Before & After
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Surgeon TestimonialRobert G. Martindale, M.D., Ph.D.
12/02/05
I recently emailed Dr. Martindale to see how he's doing. He was so nice as always. This man is amazing. I can't even imagine someone so thoughtful and passionate about a field like this, but he his truly devoted to helping those people like myself who have lost all hope of living anymore. I just hope he know's what a difference he's made in so many people's lives.
4/15/2005
I went to see Dr. Martindale for the last time before he leaves for his new job in Oregon. I will miss him so much. I gave him a heart shaped box filled with Hersey kisses. I told him at this point I had lost 250 pounds. I had counted out the kisses and give him one for each pound I had lost. This man is amazing. He's been such an inspiration in all that he does for other. He took on my case when no one else would do it and for that I can't thank him enough. He's saved my life and my husbands. I can't ever repay someone for doing something so special for me. Dr. Martindale will be grately missed at MCG. What a shame to lose such a special surgeon.
2/16/2004
I will have to tell you. I've been to now going on my fourth surgeon. Up to this point I was not 100% impressed with the ones that I had gone to. There was something about each one of them that held me back from wanting them to do surgery. I feel extremely BLESSED to have Dr. Martindale as my soon to be surgeon. This man is HIGHLY educated in this field. When we came in to meet me he was very friendly and kind. I felt like he was concerned about me. You could tell from the way that he talked about this that it was a passion for him to help people. He gave time for me to ask questions and did so very wonderfully. He made me feel very good knowing he deals with many patients that are over 500 pounds and has a true concern for those super obese. There are NOT many in this field that will even do surgery on someone these sizes, yet he takes the chance and helps us. What a man! Just to tell you some pluses. He takes the gallbladder out during surgery, he said it only take 3 minutes while your there. I said what about insurance, he said he doesn't charge them for it. He's done over 500 bariatric surgeries dealing with mostly high risk patients. He said to keep in mind he also does other surgeries such as hernia repairs, and other gastrointestinal surgeries, as well as be a professor, and he goes to other countries donating his time to help the less fortunate. He's done maybe 50 patients under 500 pounds the rest where over 500 pounds. He said the average BMI is 60, whereas most are around 45. I felt a huge relief that he's so experienced with high weights. The highest weight he did was over 900 pounds. I asked him about deaths. He has not had a patient die on the OR table. He has however lost 7 patients and he went into full details of each one, he said that patients had died anywhere between 8weeks to a year for various reason. He's only had 3 leaks. I asked him about certain patients and he remembered each one of them. That said a lot. Anyway I spent an hour and a half with him. He also knows and understands about my lymphedema. He felt that I would lose a good bit of weight from therapy. I could tell how he spoke that this was a passion. He said he does this surgery to save people's lives and give them life back. I fell in love with him. While he was talking to me I could see a glow around him. It was the most amazing experience, when we left I KNEW it was right and had major relief. I fully trust him and would put my life in his hands.
8-18-2003
I orginally went to Dr. Gooden in Augusta. He said that he didn't have an OR table big enough for me. Dr. Goodens staff was fine, I just wish someone there would have asked prior about my weight instead of waisting my time and the surgeons time. I was disappointed. This is just my opinion I would not recommend some to go to this surgeon. I was not impressed with his office or how his program was set up for the obese. I am now going to see Dr Burrowes in Atlanta on the 29th of October.
10-7-2003
I went to a Siminar for Dr. Duncan. I will say that I was quite impressed with this man. He is very smart, and had great dry humor! I would recommend him to anyone. His program is very well set up and he took the time after the siminar to talk with me personally. He only now does the Lap RNY. He does however have associates that do the open percedure too. I sent my packet to them and I'm suppose to go see him on November 20th. Provided I pick him to do the surgery.
