Ypsilanti Barix Clinic... what a hoot....

I am 6 years post op. I have been posting my experience with Ypsi for a few days now. Funny how this website works. I had tried to go back and see the surgeon out there for problems that came on the first week of June following a severe case of the flu. I was referred back there by my family doctor and the bariatric surgeon at the hospital I work at. When I called the second week of June to make an appointment, I was rudely told that "our doctors are surgeons and DO NOT see patients unless they require surgery" and that I would be wasting my time if I came out there, but she scheduled me for an appointment for July 20th. Mind you, I am not able to eat solid foods since the first week of June, and can barely keep down liquids, thick liquids are a hit or miss and gaining weight at supersonic speed, on no food or nutrition. I have gained over 40 pounds without eating since having the flu. I reminded the lady I spoke with that I can not eat and her reply was that if I felt I needed to be seen soon that I needed to go to the local emergency room and demand to be admitted. By July 17, I really started thinking about this and called to make a complaint. I was told that I "misunderstood" the conversation and that I did need to be seen. Guess if I "misunderstood" the conversation it is due to starvation and lack of nutrition causing impaired judgement and understanding. I decided it would not be there due to the initial conversation while TRYING to make an appointment. Back when I had this done I was told that follow up care would be for a lifetime if needed, guess a lifetime is only until the check clears.

I guess I am very good at misunderstanding alot of things like:
new onset seizures due to chronic low potassium
high blood pressure
jaundice
raccoon eyes

Now the kicker: I can't  see a "surgeon" there but I can get a phone call from someone there that monitors this web site. The last thing I told the supervisor before I hung up on July 17, was I have a big mouth and I do know how to use it, and glad I work for the facility that I do, we do alot of talking about medical situations with eachother and patients. Some of our regular patients know I had this done. I have been off work for a few months so I have not had the chance to fill them in on this latest and greatest situation. Can't wait to go back to work.

The floor staff is wonderful, I have no complaints, I did mention the  midnight nurse that does not like people, but it is really actually pretty amusing to watch her get frustrated because your still awake at night.

Would I have the surgery again, yes in a heartbeat
Would I have it at Barix: No 
Am I going to call them back tomorrow: don't know yet, really have to think about that one.

I just have learned the hard way. Because I really feel I signed my death certificate when I signed that consent form. I can not find anyone that is willing to work on this, between vomiting bouts I am trying to find another doctor. My family doctor has done everything he can do but, I was told that a good surgeon does not touch another surgeons surgery unless it is an emergency.

My best advise to everyone is: GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING, then there is no MISUNDERSTANDING.

I hate to say it, but I do have to agree.  When I had my surgery there, it was supposed to be FREE Lifetime care.  I went back with my Mom a couple years ago(?) and was told they were now charging for a follow up visit.  I could see the nutritionist and surgeon, as with previous follow ups, but would now have to pay.  I complained after travelling so far and not being told this ahead of time.

They never sent me a bill (no insurance anymore), so I guess they decided to let it go.  But I will
not be going back for any care, or plastic surgery.

Sad, since it was such a good place when I had my surgery.  Now, I agree, It's all about the $$$$.

I will never complain about the floor or surgical staff, it was an excellent inpatient experience. I do know from working in a hospital that patients are moved through like an assembly line, and the the patients are the ones suffering. It's a sad fact but true. Working on the surgical unit, I do my best to not make anyone feel like that. Most people do not go to the hospital for entertainment, they are there because they are sick and scared. I can truely say I sympathize with them. Then to be so rude and hateful because your "wasting our time and yours". When your having zero intake and rapidly gaining weight, you tend to get concerned, but they don't. She sounded very frustrated that I was bothering her. They should really run for a political office, they are excellent at liars and wonderful misleading people that are looking for help and hope. I know were just another check to them but we do have families too that we love and they love us. I think they forgot that out there.  I do have faith that I will find a doctor that can handle this, but I can honestly say it will NOT be in Ypsi

While I do not support poor customer service, and I am very sorry that you did not get the follow up that you wanted, but I have to agree with one thing, if you are having chronic low potassium, high blood pressure, etc.,    I guess my question is, what do you want a surgeon to do about it?   You would be doing yourself a BIG diservice by seeking out the best medical care through a surgeon for these conditions.    You would get better care through an internal medicine physician that can do frequent and close monitoring.  With so many potassium supplements out there, and with good nutrition, this condition can be resolved.  Low potassium is a byproduct of the surgery, it is hard work to maintain appropriate hydration.   You say you work in a hospital, I am sure that there are good physicians there that can provide good medical follow up.  If you want surgery, then see a surgeon, but if you want resolution for a medical problem, then see a medical doctor.   Again, I am very sorry that you have received horrible customer service, and I do not excuse that, AND I do not have any affiliation or even CARE about Barix, but I do not like to see names smeared as a generalized post, when so many people have had wonderful experience  or for those that are just starting out to plant a seed of fear.  

