Re: Serious advice for Pre-ops

June 4, 2000

I dont understand the sentence " He does do redos ..but I can't have

the surgery "

Was that a typo? Did you mean to say he does NOT do redos?

Also you did not state WHY you could not have the surgery. Not

everyone is a candidate.Please give more information. It may be that

DR R in his studies has found that he has to limit his surgery to

certain guidelines now. This is all part of research. As you gain

more knowledge you have(the doctor ,etc) have to make judgements

based on that information.

Does anyone know what status of getting this procedure to be deemed

non experimental yet? He has to be getting close. Although I know

there is a TON of redtape.

Perhaps the person that told you the information made an error.

Everyone is human.Get an explanation in WRITING. Your insurance

company or the next surgeon may need it.

0

> I know how you feel. I have been researching this since January.

I have

> gathered all of my information - did everything I was suppose to

do. I have

> talked with him previously because I had previous WLS. I have been

in

> contact with two other patients who had the MGB and previous WLS

and are

> doing fine. Friday I get a phone call from Barbara in Dr. R's

office and

> she said he does do re-dos and that I could not have the surgery.

I had my

> previous WLS on the first patient information form I submitted back

in

> February and I have e-mailed the Dr. about this before and now all

of the

> sudden I am not a candidate. I feel like I have been kicked in the

stomach.

> I'm frustrated. Sharons43@e...

> Serious advice for Pre-ops

>

> > Folks, just because your insurance has approved you, your doctor

and

> > family support you and you have written a patient letter made all

> > your

> > contacts and done everything you can to get ready for surgery,

just

> > because of all that don't think you will get the surgery.

> >

> > I have been turned down by Dr. Rutledge with no explanation except

> > some vague reference to my attitude. I have no idea what he bases

> > this on. I waited patiently since the first of February and was

> > always as tactful and friendly as could be when dealing with any

of

> > the staff in Raleigh. The only thing I know could have caused

this

> > problem is that I was informed that Dr. Rutledge had approved my

> > package but that I didn't sign my patient letter and thay my

doctor

> > hadn't sent a letter that he would support me after surgery. I

told

> > them I would be glad to sigh the patient letter when I came up for

> > clinic and that my doctor's support letter was included in the

letter

> > he wrote concerning my examination and my medical history, and

asked

> > them to read his letter again. I then asked, what next?? After a

> > week I was told he had decided to wait 3 months before

considering me.

> >

> > I was severely shocked that this had happened after working so

hard

> > and waiting so long. At first I thought he was just kidding me and

> > was

> > making a joke, I was assured by his secretary he didn't joke.

Now I

> > am having to try to find help elsewhere. Seems strange he would

> > preach

> > to us about " NO RNY " and all the other problems we could have with

> > other procedures and then leave us with no other choice but have

> > another procedure. My insurance company contacted me wanting to

> > know

> > what was happening, I had no

> > answer for them. I hope this doesn't make it harder for some of

you

> > to get approval if you have Kanawah insurance, they were a mite

> > ticked off about this situation.

> >

> > My suggestion, if you have problems, show no emotion at all. If

you

> > feel like exploding, kick your dog. Always be sure to stifle any

> > impatience you might have, or at least keep quiet until after you

> > have

> > had your surgery.

> >

> > This is serious. I know you understand how it is to aim your

whole

> > life toward one event and then have someone snatch it away for

some

> > reason that is known only to them. Be very careful in your

dealings

> > with the Doctor and handle everyone with kid golves or you could

be

> > the next one to be dissapointed. I have tried not to be too

bitter

> > in

> > this warning. HOw did I do??

> >

> > Be Careful, Keep any feelings to yourself unless you are praising

> > everything that is going on here.

> >

> > Mitch , S.C.

> > 55 years old, 376 pounds. Insurance approved. Doctor approved.

> > Family approved. Package approved. Turned down by Dr Rutledge.

> >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------

------

> > Free @Backup service! Click here for your free trial of @Backup.

> > @Backup is the most convenient way to securely protect and access

> > your files online. Try it now and receive 300 MyPoints.

