| Comments From Patients |
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Steven D.
Portland, OR
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I met Dr. Martindale at a WLS surgery program orientation at Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) in the summer of 2005. After his presentation, I immediately knew that he was the surgeon I wanted to perform my BD/DS surgery. He instills confidence and is one of the nicest doctor's I've met. Dr. Martindale had no problem performing surgery on a person my size. He's always willing to help and goes above and beyond the normal requirements of a physician. Posted on 03/27/2008 |
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Amanda H.
Aiken, SC
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I miss him there is no doctor that could take his place. Posted on 12/20/2007 |
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Amy W.
Augusta, GA
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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... [Click here for more] 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.
Posted on 01/01/2007 |
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M W.
Vancouver, WA
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What was your first impression of him/her?
He was very nice and caring. Very professional and seemed to really know his stuff. I felt in good hands.
How did your impression change over time?
He was awesome, my stitches are a work of art so straight and tiny. They did a 4 hour surgery in 1 1/2 hours, phenominal.
How would you describe his/her office staff?
I got forgotten a few times and answers were days in coming, but they were very nice and easy to work with.
What did you like least about him/her?
Being new to the area he didn't know alot about the timing of proceedures and things got alittle bottled up. But the staff solved everything.
What should future patients know about him/her?
Be ready with questions, he likes well informed patients and will take the... [Click here for more] time to answer any questions you have.
How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
OHSU is not designed for after care and I will be going to Kaiser for this, they have a wonderful after care program. I am two weeks out and the dietician is already checking up on me and supporting me. My first follow up visit is two weeks away yet.
Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?
just follow up visits and a support group that meets once a month.
How did he/she address the risks of surgery? I was at the end of a 5 year process and my knowlege of risks and the surgery itself was pretty intensive. He actually calmed many of my fears as he has done so many people at high risk like myself.
How would you rate him/her overall?
10+ Experience, ability, caring.
Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great
Surgical competence comes first, I could care less about the other, but they have to be able to listen and deal with you as a person. Both are phenominal but ability has to be foremost importance.
Posted on 06/20/2006 |
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Angela R.
Hephzibah, GA
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Robert Martindale
Very passionate and understanding and his staff is always there to help and listen. The only thing is the wait but I realize if you want a top doctor you have to wait for the Best..I know a lot of people have concerns about Medical College of Georgia but I personnaly would have to say 90% of them are very understanding and helpful and caring. Dr. Martindale tells you about all the risks and the motivation you will need after the surgery so as I will have to be more in control then ever before. I would rate him on a scale from 1-10 a 9 and he would be a 10 if he could be here all the time but he is in high demand with this being a teaching hospital. Both his surgical and bedside manner is great!!! Posted on 01/06/2006 |
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Eydie B.
Augusta, GA
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I met Dr. Martindale after another surgeon called me two days before scheduled surgery to cancel. I was impressed with him. Evidently, it was a miracle that I got in so quickly with him as he has a long waiting list to be seen. The office staff seems very nice. The thing I like least? in the hospital there were lots of residents and all visiting and answering questions, but not much of Dr. M. Part of it is because he is busy. I didn't like all of the other help. Some were uninformed on the surgery. He took care of my complication issues and after care at home- very seriously! He really helped a lot. He is a fantastic surgeon. His surgical competence is great and solving complications. I would highly recommend him. I wish that he had a better aftercare program set up-... [Click here for more] groups to discuss problems, etc.
Posted on 11/05/2004 |
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Sarah M.
Thomson, GA
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The office people are great.He is very nice and helpfull. He cares about you and how you fill. If he can help lyou he will do all he can. Posted on 10/14/2004 |
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Melody B.
Augusta, GA
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The first impression of Martindale was good .He seemed to care and went into great details about the sugery.
As i got to know DR. Martindale it was like he became part of the family. The staff was great and would help you with anything you needed. I can't say theres anything I don't like about him. If you need him he is there and can point you in the right path if you feel your lost of need more help. After the sugery he helps encourage you to keep losing the weight and to walk that is the main thing, The Walking. MCG does not have a support group but there are some out there. My risk for the sugery were better then others and he did say it was very risky. I would rate him overall as great.
His bedside manners and all are great. I would not have wanted anyone else for the sugery. Posted on 07/02/2004 |
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Glenda E.
Dallas, TX
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I was impressed with Dr. Martindale the first time I met him. After a few visits and talks with Dr. Martindale, I thought he was the very best. He never tried to rush me out of his office. I usually went to the doctor's appointment with a list of questions I needed answered, and he never rushed me in my visits. One time he took nearly an hour to answer all my questions.
His staff was great. They were and still are very willing to help in any way possible.
I like everything about Dr. Martindale. I can't think of a single negative comment.
He wants all of his patients to be successful which means, he wants his patients to follow his instructions and those of the nutritionist.
I had my surgery done in Georgia and flew back to my home in Dallas, Texas. The only bad... [Click here for more] part of my surgery was not having follow-up. My primary care physician is doing the follow-up but he doesn't know what to do if something seriously goes wrong with something related to my surgery.
Dr. Martindale sat down with me and explained all the risks involved. He even gave me the percentages of those folks who don't survive with the same health risks as I have. He let me know there was a risk, but if I was willing to proceed, he was ready to perform the surgery.
I would rank Dr. Martindale at 125%. He is beyond the best. He had all the critical elements of a successful surgeon. He was surgically competent (at the top in his field), and he has a wonderful bedside manner. I think you could search the world over and not find a better surgeon.
Posted on 02/13/2004 |
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Sandra L.
Denton, GA
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Dr Martindale has done other work for me > he is a very competent surgeon. very concerned and very informed about the newest surgeries avaliable. I trust him to all the way to do my surgery.His office staff is very nice but they don't go out of their way to help you get the surgery pre certed. If the insurance company says no first time they just take that to mean no. Dr Martindale follows you completely. he reallly emphasizes aftercare. very good would recommend him to anyone.He has a great bedside manner and is surgical competent also. Posted on 10/23/2001 |
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