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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February 28 2005 on February 28, 2005 12:00 am
I feel very honored. MTV's doing a promotional book to get more sponsorship (funding) for programs like "True Life". I feel honored because they considered my portion of the show on obesity as one of the segments for the promotional book. MTV felt my story truly impacted so many lives and want to include it into the book. I just not long ago got off the phone with the lady who is over doing this project. Nothing makes me feel so good in knowing that the show has helped people and they got such a huge response. I wanted to thank all of you here. I mentioned you all in the interview because it's support groups on line like this that have helped me get through those rough spots in the beginning of my journey and when I feel down I come here and you ALL inspire me to do better. So thank you for that.
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It's been 9 months! on February 27, 2005 12:00 am
Goodness I don't know where the time has gone.
Things in my life are starting to feel so much more normal now. I do so many things that are simple tasks and can't believe how easy it is to do. I love cleaning my house each day and the feeling I get knowing I can do this all myself. I don't have to depend on anyone anymore. I get up every morning so happy that I'm alive and able to have no back pain, hip pain, knee pain. I went for my check up last week with my surgeon and my blood pressure is in normal range. I don't have to take any blood pressure meds anymore. I just got a new job that I will be starting soon and it's something I know I will love. I'm so thrilled about working again and the added bonus of it being something dear to me :jump: I've finally taken the plunge and I'm starting a support group in my area. This is a big challenge to me cause I'm not one for getting up and talking to people, but through this journey I've learned I really love talking with other people about surgery. I still remember the excitement I would get talking with someone who was post-op. I remember the comfort that I felt in knowing I was not alone. That's why I guess I enjoy it so much. I feel a renewed sense when I can help others and that's something that makes me happy. I never thought I would be to the point I'm at and knowing that I don't have to rely on a wheelchair anymore. I can't even remember the last time I used it. I've pushed myself to make this work the best way possible. Even when I feel tired or think I might need to sit down I keep going. The other day I was washing dishes and talking on the phone. It didn't really occur to me that I was even doing that. Before I couldn't even wash dishes standing up and let alone talk on the phone. I would be so out of breath. I look at myself in the mirror and smile cause I can't believe what's happened to me. The excitement I feel everyday is something that motivates myself. I've lost a total of 248 pounds and although my weight loss has slowed down what really helped me keep losing has been the exercise.
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February 24 2005 on February 24, 2005 12:00 am
Something's been puzzling me lately. Once we lose weight how come some people seem to forget how life once was?
I think for me that would be something I would always want to remember so I know it's a place I don't want to return back too. In fact that is one of my biggest motivations to continue to do the right things with surgery to make it a success for me. We read about it all the time people feeling like they have got off track, so I think for those having those problems try reverting back to memories of what life was like X number of weeks, months, years ago. That alone should motivate us to be the best. We can all be successful at this. It's all about being healthy and happy. Be happy with yourself, remember who you once were health wise, and make good choices.
Any ways I get emailed a lot about this and thought I'd post it here.
What I do: Besides the regular stuff
(Water, Protein and Exercise (key thing), I also do the following.
1. Make small goals (example: first 50 pounds, get under 400,300,200 etc)
most importantly is not the number but WHAT you can do now....
Tie my shoes, swim, walk....etc
2. Keep a journal
When you read back you can see how far you've come! This has helped me so much. I'll read back on a sad day or I'll remember something I did for the first time and relive the joy all over again.
3. Take pictures!
As much as you hate seeing yourself in the beginning pictures are VERY important, this is also a reminder of who you once where.
4. When it comes to the evil scale....
I weight ONLY once a week. If you become a scale slave you will torture yourself with ups and downs.
5. Plateaus DO happen...
When you have a plateau don't beat yourself up over it. Keep on track and don't get depressed. What will depression do for most of us? We want to eat! BAD BAD BAD!
6. Do NOT compare yourself to others
We are all different. Our bodies work differently after surgery, it doesn't matter if so and so is losing faster than you, in the end we all catch up.
7. Don't kill yourself over having a cookie, a few chips, a CARB....etc
Ok so you've made a mistake in your book, I don't look at it this way, this is where relearning comes from. It's not really a cookie, it's the amount, we have to relearn what our limits are, I'm not going to get upset because I ate a cookie, I make adjustments in my diet to allow for something special if I want it and feel good with myself knowing when to stop!
8.Always always follow what YOUR surgeon/nutritionist told you.
It's wonderful to get advise from those who've lived it, but our surgeon/nutritionist knows what's best for US. Even those who go to the same surgeon/nutritionist can get different advice. Example: What one person's weight calories wise requires another person might need more or less calories.
9. Attend support groups!
Why you might ask? It gives you a comfort zone and a place to know you are NOT alone, there are others struggling. You learn good information and for me it's keep me motivated to do even better.
10.Be happy with yourself.
