Re: Need advice...

[Guest guest]

le,

Check out Dr. Rutledge's website if that is an option for you. www.clos.net.

He's the best in my book!

[Guest guest]

le,

Check out Dr. Rutledge's website if that is an option for you. www.clos.net.

He's the best in my book!

[Guest guest]

Karin,

I didn't consider him because I had initially made my decision on a physician

based on personal recommendation. At the time no one had talked to me about

him. So now, if there are a bunch of people who had good experiences with Dr.

R., please email me and tell me about him. I mean the whole nine, including

your recovery and weight loss. It's great to see everyone really singing the

praises of these physicians. So, everyone write me if you were pleased with

the results of you surgery with Dr. R. Also since we are on the subject. Has

anyone who used him had Blue Cross/Blue Shield? OK, I am waiting for a lot of

email.

le

[Guest guest]

le, Dr. R is the greatest hands down. There is no other Dr. as

accessible, caring and concerned as he. This would be a no brainer decision

in my book.

Deb Hertlein

Greensboro, NC

[Guest guest]

le, Dr. R is the greatest hands down. There is no other Dr. as

accessible, caring and concerned as he. This would be a no brainer decision

in my book.

Deb Hertlein

Greensboro, NC

[Guest guest]

This is my personal opinion. DR.RUTLEDGE is a fabulous Dr. he is a caring man.

He is there when you need to ask questions and he gives you your answer right

away. If you need help, he is there for you. in my situation I started with

DR. R

on 10-23-99, I weighed 250. First clinic visit.

11-6-99, my 2nd clinic visit weighed 246

12-5-99. Received my approval from my insurance. DR.R E-mailed me with the

answer of approval. on 12-6-99, I called for my surgery date which was to be

on 12-9-99 . Surgery day.240 lbs.

12-11-99 went home from hosp.

12-18-99 staples out. Weight was 226

12-27-99. 18 days after MGB weight Is.222

I had a few ups and downs for the first week. Do to the meds I was taking. I

was a diabetic, high blood pressure, thyroid,arthritus.plus I am 53 yrs. Old.

I was told to crush my pills up and that made me sick. after I told DR. R. ,

he told me not to crush my pills and then from then on things were getting

better and better. there was a couple of things that did not agree with me.

then it began getting better. i was on my reg. meds for 1 week. and now i am

no longer on them.

i now take my synthroid, prilosic,and my vitamin the vitamins are to be taken

3 x a day. and now i feel great.

doing good on what to eat and on how much.

i would do it again if i had to. and you can call the Doc. anytime you need

to. he is fabulous

i will recommend him to anyone who needs this type surgery i think it is the

best thing that ever was.(MGB12-9-99)

[Guest guest]

le,

I am curious... Why isn't Dr. Rutledge on your list of choices? Have you

checked out his site?

Karin

Need advice...

> From: CUTEAKA2NV@...

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> Please help me choose a physician to perform my procedure. I am chosing

between Dr at the Alvarado Clinic in San Diego and Dr Champion in

Atlanta. I am in Montgomery, AL. I would like to use Alvarado, but the

distance is problem. But, I want to use someone with lots of experience and

expertise with a history of successful outcomes and low complications. I

will be having the lapraroscopic procedure and my insurance will cover all

the cost to Dr. Champion. But, I will have to pay several thousands of

dollars out of pocket to Dr. if I use him. Please help me decide based

on your own perosnal experiences. If anyone has used either of these

physicians, please email me.

>

> le

>

> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at Onelist.com

> Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

>

>

[Guest guest]

On January 22,1999 I had the Gastric bypass done by Dr. Popula. I have lost

a total of 153 pounds I feel great. I feel like a new person. I have no

problems, and I eat pretty much what I want to eat. I just eat the right

foods now. Dr. Popula has done this type of surgery for 17 years. I really

liked him and I trusted him. If you would like to get intouch with him, he

is out of Hollywood Ca. The number is 800-283-lite.Give hime a call and they

take insurance plans.

