Dr. R's difficult decision

[Guest guest]

Dear Dr. Rutledge,

I am very sympathetic to your tough decision. I also

am sympathetic to all of us who have been so excited

about this change in our lives. I am actually ready

to throw up my stomach is so upset after reading all

this.

Now... to be selfish, I submitted my FORM last night,

does that mean I would be grandfathered in? Or at

what point will you grandfather in? after form, after

ins. approval, or what?

2. If we got approval and our package is in in the

next few weeks, how long would it be before we would

be scheduled for surgery? I am willing to wait, but I

heard that usually it was a week or two after your

approval that we could actually have the surgery.

3. I totally agree with the cut off date being soon

because if you already have 1500 in your database, you

are looking at a year to catch up if you do 30 a week.

4. I vote to clone you IMMEDIATELY!!!

5. I also vote to have the cut-off date be Aug. 1 for

submitting the form, that should give us all time to

get it in. BTW-I hope I was one that you received

today.

6. I vote to have us handle the ins. as much as

possible.

7. I vote to limit clinics to ins. approved only or

self-pay but also for those who have a surgery date

already.

8. I also think that doing something about that

wonderful web-site would help. I for one would have

never heard of you if I hadn't been researching this.

Maybe you could have a site that people could request

information and when you mail it out have a note that

says you have to have insurance approval FIRST or be

self pay upfront before any paperwork is filed. And

then give them a waiting period from the time of ins.

approval. Or better yet, only have your site up at

certain times when you are open for more appts.

9. Sorry, had to go throw up!!!

10. I also agree that maybe sending a tape and

information packet out instead of clinic might give

you and additional day in the OR. However, keep in

mind I have NOT been to your clinic yet. Someone who

has, speak to whether this is a necessity. (I

personally DO NOT want to watch the surgery)

YUK!!!!!!!!!!!!

11.Lastly, Dr. R, I admire you opening this for

discussion. That shows me I want you even more than I

did, you are obviously who God wants me to use.

So...could you email me and let me know if I will be

grandfathered in and how long after approval it would

be until I could have a date? I would love you even

more for that and maybe I could quit trotting to the

bathroom.. LOL

Thanks again for all that you do!!!!!!

Godspeed!

=====

Krist in AL

5'4 " 288 lbs.

Pre-Op

GROUP 2B

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

It is very possible that when this is perfected there will not be the same

atmosphere,but everything must evolve.Perhaps we can have more

mtgs,gatherings etc.Maybe it is time for the disciples to lead in teaching

the gospel?The goal is to free up Dr R so he can perform mgb's.We CANNOT

keep it the same if it MUST change.Some of the things we liked or that

'sold' us on it MAY very well be what needs to go. Remember the GOAL to cut

down the prospective patients. Janet

>

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypass (AT) egroups (DOT) com

>To: MiniGastricBypass (AT) egroups (DOT) com

>Subject: Re: Dr. R's difficult decision

>Date: Sat, 29 Jul 2000 00:53:05 -0500

>

>The interaction in the clinic is important, particularly for people who

>are not on the net. It is where the sense of support begins to develop,

>some bonds with other people on the same journey form, and where it

>starts to seem like family. Hearing other people's questions and the

>answers is very helpful. People think up a lot of really good things to

>ask that you may not have thought up yourself.

>

>Clinic is where I finally had my last doubts resolved, that Dr. R.

>wasn't running some sort of weight loss surgery mill (like some others

>who shall remain nameless . . .) and that he really takes a personal

>interest in each patient.

>

>And whether you want to see the surgery or not, it isn't gory and it

>gives you a much better idea of what is being done inside you and a

>profound respect for the skill required to perform the surgery. It is a

>real eye-opener.

>

>I got videos from two doctors before choosing the MGB. Dr. R. is a lot

>more personable than either of those doctors, so surely his would be

>better, but the videos were pretty boring, they seemed more like a sales

>pitch than information, and they didn't answer my questions.

>

>Clinic is also where Doctor Rutledge meets with each patient, one on

>one.

>

>I think somebody else could teach the clinic, while Dr. R. meets with

>people, which might help, but since that's the only time he meets with

>out-of-town people, especially, I don't see how clinic could possibly be

>discontinued.

>

>Kind regards,

>

>

>

>

>happygirl0925@... wrote:

> >

> > In a message dated 7/28/2000 9:58:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> > kristi989@... writes:

> >

> > > eady.

