CORI w/ Barix and where to find medical records

I was a CORI Micropouch patient back in 2003. This spring CORI's website went down and so did their phone number. Now that it is back up, I see that CORI Center is now with Barix. Now this made me wonder about my medical records. After a few phone calls, I found out that the former dr. at CORI, Dr. Michael Woods, is supposed to have all of the old CORI patient records. And he is now under the American Bariatric Medical Institute. Dr. Woods was not my surgeon; my surgeon left and in a totally different hospital and weight loss surgery group. Yikes! What a nightmare! Now, where should I try to hook up with a support group...stay with CORI/Barix (which is too far to travel), go to the ABMI w/ Dr. Woods (which is also to far to travel), go with my surgeon (have no idea about this wls program), or get my medical records and find my own place to go to? What do I do for my annual follow up visits? This hasn't given me much comfort to think that these gastric bypass places are now cropping up a dime a dozen and drs are jumping ship and moving from place to place. What is a WLS patient supposed to do? What are other people's experiences?

I honestly don't have any advice for you! Generally when a surgeon leaves one facility and goes to another it is usually for personal reasons. Dr. Wood left CORI and began his own practice because he did not agree with what CORI was doing (merging with Barix). Every surgeon has his own beliefs in what a program and patient care should be. CORI was nothing more than a money hungry corporation and Dr Wood did not agree with the way things were. I am sure your surgeon left for similar reasons. If I were in your shoes I would check out the program your surgeon is with now and see how you like it. I understand the frustration in the distance you will have to drive for a support group, but I am sure there is one out there (weather it be Barix/CORI, ABMI, or even a local group) that you will find most helpful. I would go with that group Best of luck in this tough decision! Jennifer

I really feel sorry for Barix patients if Cori is merging with them. Gee's what are they NUTS!!!.

I just did a quick search on Barix web page and found that there is a support group in Livonia where you live! Here is the link with all of the info http://www.barixclinicsstore.com/livonia.html I hope that helps!!!

You should PM Just Jane....she has invited me to a St. Mary's Livonia group that sounds great and I don't think you have to be one of their patients. That would be close for you. These kinds of situations are exactly why I chose to go to U of M for my surgery. It may be a newer program, but you know they aren't going anywhere!

I actually checked out the St. Mary's group. It's quite a large group and very informative. I liked how the meetings were set up. I've been seriously considering transferring over to St. Mary. I can literally walk to the place. I'd like to find out if they have a "Keep on Track" program for long-term post-ops. I thought the doctors at CORI would have been long-term. But I guess nothing lasts forever.

Goood girl! haha! SHannon

Just to the left of this is an ad for St Mary Mercy Bariatric Center. Give Paula a call there and ask about support groups and if Dr Zeni can do your follow ups. I recommend Michigan Bariatric Institute (their new, highfalutin title) unqualifiedly. Tell Paula or Angie that I think they are (almost) better than Baked Cheetos. 734 655-2693 for Paula or 734 655-2692 for Angie

ok You have me scared now!!!! I am going through the Barix Clinic in Ypsilanti for my surgery and have my phsyc evaluation tomarrow. I did alot of research and this place had a good rating. But the way you guys are talking this is like food chain store and could change names and numbers any time and not be avail??? I hope I am not setting myself up for a chop house!!!!

Don't worry. Barix has been established for 13 years. CORI Center is the one with the staff and management problems. That's why I think they are trying to merge with Barix--a center more established. Don't let the merge discourage you from surgery. It is life altering and a life saver. You deserve it. I'm just discouraged because I put my faith in CORI totally and now I'm mentally scrambling to figure out where I'm going to go and what I'm going to do. Barix seems to have a very complete program with their long-term On Track program. Most of the other bariatric places do not. They have the annual follow ups and that's about it. CORI was like that.