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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Four Years and maintaining -400+lbs lost! on May 19, 2008 6:01 pm
Hey Everyone,
I won't be around next week for my official four year surgery bash, so I'm posting while I have a chance! I can't believe it's been so long since my surgery. After all this time I'm still holding strong with my loss, maintaining. I couldn't be happier about the results from having the surgery. People often ask me how do you maintain your loss, simple. Stay on track and keep giving/getting support. I can tell you without a doubt that by being active in a support group both in life and on the web keeps my motivation and accountability going. I stay very busy with work. I've recently done an update article for the ObesityHelp Magazine, probably coming out the next issue, you'll have to check that out. I just was interviewed last week by a large news organization, will give more details later. That was really exciting. Even after all this time MTV is still re-playing True Life. I was shopping for clothing just yesterday and a perfect stranger ran me down to give me a hug. I still don't know how to react when that happens. Overall it's been 100% positive since the surgery, no complications, no complaints. I'm still excited about what the future has in store for me and each day brings something new to my life. I miss being on the web as much, but it was time for me to get out and spread my wings. It's been the best thing I could have done, although I miss everyone! Here's a recent photo. Still the same.
I've lost 411 pounds. From 9xl men's pants to 22 womens; 6xl shirt to large!
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Wish everyone had a chance on May 12, 2008 6:55 pm
A few years ago, I met someone while working with ObesityHelp named Joann. Her cousin had called me looking for help and support for her. She was homebound and had been for 8 years now. I just found out that she passed away recently. Her cousin had called me to let me know and it was very hard to hear. She wanted to live, but didn't know how to begin. It's difficult to even explain to everyone on this site because when you haven't been totally confined to your home you can't explain the emotions that happen nor the pain in wanting to do something and you don't know which way to turn. Some people get out of that situation, I was lucky to have been able to do it. Then there are some who aren't able to get out of that situation, then their health continues to fade away. Before long I imagine you just give up on life. You feel like you have nothing more to be able to do or live for. It breaks my heart. There is so much to live for, then you can't always find the help you need to give you that chance to move on. I remember even at 600 pounds it was like pulling teeth to find a surgeon to take on my case. I realize the risk that surgeons take to do difficult cases like that. I have so much respect for the surgeons that do take those risks, you have situations like mine that result in a person being able to live. I'm just thankful each day and I hope that more people will get the chance to make a difference in their life. I didn't give up and I wanted to many times.
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Life has been busy! on May 5, 2008 9:26 pm
I don't nearly have the time I use to. It's been a busy past few weeks. I recently went to Cincinnati to learn more about the new band from Ethicon. It was extremely interesting to learn about the new things that are happening in the bariatric industry. The advancements continue to blow me away. I flew up to Cincinnati. Another ride on an airplane. It's always exciting to me to be able to fly. It is so neat to be able to see the earth below and realizing you are flying. I met several other allied professionals. It's interesting to see what other practices are doing. It's very exciting to be able to bring back new tools and become educated in things to help patients.
Kenneth's been dealing with some severe issues with dizziness. We originally were told it was vertigo, but it's been weeks now. We still don't have any answers and he's under going several tests. The ENT doctor said it doesn't appear to be an inner ear issues. He's been referred to another doctor for neurological issues. The doctor seems to believe it may be related to the bypass somehow, but we really don't know. We thought maybe it's a vitamin level off. Hopefully we will know something soon. It's been hard for Kenneth because he's use to being able to do projects around the house and for others. He gets so dizzy that he's not been able to do that or go to work. It's improved some, but not enough to get back to work. When I find out something I'll update everyone.
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