I'm a newbie and I have BCN :-(

Hello! I am new to the site and this process. I have been on diet most of my life and I haven't had any success. I feel that surgery is the only way for me now. I have a 7 year old son who wants to run and play and go and do things and I just can't keep up. My blood pressure is completely uncontrollable and it scares me. I met with Dr. Zeni at St Mary Mercy-Livonia on Tuesday. He and his office staff are wonderful. I left there feeling hopeful. My only problem is that I have BCN and I have read about the nightmarish experiences other people have had with them. As of July 1st BCN is changing the way WLS are handled. We will only be able to go to a "Center of Excellence" and no one at BCN can tell you where they will ve located at. As of right now the only one anyone knows about is in Grand Rapids. I know it's a long shot but I have got to get this approved by June 30th. Say a few prayers for me!!

Hi Newbie- I am 7 days post-op. I went to a "Center of Excellence" in Mi. Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. My surgeon was Kevin Krause. I had been researching laporoscopic gastric for about 5 years until I made my decision. Beaumont was awesome and so was Krauses office. As far as BCN, you could always call the office and see how they handle bcn. They have so much experience. Good Luck, Romey

Hi Stacy and welcome to the Michigan board. I have BCN as well I just went for an in person appeal yesterday and should find out if I am approved by Tuesday. As far as the new requirements, I have not heard that, but that does not mean anything and I think Beaumont in Royal Oak is a center of excellence. I hope all works out for you.

From what I know the center in Flint, Hurley Bariatrics is also a center of Excellence. They just got their accredidation a couple weeks ago. Someone here posted a newpaper article about it and I verified it with them when I contacted Hurley. I have medicare and they have the same stipulation for WLS. I know many are trying to get the accredidation, but who knows how long it will take. Don't take my word for it though, double check everythign. Good Luck! OH.. and welcome to the board... Shawn 296

HI... it was me who posted the link to the news article about Hurley's new Center of Excellence status. I can't find the link, but it was in the Flint Journal on MLIVE.com and on ABC12 News. I do have the newspaper clipping that I saved. I could scan it and email to anyone who would like it. You can contact me at spencer at usol dot com if you'd like a copy... Brandee