Yes, It's True. Barix is closing in Belvidere IL.

I was to be scheduled for surgery with Dr. Boe today and when I received the call from them it was to inform me that he would only be doing one more week of surgery and the clinic would close in a couple of months to accomodate post op appointments. I was devastated as I went through hoops to get this surgery approved. I was told I could go to Barix in Ohio or Pennsylvania but how would that be if there were complications or problems or even general aftercare?? I am going to look closer to home...in Will or DuPage area for a new surgeon. I am really upset that Barix strung us along and didn't give us a clue this was in the making. I feel like I've wasted precious time waiting for Dr. Boe to review my clearances. I know it's not his fault but I was extremely devastated when Mindy called.

I remember feeling that way when dealing with Barix and they then told me that they didn't accept my insurance and I had to start all over again. But... with that said I found that in Harvard they have a clinic too and Dr. Bryant did my surgery and now McClennen has taken over as she is on leave but she's so great. I have no regrets and you should call there. All my best, Lora

Michelle, first I want to say (((HUGS))). You have been officially cyber hugged. Where are you located in the Will/DuPage area? Are you close to Downers Grove? Drs Jeff Rosen and Michael Iwanicki are fantastic surgeons that I would encourage you to consider. Their web site is www.lifeweighbariatrics.com They are out of Downers on Finley Rd, 2801 to be exact. The phone number for the office is 630 261 9393. They have a comprehensive program for pre and PO. Please consider giving their office a call for a consultation. PM me if you would like to talk or have more questions. Chris Bennett

Thanks Chris for the HUGS. I sure needed that after the Barix closing call. It was interesting that I checked this websites listed docs and their qualifications and reviews against my insurance plan surgeons and decided to give Dr. Rosen and Dr. Joyce in Joliet a call. Dr. Rosen's office called me right away this AM and arranged an appt next week and Barbie seemed so kind and understanding especially since I felt like my world had ended last night. Dr. Joyce's office insisted I go to the mandatory surgery information meeting next Wed night and then wait another 1-2 weeks for them to schedule an initial appointment. I may or may not go depending how my appointment with Dr. Rosen goes. I have another doctor in mind just for safe keeping as right now things don't seem to be going real well for me. I live near Rt 59 in Plainfield/Shorewood border so Downers Grove isn't far. What the heck I was going to go 75 miles to Belvidere!!!! I keep thinking that everything happens for a reason and God just must have had a different plan for me. My mom and aunt have been praying so hard for me and they think the same. I have to stay positive to keep from going crazy...this is such a long process...I've been at it since April of 2006 and I could see the light. I guess I just have to accept this detour. I read your diary and it sounds like you are doing great and looking good! Thanks a ton.

I am so sorry for what you're going through, but I have to say I'm not surprised. I saw Dr. Boe a few months ago and I didn't feel very comfortable because he could not guarantee that my surgery would be done laproscopically. I know that my BMI is high (72) but I kept having this feeling that I should keep looking. Open surgery has way more complications that lap and a much bigger chance of getting an infection. I saw 2 other surgeons who also told me there was a good chance I would be converted to an open surgery and that just wasn't good enough for me. Then through OH I found Dr. Frantzides. I read almost every one of his more than 200 testimonials and immediately made an appointment. He guaranteed that I would have a lap surgery and told me that I wasn't even the biggest BMI he had. He did a lap surgery on someone with a BMI of 91!! I felt so comfortable in his office and with his team and after talking to him, very confident that he could do my surgery and he did. Definitely check out his profile and read some of the testimonials. There are some amazing stories. I am one of them and I hope you will be too!