[Guest guest]

On January 22,1999 I had the Gastric bypass done by Dr. Popula. I have lost

a total of 153 pounds I feel great. I feel like a new person. I have no

problems, and I eat pretty much what I want to eat. I just eat the right

foods now. Dr. Popula has done this type of surgery for 17 years. I really

liked him and I trusted him. If you would like to get intouch with him, he

is out of Hollywood Ca. The number is 800-283-lite.Give hime a call and they

take insurance plans.

[Guest guest]

<< Has

anyone who used him had Blue Cross/Blue Shield? >>

le, I have BX/BS - State of MI. No problem with approval; done within

four weeks of Debbie's FAX to their predetermination FAX number. I'm 12 days

post-op and just zippin' along like a well-tuned diesel! Dee in MI.

[Guest guest]

Hi karin!

Take a moment to go to www.clos.net

There in the left hand column you will find an icon

for e-mail of the day. You will be able to go back as

far as July I think and see e-mail that was submitted

to our list. There are the good and bads in those

e-mails and that should also help you. I would not,

however, base your decision solely on personal

recommendation. Make sure you check each and every

surgeon and his credentials, success rate, method, and

recovery time b-4 making such a life changing

decision! k? I wish you the best of luck in your

journey. I am fairly new to this side of the world .

I had my surgery on 12/2/99. I personally would NOT

have had this surgery from anyone else than Dr

Rutledge!

Take Care,

C

--- CUTEAKA2NV@... wrote:

> Karin,

>

> I didn't consider him because I had initially made

> my decision on a physician

> based on personal recommendation. At the time no one

> had talked to me about

> him. So now, if there are a bunch of people who had

> good experiences with Dr.

> R., please email me and tell me about him. I mean

> the whole nine, including

> your recovery and weight loss. It's great to see

> everyone really singing the

> praises of these physicians. So, everyone write me

> if you were pleased with

> the results of you surgery with Dr. R. Also since we

> are on the subject. Has

> anyone who used him had Blue Cross/Blue Shield? OK,

> I am waiting for a lot of

> email.

>

> le

>

>

------------------------------------------------------------------------

> This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing

> List at Onelist.com

> Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

>

>

<HR>

<html>

>

=====

Post-Op 12/2/99

261lbs day of surgery

Not weighed yet! Will do that this weekend at clinic! YEAH!

_________________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

le,

I had my surgery by Dr. Rutledge on 8/2/99. I have had a wonderful, life

changing experience. I trusted him immediately upon meeting him. He is a

wonderful, caring, and compassionate person. I have the highest respect for

him. When I weighed two weeks ago I had lost 57 lb. I no longer have hip,

knee, back, or ankle pain. I no longer have shortness of breath. I sleep so

much better! I can't sing his or this surgery's praises high enough! I

still have about 80 lb. to go but even if I didn't lose another pound, it

would still be worth it. My only regret is that I did not do it sooner!

in AL

MGB 8/2/99

57 lb. gone so far!

P.S. I have BC/BS of AL and they paid!!!!

[Guest guest]

le,

I had my surgery by Dr. Rutledge on 8/2/99. I have had a wonderful, life

changing experience. I trusted him immediately upon meeting him. He is a

wonderful, caring, and compassionate person. I have the highest respect for

him. When I weighed two weeks ago I had lost 57 lb. I no longer have hip,

knee, back, or ankle pain. I no longer have shortness of breath. I sleep so

much better! I can't sing his or this surgery's praises high enough! I

still have about 80 lb. to go but even if I didn't lose another pound, it

would still be worth it. My only regret is that I did not do it sooner!

in AL

MGB 8/2/99

57 lb. gone so far!

P.S. I have BC/BS of AL and they paid!!!!