> > http://click.egroups.com/1/4935/2/_/453517/_/960082079/

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------

------

> >

> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at

Onelist.com

> > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

> > Get the Patient Manual at http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm

> >

June 4, 2000

Sharon,

I do not know what to think. I suppose he has a reason for not doing

redos. Maybe his reason is(just guessing...not saying for sure)

He feels that redos(I dont know if this is all or some) for some

reason are not what he wants to offer his services for anymore.

There could be many reasons.

*noncompliance issues

*issues of sticking with non redos because the procedure is in an

investigational/research approval process

*Trouble with insurance paying?????

I am even thinking that perhaps he has found a TON of adhesions on

redo patients do to the open procedure and that it makes it TOO risky

for him.You know drs have to listen to the insurance(their own)

company too. Even though DR R 's stats are WONDERFUL.......I am sure

not all redo docs are.....especially the ones that do an Open RNY.

Just thoughts. The best thing to do is send him a letter. Send it

private so HE gets it. Do not send it certified for him as he may

never be able to sign for it and he sure does not have time to run to

thepost office for a bunch of certified mail. DO NOT fax it or email

it either.

Ever patient is unique. Try not to be accusatory(not saying that you

would be in your letter) but try to seek answers to if this is

because of *your* personal medical history OR if this is just a

policy for all redos.

I have not read the site lately......was there a notice about redos?

> > > I know how you feel. I have been researching this since

January.

> > I have

> > > gathered all of my information - did everything I was suppose to

> > do. I have

> > > talked with him previously because I had previous WLS. I have

been

> > in

> > > contact with two other patients who had the MGB and previous

WLS

> > and are

> > > doing fine. Friday I get a phone call from Barbara in Dr. R's

> > office and

> > > she said he does do re-dos and that I could not have the

surgery.

> > I had my

> > > previous WLS on the first patient information form I submitted

back

> > in

> > > February and I have e-mailed the Dr. about this before and now

all

> > of the

> > > sudden I am not a candidate. I feel like I have been kicked in

the

> > stomach.

> > > I'm frustrated. Sharons43@e...

> > > Serious advice for Pre-ops

> > >

> > > > Folks, just because your insurance has approved you, your

doctor

> > and

> > > > family support you and you have written a patient letter made

all

> > > > your

> > > > contacts and done everything you can to get ready for surgery,

> > just

> > > > because of all that don't think you will get the surgery.

> > > >

> > > > I have been turned down by Dr. Rutledge with no explanation

except

> > > > some vague reference to my attitude. I have no idea what he

bases

> > > > this on. I waited patiently since the first of February and

was

> > > > always as tactful and friendly as could be when dealing with

any

> > of

> > > > the staff in Raleigh. The only thing I know could have caused

> > this

> > > > problem is that I was informed that Dr. Rutledge had approved

my

> > > > package but that I didn't sign my patient letter and thay my

> > doctor

> > > > hadn't sent a letter that he would support me after surgery.

I

> > told

> > > > them I would be glad to sigh the patient letter when I came

up for

> > > > clinic and that my doctor's support letter was included in the

> > letter

> > > > he wrote concerning my examination and my medical history, and

> > asked

> > > > them to read his letter again. I then asked, what next??

After a

> > > > week I was told he had decided to wait 3 months before

> > considering me.

> > > >

> > > > I was severely shocked that this had happened after working so

> > hard

> > > > and waiting so long. At first I thought he was just kidding

me and

> > > > was

> > > > making a joke, I was assured by his secretary he didn't joke.

> > Now I

> > > > am having to try to find help elsewhere. Seems strange he

would

> > > > preach

> > > > to us about " NO RNY " and all the other problems we could have

with

> > > > other procedures and then leave us with no other choice but

have

> > > > another procedure. My insurance company contacted me

wanting to

> > > > know

> > > > what was happening, I had no

> > > > answer for them. I hope this doesn't make it harder for some

of

> > you

> > > > to get approval if you have Kanawah insurance, they were a

mite

> > > > ticked off about this situation.

> > > >

> > > > My suggestion, if you have problems, show no emotion at all.

If

> > you

> > > > feel like exploding, kick your dog. Always be sure to stifle

any

> > > > impatience you might have, or at least keep quiet until after

you

> > > > have

> > > > had your surgery.

