Hi everyone

I'm new to bariatric pal. I am actually new to forums period. Never joined one but was hoping to get some help with those who have done the sleeve surgery done in southeastern MI. I am currently researching different programs in hospitals in SE MI and am struggling with settling on one.

The few individuals who I know have gotten the sleeve surgery have done so in Mexico, which is not an option for me. And one individual had it done at St. Mary's in Livonia, MI put developed complications and she's really struggling.

So far I have started the process at UofM Ann Arbor and to be honest with you, I was not that impressed, especially with the scheduling problems that I have encountered that have set this process back a few months more than it should.

I am now looking into Beaumont Royal Oak and Troy - 2 doctors jumped out at me but again there's very little in terms of reviews out there from their patients.

So would really appreciate any guidance you can provide.

Thanks everyone!

Struggling in MI

Welcome! I’m not in your area but I can tell you what to look for in a WL center. Others could chip in with ideas too… I looked for a place that was easy to continue seeing and traveling to because there are many visits. I looked for big sturdy furniture and scales. I looked for solid medical degrees of the docs and how many surgeries they had performed. I looked at the affiliated hospitals so I knew my insurance would approve good care. I made sure there was certified and licensed dietitians with Master’s degrees in science. Lastly I looked to find follow up care with pre and post surgical groups that meet up monthly and they chat. Those are all good indicators of a good, well run program. I think I’m luckier than most in such choices because I live near Boston MA.

Yess!!! Dr Krauss at Royal Oak Beamont was my doctor....i highly recommend him and the weight loss clinic at troy, they are amazing!

Dr. Kevin Krause.....his correct full name. Good luck

@learn2cook gave you some great advice about what to look for, but you may need to adjust your expectations. You didn’t say what kind of complications your friend had, but there’s always a risk of complications with any surgery and it isn‘t necessarily related to the surgeon’s level of skill. I can see why you would be wary about that, but just because one patient had complications doesn’t necessarily mean the surgeon isn’t good.

Also, I’m not sure what kind of scheduling issues you had, but that is not the surgeon’s fault. The office staff is a legitimate consideration since you will have several pre- and post-surgery visits, but if it’s just a matter of being booked a long time in advance, well, sometimes that’s just how it is — especially for a surgeon who is in high demand.

Thank you all for your help! I apologize for not getting back to you sooner - been crazy month. All great advice that I hope to incorporate in my search.

M5 - Dr. Kevin Krause is one of the two doctors that I was leaning towards so glad to see that you are recommending him. Would love to IM you and understand your journey and the process with Dr. Krause and his team.

Thanks again!