[Guest guest]

le,

I had my surgery by Dr. Rutledge on 8/2/99. I have had a wonderful, life

changing experience. I trusted him immediately upon meeting him. He is a

wonderful, caring, and compassionate person. I have the highest respect for

him. When I weighed two weeks ago I had lost 57 lb. I no longer have hip,

knee, back, or ankle pain. I no longer have shortness of breath. I sleep so

much better! I can't sing his or this surgery's praises high enough! I

still have about 80 lb. to go but even if I didn't lose another pound, it

would still be worth it. My only regret is that I did not do it sooner!

in AL

MGB 8/2/99

57 lb. gone so far!

P.S. I have BC/BS of AL and they paid!!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi, I am desperatly looking for information that will assist me in making a

decision re the type of procedure to have for wls. I have already decided

that it is the only way that I will survive to see my 4 children grow to

adulthood, but it sounds like we all took that same journey to this point. I

am currently considering 3 procedures.

1: open RNY

2: mgb

3. biliary/pancreatic diversion.

I am actually hoping to have a laparoscopic procedure. So that does narrow

down the choice a little bit I guess.

Next, I have read great amounts of discussion about insurance coverage and

people who have fought heroic battles against the big guys. The problem is

this, I am absolutley terrified of being turned down. I have so much hope

pinned to this. How do people go on. I feel as if the hope that I have is

actually keeping me going day to day at this point. Also I feel that now

that I have made the decision, I can't stand living in this situation any

longer. I just don't know what to do with all these feelings which are so

strong: hope vs. fear etc. Am I all alone with this? Am I totally nuts? I

can't stay away from the computer and the support network for more than a day.

I honestly would appreciate any help you folks can give. Please tell me how

it was to travel for the surgery, (those of you who did) I am considering

traveling to NYC, or North Carolina. Of course the insurance co. could cut

me off at the knees in a heartbeat.

Please forgive the rambling nature of the letter. I will welcome all help

and information. Thank you so much. E in Ct.

[Guest guest]

Hi, I am desperatly looking for information that will assist me in making a

decision re the type of procedure to have for wls. I have already decided

that it is the only way that I will survive to see my 4 children grow to

adulthood, but it sounds like we all took that same journey to this point. I

am currently considering 3 procedures.

1: open RNY

2: mgb

3. biliary/pancreatic diversion.

I am actually hoping to have a laparoscopic procedure. So that does narrow

down the choice a little bit I guess.

Next, I have read great amounts of discussion about insurance coverage and

people who have fought heroic battles against the big guys. The problem is

this, I am absolutley terrified of being turned down. I have so much hope

pinned to this. How do people go on. I feel as if the hope that I have is

actually keeping me going day to day at this point. Also I feel that now

that I have made the decision, I can't stand living in this situation any

longer. I just don't know what to do with all these feelings which are so

strong: hope vs. fear etc. Am I all alone with this? Am I totally nuts? I

can't stay away from the computer and the support network for more than a day.

I honestly would appreciate any help you folks can give. Please tell me how

it was to travel for the surgery, (those of you who did) I am considering

traveling to NYC, or North Carolina. Of course the insurance co. could cut

me off at the knees in a heartbeat.

Please forgive the rambling nature of the letter. I will welcome all help

and information. Thank you so much. E in Ct.

[Guest guest]

Hi, I am desperatly looking for information that will assist me in making a

decision re the type of procedure to have for wls. I have already decided

that it is the only way that I will survive to see my 4 children grow to

adulthood, but it sounds like we all took that same journey to this point. I

am currently considering 3 procedures.

1: open RNY

2: mgb

3. biliary/pancreatic diversion.

I am actually hoping to have a laparoscopic procedure. So that does narrow

down the choice a little bit I guess.

Next, I have read great amounts of discussion about insurance coverage and

people who have fought heroic battles against the big guys. The problem is

this, I am absolutley terrified of being turned down. I have so much hope

pinned to this. How do people go on. I feel as if the hope that I have is

actually keeping me going day to day at this point. Also I feel that now

that I have made the decision, I can't stand living in this situation any

longer. I just don't know what to do with all these feelings which are so

strong: hope vs. fear etc. Am I all alone with this? Am I totally nuts? I

can't stay away from the computer and the support network for more than a day.

