Dr. Kemmeter or Dr. Foote?

Just wondering if Dr. K  or Dr. Foote did your surgery?  Are they OHIP approved surgeons?  What did you think? Which surgery did you have? Was it lap or open? Were the nurses and hospital ok? How long did it take to get a consult? How long til surgery was booked? Any insight would be appreciated!
Jen

I had Dr. Foote ... very nice man. I also had Dr. Kemmeter do an EGD a year later; also very nice, professional doc. I had lap rny ... when they do rny, they strive to do it lap, but if they can't, then they do it open. Blodgett Hospital is an excellent facility. I have been there for three surgeries now (the lap rny and two knee replacements), and I can't say enough good about the doctors, nurses, aides, nutrition staff, etc. Great place. You won't deal with the nutritional staff if you have rny of course, but it is top notch. The rest of the staff is the same. But the nurses will wake you up every two hours after surgery to get you to walk the halls ... this is good for you and will get you out of the hospital quicker. It's just annoying, that's all.

I got a consult a month after I looked into the surgery, but then waited nearly a year for my surgery (only because the office lost my insurance card and couldn't submit my insurance for pre-approval, even though they were submitting claims to my insurance company ... long story). I understand the process isn't quite so long anymore. I know people who were booked quite a great deal quicker than I was. So don't go on my story. I think I was a fluke.

Foote, Kemmeter, Baker, etc., and their practice is one of the best in this area. They have great aftercare with nutrition and exercise and support. I highly recommend them. I am nearly five years out and it was the best decision I have ever made.

If you need anything, please e-mail me. [email protected]. I live in the Grand Rapids area and would be glad to meet with you if you're in the area.

Hi Eileen Thank you :) . I am looking for a revision from RNY to DS. I plan to call the office today to ask questions. Is there an email address for their practice? I will let you know if I make it out that way. Jen

Jennifer:

I hope the others answered your questions for you, and you were able to call the office and get the rest answered. Good luck! I know Foote did the first DS's around here (at least I think he did ... don't quote me on that). Hope all goes well.

Their office is called Grand Health Partners. http://grandhealthpartners.com/default

Personally going for the DS I would go with Dr. Kemmeter over Foote. I think Kemmeter has more experience with the DS. I myself had Dr. Foote and he was really great. Very personable, easy to talk to. I have also met Dr. Kemmeter and felt he was really nice as well. The staff at Blodgett (the hospital where they do the surgeries) were wonderful, very caring and supportive after surgery.

I had the VSG done laproscopically. I know that their office strives to do all surgeries laproscopically. I had a friend who had her first appointment end of November/early December and she is having her surgery today. She could have probably had her surgery in early February, but she had to do a longer diet plan because she had never participated in any structured diet program.

I think with them a lot of the wait has to do with getting insurance approvals through and they are at the mercy of the insurance company. I dont know if they participate with OHIP.

I had Dr Foote-love him! I had my DS lap-& he removed my appendix & gall bladder at the same time. It was all textbook. Don't know about OHIP-call them-the girls can tell you right over the phone. Consult should be quick. If you're able to go to their info session, they give you a timeline of everything.

FYI-because you asked the other day, I believe-there's another person on the DS board that just posted Dr Kemmeter is going to do their revision! So he must do revisions on a case by case basis. If you're not the one that was asking that the other day on the DS forum-sorry:) Just ignore the ditzy girl The post over there is titled "Dr Kemmeters Staff" if you want to get in touch w/that member!

Hi Miette,
I just had a consult with Dr. Foote.  I am awaiting surgery so I do not have post-op experience.  I have read on the OH very postive recommendations for both.  I am very glad to here the report that Blodgett is a very good healthcare facility!
jill

I second what other posters have written.  My surgery was done by Kemmeter and he is top-notch.  Every thing seemed to go the way I anticipated.  I had no pain following surgery - just soreness like I had done too many sit-ups.  After two days home I was back to ordinary life - with a few extra naps thrown in.  I was back to work in two weeks with no ill effects.  Follow-up care is excellent.

I had Dr. Foote do my vertical sleeve gasterectomy lapriscopically  (sp?) on February 10th.  I don't know about the OHIP.  The nurses and hospital were awesome.  They have a floor devoted to bariatric surgery patients.  Consult appointment didn't take long; maybe 2 weeks from time of orientation.  Surgery date took longer.  You have to keep on them.  Overall I had an awesome experience.  Grand Health Partners are great.  I love Dr. Foote.  He is honest, upfront, and will help you with any decisions and questions you have.  The PAs are awesome too.  The nutritionists are very knowledgable and helpful.  The front desk people are also great.  Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.  Best of luck to you!

Hi everyone
Thank you so much for continuing to tell me your stories. They are very reassuring and I could listen to a million of them! I have applied quite some time ago with my insurance but I don't know if they work with Dr. K - still waiting for an email back. If I could have a revision lap - that would be so awesome as I already have a huge open scar and I can't imagine going there again.
Thanks Lisa for pointing me in the direction of that other post. It wasn't mine and was informative!
Take Care,
Jen