Need advice, before I can help...

I would suggest looking at he Baric Clinics in Langhorne PA. Had my surgery there in January and am very pleased. My doc was Dr. Brader who is the only one who does laproscopic surgery up there. I was very comfortable with him on the first meeting. You can find miore contact information at: http://www.barixclinics.com/ They are out of network as far as my insurance company Aetna was concerned, but so are the local surgeons in Delaware. Barix specializes gastric bypass and the staff understands botht he physical and emotional stress that we are under. It might be worth a try, their program is very similar to the the local one and I have used PMRI and the local support groups for my supporting and education. My first visit with the doctor and tour of the facitilities was free, so it cannot hurt to call and talk with them.

Hi Dana, I really HATE that PMRI is taking this particular route. The bottom line with them is the buck and unfortunately there will be many who suffer by not being able to have surgery and not being able to use docs Irgau, Wynn and Peters. I did hear somewhere that they offer a less expensive program at St. Francis? I think I remember a conversation about that somewhere and that Dr. peters was part of that? Also someone mentioned the program at Harford Memorial and Barix Clinics, definitely worth checking into. Please tell her to go to her appointment and at least speak with the doctors, she may find an alternative there that we aren't aware of and at the very least it will help her in her final decision to go ahead with surgery for other reasons. Help her in the general should I/shouldn't I process. Glad to hear you're doing so well! Linda

Hi Dana! Not sure I can offer much more than support (moral, not financial..)... When I went through the PMRI process, it was just prior to Lifeskills being a requirement..I put out $375 out of pocket (they do take credit cards..), I used my own cardiologist & pulmonologist and I only had the co-pay for them...that at least helped out. My aunt also went through Dr Smoot, almost 5 years ago when he was still working out of Seaford, great guy! I would highly recommend him, my aunt has done awesome! Hope this at least helps out... Take care, best of luck to your friend! Valerie

I know the program I went through was PA Hospital (8th & Spruce Philadelphia) with Dr. Kirkland. They only require $200.00 for nutrition classes (I think about 5). Although when I had my surgery done it was free...they started the charge the month after I had my surgery. Dr. Kirkland is tough to get an appointment but you could go on stand by. Great surgeon but only does open RNYs. He does have a partner that does laps. Although from Port Deposit to Phila...that is a drive. Not sure she will want to do that. I was surprised to hear the costs at PMRI. Debbie

I totally agree.... It's a shame that some people cannot afford to have this life-saving surgery. I also feel that some people will flee from our safe, caring, experienced docs and run to anyone who hangs a shingle, therefore jeopardizing their own health. I am grateful (although, I was rather annoyed at the time) for the screening by PMRI--I made the best of the classes but really don't think I learned anything more than I did by reading all the literature we were given and attending support group meetings. But I made the best of it. But this latest hurdle ($) is just a little excessive IMHO. Dana, best wishes for your friend. Glad to offer any moral support, experience that I can. Hoping everyone is well. Dianne PS I have been having computer problems at home, and not able to peek from work anymore. DDL