Choices, Choices.

I am still in the pre-op process and would like to share some impressions I have had of my experience so far. Way back in August, I called Middlesex Hospital (MMH) to ask what the requirements were for Gastric Bypass surgery with Dr. Aranow. I had heard many good things about him from several sources. I should preface my remarks by explaining that I was a Medical Administrator for over 20 years until I became disabled (AND my ex-husband is a Surgeon). I was POINTEDLY unimpressed with both the "attitude" and the info I received from his staff. They did NOT explain the process very well at all but basically just said I had to wait till November 15th to even get into one of the "Informational" meetings, which I guess is Step #1. Ok, so I signed up. But then I was told on this website AND on the MMH website that I could also go on the 1st Monday of the month. Ok,...so last Monday, off I go, expecting a support group. But instead there was a Nutritionist who personified the term "condescending" and one of their Psychological counselers. Being now TOTALLY confused, I asked if THIS was the "informational" meeting I was supposed to attend (thinking that perhaps I had either been given the wrong date or I had written it down wrong.) I was told "Yes". But later, I was told "No", to still come on the 15th. Oh, and that Dr. Aranow's office would NOT accept my Medicaid supplemental insurance and I would have to pay the Medicare co-pay myself. Two days later, I called St Rafael's Hospital and was able to sign up THAT DAY to their informational meeting THAT NIGHT. They had two of their surgeons, their Practice Manager, their Nutritionist, and their Psychologist. The information presented was excellant, the process was clearly explained and insurance coverage was gone over in detail. All in all, it was one of the most impressive presentations I have ever seen. AND we were allowed to submit a request THAT NIGHT to be called by their office to set up an appointment to meet with one of the surgeons. Oh,...and they take BOTH of my insurances, and for those folks who don't have insurance coverage, the cost has been negotiated with the Hospital down to only $17,000. This is about $8000 less than most other CT facilites, including MMH. I urge anyone who is considering this surgery to check out St Rafaels and the TRULY amazing staff there.

Patricia, I used the ST Rapheal doctors and they were truly remarkable. I started my process on 5/15/05 and had my surgery the 18th of july. My surgeon Dr denise Barajas is a wonderful doctor and if I had to do it over again I would choice her again. You will love the Dr's at the office they are all wonderful

1) Elina is an excellent dietician I don't find her condescending at all, at the info mtg she is presenting a large amount of info in a short period of time. 2) You went to a 1st Monday of the month info mtg that discusses the psych and diet aspects of the surgery and is a requirement for Dr. Aranow's pre-op patients, not one of the regular support groups 3) The seminar on November 15th is supposed to be your 1st stop-everything else would have been explained and made sense 4) MMH's hosp charge for self pay is $13,500 not $17,000. Dr Aranow's fee is seperate from that. 5) Dr. Aranow is the top surgeon in the state for this surgery, I wouldn't disqualify him because of a wait, I can't say I have ever been married to a surgeon, but I am a RN with 15 years experience. His record is exemplary. 6) Maybe you can renegotiate your divorce and get more alimony from aforementioned surgeon/husband and then the co-pay would be a non-issue.

Wow,....I was taken aback by your response to my posting. I wasn't trying to offend you or anyone. But in response to your numbered items: 1> Elina stated "Come on,....you all can lose weight,...this surgery is more about keeping it off." I don't know about anyone else, but if I could lose sufficient weight without having major surgery, I would. I think "condescending" is not an inapporpriate description of her remark. She may very well be an excellent dietician, but we all have "off" days and I only had that one instance to go by. 2 & 3> In retrospect, I do understand the correct sequence of events now. The point I was attempting to make in my original posting was that this sequence of events was explained very poorly and I was given conflicting information. 4> The $17000 at St Rafe's covers everything. Including the surgeon. 5> I never said anything derogatory about Dr Aranow and have no doubt he's excellent. But a doc needs to be surrounded by an equally excellent support staff and this was what I found lacking. Your remark about never being married to surgeon sounded a bit snotty. 6> I found this remark just plain rude.

Hey Patrique, I also had my surgery at St Raphaels, my surgeon was Dr. Denise Barajas and she was wonderful. The office staff is very compasionate and caring and very informative. When you decide on the surgeon you will be in great hands there. All the surgeons in that group are fantastic. Good luck with your process and maybe I will see you at one of the support meetings. Welcome to the OH Family. Hugs KimC

