I need advice please. I had a lapband which was removed due to erosion. My doctor recommends vertical gastrectomy. I'm concerned about the recovery time because VG seems like a more invasive procedure. Has anyone had both procedures and can compare their recovery experiences?

I had the mini gastric bypass with Dr. Rutledge after working with the band for over a year. My band had slipped, but not from overeating. It slipped up, probably from vomiting, when I went through several episodes of dizziness and vertigo.

I know that Dr. Rutledge only performs the mini bypass and the other doctors he trains must also agree to only perform the mini gastric bypass. The learning curve shows that the more times you perform or do something, the less chances of problems from inexperience.

My lapband doctor pushed the lapband or the RNY harder than Dr. Rutledge pushed the MGB. After speaking to 30+ patients who had the MGB, and after reading the manual and researching all the other alternatives, I chose the MGB. I had less pain with the MGB, even though Dr. Rutledge had to remove my band and I was up and walking ten minutes out of recovery. I hurt worse with the band than I did with the MGB. In fact, I walked a 5K in 47 minutes less than a week after my surgery. I have never vomited, I have never had dumping or any of the other complications that the RNY and DS reportedly have.

Be thorough in your research and remember that there are a lot of people who are satisfied with the MGB, RNY, DS and the band. Only you can decide which one is best for you.

Tricia H

I actually considered the MGB but at the time, no insurance comapny would cover it. Has that changed, or were you self-pay? The other reason I opted out was that there was no surgeon in the Dallas/Ft Worth area who was doing the MGB. I'm just not thrilled with the idea of being hundreds of miles away from my surgeon.

Carlene,

I was self-pay and from my understanding some insurances do pay for it. However, Dr. Rutledge no longer accepts insurance payments because some of them were taking way too long to pay. Instead, you pay up front and then the insurance companies reimburse you (if they do cover it).

I can honestly say that this has been the answer to my prayers. I am in the 160's now and I don't have to worry about getting stuck, being too tight, etc. I also eat anything and I mean anything I want, but I can only eat small amounts. The weird thing is, that since my surgery my taste buds have changed and I find myself craving salads and coleslaw. On the few occasions where I've given in and had ice cream or a candy bar, it just wasn't satisfying and didn't taste good. I ended up throwing it away instead of finishing it. I have gone from a size 20 to a tight 14 in less than 3 months. I haven't lost that much weight ( I only had 3 feet bypassed and the norm is 6 feet), but I've lost a lot of inches. I can honestly say that I am just living life now. I don't think about food constantly or worry about what I can or can't eat. I am just living.

As far as being so far away from your doctor. You have to have a primary care physician agree to do your aftercare (mostly blood work to make sure your Vitamins and minerals are normal). If you have problems, Dr. Rutledge is always available by cell phone or e-mail. In the few instances where people thought they had leaks, Dr. Rutledge called the emergency room ahead of time and prepared them for what to do. I even know of one case where Dr. Rutledge went to the patient. In most of those instances, there wasn't a leak, just people eating too quickly and too much. (It feels like you're having a heart attack from what I've heard). I've never experienced this though. I guess the band taught me how to chew, take small bites and stop when I feel satiated.

Take care,

Tricia H

Good for you , in no time you will see the benefits and it feels good, I know the pre op diet is hard and the 3 weeks post op diet is also but, in about a month and half I know you'll see about 30lbs gone if you follow the rules. You can do it, I did it. I had surgery 10-03-06 and by chrismass I was 200lbs, Started at 245lbs at my pre op visit before surgery. let me know how great you look about 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you are having any problems and someone personal to talk you though this, you can email me. I will help you. When you feel weak and feel like eating the wrong thing i'll be right here for you. We are a family now though the lapband. I'll give you my phone # as so as you email me. God bless you, happy new year and a happy now you.:clap2: you made a good choose with the band.let me know

I don't see a Dr. Robert Rutledge listed on the AMA Association "Doctor Finder" in Nevada, California, New Mexico, Florida or any other state mentioned on his website.

Who is he and why isn't he easily findable on a site such as the AMA dr. finder??

I am not convinced his "mini gastric bypass" is the wave of the future. Will go through with my lapband...there seem to be thousands of people who are currently pleased with their lap bands.

Medicine and surgery change all the time. you can't wait for "the future"--the consequences of obesity are progressing while you wait. I have decided to do something about it now!

Rutledge is ridiculous. He reminds me of a snake oil salesman hawking his "wares".