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.
Latest Surgery Support Comments
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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
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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
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October 29 2005 on October 29, 2005 12:00 am
I can hardly believe it's been 17 months and still losing weight very steady. I guess all the moving has really just made it come off this month, I've lost 18 pounds just this month. I'm now down to 275 pounds!! Total loss of 340 pounds. Just 25 more to my next goal. I'm now able to wear an 18 shirt! I can't even remember the last time I was this small. It's another major milestone to be able to get into an 18. I'm in a 24 pants. I've been busy with work and decorating. It's been lots of fun. I'll take some photos this weekend and post them Kenneth's been doing great with his weight loss too. He's almost under the 300 mark and looking sexy! It's like we are a new couple. We are just enjoying life and being happy!
October 11 2005 on October 11, 2005 12:00 am
Ok so today I got my reality check, for the first time I realize that I no longer qualify for surgery. I would if I had some other health issues, but thank heavens I don't anymore! Goodbye hypertension and sleep apnea! I went to my check up last week with the surgeon who took over mines place and my bood pressure was 120/73. Unbelieveable! The lady checking said "WOW, yours is better than mine!" That made me feel good! I've been so busy working and moving I've not been on the boards much. I hope that everyone's doing well! Thanks for all the well wishes last week on my birthday! I had a great 29th. Kenneth and I have been busy moving into our place. It's so nice to put things into places and have a place to call our "own". The surgery to me and so many of us has been literally a "lifesaver". I would never be where I am today without this wonderful tool. Each day I am reminded I was given a second chance at life and I know without a doubt that my surgeon's talent and eye opening candid talk with me helped save my life. Other wise I was looking at living just 6 more years, I wasn't going to take that as my path! This was one of the hardest choices I've ever had to make, but to me, my family was watching me die and I was watching myself commit a slow basically "suicide". No one should ever feel life is not worth living, it so is worth fighting for. I've done it, and it's all about NOT giving up.
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October 8 2005 on October 8, 2005 12:00 am
Kenneth and I are all moved in to our new place. It's really taken a lot out of us, but we did it. It's really nice to have somewhere to call "home". It's wonderful to feel independent again. I love being able to fix the place up with things I've gotten over the years from all the wonderful people on the internet. I've gotten some great things from my secret pals and can't wait to display them like I've wanted to for so long. Thursday was my birthday. I'm now 29 years old and I feel like I'm still 18. I wonder if you ever feel your age. I remember back just 2 years ago that I felt 60 years old. All the pain that I went through with my legs hurting and not being able to walk. I went out to eat with my parents and my husband. It was fun. My parents gave me these beautiful butterfly ear rings. Kenneth got me a recliner. I had one many years ago at my largest. I was so large that my legs wouldn't even stay up in the recliner because it would not hold the weight of them. Now I'm able to get them right up with no problems. It's great and so comfortable. Kenneth and I went to see the surgeon who has replaced my surgeon. She was very happy with our results. She said we are doing very good. She did confirm that I have a hernia. She wasn't too concerned about it at this point, wants me to come back for follow up in 3 months. She told Kenneth that she would like to do an upper GI. He still has a lot of what we call slobber that comes up, he doesn't usually throw up, just this mucus like stuff will. It's clear and stingy. They just wanted to make sure that his opening has not closed some on him. I have a feeling it's closed up some, but the food usually will pass. It doesn't happen all the time, but she wanted him to do this to be on the safe side. The move really did a job on my legs, anytime that I have them down for a long period of time they will swell on me. Thank goodness when I finally am able to get them up they will go down again. I talked to her about plastic surgery and we both agreed to wait until my weight is more stable as I'm still losing weight now. She was thrilled that I've done so well. The nurses made over both Kenneth and I. Couldn't believe the changes. They wanted to know if our relationship was different. It's not really different, just lots more active! I'm hoping that when they fix the hernia they can do a tummy tuck. I have several areas of skin that needs some help. I'm fixing to start working on the house again. We are still trying to get everything all organized.
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