I honestly would appreciate any help you folks can give. Please tell me how

it was to travel for the surgery, (those of you who did) I am considering

traveling to NYC, or North Carolina. Of course the insurance co. could cut

me off at the knees in a heartbeat.

Please forgive the rambling nature of the letter. I will welcome all help

and information. Thank you so much. E in Ct.

[Guest guest]

Hi le,

I have Highmark BC/BS and was approved in 3 days! I couldn't believe it.

That was the first good thing. The second good thing was having Dr. R. do

the surgery. I really " shopped " around and did a lot of research before I

went with him, and I am so glad I did. I am a registered nurse, so take

that for what it's worth...you always get the real scoop from us! You

will find that Dr. Rutledge's procedure is unique. It is not the Roux like

everyone else does. If you ever need it revised or reversed it can be done

easily. Other Drs will tell you the roux can also be reversed if there is a

problem, but if it got down to the Nitto gritty you'd be hard pressed to

find a Dr who would want to attempt it. I had my surgery on Sept. 20th. I

was 262lbs and 5ft 4in. I have lost 50 lbs in 3 months. I was in the

hospital 2 days, very little pain while in, took nothing for pain after

discharge. I have heard of people going back to work in a week, but I had

the time and took 4 weeks. I could have easily gone back in two, but needed

the mental health time so I took it. My recuperation was uneventful. You go

through the liquids, progress to soft stuff, gradually working your way back

to regular food. I can eat pretty much anything. I love spicy food and can

eat it with no problems. I feel better on veggies and low fat stuff. I

even eat sweets with no dumping. I occasionally have diarrhea if I eat

foods with too much fat. That seems to be my biggest problem. You know,

everyone thinks their surgeon is the best, but let the facts speak for

themselves. Dr. Rutledge has been doing obesity surgery for over 20 years,

and this procedure(MGB) for 3 years on over 300 patients. Please go to his

web site: www.clos.net and read. His site is the most complete and

informative by far on weight loss surgery. Look at his credentials. He

also will answer questions if you have any. His e-mail address is listed

there. I think the MGB is going to become the gold standard at some point,

instead of the Roux-en-Y. You can call his office and ask Debbie for a copy

of the patient education manual to read and show to your family Dr., or

download it from the website. Dr. R. insists on a well educated, informed

patient. He wants you to know the risks as well as the benefits of surgery.

If you have any more questions, just ask!

Good luck,

Karin

Karin

Re: [Mini GastricBypass] Need advice...

> From: CUTEAKA2NV@...

>

> Karin,

>

> I didn't consider him because I had initially made my decision on a

physician

> based on personal recommendation. At the time no one had talked to me

about

> him. So now, if there are a bunch of people who had good experiences with

Dr.

> R., please email me and tell me about him. I mean the whole nine,

including

> your recovery and weight loss. It's great to see everyone really singing

the

> praises of these physicians. So, everyone write me if you were pleased

with

> the results of you surgery with Dr. R. Also since we are on the subject.

Has

> anyone who used him had Blue Cross/Blue Shield? OK, I am waiting for a lot

of

> email.

>

> le

>

> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at Onelist.com

> Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks, but I am the Karin who's already had the MGB... this was a question

from le, so here you go le!

P.S. I agree 100% with you , I would not have gone to or

recommended anyone else, or taken anyone else's personal recommendation. I

heard enough uninformed opinion even from my Dr. friends at the hospital

where I work.

Karin

Re: Need advice...

>

>

> Hi karin!

> Take a moment to go to www.clos.net

> There in the left hand column you will find an icon

> for e-mail of the day. You will be able to go back as

> far as July I think and see e-mail that was submitted

> to our list. There are the good and bads in those

> e-mails and that should also help you. I would not,

> however, base your decision solely on personal

> recommendation. Make sure you check each and every

> surgeon and his credentials, success rate, method, and

> recovery time b-4 making such a life changing

> decision! k? I wish you the best of luck in your

> journey. I am fairly new to this side of the world .