> > > 8. I also think that doing something about that

> > > wonderful web-site would help. I for one would have

> > > never heard of you if I hadn't been researching this.

> > > Maybe you could have a site that people could request

> > > information and when you mail it out have a note that

> > > says you have to have insurance approval FIRST or be

> > > self pay upfront before any paperwork is filed. And

> > > then give them a waiting period from the time of ins.

> > > approval. Or better yet, only have your site up at

> > > certain times when you are open for more appts.

> >

> > I think they web site shoul be left in place..it is a good reference

> > tool and

> > people could still use it for research and be put on a waiting

> > list....

> >

> > > 10. I also agree that maybe sending a tape and

> > > information packet out instead of clinic might give

> > > you and additional day in the OR. However, keep in

> > > mind I have NOT been to your clinic yet. Someone who

> > > has, speak to whether this is a necessity. (I

> > > personally DO NOT want to watch the surgery)

> > > YUK!!!!!!!!!!!!

> > > 11

> > I think a video is a great idea too...as long as it has everything a

> > clinic

> > has as far as info and post ops on t here with their stories. I was

> > looking

> > forward to clinic though and meeting some people but if we have to

> > give it up

> > a video is a good idea. But I am with her..I am in no hurry to watch

> > the

> > surgery either! (although showing the staples after surgery or a

> > postops

> > incisions after they are healed I would be all for!)

> > Holly

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

> >

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

> > 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

> >

> > To Unsubscribe Send and Email to:

> > MiniGastricBypass-unsubscribe (AT) egroups (DOT) com

________________________________________________________________________

Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

[Guest guest]

The interaction in the clinic is important, particularly for people who

are not on the net. It is where the sense of support begins to develop,

some bonds with other people on the same journey form, and where it

starts to seem like family. Hearing other people's questions and the

answers is very helpful. People think up a lot of really good things to

ask that you may not have thought up yourself.

Clinic is where I finally had my last doubts resolved, that Dr. R.

wasn't running some sort of weight loss surgery mill (like some others

who shall remain nameless . . .) and that he really takes a personal

interest in each patient.

And whether you want to see the surgery or not, it isn't gory and it

gives you a much better idea of what is being done inside you and a

profound respect for the skill required to perform the surgery. It is a

real eye-opener.

I got videos from two doctors before choosing the MGB. Dr. R. is a lot

more personable than either of those doctors, so surely his would be

better, but the videos were pretty boring, they seemed more like a sales

pitch than information, and they didn't answer my questions.

Clinic is also where Doctor Rutledge meets with each patient, one on

one.

I think somebody else could teach the clinic, while Dr. R. meets with

people, which might help, but since that's the only time he meets with

out-of-town people, especially, I don't see how clinic could possibly be

discontinued.

Kind regards,

happygirl0925@... wrote:

>

> In a message dated 7/28/2000 9:58:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> kristi989@... writes:

>

> > eady.

> > 8. I also think that doing something about that

> > wonderful web-site would help. I for one would have

> > never heard of you if I hadn't been researching this.

> > Maybe you could have a site that people could request

> > information and when you mail it out have a note that

> > says you have to have insurance approval FIRST or be

> > self pay upfront before any paperwork is filed. And

> > then give them a waiting period from the time of ins.

> > approval. Or better yet, only have your site up at

> > certain times when you are open for more appts.

>

> I think they web site shoul be left in place..it is a good reference

> tool and

> people could still use it for research and be put on a waiting

> list....

>

> > 10. I also agree that maybe sending a tape and

> > information packet out instead of clinic might give

> > you and additional day in the OR. However, keep in

> > mind I have NOT been to your clinic yet. Someone who

> > has, speak to whether this is a necessity. (I

> > personally DO NOT want to watch the surgery)

> > YUK!!!!!!!!!!!!

> > 11

> I think a video is a great idea too...as long as it has everything a

> clinic

> has as far as info and post ops on t here with their stories. I was

> looking

> forward to clinic though and meeting some people but if we have to

> give it up

> a video is a good idea. But I am with her..I am in no hurry to watch

> the

> surgery either! (although showing the staples after surgery or a

> postops

> incisions after they are healed I would be all for!)