10-29-2003
Dr. Burrowes was a very informative, and smart man. The longer I sat and spoke to him the more I understood that he does this surgery for the soul reason to give someone their life back. His office was very nice. You can park on the 3rd level in the parking garage and go across the cross walk into the office building. Take the elevators to the 5th floor. It's not very far to walk. His office had chair with and with out arms. As a very comfortable couch. His staff was very kind and took their time with me. Once I got in the office I didn't wait to long. I was then taken back to get weighed and also they take your picture with some measurements. They had no problems with my husband accompanying me back there. We then watched a couple of videos. Dr. Burrowes is a huge fan of the Fobi pouch, which was designed by a surgeon in California (Mathias A. L. Fobi). (http://www.cstobesity.com) I knew going in that he was liked this percedure over the others. If you want to have that done you will have to pay out of pocket $4500. I told him that I could not get the funding for that and would prefer just the RNY without the Fobi. He had NO PROBLEM doing that. Infact he does SIX percedures. RNY, VBG, LAP-BAND, D/S DUODENAL SWITCH, and FOBI POUCH. He said that most insurance will only pay or allow the VBG and RNY. Any other would be out of pocket expense involved. My overall view of Dr. Burrowes was very impressed. He's definately on the HIGH end of the scale. His death rate is very low and he had done over 1000 of this surgery. He took the time to answer all my questions. He doesn't want an answer that day. He told me again all the risks involved. I got a very thick aftercare booklet that explained what I will be able to eat, things to expect, a long list of potential problems that can be resolved by the patient to cut down on calls to his office. It listed ideas for meals. I was extremely impressed. It also described what to expect 1-4 days. I guess what I most impressed about is how he does the percedure. He does it open with an incision of 2-3 inches long!! I know that he is a very skilled surgeon and feel this will be the one for me.
11-20-2003
Well, I decided to go see Dr. Duncan today. Just wanted to feel him out too. I was very disappointed. I knew before I went that he doesn't want you to gain weight, but he wants you to do that for 90 days supervised BEFORE he will do surgery. I understand him wanting to shink the liver, but when I've been trying to diet since May this made me somewhat upset. I've been doing all I can. Not to meantion I was told on the phone that Dr. Duncan would be there. NOPE! He had an associate take a look at all of us. I was told one on one and I'm very upset that I went 150 miles to not ever see the surgeon. Total waste of my time. The staff is friendly, but people need to be told before hand the truth.
Amy Williams's JourneyClick Here To View
Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.It's been a very hard time all my life. It started from the day I was in 1st grade. I was always a tall child. I was picked on from then until the day I graduated high school. The kids were so cruel and it was very hard for me to get thru somethings. I wanted to kill my self. I was not happy with my self. I didn't seem to have many friends. The friends that I did have they are not around anymore. Most of then have not even attempted to talk to me. It had been very hard to deal with no friends. I didn't start feeling better about my self until I met my husband. He was the best thing that has ever happened to me. |
March 29 2004 on March 29, 2004 12:00 am
All of last week I've been thinking hard about my therapy. We ended up wrapping my one thigh and it didn't go very well. It only stayed on about 4 hours because of the slipping. Then last week Celeste my therapist was on vacation or I didn't get much wrapping done. The plan was to wrap my thigh, but here lays the problem. Once after doing the wraps I have to then go to compression. The compression for the thigh area we determined was going to be done by using like a capri type pant that would also be good for the abdomen and the butt area. The concern that I had was 1] I'm fixing to have surgery which will make it hard to wear the pants in the abdomen area (we are talking tight pants) 2] The pants are going to cost so much to only have to get new ones VERY soon and I will be going thru the sizes so quickly from the weight loss. After talking with Celeste today we came to the conclusion to just maintain my calf area for now and wait until after surgery for the thigh area. In one way I was happy to do it this way but in another sad. Sad because Celeste has become like a friend, someone to talk to everyday and something to do to get out of the house. Now I feel like I have nothing really to look forward too. I still have surgery coming up though. I guess it worked out this way for that reason. I can go back anytime I feel I need the therapy or anything. I'm not worried about that. Just kind of depressing. I can't wait to see the final results. Although I had such an amazing difference. I can't complain about losing 65 pounds either. That right there has helped me. I've been able to do things around the house more. It's a start.