> > > >

> > > > This is serious. I know you understand how it is to aim your

> > whole

> > > > life toward one event and then have someone snatch it away for

> > some

> > > > reason that is known only to them. Be very careful in your

> > dealings

> > > > with the Doctor and handle everyone with kid golves or you

could

> > be

> > > > the next one to be dissapointed. I have tried not to be too

> > bitter

> > > > in

> > > > this warning. HOw did I do??

> > > >

> > > > Be Careful, Keep any feelings to yourself unless you are

praising

> > > > everything that is going on here.

> > > >

> > > > Mitch , S.C.

> > > > 55 years old, 376 pounds. Insurance approved. Doctor

approved.

> > > > Family approved. Package approved. Turned down by Dr

Rutledge.

> > > >

> > > > --------------------------------------------------------------

----

> > ------

> > > > Free @Backup service! Click here for your free trial of

@Backup.

> > > > @Backup is the most convenient way to securely protect and

access

> > > > your files online. Try it now and receive 300 MyPoints.

> > > > http://click.egroups.com/1/4935/2/_/453517/_/960082079/

> > > > --------------------------------------------------------------

----

> > ------

> > > >

> > > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at

> > Onelist.com

> > > > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

> > > > Get the Patient Manual at

http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm

> > > >

> >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------

------

> > Failed tests, classes skipped, forgotten locker combinations.

> > Remember the good 'ol days

> > http://click.egroups.com/1/4053/2/_/453517/_/960154755/

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------

------

> >

> > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at

Onelist.com

> > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

> > Get the Patient Manual at http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm

> >

June 4, 2000

---

" " <..> wrote:

> I do not know what to think. I suppose he has a reason for not

doing

> redos. Maybe his reason is(just guessing...not saying for,

To my knowledge it is very difficult to op on any one who has had

previous open surgeries. It depends on the location of the past

ops.. You develop scar tissue and your insides basically become

mush/gel, and sometimes it becomes difficult to locate the

organs/intestines..Also if you have had previous diseases,and have

taken certain meds.

This is what I ve gathered listening here on the list.

In MiniGastricBypass (AT) e, " " wrote:

> Sharon,

> I do not know what to think. I suppose he has a reason for not

doing

> redos. Maybe his reason is(just guessing...not saying for sure)

> He feels that redos(I dont know if this is all or some) for some

> reason are not what he wants to offer his services for anymore.

> There could be many reasons.

> *noncompliance issues

> *issues of sticking with non redos because the procedure is in an

> investigational/research approval process

> *Trouble with insurance paying?????

> I am even thinking that perhaps he has found a TON of adhesions on

> redo patients do to the open procedure and that it makes it TOO

risky

> for him.You know drs have to listen to the insurance(their own)

> company too. Even though DR R 's stats are WONDERFUL.......I am

sure

> not all redo docs are.....especially the ones that do an Open RNY.

> Just thoughts. The best thing to do is send him a letter. Send it

> private so HE gets it. Do not send it certified for him as he may

> never be able to sign for it and he sure does not have time to run

to

> thepost office for a bunch of certified mail. DO NOT fax it or

email

> it either.

> Ever patient is unique. Try not to be accusatory(not saying that

you

> would be in your letter) but try to seek answers to if this is

> because of *your* personal medical history OR if this is just a

> policy for all redos.

>

> I have not read the site lately......was there a notice about redos?

>

> > > > I know how you feel. I have been researching this since

> January.

> > > I have

> > > > gathered all of my information - did everything I was suppose

to

> > > do. I have

> > > > talked with him previously because I had previous WLS. I

have

> been

> > > in

> > > > contact with two other patients who had the MGB and previous

> WLS

> > > and are

> > > > doing fine. Friday I get a phone call from Barbara in Dr. R's

> > > office and

> > > > she said he does do re-dos and that I could not have the

> surgery.

> > > I had my

> > > > previous WLS on the first patient information form I

submitted

> back

> > > in

> > > > February and I have e-mailed the Dr. about this before and

now

> all

> > > of the

> > > > sudden I am not a candidate. I feel like I have been kicked

in

> the

> > > stomach.

