Question:
I really really want surgery, Do I go with a BTC or Hospital?
I want to know which is better and are the waiting periods the same? I heard that there is less of a wait with BTC's is that true? Please help with Pros and Cons , I am soooo confused. — JigglyJen (posted on February 1, 2003)
February 1, 2003
I am not sure about the wait times, but I chose a hospital...'just in case'
something went wrong. I felt more secure there.
— GPoynor
February 1, 2003
This is a decision that is very hard for some people. I myself felt more
comfortable with BTC since they have the most experience with the surgery
itself and they also have less pateints that have trouble afterward. It
really does come down to where you feel more at ease. I also chose BTC
because of there wonderful after care program. Like that they have
anutritionists on hand daily that can answer your questions with just a
call or their nurses that are so nice and see to your every need. I would
suggest you two different places(one including BTC) and take a little tour
and see where you feel you should have your surgery.
— DRutherford
February 1, 2003
You may not have a choice! Not all insurance policies cover the procedure
at BTC. So, you may end up making your choice depending on your insurance
coverage. My first choice was BTC, only because they were so close to my
home. My insurance would not cover WLS thru them though. So, I ended up
having my WLS surgery done at a hospital that my insurance covered. I did
feel more comfortable having WLS performed at a hospital where there were
specialist avaible in case of an emergency, just in case something went
wrong.
— Susan M.
February 1, 2003
Hi...there was no question that I was going to have my WLS at a hospital.
No knock against BTC, but I just felt more comfortable with the surgical
staff and hospital facilities at the Hospital of the University of
Pennsylvania.
<p>
I saw in your profile that you are from Baltimore. My sister Sherri Evans
(who is an obesityhelp.com member) just had her WLS this past Monday at
Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore with Dr. Vanguri. You may want to
e-mail her about her experiences with Dr. Vanguri...JR (open RNY 07/17 -142
pounds)
— John Rushton
February 1, 2003
I wish there were a BTC in Denver. Assuming my insurance would have paid
for it, I'd have gone there in a heartbeat. While it's not a hospital per
se, the docs, nurses, dieticians, etc. do nothing but WLS. I had my
surgery done by a general surgeon who includes WLS in his repertoire, maybe
not the best choice in my case.
— garw
February 1, 2003
Hi!!
I know what you are going through, this is a question that boggled me also.
I chose BTC. I looked at the University of Iowa hospitials too, but they
make you wait at least one year. Also they only did 1-2 per month,
whereas, BTC does like 8 per day. At BTC a lot of their employees have had
this surgery so they really do understand what you feel and do everything
to make you confortable. I thought it was the best choice since that is
all they do, and and so many workers have had it done, it made me feel
safer. I do not regret my decsion at all and I would choose BTC again. Of
course they are not near everyone so that might be a factor to you. What
helped me is I made a pros and cons sheet. This might make your decesion
eaiser, just make sure you are confortable with whatever you choose,
afterall it YOUR body and you don't just want anyone preforming major
surgery one you!! Good Luck!--CARRIE
— Carrie E.
February 2, 2003
I have heard good things about BTC, but I also know some one who has
surgery there and didn't have to go through any nutrition
counseling...three of us went out to eat at a bufffet and she at the most!
Her hair is really thin also, I feel bad that she might not have been told
what to do post-op. I also realize she might have and is just not able to
follow it. We have to fix our minds before we fix our bodies. Anyway back
to the question...as already stated your insurance may not cover BTC. I
chose a major hospital because I wasn't sure how my body would respond to
surgery and I wanted to make sure if something happened their was a
specialist on the next floor.
— Sarahlicious
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