I got some good news today. A lady that was on the Dr. Phil show, her name is Joell, is finally going to get the treatment she needs for your lymphedema. I'm so happy for her. We've been talking via internet and phone. She is a very nice person. She reminds me of my self. She has all the determination in the world to get help, but everyone seems to be working against you. We had talked about how she would probably need inpatient treatment. She has stairs to her house, 15 of them and getting up and down would be a mess, plus with the wraps FORGET IT! I hope that she has some great results. She really could use the break. She's very lucky like me to have a wonderful husband and supporter. I'm going to try and call her often to get some check ups on how she is doing. I really hope she loses a good bit of weight. I don't doubt she won't.
I finally got a fax to forward to my surgeon's office. I'm so excited, this is everything that the insurance has requested so I hope we will hear something VERY VERY SOON!
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March 27 2004 on March 27, 2004 12:00 am
Well I got my bloodwork back! It's still in the normal range for my thyroid! YAY! I was a little worried about that. I had asked them to fax that in yesterday, but it was "overlooked". Just like my PCP's office help...umm Anyhow, I will have to call them Monday and get on someone's case. So now I'm just waiting on the bloodwork to be faxed and then surgeon's office will fax the dietitian report and the bloodwork to BCBS as they requested. It's so funny, but I have all these butterflies in my stomach. It seems like now everything is happening so fast. It's like a whirl wind. I get scared then happy then sad then who knows (emotional). I'm ready for surgery to be over with and to start a new life chapter. It's so exciting dreaming about what your new life will be like after surgery. All the goals you've had on hold for so long you can now look forward to them and know there is something out there waiting for you.
I also spoke to Nancy's husband (Ernie) yesterday. It's such a somber moment in talking with him. You really are almost at a loss for words. I know I was. I don't know what to say to someone who has lost a loved one so dear and especially from a surgery you are fixing to have. I almost felt like if I didn't talk to him that I would not ease my nerves. I had asked him about how he felt about the surgery. He said of course with the outcome that he wishes Nancy had not done the surgery, but then he said, but... He said that Nancy is a rare case. It was almost like he knew I needed some type of comfort. He's still having a hard time with this, and I can totally understand why. He assured me that it's getting some better. He's thankful to have his son's. Nancy was such a special lady.
Nancy Ann Branigh
July 23rd 1963-February 13th, 2004
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March 23 2004 on March 23, 2004 12:00 am
When I found out thru my experiences with Lymphedema that this disease is over looked, I set out to educate people about it. I've devoted a lot of time into doing this to help others. For me to know that I have helped just one person makes all the difference in the world to me. I can't even begin to share in my excitement when someone that has been battling LE find out there is a way to manage it.
Anyhow, this brings me to my latest. A website I'm a member of for lymphedema asked if I would share my story on their site. I did agree. Eduction is the key and this disease runs VERY common in severe obesity. I wanted to share the site with you.
Click here for the article
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March 22 2004 on March 22, 2004 12:00 am
Friday and all weekend for that matter I've been a little down in the dumps. I found out Thursday that my insurance is requesting a dietitian report. Which is no big deal, but I worried about it all weekend wondering how long that was going to take. My surgeon's office said Friday they would get their dietitian in contact with me by Monday. I had not heard back yet this morning so I called them. (got to be pushy LOL!) Anyhow they said the dietitian would call me shortly. So I waited and about 10 minutes later she called. So she said you got a couple of minutes. I was like sure. Come to find out she doesn't have to meet me in person. We did everything over the phone. She told me what I can and can't eat and for how long. Talked about vitamins. Then she said I will make sure to get this off to the insurance today! YAY! That was quick. I was worried for nothing! Now the only thing I have to get done is updated TSH (thyroid level). Yes I am worried about that too! Having Hypothyroidism I worry the level might be off. If it's not normal that can put me on hold. Please pray my level has stayed in normal range. They would not except the bloodwork from January. So once I get that in we will see what happens next. I'm getting more excited.