> > > > I'm frustrated. Sharons43@e...

> > > > Serious advice for Pre-ops

> > > >

> > > > > Folks, just because your insurance has approved you, your

> doctor

> > > and

> > > > > family support you and you have written a patient letter

made

> all

> > > > > your

> > > > > contacts and done everything you can to get ready for

surgery,

> > > just

> > > > > because of all that don't think you will get the surgery.

> > > > >

> > > > > I have been turned down by Dr. Rutledge with no explanation

> except

> > > > > some vague reference to my attitude. I have no idea what

he

> bases

> > > > > this on. I waited patiently since the first of February

and

> was

> > > > > always as tactful and friendly as could be when dealing

with

> any

> > > of

> > > > > the staff in Raleigh. The only thing I know could have

caused

> > > this

> > > > > problem is that I was informed that Dr. Rutledge had

approved

> my

> > > > > package but that I didn't sign my patient letter and thay my

> > > doctor

> > > > > hadn't sent a letter that he would support me after

surgery.

> I

> > > told

> > > > > them I would be glad to sigh the patient letter when I came

> up for

> > > > > clinic and that my doctor's support letter was included in

the

> > > letter

> > > > > he wrote concerning my examination and my medical history,

and

> > > asked

> > > > > them to read his letter again. I then asked, what next??

> After a

> > > > > week I was told he had decided to wait 3 months before

> > > considering me.

> > > > >

> > > > > I was severely shocked that this had happened after working

so

> > > hard

> > > > > and waiting so long. At first I thought he was just kidding

> me and

> > > > > was

> > > > > making a joke, I was assured by his secretary he didn't

joke.

> > > Now I

> > > > > am having to try to find help elsewhere. Seems strange he

> would

> > > > > preach

> > > > > to us about " NO RNY " and all the other problems we could

have

> with

> > > > > other procedures and then leave us with no other choice but

> have

> > > > > another procedure. My insurance company contacted me

> wanting to

> > > > > know

> > > > > what was happening, I had no

> > > > > answer for them. I hope this doesn't make it harder for

some

> of

> > > you

> > > > > to get approval if you have Kanawah insurance, they were a

> mite

> > > > > ticked off about this situation.

> > > > >

> > > > > My suggestion, if you have problems, show no emotion at

all.

> If

> > > you

> > > > > feel like exploding, kick your dog. Always be sure to

stifle

> any

> > > > > impatience you might have, or at least keep quiet until

after

> you

> > > > > have

> > > > > had your surgery.

> > > > >

> > > > > This is serious. I know you understand how it is to aim

your

> > > whole

> > > > > life toward one event and then have someone snatch it away

for

> > > some

> > > > > reason that is known only to them. Be very careful in your

> > > dealings

> > > > > with the Doctor and handle everyone with kid golves or you

> could

> > > be

> > > > > the next one to be dissapointed. I have tried not to be too

> > > bitter

> > > > > in

> > > > > this warning. HOw did I do??

> > > > >

> > > > > Be Careful, Keep any feelings to yourself unless you are

> praising

> > > > > everything that is going on here.

> > > > >

> > > > > Mitch , S.C.

> > > > > 55 years old, 376 pounds. Insurance approved. Doctor

> approved.

> > > > > Family approved. Package approved. Turned down by Dr

> Rutledge.

> > > > >

--------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> > > ------

> > > > > Free @Backup service! Click here for your free trial of

> @Backup.

> > > > > @Backup is the most convenient way to securely protect and

> access

> > > > > your files online. Try it now and receive 300 MyPoints.

> > > > > http://click.egroups.com/1/4935/2/_/453517/_/960082079/

> > > > >

--------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> > > ------

> > > > >

> > > > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at

> > > Onelist.com

> > > > > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

> > > > > Get the Patient Manual at

> http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm

> > > > >

> > >

------------------------------------------------------------------

> ------

> > > Failed tests, classes skipped, forgotten locker combinations.

