Center for Laparoscopic Surgery Bariatric Center


I met Dr. Rutledge at a clinic visit with about 50 other people. I thought he was quite a funny man with alot of personality. He was very sweet and interested in the people that were there. I met alot of post ops there and they couldn't say anything bad about him. I feel that he is an excellent surgeon and doctor. I met a woman before she had surgery and we became friends, she had a leak and was very ill. Dr. Rutledge stayed with her and she recovered after aweek in the hospital. She said she was so glad he was there for her. He knew what it was immediately and went back in to repair her leak. She had taken steroids and they feel that that was the cause of the staple going through the connection. I have been back to clinic a few times and I have also called him on the phone and he even called me on a saturday. I never had any problems and am doing great.I had to write a ten page paper about the surgery and the risks so I feel I am quite knowledgable about this surgery. I am not in the same town as he is but I have to go to my pcp and have him send updates to him. We also have a lot of support group meetings all around the country. He is now working on a better after care program.He didnt have a very good one meeting with him he realies alot on a persons pcp to keep him posted on you postop. I would have surgery again with him in heart beat. My 2 sisters had surgery after they seen how well I was doing. One had surgery in Rhode Island and she had lots of complications, and one had it in wilmington. The one in wilmington did great but she did have to stay in hospital for 3 days and her surgery took 4-5 hours. Mine was only 35 minutes and I was out the next morning. My surgery also was alot less expensive. My hospital bill was $11,000. My sisters was $39,000. Dr. Rutledge doesn't normally take my insurance but after meeting me and talking he took my insurance, I will always be so grateful to him for giving me a second chance at having a happy life.

My impression of Dr. Rutledge is that he is a very caring and sensitive person. Over time, I have come to see that he is interested in the well-being of his patients, as I often receive emails from him asking how I am doing. His office staff is WONDERFUL. Barb and Diane are the sweetest folks, and though they have so much work, they always found time to answer my questions. Dr. Rutledge's requires post-ops to follow up at three month intervals either with him, or in conjunction with your own PCP who will consult with him. Dr. Rutledge requires an extensive amount of research on the patient's part (all information is provided on his website), in order that his patients become fully aware of the risks of surgery and other factors. I was delighted to discover that Dr. Rutledge is a former trauma surgeon, so I knew that not only was his bedside manner an asset, but also his surgical competence. Overall, I would rate him a 10!

he was a very kind Doctor from meeting him first. no same empression there were very attentive. ask everything at first visit.I really didn't get to see the doctor much after first visit so could tell you much about the bed side manner. but i would recoment this doctor again. because i beleive he did a great job with my surgery and is very noledgable on the typer surgery.

<font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2"><font color="9400D3"> Dr. Rutledge is one of the most caring doctors I've met. He answers any and all of your questions, both individually and in a group setting (someone else may ask a question you didn't think of). I found him to be highly compassionate, and he has a great sense of humor as well.<br><br>
At this time, Dr. Rutledge is the only doctor that performs this particular surgery. He and his office are very busy, but under the circumstances, I found them to be efficient, friendly and helpful.<br><br>
Dr. Rutledge requires alot of his patients, which was a key factor in my decision. This is a life-changing surgery...you really need to understand what you are doing! I felt that in requiring me to be well-informed, he had my best interests at heart and wasn't just trying to get my money or fill a quota.<br><br>
The Mini-Gastric Bypass is different from other WLS, in that it is less invasive and is easily reversible if the need arises. When I compared the different surgeries, I found the MGB to be the best choice for ME. More info about the Mini-Gastric Bypass and Dr. Rutledge can be found <a href="http://clos.net" TARGET="resource window"><font color="FF1493">here</a></font>.</font></font>

A very likeable person and very knowledgeable about morbid obesity and its affects. He thoroughly explained the surgery and answered all questions from everyone in clinic. You do have 1-on-1 time with him, but it is short. I suppose it could have been longer if I needed to ask more questions, but he requires such an extensive amount of study prior this meeting that I felt I didn't have any questions that were unanswered.
The morning after surgery, Dr. Rutledge came in and explained how my surgery went, how long it took and what my liver looked like. He also was available for any questions that may have come up since surgery. He made it very clear that if I had any questions or felt I needed him in anyway to page him right away from my hotel room.

Dr. Robert Rutledge was very kind and sympathetic
tohis clients's obesity struggles. I found him
to be very knowledgeable,yet aproachable.
His office staff is swamped and they are very
difficult to reach by phone. Any question you
might have,ask by email, and a quick response is
almost guaranteed!
My impression of Dr. Rutledge has only gotten
better over time. Here is a man who faces
incredible scrutiny by other so called"experts"
in the Bariatric field, yet he continues to
perform what seems to be his life's work in the
under the constant glare of the media and the
Association of Bariatric Surgeons. I have
nothing but admiration for the man.
Dr. Rutledge emphasizes aftercare so much that
prior to surgery, you must meet with a physician who
must show that they not only understand his procedure,
but promise in writing to provide aftercare
for you.
The doctor also requires a 1,3,6 and yearly update, as well
as photos.
I felt that the risks and benefits of the procedure
were well explained beforehand.
I would give Dr. Rutledge a solid 10 overall.
I believ that Dr. Rutledge is not only a highly
skilled surgeon, but has a very caring, but stern
bedside manner as well.

My first impression of Dr. Rutledge was that he was a very kind and understanding man. He really seems like he understands what the morbidly obese community goes through and genuinely cares. Dr. Rutledge has a very strict pre-approval structure that all pre-ops must go through, but I believe it was well worth it. I received a wealth of knowledge and education by having to go through this process prior to surgery. Overall I would rate Dr. Rutledge as an excellent surgeon and doctor and would recommend anyone to him.