I appreciate your comments. I am not smearing their name, they have done it to themselves. I see my PCP regularly for the blood pressure, 3 types of anemia, low potassium, and low blood counts, and a neurologist now for the seizures. The issue that i have with Barix is their "lifetime" follow up plan. The reason I was referred back to there by 2 different doctors is due to the chronic vomiting, rapid weight gain and not being able to eat. I was told that due to the intense vomiting that I may have injured my pouch causing the inability to eat and chronic puking, that began after having the flu the first week of june, the other medical conditions are under control via the PCP and neurologist, those have nothing to do with why I was referred back to Barix. I had no co-morbitities before having the surgery, only took an allergy pill every morning, now I take 8 pills in the morning and 4 at night. I do not regret my decision, I regret not getting the follow up plan in writing, I would have found another place to have this done if I had known that they really do not offer follow up care for a possible leak or rupture to the pouch. As far as the nurtrion goes, my intake right now is 0%, I always kept up on my vitamins and watched everything I ate, until this pouch problem came up. The rapid weight gain is at a rate of 1-4 pounds daily. Since June, I have gone from wearing a 14/16 pants to sweat pants now.  I do not mean to scare anyone, but, this web site is here to post good and bad comments. Everything is not rose colored glasses. Everyone has a unique experience and unfortunately this is mine.

You would think they would at least explore things a little to make sure your pouch and all things related are functioning properly.

I am having a little of the same issue with my surgeon.  No where near as bad as you, but I have had little or no restriction in my pouch since about 18 months out.  I would feel much better if someone was concerned about it, but the NUT just asked me if I was maybe eating fast food more than I realized.  So frustrating!!!

If I were you, I would find another bari doc that will see you.  I may do this as well.  Have you had any suggestions for a center that sees patients from other clinics?

Also, this board is like any other.  Those that had a great experience don't really relate to those that had a bad one.  Don't take it personally.

Thank you Brenda, I also live in Westland. I have called many places and am really getting no where because no one wants to touch another surgeons patient. I am running out of ideas and options. Working in the medical field, you know it is not good when the Bari surgeon at your place of employment does not want to touch it and you have known him for a few years. On the paranoid side, I think if I went to Barix now, I would really get bad care for complaining so much inside and outside of their center.

I'm concerned for your health & think it needs urgent attaention, as I'm sure you feel. I, fortunately, have great follow-up care, if needed, thru my surgeons office so my answers to you may be somewhat naive &, if they are, I apologize in advance.

First off, I think it's horrible that your surgeons practice has dismissed you this way. I think it's very important & necessary that you're on here telling your story. All stories need to be told-good or bad. You're obviously not the first person to have issues w/them!

Secondly, I would suggest also finding a different PCP, as it seems some of your issues aren't being resolved & a PCP should be able to handle that-example-jaundice, vitamin deficiencies & seizures because of...., etc. Are you taking vitamins? When taking your vitamins(if you do) are you taking into account that you don't absorb all of them? PLEASE consult w/Vitalady about your vitamins, brands, & dosages. She is not a medical professional but is VERY knowledgable about vitamins & absorption. IT'S CRUCIAL, CRUCIAL, CRUCIAL!!!! You NEED the proper balance of vitamins!!

Have you considered seeing another surgeon on the pretense of a revision? If that's the only way another surgeon will see you, I would hightail it there, whether you want a revision or not. You're going to die if you don't get this fixed. Do you really need to be told that?

Finally, you've obviously had these issues for a little awhile for them to get this out of control but you've never been on before asking for advice or help? Did you specifically join the site just to bash your surgeons office? Altho it's very important to get that info out there, I certainly hope you're more concerned w/your health than getting revenge on your surgeons office. You're fighting for your life, here. Please, concentrate on that!!

Lisa

I did not come onto this sight with the sole intention of bashing anyone, I came to it because I am scared and not getting anywhere and was looking for more ideas that i may not have thought of, I really do have bigger and better things in my life to spend bashing than a surgical center, I promise you that.  I used to be on here constantly, then I was busy, working and going to school full time.

My PCP is doing everything he can, I now give myself vitamin injections and he is monitoring me closely. He has even offered to call Barix to get me in out there, stupidly, I turned him down thinking I could handle it. I have not told him about this latest incident, yet.

Right now it is senseless to try to get any vitamins in. I throw up everything, including the 8 pills in the morning and the 4 at night. So, I do not know how well right now the other conditions are being controlled, I have not seen him in a few weeks.

I think your experience is probably more common than most of us would like to admit.  My friend had surgery with the old CORI group and had similar experiences.  she finally just quit going back and now is lost to any followup with the surgeons.

Surgeons make money by operating, and generally don't have long term relationships with their patients.  The big bariatric surgery programs should have a full staff of surgeons, medical docs, nutritionists, psychologists, etc. It seems that most of them advertise these services but really don't have the resources to follow through, and so many of us get left behind once the surgical parts of the procedures are done.

I hear good things about McLaren up in Flint, but not much about the other centers.