> > > Remember the good 'ol days

> > > http://click.egroups.com/1/4053/2/_/453517/_/960154755/

> > >

------------------------------------------------------------------

> ------

> > >

> > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at

> Onelist.com

> > > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

> > > Get the Patient Manual at http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm

> > >

June 4, 2000

Sharon,

I think you may have overlooked part of the criteria for being

considered a candidate for surgery in the patient manual is " No

previous WLS " . I'm not trying to minimize your hurt. The main

reason that I paid so much attention to that statement was that it

came in the same paragraph as the " no major abdominal surgery "

(except for the exclusions listed) statement. I too, had to

have " special consideration " from Dr. R. I had adhesions (scarring)

in my lower abdomin that affected my small bowel. Luckily for me I

had a video of my insides (from appendectomy) that showed the

adhesions. Dr R. reviewed it BEFORE he would consider me a

candidate. I guess what I am trying to say is that Dr. R. ALWAYS

puts the health and safety of his patients and potential patients

first and foremost. Try the advice you were given about writng DR.

R. a letter include in it all medical records, OP-reports, everything

you can get your hands on about your other WLS,and let him know that

you are willing to wait on his timetable as hard as that is. I would

ask him if he is ruling out doing any " re-dos " completely, is this an

area that he is trying to make decisions about, or has he ruled you

out based on your particular medical history. I'm sure that if you

ask him respectfully and professionally(keeping in mind that his

plate is full and overflowing) he will get in touch with you on his

timetable. You are in our prayers and thoughts.

Yours in Christ's Love,

Donna B. in Statesville, NC

> > > > > I know how you feel. I have been researching this since

> > January.

> > > > I have

> > > > > gathered all of my information - did everything I was

suppose to

> > > > do. I have

> > > > > talked with him previously because I had previous WLS. I

have

> > been

> > > > in

> > > > > contact with two other patients who had the MGB and

> > > > and are

> > > > > doing fine. Friday I get a phone call from Barbara in Dr.

R's

> > > > office and

> > > > > she said he does do re-dos and that I could not have the

> > surgery.

> > > > I had my

> > > > > previous WLS on the first patient information form I

submitted

> > back

> > > > in

> > > > > February and I have e-mailed the Dr. about this before and

now

> > all

> > > > of the

> > > > > sudden I am not a candidate. I feel like I have been

kicked in

> > the

> > > > stomach.

> > > > > I'm frustrated. Sharons43@e...

> > > > > Serious advice for Pre-ops

> > > > >

> > > > > > Folks, just because your insurance has approved you, your

> > doctor

> > > > and

> > > > > > family support you and you have written a patient letter

made

> > all

> > > > > > your

> > > > > > contacts and done everything you can to get ready for

surgery,

> > > > just

> > > > > > because of all that don't think you will get the surgery.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I have been turned down by Dr. Rutledge with no

explanation

> > except

> > > > > > some vague reference to my attitude. I have no idea what

he

> > bases

> > > > > > this on. I waited patiently since the first of February

and

> > was

> > > > > > always as tactful and friendly as could be when dealing

with

> > any

> > > > of

> > > > > > the staff in Raleigh. The only thing I know could have

caused

> > > > this

> > > > > > problem is that I was informed that Dr. Rutledge had

approved

> > my

> > > > > > package but that I didn't sign my patient letter and thay

my

> > > > doctor

> > > > > > hadn't sent a letter that he would support me after

surgery.

> > I

> > > > told

> > > > > > them I would be glad to sigh the patient letter when I

came

> > up for

> > > > > > clinic and that my doctor's support letter was included

in the

> > > > letter

> > > > > > he wrote concerning my examination and my medical

history, and

> > > > asked

> > > > > > them to read his letter again. I then asked, what next??

> > After a

> > > > > > week I was told he had decided to wait 3 months before

> > > > considering me.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I was severely shocked that this had happened after

working so

> > > > hard

> > > > > > and waiting so long. At first I thought he was just

kidding

> > me and

> > > > > > was

> > > > > > making a joke, I was assured by his secretary he didn't

joke.

