/1/_/453517/_/953789358/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at Onelist.com Please visit our web site at http://clos.net Get the Patient Manual at http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Hi Doc. Here goes: 1. Psych Eval: I vote for dropping it. My doctor was a really nice person but someone I'd never met before and we only talked for an hour. To me, how could she get to know me that well in that length of time. My PCP has known me for about 8 years and is the one who recommended me for this surgery. I don't think she would have suggested this surgery unless she didn't think I could handle it. 2. Pre-Op Clinics: I think you could get by with just one clinic visit. Most are not covered by insurance and are a little expensive. You can learn alot at one clinic plus learn alot from this list plus talking to post-ops, either by e-mail or phone. 3. Out of State: I think patients should stay for at least three days. They need time to heal a little and for a leak to show up. To me, just getting out of surgery and hopping on a plane aren't my cup of tea. I had a two hour car drive home and was extremely glad it wasn't any longer. The seat belt was a real bummer in a car and heaven knows, the ones on planes aren't made for obese people. 4. Other Changes: I know you're working on adding to your staff. One or two other people would really help but I know it takes money and time to find the right people for the job. The hardest thing for us to do is learn patience. We're all so excited and eager to have this life changing operation that we forget that patience is a virtue and all good things come to those that wait. It's just so hard to " Hurry Up and Wait " . Janie Whitford > MGB News: > > > > Hi, > > News: > > 1) We are reviewing our preop process to try and make things better and > easier. > > What about the psych eval? Keep it or Drop it. (I am inclined to > drop it, > your Dr and family can confirm that you are not psychotic and if you get > depressed you Dr can prescribe Prozac or you can see someone then.) > > Preop Clinic Visits? Keep it at 2 or More or Drop to one? (I think > one, my > wife says no one should be required to hear me talk for that long :-) > > Time to stay in NC for out of state patients? > > Other ideas for changes, deletions or additions??? > > > > 2) We are probably going to start offering an outpatient version of a > stomach only version of the Mini-Gastric Bypass for patients that need to > lose only 50-100 lbs. This will be similar to the Mini-Gastric Bypass but > not include the bypass part of the surgery. I expect that it will take > 20-30 minutes and should result in much less weight loss than the > Mini-Gastric Bypass but might be a consideration for the hundreds of > people > who email me asking about the MGB but are not heavy enough to justify the > risks of a full bypass surgery. It will be called the Mini-Gastroplasty. > I > do not expect insurance to pay for this type of surgery but since it is > designed to be outpatient I expect that it will be much less expensive > than > the full MGB. > > P.S. Also remember no more faxes. I instructed Debbie to discard any > faxes > that we receive. > Your preop information needs to arrive all together in a single package. > > RR > > Rutledge, M.D., F.A.C.S. > The Center for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery > 4301 Ben lin Blvd. > Durham, N.C. 27704 > Telephone #: > Fax #: > E mail: DrR@... > > ****************************************** > Please Visit our Web site: http://clos.net > ****************************************** > > Durham Regional Hospital: > > Also, Please consider joining the > Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List > at http://www.onelist.com > > MiniGastricBypass is a general discussion of the Mini-Gastric Bypass > ( http://www.onelist.com/community/MiniGastricBypass ) > > Talk with lots of other Pre and Post Op > patients and friends. > Keep up to date on the latest news about > the Mini-Gastric Bypass. > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > MAXIMIZE YOUR CARD, MINIMIZE YOUR RATE! > Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as > 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/2122/1/_/453517/_/953786240/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at Onelist.com > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net > Get the Patient Manual at http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 Janie, This is Deb in WY. Are you a post-op? I hope to be one in the next 2 months. My cousin is stationed at Ft. Bragg and I hope to spend some of my post-op time with him and his family. Have a good evening Deb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 1. Maybe I am crazy ( . . . y'all better LOL! :-) , but I can't help but to wonder how a psychotic person prone to depression would be able to apply the sheer determination and will it takes to pull all this information together and see it through to the end. (I am aware of some depressed people that can hardly handle making small decisions.) When I told my PCP that a psyc. evaluation was part of the steps to prepare for this surgery, she gave me the " confused glare " and then asked why that was necessary. Of course I explained how thorough Dr. R was being in the care of his patients, and she shook her shoulders and said ok. I have wondered since then if there was an easier way to determine state-of-mind for Dr. R other than another costly drs. appt. 2. I have enjoyed hearing from the contacts that I have made (especially those in this group), but I think 10 is too many, especially if you are part of the group. Maybe cut it down to half. 3. The pre-op clinics....one. 4. out of state stays? My main concern is my health. If it take several day to wait to be sure I am going to be fine, then those several days are fine with me. My fear would be to suddenly get very sick once I am home, and then either not be able to contact Dr. R., and/or leave my PCP now knowing for sure what to do to handle my problem/illness. Thats my two cents worth! Steph! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2000 Report Share Posted March 23, 2000 In a message dated 3/23/00 5:06:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, sMama2@... writes: << From: sMama2@... Hi Dr. R.! >> One more.... Regarding contacts. I think we MUST talk with Post-Ops, but I don't think it should be necessary to report on each of our contacts. In our meeting with you, we should be able to demonstrate to your satisfaction our knowledge of what we are getting ourselves into. Other than that, who we contact, how we do it and what was said should be left to the patient to deal with. As I'm sure you know, this requirement has been a " Hot " topic on the board this week. {{HUGS}} Redhead in FL Claiming her Ins. Approval! Clinic 4/29/00, 9:00 AM BMI 51 " He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. " - Phil. 1:6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 24, 2000 Report Share Posted March 24, 2000 I agree with you 100% regarding a way to handle patient contact for educating ourselves prior to the procedure. Joe Re: MGB News: >From: sMama2@... > >In a message dated 3/23/00 5:06:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, >sMama2@... writes: > ><< From: sMama2@... > > Hi Dr. R.! >> > >One more.... > >Regarding contacts. I think we MUST talk with Post-Ops, but I don't think it >should be necessary to report on each of our contacts. > >In our meeting with you, we should be able to demonstrate to your >satisfaction our knowledge of what we are getting ourselves into. Other than >that, who we contact, how we do it and what was said should be left to the >patient to deal with. As I'm sure you know, this requirement has been a > " Hot " topic on the board this week. > >{{HUGS}} > > >Redhead in FL >Claiming her Ins. Approval! >Clinic 4/29/00, 9:00 AM >BMI 51 > > " He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the >day of Christ Jesus. " - Phil. 1:6 > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >MAXIMIZE YOUR CARD, MINIMIZE YOUR RATE! >Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as >0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. >Apply NOW! >http://click./1/2122/1/_/453517/_/953881903/ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at Onelist.com >Please visit our web site at http://clos.net >Get the Patient Manual at http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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