? for those who know UM bariatric program

Hi- They don't have another info session until Aug 5 (I'm signed up), but for those of you who used them, did they require - separate from insurance - a 6 month supervised diet time?  That is, if my insurance doesn't require the 6 months, would I still have to do it to appease the UM program?  Any other steps that UM might require that is different or more stringent than the 'norm'? Delayed gratification is hard for me (duh, why else would I be in this situation) and waiting, waiting, waiting...  well, it's hard. lara

Yes- the U of M Program does require a 6 month supervised diet, within the past 2 years.  Even if insurance does not require it.  It is a great program... Shannon

Thanks for the info Shannon.  It's been really hard to get details from them - there's their website, but it only has so much info.  The person who answers their main line isn't terribly forthcoming with info and seems annoyed if you ask too many questions ("you'll need to attend the info session to find that out..."). anyway - from what I can tell, it appears to be a good program, but again, just not much info out there. thx! lara

Yeah- this year was a major change in staffing- including me.  I hope the program continues and flourishes.  It really is a great program- the new people are trying to get it down so have some patience :(  Let me know if you have any questions and I can give you inside scoops. Shannon

Here's my experience with U of M: They do everything on a case by case basis.....meaning there isn't a webpage with a checklist that everyone follows.  They do have a committee that meets to evaluate each candidate for surgery.  That committee decides what course of action to take based on what is best for the patient. While this infuriated me when I was pre-op, I now see how valuable this kind of program is.  I have seen many people on here that didn't get good information pre-op, or didn't understand the scope of the surgery.  U of M is really concerned with how you are going to deal with your life after surgery. I am the same way as far as getting what I want RIGHT NOW....but I was determined to have my surgery through this program so I followed their rules.  They require attendence of at least two support groups (I believe this is still the policy) and they made me see a food addiction therapist for 6 visits before surgery. It's a great program but there are a lot of pre-op requirements. 

Thanks - I'm trying to be patient!  :)    Brenda, do you know when the support groups meet?  can someone go before they are officially "told" to go by the program?  That is, could I go now?  I've been looking for a local group, but the closest I've been able to find is in Lansing. Thanks to both of you for your comments - at this point I'm like a sponge and looking for any and all information! best, lara

Hi lara, You might want to check with them, but the policy used to be current U of M patients only....which means you have to wait until after the elusive info session to attend. It all seems like a secret club, doesn't it?  I was surgery #9 in the program, so lots has changed!  Like I said before, every program is different....you have to decide which one fits what you want from it.   Ask as many questions as you need to....it's always best to be prepared!

I had my surgery with Dr. Birkmeyer on Oct 29, 2007. Just like Brenda and Shannon said, it is a great program. Even with the staffing changes, the heart of the program still flourishes. Patti (the NUT) and the surgeons put their heart and soul into every aspect. The new staff is trying to get to that point, but are working through some kinks to get on track with how the program has worked. They do have a support group, but last I was told it is a support group, but you may inquire with them about this more at the info meeting. And like it was said, the individualization of the program is really the best part of it as they customize the process based on the patient. Everything has gone well for me, so you won't hear any complaints. Don't let the delays frustrate you, once you get going in the program, everything seems to go much quicker than you think it does!

It's great ot hear that you are all so positive about the program!  I'll try and find something else to obsess about until the info session (maybe...).  Maybe then I can be part of the "club"  (tee hee!) lara

I can see where people that have ALREADY been through the U of M program say good things about it, but as a person trying to get to BE a post-op patient, I have very little nice to say about them. They answer the phone by saying that everyone is gone and that they know nothing -- why don't you leave a message?  Then no one returns your call.   It's very difficult to find out if they have all of your paperwork, where you stand (from the committee's standpoint) etc.  They have lost paperwork.  I have things I have faxed three times. I do understand that they have had changes in personnel, but it has been several months now.  Isn't about time they get their act together?  I rate their customer service as very poor. I wish I had gone somewhere else. I am sticking with them because I think I have everything done and am just waiting for a surgical date. I have been told that their surgeons and their nutritionist are great.  That is what I am waiting for.