"On November 9, 2012, I underwent a Da Vinci Robotic Hysterectomy surgery at Baylor Medical Center Frisco. I would like to share my experience and the amazing physicians that took care of me.
I initially was examined by my OB/GYN, Dr. Carrie Kim Patterson. She is so compassionate and only cares about what is right for the patient. Even though she could have done laproscopic hysterectomy, she believed my surgery could be done robotically and referred me to her partner, Dr. George Branning. After he examined me and determined I was a candidate for this surgery, he spent a considerable amount of time with me answering all questions that I had. Dr. Branning was so considerate and knew I had driven a large distance, so he arranged for me to have my pre-operative work done the same day so I would have to make the long commute again until the day of surgery.
On the day of surgery, I was immediately taken to the pre-operative suite and prepared for the surgery. Everybody was very kind. I was given very light IV sedation and taken to the operating room. The next thing I knew was that I woke up in recovery room with four very tiny incisions on my abdomen. The pain was very minimal. I was up ambulating the same day in the hospital hallway. I was given a patient controlled analgesia machine (PCA), however, I only pushed the button a few times. By evening, I didn’t need any pain medication other than ibuprofen. The next morning, I was up, dressed and waiting to be discharge. Once again, very minimal discomfort. The first week at home, I had no pain at all. I felt like I could do everything, however, I followed my discharge instructions at minimized my activity. I am now four weeks post surgery and feel fantastic! Having this surgery was absolutely the best decision I ever made. Dr. Branning and Dr. Patterson are absolutely the best physicians ever!!
Thank you so much,
Ping Boggess"
"Two of the main symptoms that I had were heavy bleeding and constant tiredness. I understood both medically and physically that I needed surgery, but I just did not want to do it. I felt that if I came into this world with my uterus, I was going to leave with it. To me, it was a gift from God when I was born and I did not have a right to remove it. Fortunately, God has people available to us with both medical and spiritual understanding. I told a dear friend, who is also a nurse at my church, about what I was experiencing. She told me something that helped me to be at peace with having surgery that my doctor recommended.
She reminded me of what the Bible said in Matt. 5:29:
“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee:
My uterus was certainly offending me. She further reminded me that life is in our blood: therefore, actively losing blood meant that I was slowly losing my life source,
Leviticus 17:14 (KJV) states:
“for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof:
With our discussion, all three sides of my decision came together harmoniously (medical, physical and spiritual). I knew that having the Da Vinci Hysterectomy was my best decision. I had the surgery on a Friday. By the following week on Wednesday, I was cleaning and happily re-arranging my cupboards. What a blessing!
Grace"
"William A. Keaton
President, CEO
Baylor Medical Center at Frisco
5601 Warren Parkway
Frisco, TX 75034
Mr. Keaton:
It is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to commend you on one of your surgeons whose shown tremendous professionalism, expertise, and benevolence in administering care to me. I have been a patient of Dr. George Branning’s for nearly 13 years, so this letter is quite some time overdue.
Nevertheless, 13 years ago my husband called Dr. Branning’s office on the recommendation of a family friend. At that time, I was quite ill as I was pregnant with our first child and suffering from dehydration as a result of extreme nausea and vomiting. After having called several doctors’ offices listed in the telephone directory, we were told we could not be seen until I was further along in the pregnancy. My husband and I were very discouraged and afraid. So imagine our joy when Dr. Branning’s office not only took our call, but Dr. Branning himself spoke with my husband personally! He assured us everything would be alright and told my husband how to care for me until we reached his office a couple of hours later. Immediately upon our arrival we were met with such unimaginable kindness, patience and reassurance, that all of our concerns were alleviated. His office staff was amazing! They were the epitome of a family, a team that not only delivers babies and performs procedures, but builds relationships with the families.
Most recently; two kids, 13 annual exams, and several emergency appointments later, it was determined by Dr. Branning that I should undergo a hysterectomy. The history of ovarian cancer and breast cancer in my family coupled with a cyst on my left ovary and incredibly painful monthly cycles were the driving force behind that decision. Not once did I question his recommendation! I embraced it, especially when he said, “Julie not only do I want you around for your family for years to come, but I want to improve the quality of life you can have.” His nurse Becci was outstanding answering all of my questions, providing me with information and calling me at home even after business hours. Michele’s warm and inviting demeanor is perfect for the patients’ initial office contact. I felt like her friend. And Shelley never lost patience with all the insurance questions I and my husband had. She made our experience worry free. Where does he find these people! Again, they’re building relationships not just performing procedures!
On March 2, 2012 I underwent a hysterectomy using The Davinci Robotic procedure. I had done my research and knew it would not be as invasive as a traditional hysterectomy, but I had no idea I would be walking and hardly in any pain the next day! I couldn’t believe how good I felt. My husband kept telling me to slow down and to not overdue it. On March 14, twelve days post-op, I ran a mile. Normally, I run three miles but found I could only do the one. My mother who is 75 years old could not understand how I was even running at all. On one occasion she asked if Dr. Branning had performed the correct procedure. I laughed hysterically. Of course she was drawing from her own experience of having had a hysterectomy 30 years prior.
I wish I could shout from the roof tops to any woman facing the same situation to do it! Undergoing a Davinci Robotic hysterectomy is literally a walk in the park, or for me a run through the neighborhood.
Again, Dr. Branning is an amazing surgeon. His office staff is like family to him and he to them. I am thrilled that they invited me and my family into their hearts. Please share this information with any woman needing an extraordinary doctor administering extraordinary care.
Maybe Dr. Branning can use this information to counsel women facing hysterectomy. They can even call me at 214-704-1255.
Thank you,
-Julie K. Ferland"
“I have been a patient of Dr. George Branning’s for the past three years. Dr. Branning performed a DaVinci Robotic Hysterectomy on me March 4, 2010. As a mother of five, it was a frightening time for me and my husband because we felt we were closing a chapter in our lives. Dr. Branning comforted me throughout the process and assured me the procedure would be less painful and the recovery would be quicker than I imagined.
He was right… Ten days after my surgery, I was vacationing with my husband in Nevada, walking and shopping on the Vega Strip. I was back at work full time within two weeks and the small incisions had healed with no complications. I have shown them off to co-workers and I know of at least one who has now scheduled her surgery with Dr. Branning after hearing my story.
I would highly recommend Dr. Branning as he and his staff have always provided the best care that any patient could ask for. I would also recommend the DaVinci Hysterectomy to anyone considering the procedure. If your doctor doesn’t perform it, then come and see Dr. Branning.”
– Deborah Cox-Clark Carrollton, TX
“If I wrote a list of the attributes I wanted in a doctor, it would be exactly what Dr. Branning has provided for me over the past 15 years: personal, friendly, expert skills combined with a wonderful, positive, caring staff. Even living abroad, I came back to Texas for my check ups with Dr. Branning. Yes, he’s THAT good! I would highly recommend his practice to any woman who wants a doctor who can also be her partner in health.”
– JC Elliott November 19, 2009