looking for help finding a physician in southern lower michigan

Hi! I'm new.. and i'm on the prowl for a good surgeon and hosp to inquire about having a lap band done. I am in the learning and searching mode at the moment but pretty much have decided upon this method. any advice on Dr's? Hosp? what to look for.. what to ask? thanks to any and all *****ply

Please research, talk to other people who have had your procedure, research some more and then again research. I have heard both pro & cons regarding the lap band but the cons and it's complications were enough to scare me away from it. So please before you jump in do your research not only with regards to this procedure but with regards to all of them. Once you are comfortable with your decision then by all means go for it! Patt

Not sure where Quincy is. I always recommend my doc. I've had good success with him and his crew. You can find them at 586-276-8130 Through Detroit Riverview. I did go through CORI when he was there but when he left I left. I went to their site to copy and paste the link and their site has been pulled. Even the parent company is missing. http://www.weightlosssurgery.com/ http://www.msomedical.com/ Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm I wonder what could be going on that both websites are missing???? kp

Kp, The CORI site may be down temporarily. They are getting a new webmaster.

Wow. I just heard they closed. Oh well,,,,,, kp

Hi, Robyn! I know right where Quincy is! I grew up in Hillsdale. My hubby lived in Allen for a while. His family once owned the White Marble Springs, in Allen. While I was in college, I was a manager at the McD's in Quincy, when it first opened. Anyway, I had surgery at Hurley, in Flint. Great program. Awesome surgeons! However, it's a bit of a drive for you! U of M hospital has a bariatric program, too. I know many go to MMPC, too. Not quite sure where that is, but it's on the Western side of the state. I'm sure someone will pipe in with that info. Ask lots of questions...do your research! Oh...wait...not sure if U of M does lap band. I know Hurley does. There are plenty of lap banders on the board. Hopefully, one of them can give you some info! Good luck! Tina

Thanks for all your replies. I am primarily looking in the Kalamazoo area for a Physician, because of all the follow up appt's. I work full time and also take care of my elderly mother so I need something that is convenient. I ALSO know convenience is not always the SAFE way to go. :) What I'm seeing is requirements for Insurance, I have BCBS, and haven't been under a dr's supervised diet. I'm wondering now if it wouldn't be a good idea to call my BCBS provider and find out what their requirements are. With a BMI of 50+ I really didn't think I'd have any problems getting an approval as long as there was a referral by a dr. Anyone out there know anything about the Kazoo Dr's out of Borgess? I notice they haven't been doing the lap band surgery long. That's a HUGE concern for me as Lap band is the only way I want to go.

Hey Robyn, I'm in Bronson, just a few miles down the road! lol I looked into several places around here and ended up going to Barix in Ypsi. It is a ways away, but I felt since that's all they do is the surgeries and plastics for afterwards, they have the knowledge & experience. I felt very comfortable there everyone treated me better than family! It's basically a personal decision, look around, ask questions and meet the doctor, see if you feel comfortable with him/her. I was told that a doctor really needs to have at least 1000 surgeries to his/her credit to be "experienced" enough, they do have that there. Be sure to ask if they have any fatality percentages for themselves. etc. If there is anything I can do, email me ok? Good luck!

Robin, You do need to look at the drive and all that, but also look at the total package. Sometime the longer drive is worth what you are getting. Is there a support group near you ? Barix has a site in Holland Michigan also that might be closer for you >> I am not sure??? Email if you have any other question.....

I'd like to find out more info on the Ypsi Center and the one in GR? Any specific Dr's there that I should look at? Can I just make an appt with them or do I have to be referred from my own medical dr? I don't know how to get started here.. Help please!