Robert Rutledge Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Words can't say enough about how wonderful Dr. Rutledge is. I called one time to speak to his office staff and he answered his own cell phone number. I thought he would "shoo" me off but no, he patiently answered all of my questions and said if I had any others to call him back or email him.

On the day of surgery he went over any questions or concerns but gives it to you directly without a lot of big words.

His staff is one of the best as well. They are there to always answer your questions and help you along the way.

Overall I just am so proud that Dr. Rutledge was my surgeon. He has over 7,000 surgeries under his belt but does not treat you as just a number. He is so meticulous in his care for you.

I thought he was very easy going and very knowledgeable.

It hasn't

Very friendly

his conviction

he is the best.

Totally

Yes

Very openly

I would rate Dr. Rutledge at 100%

Both Great

My first impression of Dr. Rutledge was that he seemed like a gentleman who really cared for his patients. As I got to know him better I found that it was quite true as he really follows your progress. The office staff were just as concerned with each patient, you felt like sombody instead of just being a number. They would answer any question no matter how off beat it was. Anyone concidering to have the mini gastric bypass should definitely consider calling Dr. Rutledge and their staff. Also after the surgery teh people are very demanding that you keep in contact with them at all times and let them know if anything at all dosent' feel right. Also they require you have blood work done yearly just to make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals in your system. They stipulated that there were serious risks envolved with this procedure including death which is possible with all major operations. Also was informed that there was a possibility, slim one but still there, that you might have this procedure and then not lose the weight that you really expected. On an overall scale I would definitely reccommend him to others. In my opinion I just wish I could have been able to have met him sooner than the night before surgery but then that was my fault being that I am from Canada and him from the United States I didn't have a chance to get down there sooner. As for my experience I would say that both the surgery and bed side manner were great. After the surgery he reccommended a final pain relief shot before departing home from the hospital. He had you stay a few hours after that just to make sure you were fully awake and alert befroe being discharged. I can't talk for everyone else but my experience I was very satisfied with the surgeon.

My first impression was a good one, the moment i met him i felt at ease with him.The only thing was that i didnt have much time to talk with him before my surgery and i i wish that had been better but still my impression hasnt changed because my mother had this surgery 5 months after i had mine with him and i got to talk with him a little more and he was great. The MGB staff is amazing! Penny Belcher, Kathy Goodman, Nancy Monroe and Debbie Penell, made me feel so good.The best group of women i have ever dealt with. The thing about Dr. R that you should know is that i think he is only doing surgeries in the West Coast now but Dr. Walsh who did my sister in june 04 in NC is great!With the MGB surgery came a manual and any time i have a question about something i am able to just flip through my very elborate manual dealing with vitamins, medicines, aftercare, really a great tool. Everything was exaplained to me that i needed and overall Dr. R and his staff were great and still are!

my first impression of dr. rutledge was that he should've been a stand-up comedian. he took the time to answer each and every question that both me and my husband had. he made us feel more than comfortable with this procedure and being in his care.

Dr Rutledge is outstanding, his staff was well trained and are there to answer any questions you might have before or after surgery. You will be be so well trained before you have surgery on the before care, risks, after surgery care and long term care you will feel like you completed a nurses course. Dr Rutledge preformed the MGB that is the MIni-Gastric Bypass Surgery and that has a risk of 1 out of 2000 patients, much safer than the rest of the surgeries with the same weight loss results. His bedside manner was excellent he was comical, down to earth and made sure he answered ALL your questions you had along with taking the time to let us feel important. This was a 100% positive review!

Dr. Rutledge is an excellent surgeon. His surgical skill is amazing and his statistics are the best of any weight loss surgeon that I know of. He does a different procedure from the RNY. He performs the mini gastric bypass. It is less invasive and much safer than the RNY. The results are the same if not better than the RNY. I would recommend him, his staff and the hospital that he performs his surgery at to anyone.

Dr Rutledge is offering something that I could find no where else. He has a great track record and his skill is fantastic. I can't say enough about my surgery and the professionalism of Dr rutledge and his team. They were so knowledgable. Many on his team have had the surgery and know first hand what you are going through. The hospital I stayed at in Statesville was one of the best I have ever been in, the staff was great.

Dr Rutledge requires alittle more then most doctors in the pre-op phase, but it is worth every minute you spend preparing. I wish I would have met him 10 years ago.

Thanks you Dr Rutledge for making a difference in my life.

I thought he was well rehearsed when I visited the first open clinic given. (Understandably since he does this several times a week)

My impression changed when I met him on a personal level. I realized he really wants to help overweight people have a normal life.

The staff is very good. They answered any and all of your questions. They have a web site and a 24/7 chat room and all the staff members have lap top computers and cell phones that are accessable by us the patient at anytime of anyday we need to talk with someone from the office. If you do get a voice mail or end up e-mailing the staff member that you want, your bound to get a answer within a few minutes to a few hours. Very good turn-around time.

I do not have a feeling of dislike for him.

My surgeon is very busy, but will answer all your questions in lenght and detail in person or over the web.

Aftercare is a huge concern. You must do a comprehensive packet before your even considered for this operation. Included in this packet is the aftercare program which you must adheard to strickly.

yes, the aftercare program is very important and structured. One benefit is the monthly check in process with Dr. Rutledge over the web. If you forget, a staff member will be calling you.

All risks are discussed in full detail. Nothing is withheld.

Dr. Rutledge is a very good guy. He has devoted his life's practice to help obese people live longer. He only does WLS.

surgical competence

I have to admit I was a little scared since I found Dr Rutledge on the internet, and you never know how things can turn out. But I traveled to NC for my surgery, blind as to the personality of my surgeon, trusting my instincts. When I met him one on one for the first time, I knew I made the right choice. He didnt rush me, he answer all my questions, and my moms questions without making us feel stupid, and he answered them in terms my mom could understand. His office staff has since changed since my surgery, but they were all very helpful and sincere. Dr Rutledge made sure you are aware of the risks of weight loss surgery, and how its not a simple solution. Its a life changing operation, that needs commitment on the patients side. FOR LIFE! I am three yrs out now, and Im sure if I called him today, he would be very glad to hear from me. He makes you feel like you are his only patient, and that you are special. He treats you like a person, not a fat slob who is too lazy to go on a diet. (which we all know thee are some docs out there who do that) I would go and have him do this surgery again...I have no regrets and not one doubt that he was the right surgeon for me. I wish that there was an easier way for people to afford this MGB over other weight loss surgery and the drawback to Dr Rutledge right now is the insurance, and he is private pay first. I wish the govt would see the need to help people get this surgery for better quality of life.