Newbie (kinda), with question

Hello everyone! I posted here a while back, but haven't done anything to further myself in the process. Basically, because I was waiting for my new insurance to kick in. Finally it has. Now, I really don't even know where to start. I live in the Lansing area. I have heard that Sparrow and Ingham Reg. are doing the bypass now. Not so sure about using the fairly new process at these places? Other places I've heard about are Grand Rapids and Flint. (Where'd you go? pros? cons? Willing to hear anything!) The 1 thing about Sparrow or Ingham is that they are so close to my home. But, I'm willing to go anywhere! I'm a 27 yr old stay at home Mom. My daughter is 2. I am not only doing this for myself, but also for her. I want to be able to run around, chase her, do fun things with her, go shopping, ride rides at the amusement parks, see her grow up and become an adult, etc. I just want to LIVE and be healthy! I'm scared of what could happen, should my life continue on like it currently is. I know that I have a long road ahead of me, but hopefully this is just the beginning to my brand new lifestyle! Thanks! Shawna

Hi Shawna, I had my lap RNY done at University of Michigan in March. The program was fairly new then, but they have done a lot of surgeries since then. The program is awesome. You get a ton of information before and after your surgery. You get one on one consultations with a nutritionist who is always available for you. The surgeons (Dr. Birkmeier and Dr. Finks) are very experienced; and both have worked at other hospitals doing this surgery. They also have been "fixing" patients that had the surgery done at other hospitals and experienced problems. They do have an informational session you can attend, as I believe most of the bigger hospitals do. (734) 936-5738 Whatever your decision, good luck, and do your research! Brenda

ask how many surgeries they've done and get their success rate. Then go to the library and ask the librarian to help you look up the surgeon's records and you can see if they've been involved with any disciplinary actions. I had an "attempted" surgery by one surgeon who'd done slightly less than 100 surgeries and then had a super easy and super successful surgery done by a surgeon who'd done over 1700 and boy did i learn my lesson. I would never again let anyone touch me who hadn't done hundreds of the specific type of surgery i was looking for. good luck.

i'm sorry, i meant less than 100 laprascopic RnY surgeries which is what i was having done. He was actually a very accomplished vascular surgeon.

Thanks for your suggestions. I agree that I don't want somebody so new to the process. I'd rather have some one with a great experience record. (The better the success rate....the better, in my opinion)

hi Shawna--there is a support group that meets at Sparrow monthly--i dont have accesss to theire newsletter right now....but monday i will send it to you....the people who attend it and run it have had surgeris in a variety of places.......in fact, I think Carey Poission has left a couple posts that PS Dr. DiNick is speaking to the group next week......you might want to think about going and meeting people........good luck, rae

Hurley in Flint is awesome. I had Dr. Farhan. They are very accomplished surgeons and bariatric surgeons, specifically. He has a great record. I don't remember what it was (I had surgery 8/05) but it was one of the things that helped me make my mind up to go with them. I went to a couple of different information seminars with different surgeons/hospitals. Do your research and don't be afraid to ask questions. You may want to start with your insurance company and see who they'll cover. I was limited to those that were in network with my insurance company. Fortunately, I had some very good surgeons to choose from (Beaumont, Henry Ford, Hurley, etc.). Do your research!!!! Tina PS - Hurley is a center of excellence, also. I know there are others that are, as well. Don't want to slight anyone!

HI SHAWNA...I WENT TO MMPC AND HAD DR FOOTE DO MY SURGERY. HE IS AWESOME!! HE HAS DONE HUNDREDS OF SURGERIES AND IS THE BEST OF THE BEST!!! SPECTRUM BLODGETT HOSPITAL HAS A FLOOR JUST FOR BARIATRIC PEOPLE. THERE I WAS TREATED LIKE A QUEEN WHILE I WAS THERE!!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND MMPC AND BLODGETT HOSPITAL!!! YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THEM AT ALL. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS PM ME ANYTIME!! HUGS AND GOOD LUCK!!! JUDY

I would recommend that you look close to home, since you are a stay at home Mom, Sparrow just might have a WLS surgeon who can answer your questions as well as Ingham also. For the best of the best, I highly recommend Barix Clinix in Ypsilanti. I did not have my RNY done there, but wish I had. I know how people are treated as a patient from a TT in October. I do know a few people who had their surgery there and they are very happy. I would choose someone close to home because I personally don't like traveling long distances in weather like we are having right now!!!!!!!!!! But, everyone has their choices. Do research on the type of surgery you want, the surgeon, and ask questions. Start preparing now for pre-op, sugery, and post op life so that you are well informed. And look into all the options out there for you. Hugs! Stacey W

Thanks everyone! Your input is appreciated. I've checked into Sparrow and Ingham. I'm just not sure. Their programs are so new from what I understand compared to others. I would have to speak to the doc's to find out how new they are and get a good feeling, before chosing to go with them. Sparrow has some robot that does the surgery. Looked kinda wierd from the photos. Anyway, a lot is going to depend on ins., what they'll cover, who they'll cover, etc. I will be calling them today. Need to get this ball rolling! Thanks again! I'm sure I'll be back with tons of questions/concerns! Shawna