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March 19 2004 on March 19, 2004 12:00 am
In just having MLD Lymphedema Therapy on my calf area of both legs I have lost 65 pounds. I have now been fitted for compression hose for my calves and we will be working on my thighs once my therapist get back from vacation. I have gained a lot too. I can now wear shoes, I have not worn a shoe in nearly 3 years. The heel in the back would rub really bad on the sagging part of my calf. My foot would balloon up so much I couldn't find one wide enough. I ended up wearing just slippers most of the time. In wearing the slippers I would never get good balance in them so that made walking harder. I can now do more things around the house. I'm sleeping better at night because of this. I have been walking a lot further everyday. I can even jump up off the couch a lot better. By not having my calves rubbing together when I walk had made my walking so dramatically different. Although I still get winded from walking just the ease has helped me so much. I don't feel like I am lugging my legs behind me anymore. The other day while at Walmart, We got out side and it was like over 100 feet to the truck. I told Kenneth I want to try and walk it. So I got a buggy to hold on to and I did it. I didn't stop once. The other night after my wls support meeting I did the same thing this time about 200 feet. I used my wheelchair as something to hold on to. It's like learning to walk again. I feel like I have new legs. This is the hardest thing to explain to anyone that has never been confined to not walking, but it's something I cry tears of joy about EVERY nite. I feel so good about my self. I have everyone on this site to thank for all the encouragement.
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March 16 2004 on March 16, 2004 12:00 am
This is Sal, he did most of the taping
This is Sarah, She did a lot of the behind the scenes
and also appointments. She's expecting her baby in July.
I had so much fun working with both Sarah and Sal. They where very easy to talk with and also so kind to my feelings. They gave me hugs and encouragement. I hope they know how special they are. I'm glad I was blessed to meet them both. I felt like I met two people I can call a friend. They both work very hard and you can tell the dedication in their work. I know they will do a good job in editing and sharing my story.
Where do I start?
I haven't been around much because as some, but few know I've been doing some taping. For the past week a camera crew has been following me around for a show that is going to air with a prospective date of June 24th. It's going to be a documentary of my life dealing with obesity and will be airing on MTV's True Life. It was quite an experience both good and bad. I learned even things about my self that I didn't realize. Those that have not seen a True Life show, it has no narration it is a story told thru the eyes of the one being followed. The show name will be I am obese. They wanted to do a show like this for their viewing audience that is mostly 13-26 year olds. These are the major viewers age. They do these type of shows to help educate the younger generation about real people's lives. My story will not only be about obesity, but the gastric bypass, and my lymphedema. I'm very excited about the lymphedema part. This disease is over highly over looked and few people know about it. This is a step to help spread more awareness for this disease and the disease of obesity. In doing this show I hope to help more people realize the discrimination that some obese people face and the inaccurate image that obese people are portrayed as. When shooting the show I didn't expect to show my emotions like I did, but I think it painted a more clear picture of how emotional being obese can be. There was one part of this taping that I really lost it. It happened last night while at a restaurant, keeping in mind I have not ate out in 3 years. There was a commit made by someone. I'm still not sure at this point if the commit was caught on tape. Basically it was very hurtful and I broke down on camera. The person that said something was around 8 or 9. I got really irritated because the parent didn't correct the child (maybe something was said later) and I went on a tangent about how some parents do not teach their children that some people are different. I was in my wheel chair at the time. Between not having gone out to eat for years and experience of being ridiculed it was emotional. In total they got over 60 hours of tape time. They are hoping that I will get surgery soon so that might be added. They got me shopping, going to therapy and I got to see my surgeon again. If not a follow up will probably happen.
As for surgery, insurance has it in review, it was just sent in last Monday. I called yesterday and they have finally got it in their system.
Therapy is going great. We just got my custom compression hose in today. We stopped by to make sure they fit, so now I'm not having to get them wrapped. We are supposed to start wrapping my thighs tomorrow.
I've also been working on an article for the summer edition of obesityhelp's magazine. It will be about my lymphedema and to raise awareness.