> Holly

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

>

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

> 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

>

> To Unsubscribe Send and Email to:

> MiniGastricBypass-unsubscribe (AT) egroups (DOT) com

[Guest guest]

Well said, Janet.

I think your idea of Dr. R. scheduling appointments to meet with his

pre-ops that week is a good one. Maybe Mondays could be pre-op

appointment day, and someone else could be holding a running a Q & A

clinic for people waiting their turn to see the doc. 15 min. per person

x 25 patients would take 6.25 hours, so theoretically, he could spend 3

x more time with each person over the course of one day a week.

This doesn't really give the doc any more free time that day, but it

does give him more time with each patient in one-on-one.

I think it would be a good idea to have a newsletter for patients -- to

keep people who aren't online in touch with each other and if we are

going to do outings, cruises, picnics and so on, to get the word out.

Janet Whitaker wrote:

>

> It is very possible that when this is perfected there will not be the

> same

> atmosphere,but everything must evolve.Perhaps we can have more

> mtgs,gatherings etc.Maybe it is time for the disciples to lead in

> teaching

> the gospel?The goal is to free up Dr R so he can perform mgb's.We

> CANNOT

> keep it the same if it MUST change.Some of the things we liked or that

>

> 'sold' us on it MAY very well be what needs to go. Remember the GOAL

> to cut

> down the prospective patients. Janet

>

> >

> >Reply-To: MiniGastricBypass (AT) egroups (DOT) com

> >To: MiniGastricBypass (AT) egroups (DOT) com

> >Subject: Re: Dr. R's difficult decision

> >Date: Sat, 29 Jul 2000 00:53:05 -0500

> >

> >The interaction in the clinic is important, particularly for people

> who

> >are not on the net. It is where the sense of support begins to

> develop,

> >some bonds with other people on the same journey form, and where it

> >starts to seem like family. Hearing other people's questions and the

> >answers is very helpful. People think up a lot of really good things

> to

> >ask that you may not have thought up yourself.

> >

> >Clinic is where I finally had my last doubts resolved, that Dr. R.

> >wasn't running some sort of weight loss surgery mill (like some

> others

> >who shall remain nameless . . .) and that he really takes a personal

> >interest in each patient.

> >

> >And whether you want to see the surgery or not, it isn't gory and it

> >gives you a much better idea of what is being done inside you and a

> >profound respect for the skill required to perform the surgery. It

> is a

> >real eye-opener.

> >

> >I got videos from two doctors before choosing the MGB. Dr. R. is a

> lot

> >more personable than either of those doctors, so surely his would be

> >better, but the videos were pretty boring, they seemed more like a

> sales

> >pitch than information, and they didn't answer my questions.

> >

> >Clinic is also where Doctor Rutledge meets with each patient, one on

> >one.

> >

> >I think somebody else could teach the clinic, while Dr. R. meets with

> >people, which might help, but since that's the only time he meets

> with

> >out-of-town people, especially, I don't see how clinic could possibly

> be

> >discontinued.

> >

> >Kind regards,

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >happygirl0925@... wrote:

> > >

> > > In a message dated 7/28/2000 9:58:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> > > kristi989@... writes:

> > >

> > > > eady.

> > > > 8. I also think that doing something about that

> > > > wonderful web-site would help. I for one would have

> > > > never heard of you if I hadn't been researching this.

> > > > Maybe you could have a site that people could request

> > > > information and when you mail it out have a note that

> > > > says you have to have insurance approval FIRST or be

> > > > self pay upfront before any paperwork is filed. And

> > > > then give them a waiting period from the time of ins.

> > > > approval. Or better yet, only have your site up at

> > > > certain times when you are open for more appts.

> > >

> > > I think they web site shoul be left in place..it is a good

> reference

> > > tool and

> > > people could still use it for research and be put on a waiting

> > > list....

> > >

> > > > 10. I also agree that maybe sending a tape and

> > > > information packet out instead of clinic might give

> > > > you and additional day in the OR. However, keep in

> > > > mind I have NOT been to your clinic yet. Someone who

> > > > has, speak to whether this is a necessity. (I

> > > > personally DO NOT want to watch the surgery)

> > > > YUK!!!!!!!!!!!!

> > > > 11

> > > I think a video is a great idea too...as long as it has everything

> a

> > > clinic

> > > has as far as info and post ops on t here with their stories. I

> was

> > > looking

> > > forward to clinic though and meeting some people but if we have to

> > > give it up

> > > a video is a good idea. But I am with her..I am in no hurry to

> watch

> > > the

> > > surgery either! (although showing the staples after surgery or a

> > > postops

> > > incisions after they are healed I would be all for!)

