Dr. Robert Rutledge and mini gatric bypass
3 years? Good for you! Have you had an endoscopy since your surgery? Unfortunately. ...I waited seven years after Dr. Rutledge performed his "magic MGB" on my body...and found out out too late that he'd LIED and done a much older procedure that was actually discontinued in 1967. I'm 15 years post-op. Doubt I'll live to see 20. Malnutrition is so severe that the best docs at the best facilities in the country are baffled. The Mayo Clinic has reviewed my results and health status. I have to take 20000 iu of Vit D every DAY to even keep my level close to normal. That's one of them....there are sixteen. The iron deficiency /anemia was so severe that they sent me inpatient to receive IV iron. I am severely immunocompromised. My bones are degenerating and weakening. I have thyroid disorders now. I have gastritis, gastroenteritis, several bleeding ulcers, esophagitis, and BARRETTS DISEASE. look it up. Mine has already progressed to the point where cells are changing into dysplasia and cancer. Robert Rutledge? A liar and a thief. He should be criminally charged.
Depending on your BMI, ask Dr. Oh about the DS! I don't hear of many having the reflux problem after the DS. If you have a lower bmi, the lapband may be okay, but I don't really recommend it - I had it and then revised to the DS - best thing I've ever done. Dr. Oh is an excellent surgeon. I'd strongly recommend against the MGB as I'm sure he would, too. There is a huge body of negative history about folks who have had it needing revisions and having complications. See some of the other posts on this thread. Dr. Oh will do the DS if you are adamant about it. I'd suggest taking a look, especially if your BMI is over 50.
Jill - revision - band to DS 3/10/05 Dr. Baltasar, Spain
440/140/149 hw/cw/gw - 5'5" -300lbs -- bmi 73.2 to 24.8 :) GOAL MET 10/26/10!!.... Even made 140 September 2012. Been ranging 4-6lbs from 144-146 since then. Back to 140 December 2012, hoping to see it again after I feel better and start working out.
I'm 11 months post-op with Dr. R. My surgical experience was first-rate. Recovery VERY easy and quick. Complications zilch. I've lost 165 pounds and am nearing my goal weight.
I've had zero reflux issues. I was worried about that because of the topology of the connection between intestine and stomach after surgery - no pyloris valve in between anymore. It simply has NOT been an issue.
Anyone who has actually met Dr. R. and his staff will tell you this thread is pure baloney.
MGB rules!
Jeff P
You know this thread isn't going to have any resolution...we obviously just all need to "agree to disagree". I actually don't know Dr. Rutledge personally but there are some VERY EXCELLENT surgeons in this town.
Dr. Teng also requires all of his patients to know "exactly" what your procedure entails. Not only that but on your final pre-op visit...you are given a written 20 question test which you must pass or your surgery will be rescheduled for a later date.
Dr Hanna is relatively new in the field of bariatric surgery but he is one of the most excellent surgeons that I've ever had the pleasure of working with.
I'm by no means an expert but I do consider myself to have a slight upper hand as I've worked as an ICU RN in Vegas since 1985.
I had surgery with Dr. Rutledge in North Carolina in March 30, 2001. I cannot speak for everyone else but I can speak for my own experience. I did my research as we were required to do. I was 29 years old & weighed 300 lbs & was the single mother of a 5 year old. My surgery was 30 minutes long. Insurance didn't cover it so I was self pay. It was $12,000 at the time & my only option really. After much prayer, everything fell into place, perfectly! Surgery & recovery went great. I am now a married mother of 3 & weigh 130 & wear a size 3. I had a tummy tuck after my second child. I've had no complications except for some bouts with anemia & some spells with reflux. I take high doses of acid reducers & that helps. My advice would be do your research & follow your heart! My best wishes to all!