March 8 2004 on March 8, 2004 12:00 am
They are requesting a dietician phys eval. I'm totally lost on this. I've had a phys eval. Apparently this is something different? I'm going to be calling tomorrow about all of this. It's got me a little on edge because more hoops, but I guess I will just be thankful it's not a denial, just a request for more info. I'm trying really hard to stay positive. The wait is killing me. I guess in my heart this is God's way of tell me my time is not there just yet. This is just give me more time to get more energy for the surgery. After not walking for almost 2 1/2 years and now being able to walk more, I guess this will give me more time to condition my body for surgery. It's very sad to me, but I'm dealing with it for now. I hope I can find out tomorrow exactly what is being required. The lady I spoke to was very vague. It was closing time so I could not call back. I will just have to see tomorrow. Please keep me in your prayers. I just hope this requirement doesn't require a long wait.
:::SIGH:::
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March 7 2004 on March 7, 2004 12:00 am
I had some requests to share my before and after pictures from the weight loss. This is from therapy for lymphedema. I wanted to add that new picture is with pants I could not fit in. They now are fitting. They are still tight in some areas (thigh). I have not worn these pants for over 2 years now. They would only not fit just because of my legs being to large. I cried tears of joy when they fit today. This is just the beginning. I can't wait for the wls!
Please visit my website for my updated pictures.
March 5 2004 on March 5, 2004 12:00 am
I HAVE LOST 65 pounds, that right 65 pounds!!!
I can not believe it. When I went on Feb 16th to meet my surgeon, they weighed me in at 615 pounds. Today I went to my mother in laws. She has a scale that I have used a lot, it's an old scale for farm animals. LOL Anyway I get on the scale, Kenneth put the 500 weight on and then moved the weight adjuster all the way over to where it was 599. I stood on the scale and nothing happened. So I told Kenneth, you need to add the other 100 and he said no wait. So he started sliding it over and then said there, it's balanced. I looked down and it was balanced so I got off the scale and we looked at it. 550!! I could NOT believe it. I've seen people lose weight from this therapy, but I can't believe this. I have lost 65 pounds in 20 days. I can walk better, move better. This has been a miracle, thank you Lord!
Also update on insurance. I called Friday and his secretary still has not had him sign the paperwork. She promised she would get him to do it Monday, and they should fax it then to BCBS.
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March 4 2004 on March 4, 2004 12:00 am
I did an interview today for Obesity & Taxes. For my local ABC channel. It was on at 5pm. Here is the write up.
I-R-S Classifies Obesity As A Disease
Reported by Dana Lynn McIntyre
WJBF NewsCHANNEL 6
Thursday, March 4, 2004
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to individual doctors, Americans are being warned about their weight.
Weight has long been associated with many diseases, like high blood pressure, and diabetes. Now, the Internal Revenue Service has turned the spotlight on obesity.
Amy Williams of Martinez has battled her weight for years. “Since I was about nine years old, always had a problem with it.”
She's not alone.
Doctor Robert Martindale of the Medical College of Georgia says information from the C-D-C show obesity has climbed steadily since 19-85. “Now half of the country's morbidly obese.”
Now, obesity is recognized as a disease by the I-R-S.
Pam Kitchens, a certified public accountant, say, “It would open the door for tax breaks for people who file itemized deductions anyway.”
The change means people classified as obese, generally described as 30 pounds or more over ideal body weight, have new options they can write-off on their taxes.
Kitchens says it would cover things like bariatric surgery, that's stomach stapling, F-D-A approved weight loss drugs, behavior counseling, dietitians and nutritionists.
Williams she will definitely benefit from having the psychological component, along with the nutrition advice and all of that long-term support.
But, she may benefit in the short-term.
Doctor Martindale says she meets all the government criteria for gastric by-pass surgery.
Williams says, with the co-payments she faces and the hospitalization, the deductibles, this change will really benefit her.
And, benefit the next generation. Kitchens says this would also cover the expenses to help children lose weight.
For more information about the deduction, go to: www.irs.gov
And read publication number 502.
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