Near Chattanooga??

I would love to hear from anyone who is in the Chattanooga area. I am still in the researching stage and would love to talk to anyone who has used a Dr. in Chatta. I will be attending my first seminar this Wed. and want to find out more about support groups in the area. I have been reading about blood clot issues and that has me a little scared but I have to remember the problems I will be facing if this weight doesn't come off soon.

Gina, I live in Cleveland and I had my surgery on 12-6-04, My surgery was done by Dr. Rose at memorial. He was highly...highly recomended by our family Dr in cleveland, and trust me our family dr has all of our trust. Anyways.. went to seminar and chose Dr Rose.. had first appointment with him, then waited about 2 months for ins to approve then went to a couple other meetings (sycho-val) and excercise consultant.. Had the surgery on 12-6 and as of today 4 weeks out and down 27 lbs.. blood pressure was greatly improved in the first 2 weeks after the surgery.. the Dr (Rose) was more impressed with the blood pressure being down than the weight. As far as blood clots.. I got a shot in the stomach right before they wheeled me back to prevent clots.. but other than that (and the pumps on my legs not to mention the pretty (ha) white stockings I had to wear nothing was really discussed about blood clots. I primarly done my surgery to prevent from other health risk in the future. I'm young (35) and I wanted to get this weight off before it was too late. Good luck in your journey and if you have other questions .. give me a shout.

thanks for the info, I have not heard that much about Dr. Rose, only Dr. Rutledge so I will need to look into getting more info on him. I want to make sure that I am dealing with a highly competent surgeon who knows what he is doing and not someone fresh out of school trying to get rich quick. I was home sick today and decided to read about the problems that can come up and that seemed to be the #1 issue. I just turned 44 but my biggest problem is blood pressure and a family history of heart disease. I know if I don't get this weight off, I will be a heart attack waiting to happen.

Gina, Congrats on getting started!! I just had my surgery done 7 weeks ago in Chattanooga at East Ridge (Parkridge East) hospital. Dr. Rutledge did my surgery and I would have him do it over again in a HEARTBEAT!! He is a perfectionist and is really good! I had no fear going in because I felt so good in his care. His nurse Donna is ready to answer your questions and they put you through to her 9/10 times when you call so you aren't waiting forever to get a callback. My surgery was a breeze and I had no pain after surgery!! They are really good about informing you and there is a support group meeting at East Ridge hospital every month on the first Thursday at 6pm. I did a lot of research and it is amazing how once you go through it, those concerns slip away! I have had a great recovery and was up and taking care of my 2 year old on my own by 4 days post op...including picking him up. I had no stomach pain, no nausea, nothing. He also is great about getting you to start eating again right away instead of some of those crazy plans of liquids for weeks, etc. I have to say, you will be in great hands if you decide to choose him Of course, keep doing your research, but I do highly recommend him. I am 26 years old and was 258 when I started and have lost 37lbs in 7 weeks. I see Dr. Rutledge on Monday morning for my 6 week appt (I was on vacation) so I am eager to hear how he feels I am progressing. Good luck and congrats again on starting this journey!! Erica

Also forgot to add that Dr. Rutledge's nurse, Donna, has had this surgery done, so it is great to know you are talking to someone who "knows" what you are going through. She had it done before Dr. Rutledge even starting doing the bypass surgery. Also, several of the staff that take care of you during your hospital stay have also had it done and there was no greater feeling of peace than being wheeled in for surgery by someone who was several months out and looked AMAZING! I had to wear pumps on my legs until I got up on my own (a few hours after surgery) and also received the tummy shot to reduce the chance of blood clots just before surgery. He recommends stopping bc pills a month before the surgery, which I didn't have any issue with because I have PCOS and never had to really worry about getting pregnant. You will find out more at the seminars, but good luck again. I feel so amazing and am so grateful to have had this surgery! Erica

Gina, Sorry it has taken so long to answer your email! No, Dr. Rutledge did not make me lose weight before the surgery. I was told not to gain, but of course, you should try to attempt the diet your PCP puts you on during the 6 months. All Dr. Rutledge needs is the 6 months required by John Deere and John Deere also requires a psych eval. They are a great company to work for, but please check your benefits for the new year because I thought they were dropping the coverage of WLS. Just check to make sure. Our insurance changed on Jan 1st, so getting the surgery in November was a Godsend!! I highly recommend Dr. Richard Moody with Galen in East Ridge for the PCP documentation. He knows the process and is completely honest. You probably already have a PCP, but if not, I HIGHLY recommend him!! He is amazingly patient and totally understanding of all the crazy requirements. The right documentation means EVERYTHING when getting approved for this surgery!! As far as my diet for the first 3 weeks, it was pretty easy: Week 1: First 3 days, clear liquids only Next 4 days, full and clear liquids Week 2: Pureeds (anything but it must be pureed to the consistency of sipping through a really big straw) Week 3-6: Soft foods. This is pretty much anything! Chicken breast, tuna, cheese, soft veggies. Like I said, anything minus the sugar and the high fat. Week 6-3 months post op: Regular foods minus raw fruits and veggies, nuts, jalapenos. 3 months post op: No restrictions other than to wait until 6 months post op before trying alcohol. No carbonation (ever!) but no limits on caffine, which was nice. Dr. Rutledge does not want his patients tied down to expensive protein drinks and would MUCH rather we get all our requirements through our food. He wants us to get 70 grams of protein and to drink 60 oz of water each day. No counting carbs, fat, calories, etc. At first, I thought he was kind of ****y at the seminar I first attended, but then I realized it wasn't ****iness. It was confidence, something that is INCREDIBLY important! He has a good record of success and does an amazing job! No stitches or staples. He uses the adhesive glue to put you back together so the healing is comfortable and quick. LOVE HIM FOR THAT. I had no restrictions on lifting right from the get go and it is great that you can almost always talk to his nurse any time you have a question. One time Donna spent about 15 minutes reassuring me after the surgery that I was doing everything right and I cannot assume all offices offer that care. I ended up missing my Monday appt for my 6 week follow up because I had a stomach virus (that SUCKS post op!) but I lost another 7 lbs!! LOL I have to reschedule, but will post on what he says. Good luck and feel free to email me with questions anytime!! Erica 258/214/125

Im in Red Bank but because of my BMI Preop I could not find a surgeon in Chattanooga that would perform any of the WLS procedures on me. I attended Dr.Rutledge's seminar at East Ridge hospital. I was taken aback by some of the generalizations that he made. Of course I didn't have to worry about all that since there was no way on this green earth he'd touch me unless I lost 70 lbs before surgery and managed to change to an ins he took. I ended up having to go to Clarksville to have my RNY done. As far as the clots they usually give you an anti clotting agent and also use circulation boots until you get up to walk and are walking good. Just make sure you walk walk walk after surgery and keep moving. That is the best thing to do to prevent clots. I wish you well. *huggles*