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Susan K.
Hobart, IN, USA
Post Op - BMI: 47.1
Surgery Type: RNY
Member ID: komenda934345021
Surgeon: Roy E. Berkowitz, M.D

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I had the roux-en-Y gastric bypass July 28, 1999. My surgery wa performed at BTC in Belvidere. Today is January 2, 2000. I have lost a total of 83 pounds and feel great. I am now 44 years old. Wish I could have had this surgery decades ago.
I have 2 teenaged daughters, also obsessed with weight. Neither are thin but are also not obese.
I have a fairly active job, and went back to work 6 weeks after surgery with no restrictions.
Co-morbidities included, joint pain and acid reflux. I now have no acid reflux and my joint pain has deminished greatly.
If asked the first week post op, I would not have suggested this surgery to anyone, but like every other time I have been hurt, it is worth it in the long run. I would do it every year if I had to, in order to have the results I have had.



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Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Roy E. Berkowitz, M.D
So far I am O.K. with him. He was very supportive at my initial consult and no complaints post op. The people on the phone were excellent. They were very supportive, espically the insurance approval dept. I was not impressed with post op support. I did drive almost 3 hours away to have the surgery and the closest support group they have is over 2 hours away. I think if they took the initative and got people together in the different areas, there would be enough to form a support group closer to me. I was told that I did not have to return for my 6 or 9 month check up if I didn't want to, but to make sure I had my lab work. I guess I have mixed feelings about that. I would like some post op feedback, but that drive in the middle of winter just to get weighed and my B/P taken was not worth it.
Insurer Info:
Aetna U.S. Healthcare
After they kept putting me off, it took a forcefull phone call from Bariatric Treatment Center to finally get an approval. My insurance gave me the run around for over a month. They would give me a date when I would know, I would call back and be told that was incorrect information.. I pleaded with them to let me know in May (it was very important for me to know at that time) but they said there was no way even though they had had the request since the middle of March. It was the end of June before I got an approval. I had to pay $1,500 out of pocket which is my maximum plus for the pre-op eval. which the insurance didn't pay ($85) and a little for some x-rays that were over Usual and Customary charges (I think $48). My insurance paid without hesatation and I was happy for that.