> I had my surgery on 12/2/99. I personally would NOT

> have had this surgery from anyone else than Dr

> Rutledge!

>

> Take Care,

> C

>

> --- CUTEAKA2NV@... wrote:

> > Karin,

> >

> > I didn't consider him because I had initially made

> > my decision on a physician

> > based on personal recommendation. At the time no one

> > had talked to me about

> > him. So now, if there are a bunch of people who had

> > good experiences with Dr.

> > R., please email me and tell me about him. I mean

> > the whole nine, including

> > your recovery and weight loss. It's great to see

> > everyone really singing the

> > praises of these physicians. So, everyone write me

> > if you were pleased with

> > the results of you surgery with Dr. R. Also since we

> > are on the subject. Has

> > anyone who used him had Blue Cross/Blue Shield? OK,

> > I am waiting for a lot of

> > email.

> >

> > le

> >

> >

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing

> > List at Onelist.com

> > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

> >

> >

> <HR>

> <html>

> >

>

>

>

>

> =====

>

> Post-Op 12/2/99

> 261lbs day of surgery

> Not weighed yet! Will do that this weekend at clinic! YEAH!

> _________________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks, but I am the Karin who's already had the MGB... this was a question

from le, so here you go le!

P.S. I agree 100% with you , I would not have gone to or

recommended anyone else, or taken anyone else's personal recommendation. I

heard enough uninformed opinion even from my Dr. friends at the hospital

where I work.

Karin

Re: Need advice...

>

>

> Hi karin!

> Take a moment to go to www.clos.net

> There in the left hand column you will find an icon

> for e-mail of the day. You will be able to go back as

> far as July I think and see e-mail that was submitted

> to our list. There are the good and bads in those

> e-mails and that should also help you. I would not,

> however, base your decision solely on personal

> recommendation. Make sure you check each and every

> surgeon and his credentials, success rate, method, and

> recovery time b-4 making such a life changing

> decision! k? I wish you the best of luck in your

> journey. I am fairly new to this side of the world .

> I had my surgery on 12/2/99. I personally would NOT

> have had this surgery from anyone else than Dr

> Rutledge!

>

> Take Care,

> C

>

> --- CUTEAKA2NV@... wrote:

> > Karin,

> >

> > I didn't consider him because I had initially made

> > my decision on a physician

> > based on personal recommendation. At the time no one

> > had talked to me about

> > him. So now, if there are a bunch of people who had

> > good experiences with Dr.

> > R., please email me and tell me about him. I mean

> > the whole nine, including

> > your recovery and weight loss. It's great to see

> > everyone really singing the

> > praises of these physicians. So, everyone write me

> > if you were pleased with

> > the results of you surgery with Dr. R. Also since we

> > are on the subject. Has

> > anyone who used him had Blue Cross/Blue Shield? OK,

> > I am waiting for a lot of

> > email.

> >

> > le

> >

> >

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing

> > List at Onelist.com

> > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

> >

> >

> <HR>

> <html>

> >

>

>

>

>

> =====

>

> Post-Op 12/2/99

> 261lbs day of surgery

> Not weighed yet! Will do that this weekend at clinic! YEAH!

> _________________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks, but I am the Karin who's already had the MGB... this was a question

from le, so here you go le!

P.S. I agree 100% with you , I would not have gone to or

recommended anyone else, or taken anyone else's personal recommendation. I

heard enough uninformed opinion even from my Dr. friends at the hospital

where I work.

Karin

Re: Need advice...

>

>

> Hi karin!

> Take a moment to go to www.clos.net

> There in the left hand column you will find an icon

> for e-mail of the day. You will be able to go back as

> far as July I think and see e-mail that was submitted

> to our list. There are the good and bads in those

> e-mails and that should also help you. I would not,

> however, base your decision solely on personal

> recommendation. Make sure you check each and every

> surgeon and his credentials, success rate, method, and

> recovery time b-4 making such a life changing

> decision! k? I wish you the best of luck in your

> journey. I am fairly new to this side of the world .

