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
-
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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It's a NEW YEAR on December 31, 2006 11:14 pm
It's hard to believe 2007 will be 3 years since my journey started and now it continues as I await my surgery this week! I can't believe the time is almost here and I'm excited. I don't really know what to expect, but I'm going to take it easy and have time for myself. I've given much time to helping others over the past few years and LOVE doing this. However this time as much as I love being around OH I've got to take some time to take care of my hernia and the start of some skin removal. I will never know how far I'll be going with this, but it's a start of the even newer me. Kenneth's been great with support here and I know like before he will be there when I need him most. He's taking time off from work to ensure I've got help at home. I just plan on spending time recovering and relaxing. Not exactly the most relaxing thing, but it will make me have some down time. I'm not use to down time anymore. With my weight loss surgery I was use to being down because I was inactive, so this is going to be weird to have to take things slowly. I posted some new photos of my arms to show the skin there so you can take a look under my reconstructive surgery album on the left. I really didn't realize how much skin is in that area alone, so that I feel will be quite dramatic. I'm looking forward to January 3rd, it's my 12th anniversary with Kenneth. I can't believe it's been 12 years already! Where has the time gone?? Kenneth seems to be very happy for me and excited for me. We both really can't even imagine what my outcome is going to be with how I'll be looking. We shall see soon!
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Pre-op Done... Surgery Next! on December 29, 2006 11:36 am
I went to my pre-op this week. Everything seems to be going great. They sent off the bloodwork, should be good. I just had my labs done about a month ago. I received all my approvals in writing from both of my insurers so it's all good to go. My insurance and my hubby's approved it. YAY! I have decided I'll probably go ahead with the arm lift (brachioplasty). So my upper half will be sore for some time, but it will be worth it. The surgeons said I'll probably be in the hospital for 2-3 days. Between the tummy and arms there is quite a bit of skin being removed. I'm not expecting miracles, but it will be nice to get rid of some of this skin. Tooter will be giving updates. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I'm excited and scared!
Here's a photo with my surgeon Dr. Blaney:
 | Click here to leave a comment.
Early Christmas Gifts! on December 24, 2006 10:50 am
Kenneth is working tomorrow. He wanted me to start enjoying my gifts now so we opened presents early. He got me all kinds of things to pamper myself. A huge bath set (which I enjoyed a nice long bath with), the most beautiful soft velvet robe, a heart pendant with a butterfly and a ring that made me cry. It's a diamond butterfly ring. He told me to close my eyes and he put it on my hand. I looked down and just started to cry. He knows how much I love butterflies. The photo doesn't do it justice, but gives you some idea of what it looks like.
He also got my this pretty silver necklace with a jingle heart and a card with it that says:
Jingle Heart
I've loved you for a long, long time
I know you love me too.
I'm giving you this special gift
To keep me close to you.
No matter where life leads us
Whether near or far apart.
Remember that I love you
With every jingle of your heart!
It's nice to be able to get in the tub and take a bath again! What a freeing feeling, but it's funny because each time I get down in the tub I think automatically how am I going to get up and I do it with ease each time.
So this holiday pamper yourself! We all deserve it! | Click here to leave a comment.
This is hard to post... on December 20, 2006 8:29 pm
Well I know during my journey that so many photos have helped me, and especially for those with skin issues! I've got a lot of skin issues. Thankfully my clothing hides it very well. I've got 2 weeks until my surgery to get my hernia repair and anchor cut abdominoplasty. I'm putting up my before photos in the hopes that others will gain some help from the transformation. I'll be posting the afters sometime after January 4th. I know many people have asked me why I even needed surgery because you really can't see it very much... So now you know!
I'm sharing a personal side of me... EEK! 
I can't wait to see the results...
Here's a link to the photos:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/photos/uzone,photos/action,galler y/albumId,11119/
| Click here to leave a comment.
I'm an ELF! on December 15, 2006 3:12 pm
Kirk posted about this on the main message board, so I made myself one too. I thought it was cute. I can dance!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?userid=50dd1a6f18a536582de67f3G06121514
Make your own here:
www.elfyourself.com | Click here to leave a comment.
I have a surgery date! on December 12, 2006 12:40 pm
Ok so now my stomach is in a knot! Got a call a little while ago and I've been scheduled for January 4th for my hernia repair with anchor cut abdominoplasty! I was hoping to have the surgery before the end of the year, but it didn't work out that way. After thinking about it, it's probably better to have it at this time anyways. So I'm excited, but nervous. I probably worry the most about my down time. I'm not the type of person that likes to be laid up for any amount of time anymore, so this will be interesting. 23 more days! I've got a busy next few weeks. My pre-op is December 27th. | Click here to leave a comment.
Support Meeting party on December 9, 2006 8:02 pm
I attended our annual support meeting Christmas party. Here's some photos from the party
http://obesityhelp.com/photos/uzone,photos/action,gallery/albumId,10084/
Photo of myself and Sue
I got a jewelry box from our gift exchange
We are no longer the same on December 8, 2006 4:21 pm
As I'm getting closer to getting my abdominoplasty surgery I've just been reflecting on things. I decided to put a photo of Kenneth and I together to compare, I'm just blown away at the difference. It's hard to believe we are the same people. We have together lost as much weight for a family of 4 or 5 people. Together we've lost 555 pounds. I'm thankful everyday that I chose to have surgery and I'm excited to see the changes still to come.
Before (April 2004) and After (November 2006)
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Approved!!!!!!!! on December 5, 2006 12:44 pm
Well just talked with my insurance company, they have approved the hernia and abdominoplasty. I've called the surgeons office, they already have the approval faxed back. Now I'm just waiting for the schedule date. I'm hoping it will be in the next 2 weeks. I'm fairly certain I'll be able to get in before the end of the year. I'll let you know when I get a date. I'm excited to get the start of this skin removed!
Kenneth had a follow up appointment today, all is well with his ulcer. The bleeding has completely stopped and he's on medication for 6 months to make sure it is healed.
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