I met with Dr. Taylor at ABMI (formally at CORI) last week. He works with Dr. Wood in Madison Heights. He seemed nice enough, but I have not been impressed with the response of the office to my calls. Also- the forms were outdated (e.g. had me sign consent form that said I agreed to have lap band when they only use the Realize band). I actually live near Toledo and will be meeting with Dr. Pop... at Barix in Ypsilanti tomorrow. I have not checked into Henry Ford. I used to work there and don't want my former coworkers to be able to see my records. Ypsilanti is closer and the office has been wonderful-- but they do not use the Realize band- lap band only. I had been told the Realize band was better but I didn't see the new AP band. So my comparison was only the Realize versus the old band at Taylor's office.

Any suggestions- anyone go through Barix?

I see Dr. March in Hillsdale for my fills. My surgery itself was done in Mexico. I am very happy with Dr. March. I believe the name of the group is Hillsdale Surgical.

I'm going through Dr. Poplawski in Ypsi. Personally I think there's really very little difference between the Realize band and the Lap-Band. They both serve the same purpose, which is to be a tool thhat we have to utilize for maximum weight loss and sustaining a lifestyle change.

Barix is great about responding to my calls. Their insurance group was great in communicating what I needed to do and helped me do it. The staff is highly knowledgeable, and I can't find a bad word about Dr. Poplawski anywhere online.

I'm excited to get my surgery in a few short weeks. Good luck in your decision.