Question:
Need help finding out to get approved for Dr. Rutledge

I am stationed at Fort Benning with my husband. I would like to have surgery with Dr. Rutledge but have no idea how to get the ball rolling. I went to Martin Army and had several pre-op tests done there in anticipation of having surgery there but changed my mind. Any information would be greatly appreciated!    — Jamie S. (posted on February 2, 2001)

February 2, 2001
Please do a little more research before you settle on Dr. Rutledge. I am sure there are plenty of surgeons in North Carolina that do the RNY. I have heard many bad things about the long term success of the procedure that he perfoms and his conveyor belt way of doing surgeries (sometimes 13 a day). Now is the prefect opprotunity to make sure you have the best procedure for you. I know there are people that have had the mgb and are satisified but ultimately the choice is yours. Please research wisely. Good luck.
   — [Anonymous]

February 2, 2001
I agree with the last post about dr.Rutledge,I went to his sight and filled out a profile to have some questions answered about his procedure.The next thing I know I have a close to 12 page referral letter to send my insurance co. with statements like "I have spoken at great length with(my name)" , and listing co-morbs I didn't even have. Long story short , I didn't get a good feeling at all about him,If he's going to lie to the insurance co. to make money, is he going to be honest with me? I think not! I wish you well,God bless!
   — [Anonymous]

February 2, 2001
Hi, I had surgery with Dr. Rutledge 14 months ago. I had Tricare standard and had no problem getting Tricare to approve my surgery. You might have a problem with Tricare Prime approving you to go to Dr. Rutledge especially if you live near a military hopital that does weight loss surgery. You might want to think about changing over to Standard. Dr. Rutledge was wonderful and I have lost 135 pounds and have met my goal weight.
   — Elisabeth S.