Can you give me some advice on St. Vincent's. I might want to look into them as another option in Cleveland. Thanks, Shawn

Hi Shawn did you find ForestCat yet. I usually find him on the Ohio thread. I'm from NE ohio too but I'm going to the CLeveland Clinic. Good luck, hope you find ForestCat

Hi Jiggleypuff -

I think we are really fortunate here in Northern Ohio with all of the excellent hospitals. I don't think a person could go wrong going to any of them for the surgery.

When I was researching lapband surgery I happened to see that there was seminar given by St Vincents near where I worked, so I decided to go. I filled out the forms, and got the ball rolling after that.

Is there anything specific you would like to know? I'll answer anything I can, just let me know. And guess what? I got

APPROVED TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I see that sbee referred to me as a "him", but let me set the record straight - I'm a female cat.

Forestcat

Congratulations on approval!!! That has to be a great feeling. I am waiting back to hear from my psyc. evaluation. That is my last form before I can be sent off to insurance.

I really didn't have any questions in particular. Just how was your first experiences, was everyone helpful and warm? Where I am going to now I really don't care for any of the people. I am one of those people that have to feel comfortable with my doctors. So when I read your clevelander thread, it got me thinking, I don't have to go with these guys if I don't want to.

How long did the whole process take to get to where you are now? Feel free to give me any advice that pops into your head. Thanks, Shawna

Shawna -

I was very comfortable with Dr Ben-Meir at St Vincent. I have had other surgeries, and the surgeons were always in a hurry during the appointments. I know they are on a very tight schedule, but I felt like they wanted me out of there as fast as possible, so I maybe didn't ask the questions I wanted to. But I didn't feel that way at all with Dr Ben-Meir. He may have WANTED me out of his office as fast as possible, , but he didn't make me feel that way. When he saw that my husband was there he asked if it was ok with me that he come in also incase he had questions. Then when he started talking about my weight, he stopped and asked me if I was comfortable with him saying how much I weighed in front of my husband, because he didn't HAVE to. I didn't have a problem with it, but I really appreciated that he asked. He came across as a very kind and highly capable Dr.

Everyone else I've come in to contact with has been nice also. (the only "bad" incident was with someone at the check-in desk for a blood test in another area of the hospital, and I don't think she is necessarily affiliated with the Bariatric Center.)

I am pleased so far with St Vincent's, and have no problem recommending them to anyone else.

Best of Luck - and keep me posted!

Forestcat