Weight Loss Surgery Directory

By Location By Map
Before & After

 
—  
* move mouse over the picture to see “after” photo

See these instructions if you wish to submit your own Before & After photos.
Surgeon Testimonial

Robert 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 Journey

Click 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.
Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by Sharon Johnson on 10/16/07 12:19 pm
    HI Amy-All I can say is wow. I have been overweight all of my life and I started this journey almost a year ago. I didn't see your first episode on MTV but I have been reading your posts for the past 5 months since I have been a member of OH. You and Kenneth are such great people, I wish you nothing happiness and good health. Sincerely, Sharon Johnson
  • Comment by karaoke Nadine on 10/13/07 9:25 pm
    Hey Amy....just checked out the updated MTV video. You and Kenneth look awesome and I still can't tell you enough what an inspiration you both are. I also wanted to say a Happy belated Birthday to you. Hope you had a great one!!! Sending you lots of Love, Nadine!
Click here for the surgery support page
THE JOURNEY TO THE NEW ME!
This is the story of my life's journey of winning the battle against Obesity!


August 23 2005
on August 23, 2005 12:00 am
Well I'm just getting settled down enough to write about my awesome weekend. It was all so fast through! First Kenneth and I went up to Ohio. While on the way we stopped by my grand parents house. They didn't know we were coming by. When we pulled up they were watching TV. My grandma (Nana) came to the door and had the biggest smile on her face. She was thrilled to see me along with my Granddaddy. The expression was priceless on their faces. I got lots of hugs and they told me how good I was looking. I was happy to see them again. It had been about 2 years since I'd seen them. This is a photo of Jill and I from the meeting.
Grandparents and I

Then Ken and I left and we headed for the Cincinnati event for Obesityhelp. I got there and spent some time with Monica. Monica is a great mentor to me. She really is the reason I started my support group and how I found my way to finding the courage to persue my job. I owe her a lot of thanks in just her support to me. Ken and I helped to make sure things were going ok for the event and stuffed some folders and things to help out. The event the next day went great. We had around 300 people who showed up, I got lots of hugs. Those are always the best thing and just to talk with people in person that I've seen on the message board for years is just great. The members on the site are what make my job so rewarding to know I've helped someone and then for them to tell me what an impact I am on their life really puts a huge smile on my face. Monica did something really nice at the end of the event, she gave me a bag that said "Friends are Forever" and a thank you to me for all my help. I never look at this as my job, just something I truly LOVE and enjoy. After the event was over I was sad, I always hate to leave and then there were people I didn't get a chance to talk with or meet. The one day events just go so quickly and it's over. Ken, Brenda, Monica and I went out to eat. I had a great time, it was the first time in a long time, I just felt like I fit in. I tried steak for the first time. I even had a small few bites of cheesecake. I don't feel guilty or anything. We just had a blast at dinner. I then gave Monica a hug goodbye and headed back to the hotel. I was really excited about the next day. I was going to see my brothers and sister. I've been waiting to be able to take a photo of all of us together for mom. My mom for years has not been in the best health and I knew photo's would make her day.
The next day we get out to my brothers and everyone looked great. They were all very nice to me and I felt like I belonged. I haven't felt that way in a long time. I always fancy myself as an only child. My brother Jeff was having a birthday party for Ty (his son) and we all had met over there. My sister Robin showed up, didn't get to stay long, that was disappointing. I had hoped we could have talked longer. I was able to get a photo of us three, but my other brother never bothered showing up. I have not seen him in 14 years. I was really looking forward to see him, but the time came and went. I had wanted more than anything to be able to take a group photo for mom. What's done is done however, so I will move on and try not to worry about it. Everyone told me not to worry about it, but how can you not. It hurt and disappointed me that he didn't come or call. A year ago I would not have been able to do this and who knows I might not have lived to have seen this day happen. I'm just happy with the memories I did get to make, and that's what really made the whole trip enjoyable. As always my brother was great to me, my sister in law was sweet, my niece looked great along with my sister. It was nice to get hugs and just spend time with my family. I just wished mom had been there too. I really had a great time and plan on going back up to Kentucky very soon.

Me, my sister Robin, and brother Jeff
Be the first to leave a comment.

August 13 2005
on August 13, 2005 12:00 am



I've been thinking and thinking about what I would write about my 10 year high school reunion and I still don't know really what I have to say about it. I saw some wonderful people there and many of them had a cutest children. I also so those who have not changed and it showed. I had wished in my mind that people had grown up. All in all I was glad that I went. I went to my first real bar, not too impressed. It's not my cup of tea. I had wished we had been able to introduce our selves as some people looked a lot different then they use to. It just all happened so very fast. I didn't get as many photo's as I had hoped to. I had a great time however just seeing the ones I've missed and the ones who didn't come I was sad to not see them. Although I can understand why they probably did not come. I felt I was more open at the reunion then I had been in many years I went to school with all these people, so for that I am happy with myself. I also felt I was more proud of myself in going. I don't think people thought I would come, so that was a big step right there. I was just happy to see many people happy and healthy. I hope that our 20 year will be even better and we have more time to talk. I was most happy to see that those I had worried about for years are doing fine and those I didn't like had a change within their heart that you could actually see. I think growing older and having children will open peoples eyes fast. I had a great time. I think the part that surprised me the most is for me to actually be active in helping with the event itself. I never had been involved before. I saw a teacher who had touched my heart in 11th grade, Mrs. Vaughn. I had to take her class twice, the 2nd time she said I was the greatest improved and recongized me in front of the whole class. I never forgot her support and encouragement, it was great to see her again and know she's well. I wish I had seen Mr. Haywood again. He was such a wonderful teacher also and I wonder about him all the time. I had a good time.
Be the first to leave a comment.

August 9 2005
on August 9, 2005 12:00 am
The most amazing thing happened last night! I know call me crazy here, but to me it's simply amazing.... Do you know what it was???? Have any ideas??? I'll just say this much, I've now officially lost 316 pounds!! So what does it mean? It means I'm under 300 pounds, 299 to be exact, the first time in YEARS. I was 297 pounds at age 14! It's been basically 14 years since I've been this size. When my scale talked back to me, I wanted to scream. It's really the most unbelievable thing. When someone told me many months ago that I would have lost this much weight, I told them it would never happen for me. It has and I am truly happy each day I chose to have this surgery. It saddens me to see anyone go through any complications of this surgery, but my point of life (no life) I was willing to take any complication or death to improve my life and boy am I ever happy I did. I can walk! I can clean! I can work! I can drive! I'm living.... Now with all this gone, I can forsee my goals. I always had a number in my mind, but it seemed impossible, now I know I can do it!
Be the first to leave a comment.



Archive

Tags
  • None