Hi Keri,

At first I went to the local surgeons lecture, signed up with him, leaned toward the RNY, until I discovered the D.S., and Dr Kemmeter. I changed surgeons, and don't mind the drive to have the excellent care I have received from all the staff at Grand Health Partners.

Research all the surgeries on line, here on OH is the best place to find info. Look into them before you attend the lecture, so you will be able to ask informed questions. I know now I made the correct decision for me- the D.S. /Duodenal Switch. I have BCBS of MI. I called the customer service number on the back to see if the D.S. was covered. First I called the surgeons business office for the charge codes of the surgeries I was interested in. You dont have to be a patient to ask for these numbers. If you call Grand Health Partners, in Grand Rapids, Mi., ask for the business office, they will help you. That's my surgeons office, Dr.Kemmeter. He gives lectures too. Everyone loves his personality and compassion. Lots of us drive hours for him, even from out of state.

Many Dr's don't do the D.S., even though they may say they do, then work on changing your mind into having a surgery they can do quickly. Dr.Kemmeter does all the weight loss surgeries, he would approve your choice. Check out his web site for info about the surgeries, and patient stories. I have my story posted there. The best Dr's have achievements at the top of their fields.He is the director of Bariatrics of Saint Mary's Hospital, and Grand Health Partners is a "Center of Excellence". This is a National award, not easily obtained. They must meet many criteria to be awarded this seal of excellence. Going to a center with this insures you will have the best possible care, and surgical outcome, if it is a surgical center. These awards are given to every kind of medical category.

My main reason for choosing the D.S. was because BCBS of Mi allows only one weight loss surgery in a lifetime. I wanted to be sure I could keep off the weight, maintain my goal, less chance of regain. The D.S. is the best for this. I also wanted to eat most normal foods, eat out, not dump, "or toss my cookies". I also needed to take Advil for my arthritis. The RNY can't. I wanted the malabsorbtion factor to insure weight loss. The sleeve would be my next choice, but  more care is involved to maintain weight loss. I tried to picture what my life would be like living with each of the surgeries. I could only live with the D.S., or the sleeve. the pylorus is a must, for digestion. The D.S. and the sleeve both have it intact.

I liked Grand Health Partners support group, team approach with nutritionist trained in all the surgeries nutritional needs, behaviorist lectures, and sports physiologist to organize my work out program. They handled all my insurance needs. It was so easy. At the initial lecture I met the hospital coordinator, who answered all my questions by e-mail. I e-mailed the nutritionist and sports guy too, because I lived far from them. The on site store was so easy to pick up the foods, vitamins, supplements that are hard to find and protein mixes, when I had follow up appointments. They ship to their patients too.

I have been very pleased with my whole journey from start to finish with this Dr, and his practice. All the people are so nice, it's a warm friendly office, rare these days. They never hesitated to answer all my endless questions. I am soooo happy with my D.S. If I had to do it over, I wouldn't change a thing. I wish I had done it years ago. 

I have heard from my Dr. BCBS requires a 6 month weight loss program now. I believe it can be coordinated with your PCP, if you are coming from a distance, and can't participate in the Dr's program. Also, they have an on site psychologist for insurance requirements. Seriously, they handle it all for you. It all begins with a call to their office.

Kari - I live up north in Mio and had lap band surgery at Barix in Ypsilanti several years ago and it was unsuccessful.  I was  scheduled for RnY there on 1/4/13 but my thyroid had gotten all messed up and I had to reschedule and am currently scheduled for a band and port removal with lap RnY on 4/1 but am hoping for a cancellation date so I can get in earlier.  This is a center that does nothing but bariatric surgery and associated plastic surgery.  You might want to check it out.  Naturally, it is also a Center of Excellence.

Thanks MOM!

I see we have the same WLS surgeon, at least for the sleeve.  Have heard of anyone using Dr Steven Morris?  Hurley is now showing him associated with them.  Don't know if I can afford him now that he did the Biggest Loser Mom and daughter.