> I had my surgery on 12/2/99. I personally would NOT

> have had this surgery from anyone else than Dr

> Rutledge!

>

> Take Care,

> C

>

> --- CUTEAKA2NV@... wrote:

> > Karin,

> >

> > I didn't consider him because I had initially made

> > my decision on a physician

> > based on personal recommendation. At the time no one

> > had talked to me about

> > him. So now, if there are a bunch of people who had

> > good experiences with Dr.

> > R., please email me and tell me about him. I mean

> > the whole nine, including

> > your recovery and weight loss. It's great to see

> > everyone really singing the

> > praises of these physicians. So, everyone write me

> > if you were pleased with

> > the results of you surgery with Dr. R. Also since we

> > are on the subject. Has

> > anyone who used him had Blue Cross/Blue Shield? OK,

> > I am waiting for a lot of

> > email.

> >

> > le

> >

> >

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing

> > List at Onelist.com

> > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

> >

> >

> <HR>

> <html>

> >

>

>

>

>

> =====

>

> Post-Op 12/2/99

> 261lbs day of surgery

> Not weighed yet! Will do that this weekend at clinic! YEAH!

> _________________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

,

From what I understand, the bilio-pancreatic diversion is pretty extreme and

carries a lot of long term risks. Also, why go for the open RNY when you

can have the MGB and be out of the hospital in 2 days? My insurance was

improved very quickly, so I was fortunate. I know that the waiting is a

killer when you have your mind set to do something, though. If you want

something bad enough, you will keep on fighting for it. If you read the

wonderful stories from the folks on this list, you will see that many of

them have had to struggle with insurance companies, but they didn't let the

first denial stop them. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease! I drove

8 hours from Pa. to have the MGB...no problem! The drive home was fairly

comfortable with frequent stops to stretch my legs. My husband drove.

You are not nuts! I think all of us have been there with those very same

feelings. That's why this list is so great. Where else can you get this

kind of support? You are not alone. Keep posting if you have more

questions.. Someone will chime in! :-)

Karin

Re: Need advice...

> From: Wrkngurl@...

>

> Hi, I am desperatly looking for information that will assist me in making

a

> decision re the type of procedure to have for wls. I have already decided

> that it is the only way that I will survive to see my 4 children grow to

> adulthood, but it sounds like we all took that same journey to this point.

I

> am currently considering 3 procedures.

> 1: open RNY

> 2: mgb

> 3. biliary/pancreatic diversion.

> I am actually hoping to have a laparoscopic procedure. So that does

narrow

> down the choice a little bit I guess.

> Next, I have read great amounts of discussion about insurance coverage and

> people who have fought heroic battles against the big guys. The problem

is

> this, I am absolutley terrified of being turned down. I have so much

hope

> pinned to this. How do people go on. I feel as if the hope that I have

is

> actually keeping me going day to day at this point. Also I feel that now

> that I have made the decision, I can't stand living in this situation any

> longer. I just don't know what to do with all these feelings which are so

> strong: hope vs. fear etc. Am I all alone with this? Am I totally nuts?

I

> can't stay away from the computer and the support network for more than a

day.

>

> I honestly would appreciate any help you folks can give. Please tell me

how

> it was to travel for the surgery, (those of you who did) I am considering

> traveling to NYC, or North Carolina. Of course the insurance co. could

cut

> me off at the knees in a heartbeat.

> Please forgive the rambling nature of the letter. I will welcome all help

> and information. Thank you so much. E in Ct.

>

> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at Onelist.com

> Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks...I can't wait.

[Guest guest]

Thanks...I can't wait.

[Guest guest]

Thanks a lot. I have been reading his site and the studies. I am a drug rep.

So I appreciate you telling me about the advantages of the MGB. But do you

lose weight as fast using this procedure? His pouch is larger than the roux.