For some of us that might mean having to see a therapist. Sometimes we can't work thru issues on our own and need the additional support, if you are post op and find yourself extremely depressed, it might not be the surgery it might be you are not happy with you. For you to be more successful you have to know YOU ARE WORTH IT.
Anyway's these are things that have worked for me and thought I'd share them with you. They help me each day.
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February 23 2005 on February 23, 2005 12:00 am
I got some wonderful news!!! A couple of months back I had a job from home that didn't work out. I was really sad that it didn't work out like I had hoped. I was being considered for another job, which would make it possible for me to stay at home and part time for now. I do eventually want to have this job full time. The most wonderful part is it's something I love to do, helping others. I hope that it will be starting very soon. Probably by Monday. Words cannot express just how happy I am about the news. I can't wait to get started!!
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February 21 2005 on February 21, 2005 12:00 am
Kenneth went to see Dr. Martindale for his pre-op today. I'm pretty heart broken. I knew a couple of months back that he would probably be leaving the hospital that he's at now. It's now been confirmed that he will be going to Portland, Or. He's still going to be doing the surgery there. I was happy to hear that. He is such a wonderful person, and NO ONE could possibly understand how this man has changed my life. It hurts me so bad to see him leaving. It's going to be ealier than expected. Apparently sometime in late April or early May. Which makes me even more upset because I wanted him to be here for my 1 year anniversary. I'm going to try and see him one last time before then, I had something special I was going to give him on my 1 year out. When he saw my today. I had to say that he was wrong on MTV, he asked me "why is that" I told him because he said that on MTV it would take me 2 years to lose 200 pounds. I'm not even 9 months out and I've lost 201 pounds, for a total of 246 pounds! I never could have imagined that I would be able to do this like this, it's been so amazing to share with my surgeon. When I see the expression on his face it makes me smile. He told me "you are a sucess" and told Kenneth, "if you follow what she has done you will be a success too." He has been such a wonderful support system. He saved my life, how can you not feel a strong bond with someone like that. He was so happy to hear that I'm starting a support group here, he told me he would like to come talk to everyone before he leaves. I'm going to see about getting him to come in April before he leaves. I'm going to set it all up and then see about giving him his gift then. I do know one thing Portland is fixing to get an EXCELLENT surgeon.
Kenneth's pre-op went really well, it sounds like everything is going to go good. Everyone was excited. I saw some people I'd not seen since my surgery, that did my pre-op. They were all very happy for me and my weight loss. I know that Kenneth's very excited about having it all over and done with. It's not much longer now. He will be a loser.
MTV has approached me about doing some type of book for them about how social issues on television impacts people. I will let you know more when I do.
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February 16 2005 on February 16, 2005 12:00 am
Kenneth has a date now! It's March 15th!
His pre-op date is Feb 21st. We are both so excited!
My kitty Sam, he's so cute!
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February 14 2005 on February 14, 2005 12:00 am
Good news!!! Kenneth just called our insurance company. They made a decision! He's been APPROVED!!! YAY! We've spoke with Dr M's secretary and she said she will get back ASAP with a date, we are looking at the first part of March!
Another update, I went to my first movie theater Saturday night, been nearly 10 years since I'd been, had the best time! I fit in the seats!! Plus I have to add this theater had arm rests that go up if you need them too. It was a Valentine date :) We saw Hitch, it was really good. I got some roses from Kenneth and a cute little box with a bear and shaped like a heart.
Kenneth wanted me to say "thank you so much for all the prayers and support!"
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February 12 2005 on February 12, 2005 12:00 am
I'm so worried about Kenneth (my hubby). He's still in the process of trying to get surgery his self. We are hoping to hear something about an approval on Monday. They said Friday it was on to the review board. So we will see. Things are very interesting here. I find myself not telling him about things having to do with my weight loss or sharing things that happen during the day like I did before. Reason you might ask, I think it makes him depressed. Once in our marriage I'm smaller than he is, I tell him all the time he will surpass me yet again after WLS. I'm almost 100 pounds smaller. I was always the larger one and I think it's beginning to bother him. His foot is giving him such a hard time and he's gotten to where he can't move around like he use to. Now I know how he felt all these months before my surgery when you want to help, but really what do you do. I worry all the time about his surgery not happening. He's been upset about it being denied and often says he doesn't know what to do if it's not. I wonder the same thing. It's hard to see the one you love so depressed, yet he says there is nothing wrong. Of course I know there is I've been with him for 10 years! It's so hard to be the one happy go lucky and excited about my weight loss and watch him literally go down hill. Please keep him in your prayers and thoughts that he will get surgery soon.
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February 10 2005 on February 10, 2005 12:00 am
I got a box today from my new secret pal! It was such a nice surprise! I heard the UPS truck and went out to find a box. I love the vase! It's beautiful, what a sweet anniversary present, I really appreciate it sooooo much, the valentines present is also great. I love the smell of peaches, yum! Kenneth said thank you too! (((BIG HUGS)))
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