Okay.... I need some advise.....

I'm sure you all have been over this before and "I'm sorry" but I'm just at a lost for who too go too for this surgery, I'm planning on having the Lap-Band done unless they tell me other reason's why I can't.  I've been doing a lot research on the net about it, so I'm informed and I'm sure I haven't found out everything. Here is my dilema:  I don't know who to go through??? Should I use MMPC  or  Barix ??? I'm so lost, I'll give you a little hint, they *do have* a Barix office in Holland, in which I Live in Zeeland so my follow up's would only be like 15 minutes from my home.  MMPC on the other hand is a 45 minute drive and I'll warn u up front?............. I am not repeat AM NOT a winter driver  LOL  I hate it, I only have to drive 6 miles to work everyday and I freak out when it's Winter  LOL But on the other hand I want too be in the best hands, have a great experience with this, we're talking the rest of my life here!  So I need some advice good/bad on both places what your experience was like.................. if you don't mind, if your sick of talking about it's cool.... I'll understand!  Thanks soooo much in advance!! ~Molly~  

I don't know which to go with - whoever you get the best vibe from. Try going to seminars for each. I had my gastric bypass with Barix and loved the treatment I received. Top notch. Mind you it was the Ypsilanti facilities that I went through with Dr. Pop who is wonderful. Dawn

Dawn, Thanks for your reply I appreciate it!! I'm know if I go with Barix that my surgery will be in Ypsi, but I'm hoping my follow up's will be in the Holland office?  I'm hoping! Are the seminar's always free?  Guess I should contact them to find huh? Thanks again for your reply! ~Molly~ 

Hey Neighbor!!!!! I can tell you that MMPC is wonderful, having spent the last 3 years as a medical pt. there.  I will be using them for surg. too.  However, I'll be having VSG, not Lap-Band.

 

I have heard great things about both, and the occasional negative about both.  Basically, I think that as long as YOU can keep everything straight with your appts. records, etc.. then you'll be in good hands with both, from what I hear. If you go with Lap Band then you'll probably have more frequent visits than with anything else.

I think if I were you, due to the frequency and winter weather I'd stick close to home. I agree with the seminar post above. Hugs, Laura

 

I made my decision of location based on the doctor I wanted to perform my surgery.  I did a ton of research to find a doctor with TONS of experience and had an outstanding track record with low complications/mortality rates.  I wanted someone who knew what he was doing and had the experience to back it up.  I also didn't want a surgeon who ONLY did gastric bypass surgeries.  Which is why I was happy that my doctor was also a trauma surgeon.  So if something went drastically wrong during surgery then he could deal with any type of issue that arose.  Although my surgeon does primarily weight loss surgery, he came with many many years of general surgery experience. I also needed to find a facility that has an outstanding after-care program.  I wanted an office staff that was compassionate, responsive and eager to assist me.  I wanted a dietary staff that was experienced, knowledgeable and knew the correct advice to give -- a staff trained in dealing with my altered digestive system, not just a normal digestive system.  That staff needed to be available to me as a post-op patient when I had questions or concerns too. I also wanted a facility that offered regular support group meetings. Finally I needed to feel comfortable with the entire program.   And I couldn't know if I felt that way until I physically visited the office, sat through an informational meeting (normally these are free) and had a chance to ask questions and see how their program worked.  All the reviews and reports online could not replace this type of research.  Gotta make the trip and go meet 'em. If traveling is a major concern for you, you'll need to figure out if the closer facility is really your top choice for your health.  Or are you just picking them because you're afraid to drive?   Personally I would figure out how to deal with my driving issue if it meant that the better facility was 45 minutes away.  I wouldn't want to risk my life with a program that I didn't feel 100% comfortable with.  But that's just me and you might not feel that same way. Nobody can make this decision for you except for YOU.  Do all the research you need to do.  Not only on the facilities, but also on which surgery will be best for you and your current situation and relationship with food.  I personally knew I could never do the lapband because I could too easily sabatoge myself with milkshakes, soda and sweets.  Are you strong enough to resist those temptations?   Be sure to look at every single aspect of every single thing about the surger - location, type of surgery, after care, everything.  Even if it takes you an extra 6 months to decide, it's worth it to have peace of mind about your final decision. Good luck Pam

I chose MMPC even though it was over an hour from my home.  I have two facilities (one, literally in my back yard) in my city and I still chose to drive based on surgeon's records and word of mouth.  I've never regretted my decision, even during my many winter drives to Grand Rapids. (My husband had surgery on 12-28-06, so we had many visits.) My advice would be to research as much as you can and find the facility that makes you feel comfortable. Best of luck to you!

How much weight do you have to lose? Would you consider something other than lap-band? I understand the drive to GR as it is 45 minutes for me too.  However, my PCP discouraged me from getting lap-band (which I was completely sold on!) because you need so many more follow-up visits with fills and things. I changed to RNY for these reasons: 1.  After meeting with Dr. Kemmeter he felt RNY was right for me. 2.  Length of time to drive to MMPC 3.  Number of visits needed post-op 4.  I work 55-60 hours per week...no time for all those appointments! 5.  BMI just over 40 with co-morbidities. 6.  Plus, I wanted to get it right the first time!  I had spoken to a few people who gotten lap-band and wished they had gotten something else.   Please know that I am not trying to dissuade you from getting the lap-band.  Whatever you want is great!  Please take some of these things into consideration.  You can schedule your appointments with everybody on the same day.  In seven weeks I have only had to drive to MMPC twice.  2 weeks post of and 6 weeks.  The next appointment will be at 3 months.  Best of luck with your decision.

The decision you make is yours.  I too would encourage you to re-think the lapband if you have a lot to lose.  I know of several people who have regretted the lap band and ended up having the RNY.  As for location, I would go with the surgeon who has an excellent record, and a great pre and post program.  This makes all the difference.  I too went with a doctor who was a trauma surgeon as well as gastric bypass...and this decision literally saved my life.  My doctor was a hour away and I would do it again in a second.  I have heard both positive and negative about the two places have mentioned......all I can tell you that Hurley out of Flint offers an excellent program from the time you inquire about the surgery.....till forever after.   I wish you the best of luck....this is a wonderful journey you are starting.  Take care. -Tracey

If you really just compare numbers and complications rate which is just the facts ,Barix Cinic's has the best numbers across the board. There are other good programs out their. no question. But the have a complete package with the lowest complication rates I have heard of.... Driving a little bit for a center that does nothing but weight loss surgery is well worth it.  They are the best at what they do. and  when you match it with there Doctors and I assume since you are in Zeeland you are looking at Dr. Schram. and his outstanding surgical skills.  What else can be said....

WHOLEY COW!!!  I'm getting so many different things thrown at me  LOL  Dunno what to do now?  I'm sure everyone's Dr is awesome! I've been weighing it up yes Holland is closer to drive for the follow up's but however Ypsi is a loooonger way to drive when I need too see the doc Sooooooo. It's looking like I'm leaning towards MMPC   NOW Anyone request a certain Doctor there to go with? Thanks again ~Molly~