KDMC or Cabell Huntington

I'm hoping to join you banders on the losing side in 2007 and still researching my options. I've seminared at KDMC in Ashland and went with a friend for the first meeting and testings. I'm scheduled for seminar at Cabell Huntington 12/14. I would be interested in comments from anyone that has information regarding either program, the more the better. My insurance in 07 will be Blue Cross Blue Shield federal and KDMC indicates it's their favorite to to work with, they only require telephone approval - which is a blessing! Happy Thanksgiving to my new KY losers and loser wanna bees! I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you a lot better in the coming months and years. Sorry my picture looks distorted - it was too fat the first time I tried to download. Imagine that... Susan

Hi Susan, I do not live in Ky, I live in Barboursville, WV. I will be having surgery on Dec the 14 at KDMC. I chose them because at the time they were the only Center of Exellence in the area and after going to the seminar I was very impressed with their program. Going through all my testing I was really impressed with the staff at KDMC. I had several tests done on the same day and the staff was very helpful, on more than one occasion I was asked if I new where to go and then they took the time to walk me where I needed to go. Dr Wheeler is my Doc and I am very happy with him. I chose him because he is over the WLS Dept. He is a matter of fact kind of guy to me. He has a good bed side manner but he does not sugar coat anything. The staff at the Bariatric Center and Dr. Wheelers office are very helpful as well. As you can tell I am sold on KDMC. The main thing is for you to go with the one you feel good about. Pan Head

Susan, Unfortunately I cant help you with your question. I did want to tell you that i wish you the best of luck with becoming a loser! Its the best decision I have ever made! Also if you want your pic to not look distorted you can email it to me and I would be happy to resize it for you. Sarah

I went to seminars at both, and have worked at both as well. I chose KDMC hands down. They are a center of excellance and have been for quite a while. My doc was also Dr. Wheeler and she is right, he does not sugar coat anything, he just flat out tells you like it is which I truly appreciated. The hospital is clean, every staff member is friendly and polity and helpful to not just you, but your family as well. Dr. Wheelers office staff is top notch as well andmake sure your ready for surgery before your surgery. Good luck to almost being on the losing side of things. I started out at 322 and I am currently 205. 199 is taking forever but I know it will happen. If you have any questions you can email me directly at [email protected] or add me to myspace if you have it. www.myspace.com/fmfmorgaine Gidget

I would go with KDMC. The follow up care is one of the best in the area. The staff will work with you and truely care about how you are doing. If you have questions are there to answer for you. If you get a chance come to support group and learn even more from patients going through the precert and patients that have already had surgery.

I'm glad I read this posting. I have my first appointment with Dr. Wheeler on Wednesday of this week and I'm glad so many people seem to like him. He was very open and honest at the seminar that I thought I would give him a try. I wish you the best of luck on making the best decision for you. Tiffany

Tiffany, have you had your psych evaluation yet? If you're interested in what a recent KDMC evaluation was like, email me at [email protected]. Best of luck to you also, I think I'm also going to stick with KDMC after talking with several people - they also did a good job on the delivery of my baby. Susan