> > > > Now I

> > > > > > am having to try to find help elsewhere. Seems strange he

> > would

> > > > > > preach

> > > > > > to us about " NO RNY " and all the other problems we could

have

> > with

> > > > > > other procedures and then leave us with no other choice

but

> > have

> > > > > > another procedure. My insurance company contacted me

> > wanting to

> > > > > > know

> > > > > > what was happening, I had no

> > > > > > answer for them. I hope this doesn't make it harder for

some

> > of

> > > > you

> > > > > > to get approval if you have Kanawah insurance, they were a

> > mite

> > > > > > ticked off about this situation.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > My suggestion, if you have problems, show no emotion at

all.

> > If

> > > > you

> > > > > > feel like exploding, kick your dog. Always be sure to

stifle

> > any

> > > > > > impatience you might have, or at least keep quiet until

after

> > you

> > > > > > have

> > > > > > had your surgery.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > This is serious. I know you understand how it is to aim

your

> > > > whole

> > > > > > life toward one event and then have someone snatch it

away for

> > > > some

> > > > > > reason that is known only to them. Be very careful in

your

> > > > dealings

> > > > > > with the Doctor and handle everyone with kid golves or you

> > could

> > > > be

> > > > > > the next one to be dissapointed. I have tried not to be

too

> > > > bitter

> > > > > > in

> > > > > > this warning. HOw did I do??

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Be Careful, Keep any feelings to yourself unless you are

> > praising

> > > > > > everything that is going on here.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Mitch , S.C.

> > > > > > 55 years old, 376 pounds. Insurance approved. Doctor

> > approved.

> > > > > > Family approved. Package approved. Turned down by Dr

> > Rutledge.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

----

> > ----

> > > > ------

> > > > > > Free @Backup service! Click here for your free trial of

> > @Backup.

> > > > > > @Backup is the most convenient way to securely protect and

> > access

> > > > > > your files online. Try it now and receive 300 MyPoints.

> > > > > > http://click.egroups.com/1/4935/2/_/453517/_/960082079/

> > > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

----

> > ----

> > > > ------

> > > > > >

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June 5, 2000

Mitch,

I'm really sorry that you can't have the surgery with Dr. Rutledge. He is

the best there is. He has been so patient and understanding with me and my

husband. Could it be that you said something that made him mad or hurt his

feelings? During the frustrating time of putting everything together did you

maybe take it out on him or the staff? I know when my meds are off I can be

very snippy. Maybe a heart to heart with Dr.R and an apology from you would

turn the tide your swimming in. This is just my two cents. I will shut up and

go away now. Good Luck and God Bless you!

Janet Armour

June 5, 2000

Mitch,

I'm really sorry that you can't have the surgery with Dr. Rutledge. He is

the best there is. He has been so patient and understanding with me and my

husband. Could it be that you said something that made him mad or hurt his

feelings? During the frustrating time of putting everything together did you

maybe take it out on him or the staff? I know when my meds are off I can be

very snippy. Maybe a heart to heart with Dr.R and an apology from you would

turn the tide your swimming in. This is just my two cents. I will shut up and

go away now. Good Luck and God Bless you!

Janet Armour

June 5, 2000

Mitch,

I'm really sorry that you can't have the surgery with Dr. Rutledge. He is

the best there is. He has been so patient and understanding with me and my

husband. Could it be that you said something that made him mad or hurt his

feelings? During the frustrating time of putting everything together did you

maybe take it out on him or the staff? I know when my meds are off I can be

very snippy. Maybe a heart to heart with Dr.R and an apology from you would

turn the tide your swimming in. This is just my two cents. I will shut up and

go away now. Good Luck and God Bless you!

Janet Armour

June 5, 2000

Thanks Donna - I guess I am confused because he has done two other re-do's

and had requested they have an upper GI to determine the situation. I

e-mailed Dr. R and said I would be more than willing to have the upper GI

done and then he can have a clear picture of what the previous stapling

looks like. I know he has operated on lots of patients that have had

surgeries - multiple surgeries - I just would like to have a chance with the

brilliant doctor - I know he is skilled and could probably help me and

frankly I don't know where else to turn. Sharon

Serious advice for Pre-ops

> > > > > >

> > > > > > > Folks, just because your insurance has approved you, your

> > > doctor

> > > > > and

> > > > > > > family support you and you have written a patient letter

> made

> > > all

> > > > > > > your

> > > > > > > contacts and done everything you can to get ready for

> surgery,

> > > > > just

> > > > > > > because of all that don't think you will get the surgery.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I have been turned down by Dr. Rutledge with no