> > > Holly

[Guest guest]

I agree completely with , I dont think clinic should be dissolved

either, but maybe what you can do as others have suggested is limit the

clinic to only those approved, or only those that are scheduled for

surgery..like Tuesday clinic for all on the roster for surgery on Wednedsay

through Monday then next clinic for next group etc.. all would obviously be

approved, and those contemplating having this surgery can visit your website

and join this group for more information ...this may eliminate the need for

two clinics a day or however many you have. But this is the only time we

have with you and I truly think this is important to have.

>

>Reply-To: MiniGastricBypass (AT) egroups (DOT) com

>To: MiniGastricBypass (AT) egroups (DOT) com

>Subject: Re: Dr. R's difficult decision

>Date: Sat, 29 Jul 2000 00:53:05 -0500

>

>The interaction in the clinic is important, particularly for people who

>are not on the net. It is where the sense of support begins to develop,

>some bonds with other people on the same journey form, and where it

>starts to seem like family. Hearing other people's questions and the

>answers is very helpful. People think up a lot of really good things to

>ask that you may not have thought up yourself.

>

>Clinic is where I finally had my last doubts resolved, that Dr. R.

>wasn't running some sort of weight loss surgery mill (like some others

>who shall remain nameless . . .) and that he really takes a personal

>interest in each patient.

>

>And whether you want to see the surgery or not, it isn't gory and it

>gives you a much better idea of what is being done inside you and a

>profound respect for the skill required to perform the surgery. It is a

>real eye-opener.

>

>I got videos from two doctors before choosing the MGB. Dr. R. is a lot

>more personable than either of those doctors, so surely his would be

>better, but the videos were pretty boring, they seemed more like a sales

>pitch than information, and they didn't answer my questions.

>

>Clinic is also where Doctor Rutledge meets with each patient, one on

>one.

>

>I think somebody else could teach the clinic, while Dr. R. meets with

>people, which might help, but since that's the only time he meets with

>out-of-town people, especially, I don't see how clinic could possibly be

>discontinued.

>

>Kind regards,

>

>

>

>

>happygirl0925@... wrote:

> >

> > In a message dated 7/28/2000 9:58:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> > kristi989@... writes:

> >

> > > eady.

> > > 8. I also think that doing something about that

> > > wonderful web-site would help. I for one would have

> > > never heard of you if I hadn't been researching this.

> > > Maybe you could have a site that people could request

> > > information and when you mail it out have a note that

> > > says you have to have insurance approval FIRST or be

> > > self pay upfront before any paperwork is filed. And

> > > then give them a waiting period from the time of ins.

> > > approval. Or better yet, only have your site up at

> > > certain times when you are open for more appts.

> >

> > I think they web site shoul be left in place..it is a good reference

> > tool and

> > people could still use it for research and be put on a waiting

> > list....

> >

> > > 10. I also agree that maybe sending a tape and

> > > information packet out instead of clinic might give

> > > you and additional day in the OR. However, keep in

> > > mind I have NOT been to your clinic yet. Someone who

> > > has, speak to whether this is a necessity. (I

> > > personally DO NOT want to watch the surgery)

> > > YUK!!!!!!!!!!!!

> > > 11

> > I think a video is a great idea too...as long as it has everything a

> > clinic

> > has as far as info and post ops on t here with their stories. I was

> > looking

> > forward to clinic though and meeting some people but if we have to

> > give it up

> > a video is a good idea. But I am with her..I am in no hurry to watch

> > the

> > surgery either! (although showing the staples after surgery or a

> > postops

> > incisions after they are healed I would be all for!)

> > Holly

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

> >

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

> > 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

> >

> > To Unsubscribe Send and Email to:

> > MiniGastricBypass-unsubscribe (AT) egroups (DOT) com

>

>

>

>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

>

>To Unsubscribe Send and Email to:

>MiniGastricBypass-unsubscribe (AT) egroups (DOT) com

>

>

________________________________________________________________________

Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Dr Rutledge,

This is Theresa Soord (MrsT inTx). I have been reading and writing posted

since January. I am one of your pending pre-ops. I have grown to love each

and everyone on this list. As mentioned in some other emails, " If a person

has set the mind up to having surgery, they will seek out all options " .

