"I find taking the chocolate, vanilla or unflavored and mixing with my morning cup of coffee and adding a bit of Da Vinci's Kahlua SF syrup...EXCELLENT! STARBUCKS, MOVE OVER!!! :>)"
"My first meeting with Dr. Ben-Meir was in February, 2007. My first impression was that he was a kind, self-confident surgeon. He answered my questions, did not rush me and when leaving the office, stated to me that he would take good care of me. After surgery, I saw him twice before leaving the hospital. Every precaution was taken to ensure an uneventful surgery..to reduce complications which could occur. He emphasized aftercare, made certain I understood everything and was ALWAYS VERY PLEASANT! A+ for surgical competence and bedside manner. I would recommend him to anyone contemplating RNY or lapband surgery. rnrnOver all, I felt they have a very good structured program, however since I wound up having to go self pay, I think was a bit of a wrench in the \"normal works\". There were times that I felt my case specialist took too long in addressing my calls, following up on my appeal, and at times almost seemed like she had no clue who I was. I understand there are hundreds of people that come and go through their doors, but let's face it, we want and need to feel that they know about \"my case and my medical history\".rnrnThe PAT went flawlessly as did the group meeting with the dietician. They provided detailed printed materials needed for Pre and Post-op, addressed risks of the surgery and even though you left overwhelmed, you left with a confidence.rnrnWhen I asked the cost of the total package to have this surgery, I was told $4,000 for the surgeon, $15,450 for the hospital which was all inclusive, and a bill for anesthesia approx. $2,000-$4,000 and would be discounted if paid immediately. If any problems were to happen, of course there would be additional charges. 6 weeks after my surgery, bills started rolling in above and beyond those quoted to me, bills for various doctors, and then the mother load of a bill came in for $9,850 ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT I ALREADY PAID! I feel I was grossly misinformed! Now I have to figure out how to come up with $10,000! I am very upset about all of this!rnrnUPDATE 12-12-07 rnrnGREAT NEWS! They screwed up in sending the request for coverage to my insurance. This was for the charges I paid for PRIOR TO SURGERY. Thank goodness.......I now can get on with my life and the holidays without the worry of how I was going to cough up another $10,000.rn"
"I tried the banana and the strawberry first and to me they were excellent! They contain 27 g. of protein, only 2 g. sugar, 9 g. carbs and have 170 calories. They also have chocolate, orange and vanilla. If you contact them, ask for Jason and inform him that Terri Black (a bariatric patient) refered you and you should be able to get samples and only pay postage which is about $5-$6 and you get all the flavors to try! Otherwise they normally only send samples to doctors. Give it a try! Terri"
"Overall the hospital meet my expectations except after surgery the failed to tell my husband that I was sent to ICU instead of the bariatric floor, sendingt him on a wild goosechase to locate me. I felt ICU could have been a bit more attentive. They had one patient requiring immediate attention, however there were more than one patient in ICU to look after."