> explanation

> > > except

> > > > > > > some vague reference to my attitude. I have no idea what

> he

> > > bases

> > > > > > > this on. I waited patiently since the first of February

> and

> > > was

> > > > > > > always as tactful and friendly as could be when dealing

> with

> > > any

> > > > > of

> > > > > > > the staff in Raleigh. The only thing I know could have

> caused

> > > > > this

> > > > > > > problem is that I was informed that Dr. Rutledge had

> approved

> > > my

> > > > > > > package but that I didn't sign my patient letter and thay

> my

> > > > > doctor

> > > > > > > hadn't sent a letter that he would support me after

> surgery.

> > > I

> > > > > told

> > > > > > > them I would be glad to sigh the patient letter when I

> came

> > > up for

> > > > > > > clinic and that my doctor's support letter was included

> in the

> > > > > letter

> > > > > > > he wrote concerning my examination and my medical

> history, and

> > > > > asked

> > > > > > > them to read his letter again. I then asked, what next??

> > > After a

> > > > > > > week I was told he had decided to wait 3 months before

> > > > > considering me.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I was severely shocked that this had happened after

> working so

> > > > > hard

> > > > > > > and waiting so long. At first I thought he was just

> kidding

> > > me and

> > > > > > > was

> > > > > > > making a joke, I was assured by his secretary he didn't

> joke.

> > > > > Now I

> > > > > > > am having to try to find help elsewhere. Seems strange he

> > > would

> > > > > > > preach

> > > > > > > to us about " NO RNY " and all the other problems we could

> have

> > > with

> > > > > > > other procedures and then leave us with no other choice

> but

> > > have

> > > > > > > another procedure. My insurance company contacted me

> > > wanting to

> > > > > > > know

> > > > > > > what was happening, I had no

> > > > > > > answer for them. I hope this doesn't make it harder for

> some

> > > of

> > > > > you

> > > > > > > to get approval if you have Kanawah insurance, they were a

> > > mite

> > > > > > > ticked off about this situation.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > My suggestion, if you have problems, show no emotion at

> all.

> > > If

> > > > > you

> > > > > > > feel like exploding, kick your dog. Always be sure to

> stifle

> > > any

> > > > > > > impatience you might have, or at least keep quiet until

> after

> > > you

> > > > > > > have

> > > > > > > had your surgery.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > This is serious. I know you understand how it is to aim

> your

> > > > > whole

> > > > > > > life toward one event and then have someone snatch it

> away for

> > > > > some

> > > > > > > reason that is known only to them. Be very careful in

> your

> > > > > dealings

> > > > > > > with the Doctor and handle everyone with kid golves or you

> > > could

> > > > > be

> > > > > > > the next one to be dissapointed. I have tried not to be

> too

> > > > > bitter

> > > > > > > in

> > > > > > > this warning. HOw did I do??

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Be Careful, Keep any feelings to yourself unless you are

> > > praising

> > > > > > > everything that is going on here.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Mitch , S.C.

> > > > > > > 55 years old, 376 pounds. Insurance approved. Doctor

> > > approved.

> > > > > > > Family approved. Package approved. Turned down by Dr

> > > Rutledge.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> > > ----

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> > > > > > > http://click.egroups.com/1/4935/2/_/453517/_/960082079/

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> > > > > > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List

> at

> > > > > Onelist.com

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> > > > > > > Get the Patient Manual at

> > > http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm

> > > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> > > ------

> > > > > Failed tests, classes skipped, forgotten locker combinations.

> > > > > Remember the good 'ol days

> > > > > http://click.egroups.com/1/4053/2/_/453517/_/960154755/

> > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> > > ------

> > > > >

> > > > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at

> > > Onelist.com

> > > > > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

> > > > > Get the Patient Manual at

> http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm

> > > > >

> > >

> > > ------------------------------------------------------------------

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> This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at Onelist.com

> Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

> Get the Patient Manual at http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm

>

June 5, 2000

Janet,

Word has it....I dont know both sides of story of course but I am

sure there are two......he has been unsubbed from the list. Not by

his own doing.....Maybe rumor ,maybe be not.