Patrique, In defense of Dr Aranow and MMH...you put the cart before the horse. You went to a "first monday of the month meeting" and that week is always the "required" meeting of the psych and dietitian that Dr A's patients has to attend before they can make an appt with either of them. (Every other Monday's meetings are support groups) You inquired with Dr A's office staff a rundown on what the surgery process is and that is not their job. They are just too busy to go over everything that Dr Aranow goes over during his presentation. I don't know why you feel so "offended" by this. If there was one person employed by Dr Aranow in the capicity to only answer inquiry questions, then I'd say your call was justified, but because you state you were in hospital administration for 20 years won't buy you a cup of coffee. Personally, nobody really cares what you do or who your ex husband is. You have to go the same route as every potential WLS patient does and that's attend the seminar first. Had you waited until this week (or still go to be able to compare the two seminars) to go to what is supposed to be your first step in the process, you will find that Dr Aranow covers EVERTHING in his power point presentation. From soup to nuts... This guy is a perfectionist...He's set up a great program for WLS and it's probably one of the busiest in the state. That's why his office is busy. They guy does hundreds of these surgeries a year, goes to several seminars to learn more about it, and is on top of the game. There are no other "professionals" at his seminar, just him at this one. He's gathered information from all of them and combinds it into his presentation. While I was sitting through his presentation (with my husband, and we knew little about WLS and co-morbidities and death rates due to those or with surgery, etc) We were both BLOWN away. It scared the crap out of me and I knew I had to do something soon. I knew then and there that I was at the right place for me. You just know. And maybe Dr Aranow is not for you. But you've not given him the chance. You've dismissed him before you've ever listened to him speak. To me, that is not a fair assessment of him, his abilities as a surgeon and as a doctor. I didn't need to set up my appointment with him that night. (They don't do that) I waited patiently until the next morning to phone myself and make my initial appointment with them and it was 3 weeks away. After you meet with Dr Aranow, you can set up your appts with the psych and dietitian and the other required tests he'd like you to do. He's very compassionate and forthcoming with his information. He's protective of his staff and doesn't like anyone giving them a bad time. They're all doing their job in a busy practice. So, you got instant gratification from St Raf's...you wanted to get in there and now and you did...are they the best surgeons? I don't know...I drove from Rhode Island to have my surgery with whom I believe is the best. I researched and researched surgeons in RI, CT and stopped with whom I felt the most comfortable and with the surgeon that verbally is honest with me, knows what he's doing and is strong in his beliefs of the surgery and the program. As far as insurance and self pays. MMH's bill for my surgery was about 8500 dollars. I have BCBS insurance. They only paid about 6500 towards it and that's what MMH has to take because they are a "preferred provider" and that's what has been agreed upon. As far as Dr A's bill goes...it was also about 8500 dollars and I got my insurance rundown yesterday and only 4300 was paid...He's also a preferred provider and I'm not required to pay anything out of my pocket more except for my co-insurance which is about 300.00. Oh, anesthesia was 1100 dollars and I've not gotten that rundown of payment yet. I urge anyone who is considering this surgery to check out Dr Aranow and MSH and their truly AMAZING staff there... We all have our own opinions on this subject. If it's instant gratification you want and want to cut corners to have your surgery tomorrow, then go with one that'll do it that quickly. I just hope they cover all of the bases to make sure you're healthy and safe before cutting into you. I'd hate to have someone die from surgery because of this. BTW...Elina is far from condescending...she's very knowledgable in her profession and you can't judge someone from a 1 1/2 hr presentation that she does half of. YOu need a one on one with her to really and truly make that judgement call. I agree with Bernadette's post...renegotiate your divorce from "said" ex husband/surgeon/doctor and self pay if your insurance won't cover... I'm just stating my own opinions here. I don't know much about St Raf's except from their presentations. I chose not to go with them for my personal opinions. Remember, paitence is always key. Paula

Hello All, Although I have not posted in a very long time, I joined this site to have support in my weight loss journey and to help others as they begin their process. I consider the site to be a safe place for us to share our thoughts, experiences and fears. While I expect there to be differences of opinions, I am surprised to see the "personal attacks" on this string of e:mails. Please reconsider your messages. There is a much kinder way to communicate.

Patrique, I am sorry you had such a bad experience with MSH and Dr Aranows office. He was my surgeon and I have to admit, I have been less than pleased with the experience. He did a wonderful job and is nice in person but he is always very busy and sometimes rushes you through your visits. I was confused about the process as well. I would have liked someone from the office to explain it a little better to me too. As for Elina, she can be condesending. I felt very taken aback by her in my individual consultation. She treated me like I was five by talking down to me. She can also be very flighty and all over the place when explaining things. Which is annoying because you have to pay $60 just to see her for a half hour. I have just kind of had to keep emailing her and calling the office to get my questions answered. I am happy that everything is working out for you now and please don't pay any attention to negative responses. We ( should) all be here to support you and let you vent when something goes wrong or is unexpected. I know sometimes it just feels good when someone listens and respects that your day was bad. Hopefully people will learn to be nicer. I know we have all been through enough harrassment in our lives. This should be the one place that you don't have to hear it. Good LucK! Sara

First I want to wish ALL pre-ops, regardless of which doctor and program they chose, the best of luck. We all make decisions which are appropriate for ourselves...nobody else. BUT with that being said, the responses to this thread - the personal attacks and blatent rudeness are the key reasons why I do not participate in this message board anymore. Support? Not found here! -Deb

***********hijack***************** HI Deb, That is why I haven't seen you on here in a long time. I don't post much anymore but oh well.......Wondering how you are doing and how everything is.....YOu had surgery about the same time I did so I just wanted to see how your 2nd year is going???? Have a GREAT day!!!! Carmen