Jack F. Rutledge, M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center
Dr. Rutledge is a great person. He talks to me like I am somebody, not like I am just a number. He spoke with my mother before surgery and really calmed her fears. He's been great to me. His office staff is very knowledgeable and approachable. They have been very helpful. His surgical competence is just as great as his bedside manner. I've spoken to other surgeons who talk down to their patients, he never does that.rnrnHe is very big on after care, and emphasizes support groups.
First Impression of Dr. Rutledge... intelligent, caring and straightforward. His office staff is absolutely wonderful... all of them! They're always eager to help with anything I need and they answer my questions without hesitation. I really don't have anything negative to report about him or his staff. He's very concerned with the after care of surgery and I think that's going to help me in being successful. He discussed the risks of surgery one by one and made sure I had no questions. He makes sure that you understand what's at stake and he answers all of your questions. He hasn't lost anyone yet to the surgery - and I may very well be the first, God only knows, but I trust this man with my life, without hesitation. I believe the benefit of the surgery far outweighs the risks of the surgery. I don't want to live in this prison any longer.rnrnUpdate - surgery was a week ago. My first week was a little rough and I had to call Dr. Rutledge's office several times. Both he and his nurse called back three days to check on me and see how I was doing. They are incredible to work with! I'm very, very blessed to have been able to use Dr. Rutledge.
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Dr. Rutledge is the greatest. I checked out several surgeons before making my choice. He is a perfectionist, which is exactly what I want for someone who is going to be taking my life in their hands. Everyone that I talked to had nothing but words of praise for him. His assistant, Donna is wonderful too. She helped me every step of the way, answering any question that I had and never acted like I was bothering her. The aftercare program is pretty general. However, Dr. Rutledge is strict and he insists that you follow it exactly. Your success is his number one priority.rn
I would recommend Dr. Jack Rutledge to anyone wanting WLS in the N GA or TN Valley Area. From the first time I went to his seminar I knew I like him. I think it was because I knew he was a straight shooter and that he was not going to tell you just what you might want to hear.rnrnThe staff at his office are second to none. They have taken me in and befriended me in a way I can not explain. They took care of my insurance request, helped em schedule other appointments that need to be made and have just generally made me feel good about myselfrnrnThey say no person can be best in all aspects but I can find no want with this Dr. or his office.
I first met Dr. Rutledge about 4 years ago when I went to a WLS seminar and I thougt that if I went thru with the surgery..he was going to be the one to do it. There were three other doctors in the seminar with him, but I knew he was the one for me. Fast forward four years and we meet again at a weight loss seminar. He was the only surgeon there but I had made up my mind four years before. I turned in my paper work and requested a consulation appointment with his office. Went to the appointment on December 14, 2006 and I thought he was little distant. Did not feel really comfortable with him after that visit. But I talked it over with some friends and they said his bedside manner was not as important as his credentials. Then one of my friends made me reallize a few things that could have influenced my judgement. 1) I was scared 2) I was PMSing 3) I was scared!! 4) a little personal stress going on at the time. So I knew that the main problem was ME on that visit. His office was very thorough in getting my paper work submitted to my insurance company and I got approval in exactly 10 business days and had a surgery date three weeks later. I had to have one more office visit with Dr. Rutledge and he wanted to met one of my family members. My mom was not really wanting me to have to surgery and did not want to go to visit with me. But she came and I was afraid that would be a disaster but you know what....my mom and aunt both got along great with Dr. Rutledge..which is saying a whole lot. They normally do not get along to well with Dr's. :-)rnrnSo on the day of my surgery I had a few friends and family along with me and he was even great to my friends. My friends Monica and Michelle were back in the surgery prep area with me and Monica called him Dr. McDreamy and he just laughed. He noticed right away that my mother was not present and he went out into the waiting area to talk to her before he started my surgery!! How is that for concern and courtesy? I would give him a five! !(I work for a call center and 5 is the highest score you can get). He came to check me over the next day and I was cleared to go home. I will have a follow up appointment next Thursday and go from there. I think Dr. Rutledges bedside manner and surgical competence are both excellent!
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This man is my hero twice over. He did a great job on the surgery. A couple days latter, I thought I was spasming as I could feel my colon/pouch doing weird things after a sip. I called and asked to get something for that. He called back and said get to the ER we've got to be sure. Well, I was fine but he met me at the ER and watched the swallow test in person. It was just a spasm.rnrnNow fast forward to 15 months out. I get a bloated feeling think its just gas. The next day its worse and I finally take a left over hydrocodone and it doesn't knock out the paind. I called his office and told them I was going to the ER. Well guess who got there right after me. Dr. Rutledge, he had finished surgery for the day and was on his way home. He turned around and came to me. He diagnosed an internal hernia. I was already prepped for a CT so again he walked down and watched the scan himself. YEP. He had me in surgery in no time flat. MY husband barely got there. This man cares and he's good.rnrnYes there are risks and he advises you himself. Tells you the good the bad and the worst. But..he cares and treats you with respect. In a local article he said these people are usually dieting gurus who've been there and done that, now they have a tool to help them or something to that affect. Gotta love him. The support groups are there but they are what you make of them. NEtwork yourself and find buddies.
first impression: he's a quiet person.rnrnimpression over time: great listenerrnrnoffice staff: friendlyrnrnleast liked: too busyrnrnWhat should future pt know about him: remind him of what all your health issues are.rnrnaftercare emphasized: all the time!rnrnstructured aftercare program: don't know about other programs but, seems structured. You are given a tour of the facility, a notebook with detailed instructions on each phase of immediate recovery, several hours with the bariatric coordinator,....rn12/2006 there is no program at Parkridge East Hospital now, he only goes to Memorial Hospital.rnrnrisks addressed: covered everything wellrnrnrate him: 7 out of 10rnrnbetter at surgical competence or bedside manner?: both great.......rnrn