At this point no matter what happened it is probably best to " move on "

A relationship between a doctor and his patient is personal and

priviledged. It would be unethical for DR R to comment or try

to " defend " himself.

So its not fair to have this onesided debate about Mitch.

Whatever happened I feel that it would be hard for someone to go on

from there and use the doctor they have such hard feelings about.

The relationship with your doctor and the trust you have in them is

very key.

Sometimes interpersonal relationships just dont go the way they

should.

IT sounds like Mitch may have not had all his paperwork together in

one packet. I suggest whatever paperwork you have sent to dr

R///ALWAYS keep a full copy ORGANIZED for easy identification,,,ie

labs,letters,medical history,,,,etc together. Dr R is not a librarian

or a mind reader.

Something could get lost. Dont compromise your surgery by not having

all your ducks in a row.....

Not saying this is what happened......just my 2 cents.

In MiniGastricBypass (AT) e, armr69@a... wrote:

> Mitch,

>

> I'm really sorry that you can't have the surgery with Dr.

Rutledge. He is

> the best there is. He has been so patient and understanding with me

and my

> husband. Could it be that you said something that made him mad or

hurt his

> feelings? During the frustrating time of putting everything

together did you

> maybe take it out on him or the staff? I know when my meds are off

I can be

> very snippy. Maybe a heart to heart with Dr.R and an apology from

you would

> turn the tide your swimming in. This is just my two cents. I will

shut up and

> go away now. Good Luck and God Bless you!

>

> Janet Armour

June 5, 2000

Hi Mitch,

I'm a post-op, so I *could* agree with you and have nothing to lose.

The fact is, your attitude screams through your messages and I don't

have the slightest trouble discerning why Dr. Rutledge turned you

down.

Dr. Rutledge runs the show and you can either accept that or not.

It's his show and he definitely knows what he's doing. His

statistics

speak for themselves, and his patients do, too. Funny thing, but in

all the patient interviews I've done (97 of Dr. Rutledge's patients),

*everyone* loves Dr. Rutledge. They are all post-op, with nothing to

lose if they wanted to bad-mouth him, yet nobody does, in fact, they

rave about him, even the people who had complications. The sister of

the one patient who died as a result of a leak after the procedure,

also had the surgery and praises Dr. Rutledge. Obviously, she doesn't

need a " strawman " or excuse to badmouth Dr. Rutledge if she wanted

to,

yet she very clearly praises him, too.

As for his " attitude, " Dr. Rutledge is probably one of the most

perpetually friendly, cheerful, and genuinely concerned physicians I

have ever met in my life and I'm old (47). If you can tick him off,

then you're right up there in the curiosities of the world, alongside

two-headed frogs.

Dr. R. carefully screens patients and one of the criteria is that

they

be able to strictly follow directions. If you can't do the pre-op

regimen, you're not likely to be able to keep up post-op, either.

Patient education is *vital* to the success of this surgery.

This is a major surgery with potentially deadly complications and

even

unexpected complications. One lady learned after surgery that her

insides were " like mush " from having to take steroidal medication for

another condition, and if she had gone for any other procedure, she

might have died under the knife. She wasn't able to get the whole

bypass, but Dr. R. did reduce her stomach. She is losing weight and

doing well, but she had to deal with this devestating news after her

surgery (and to her credit, she handled it with grace and style.)

Why should Dr. Rutledge put his professional reputation on the line

to

do a surgery for someone that isn't compliant with his procedures? I

can't think of a reason.

Kind regards,

> Thanks Lori, you have a good attitude about this. I understand what

> I

> have said is hard to believe, but unfortunately, it is true. I

feel

> that I understand the problems of obesity and risks of surgery as

> well

> as anyone here. I have been given no reason for being turned down

or

> any hope that I will be accepted in the future because Dr. Rutledge

> has

> said I would probably be better off if I found help elsewhere (Open

> Rny perhaps???) I

> still think all you pre ops should disagre with me for your own

sake.

> Mitch

June 5, 2000