POST-OP- MEN

[Guest guest]

I need some contacts for my package and I would like to talk to some

men about their experiences.

If you guys would e-mail me with your phone # I would like to talk to

you.

Thanks for your help.

o

" HELP YOURSELF AND GOD WILL HELP YOU "

[Guest guest]

o,

Bob here, I just had the surgery one week ago today ( 09/08/00). I am 5'11 "

and weighed 382 at the start of all this. I am an RN who has a lot or

Emergency and Surgery experience, so I researched to the hilt!.

I can tell you why I choose Dr. Rutledge.

#1 - He does it laproscopically through the scopes. In my opinion anything

you can have done less invasively ( meanig not cutting you open through all

the muscle layers) is always a better choice. It's less insult on your body,

and much easier to recover from.

#2 - Admit it or not, Men are whimps when it comes to pain. I am the biggest.

I'm sure Dr. R. will never forget how fearful I was about pain. Let me tell

you I am sure there was pain, as it would be unrealistic to have surgery and

not hurt. The difference here is that Dr. R. is committed to controlling and

managing your pain. I am telling you the honest truth, when I say I had NONE.

Or at least none that I remember. I was up walking the halls 4 hours after

surgery, and my operation only tool 35 minutes.

#3 - It is very rare that you will see a physician take on such a personal

interest in his patients. Dr. R. literally gives up one day a week (Tuesdays)

just to be in one location for his patients.new and old, and many old ones

just show up to say Hi. Dr. R. is not afraid to let you talk to any of his

former patients, and makes it a point to discuss any complicatons that have

come up. HE is one of a kind., and I joke alot, but I really mean that. You

will not find a more professional, serious (Well maybe not sometimes),

caring, and committed physician.

#4 - The packet seems long and tedious. But belive me, with all the knowledge

I think I have, I learned alot. ( Even got my letter turned back to re-do,

and it served me right, he wont let you cut corners, this is to serious of a

life long decision).

#5 - I fasted and took vitamins for 3 week before surgery for a couple of

reasons. First , because Dr. R. wants you down to 350 for surgery. Again not

to be a pain, but he has a real and ligitimate concern for his patients. If a

patient would have a complication and have problems breathing or maybe have a

blood clot. he would wnat to do a Cat Scan X-ray and maybe an MRI. Those

machines can't do people over 350 lbs. (Now I really think he will give ya a

pound of 2 ) It is again, his concern for your safety that he puts that

stipulation on. Also, for me it helped that I didn't have cravings etc. after

post -op, I ws already used to the liquid thing,.

At one week, I am doing great. i went to work Wednesday, 4 days post op, and

people were amazed. Even ask me why my surgery was cancelled!! LOL.

I know my new life has begun. I am sticking to the fluids, and doing well. No

nausea, no pain, nothing. I am cutting 8 acres of grass today. i have energy.

I can't say enough.

I really enjoyed Dr. R's clinic on tuesdays! it really is informative and the

patients are so great and want to learn. I went twice. Stayed for the whole

thing pre- and post op. I could listen to him talk all the time. Lucky for

him I dont live closer, as I would be there all the time. I just love the

patient education.

Please let me know If I can be of any other help. Print this and include it

in your patient contacts. best time to get me is at work during the day about

8:30 to 4 pm

Feel free to call me, I am the Director of a Childrens Hospital Emergency

Room

, If my secretary answers the phone jsut leave her your name and

# and I will call back.

Good luck, I hope it's the right decision for you .

Bob Steele