Hi everyone, I was so excited when I heard about this site. But right now I'm kinda of disappointed. It doesnt seem there is anyone on here from Michigan anymore... Hmmm....

Well, If anyone reads this I hope to hear from you soon! I'm pre-op and excited to hear about anyone's experiences! I hope you write!

Thanks!!!!!

Hey there TL! I just now seen your post. I'm new at all this kind of stuff. Glad to hear I'm not alone here in Grand Rapids! I am now about three weeks out. Feeling great! Starting to eat normal foods, I still find it hard trying to get out of that "diet mentality" I want to forget about obsessing about my weight! Good luck to you.

Kim

HI Kim, Did you have trouble getting thru

the 3 weeks of liquids and mushies. How are you doing

trying to bring normal food back into your diet? Glad to hear your

are doing so well. That is terrific...Is it hrd to get out of the "diet

mentality". Are you going to any support group?

Trudy

Well, I am going to speak up for Dr. Deol and the $250 consult fee. I have never had anything looked out or discussed with me for free that was elective. The reason she has a fee is basically because of time loss when she consults with someone. She is not a part of a huge team or a hospital...she has started her own clinic and is awesome. She has no one else like other places to consult with you first over the basics. I had a friend who could not afford the consult fee and Zoe was nice enough to wave the fee.

It is just like calling a lawyer for legal advice...you will get a bill unless they are making so much hand over fist that they can let you slide.

I think Dr. Deol is great and wish I had the funds available to make her my choice again, but I just don't.

When I went to the semiar there were a lot of questions about fee's, etc.

Nothing was ever said about a $800 fee for support group required prior to having the surgery. The only thing mentioned was the fee for nutritionist and psych eval. I would have been very stuck if I had went to the consult and dropped $250 to find out I couldn't afford the $800 support group for a long time and then there's nothing I could do to get the $250 back. I went to the seminar for Port Huron after that and at the seminar they gave everyone a sheet that detailed everything and the costs and if it's not covered by insurance or might be, etc. I found that very helpful in figuring out what to expect in the months ahead.

ohhh well i payed the 800 in installments that did not start until after surgery and i payed that to the nutritionist not her

I'm finally scheduled for July 27!!

Hello

I Was Scheduled For Surgury With Dr. Deol And Then Felt Uncomfortable With Some Of Her Business Practices. When I Tried To Talk To Rebecca About My Concerns She Actually Yelled At Me On The Phone And Then Told Me I Wasnt Wanted There. It Was Very Surprising. I Called My Insurance Company To Get To The Bottom Of All Her Fees And They Spent A Great Deal Of Time Helping Me Try To Figure It Out And Then Advised Me Not To Use Her. I Then Got A List Of Other Surgeons (i Interviewed Them All) And Several Of Them Do Not Charge One Penny More Than The Insurance Covers. The Only Money I Paid Out Of Pocket To Anyone (besides Bcbs Co-pays) Was The Consult Fee To Dr. Deol Which I Deeply Regret.

The Bottom Line With This Is Your Dr And You Have To Have A Long Term Relationship And You Have To Be Comfortable With Them~ I Was Not With Dr. Deol.

What is the name of the doctor who does surgery in Port Huron MI?

there are two doctors. Dr. Boutt and Dr. Bhesenia

Hi Josette, thanks for the infor....do you also know if Port Huron Hospital has a CERTIFICATE OF ECELLANCE to comply with MEDICARE complyancies?

Medicare requires this before they will pay.

Martha

Martha.. last I heard... Dr. Boutt said they are supposed to be certified in July. I do know one of the hospitals in Grand Rapids already has that.

I am new to this board and from Michigan too. Thought this would be the best thread to post in. I am being banded on August 2 by Dr Poplawski at Barix in Ypslanti. Anyone used Barix for their surgery? I have been really happy so far they have followed up on everthing. I am a very nervous about all this talk about Pbing ...it's really is scaring me. Would love to chat with anyone about how they deal with this PB stuff. I am having a hard time visualizing my life throwing up all the time. Yikes!

bandster,

you don't throw up all the time. From what I've learned you basically have to pay attention to what you're eating and how you're eating it. if you're not chewing enough... you'll pb. if you're eating something that your stomach just can't digest ... you'll pb. So the only way you'll pb all the time is if you make the choice to not pay attention to how you eat and what you eat.

I would highly recommend Dr. Bhesinia from port huron. i had my lap band surgery with him on june 9.

Josette, Thanks for the infor...I am hoping Harper gets the cert soon. {it is closer} but I did email Port Huron, and they said to check back in July also.

Martha:ban:

you're welcome martha. Let me know what you find out and I hope you get that ball and chain off you soon. hehehe.

Jillia, how much have you lost so far? How are you feeling?

I can hardly wait!