Yes doctor you are the " ONE " that I feel has the best type of weight loss

method. However, I have ventered out and have talked to many support groups

and researched different WLS. I have found another doctor that I am

comfortable with in Houston. (I will be have WLS on August 8th). I wished

it was with you but I could not self pay and I had to depend on the Insurance

company. (which gave me options in Houston).

Dr., I talk about you all the time here in Texas and give out your web site

so others can see the awsome information that you provide. I hate to mention

this but maybe if you take the web page down for awhile and just set up one

for your pending surgeries (for patients to receive only paperwork that is

needed), this will cut down on people searching for WL solutions. Your web

site is what blew me away. No other web page is like yours. That is why I

was convinced that I was going to have this surgery by you, and to travel

over 1200 miles to do so. NO other doctor takes the time out like you do for

their patients.

Also, maybe you can get volunteers from the support group that you have in NC

to pull the old files and call your pre-ops and asked if they are still

interested. Like I read in a previous post, many people cannot wait for an

answer from your office or they have found other doctors (like me) to have

the surgery and they have not reported this to your office so you can pull

their files.

Dr., I can honestly say that you are 1 in a million. You have helped

patients with their hopes and dreams for a better life. I wished that I

could have danced with you too. Maybe when you have your big get together, I

will be able to meet many of the people I have spoke to here.

Love you Doc and many blessings to you and your staff.

Theresa Soord

(MrsT inTx)

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I would think that Dr. Rutledge needs a day away from surgery

anyways. He's not a machine. And like you said, it's an opportunity

for him to meet prospective patients.

Gosh , I hope mine goes through and I continue to be

grandfathered!!

Kris Kuhl

> >

> > In a message dated 7/28/2000 9:58:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> > kristi989@y... writes:

> >

> > > eady.

> > > 8. I also think that doing something about that

> > > wonderful web-site would help. I for one would have

> > > never heard of you if I hadn't been researching this.

> > > Maybe you could have a site that people could request

> > > information and when you mail it out have a note that

> > > says you have to have insurance approval FIRST or be

> > > self pay upfront before any paperwork is filed. And

> > > then give them a waiting period from the time of ins.

> > > approval. Or better yet, only have your site up at

> > > certain times when you are open for more appts.

> >

> > I think they web site shoul be left in place..it is a good

reference

> > tool and

> > people could still use it for research and be put on a waiting

> > list....

> >

> > > 10. I also agree that maybe sending a tape and

> > > information packet out instead of clinic might give

> > > you and additional day in the OR. However, keep in

> > > mind I have NOT been to your clinic yet. Someone who

> > > has, speak to whether this is a necessity. (I

> > > personally DO NOT want to watch the surgery)

> > > YUK!!!!!!!!!!!!

> > > 11

> > I think a video is a great idea too...as long as it has

everything a

> > clinic

> > has as far as info and post ops on t here with their stories. I

was

> > looking

> > forward to clinic though and meeting some people but if we have to

> > give it up

> > a video is a good idea. But I am with her..I am in no hurry to

watch

> > the

> > surgery either! (although showing the staples after surgery or a

> > postops

> > incisions after they are healed I would be all for!)

> > Holly

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

----

> >

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

----

> > 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

> >

> > To Unsubscribe Send and Email to:

> > MiniGastricBypass-unsubscribe (AT) egroups (DOT) com

[Guest guest]

tczjr84@... wrote:

>

> I know you are being pulled in many directions. We must seem selfish

> with our personal concerns. And I also know you have everyones best

> interest in mind. I will be self-pay. Please, please, please don't

> increase you rates or stop the 20% discount. I am not rich....but I

> want this surgery. I can't pass the cost on to my insurance. Please

> consider your clients who must pay out of pocket also.

I would like to suggest that the current prices be " grandfathered " for

those of us who are in process as well. It will be the biggest stretch

for me to be able to self-pay as it is already, and if charges increase,

I'm afraid it will be the straw the breaks the camel's back. Could I

suggest that you put a date in the future...when the price increase will

take place, and those of us who are in-process be excluded?

I agree that your surgery is very reasonably priced, Dr. R, but for many

of us self-pays it is a HUGE amount of money.

Tricia in IL

appeal is in the hands of hubby's employer (Self-insured)