Help from New York State

Hello, I've been recently been turned down by the Barix Clinic in MI and the University of Michigan because they say I live too far away.  Does anyone know if the Buffalo area is too far away from Toronto?  I am looking at Dr. Joseph Caruana and wonder about your experiences with him (I have already read many of the comments) and also wonder how long your wait time was, how many visits you had to make to his group before your date was made.  Although OHIP will cover the surgery for me in the U.S., I am on disability and must take travel expenses into account.  Thanks and take care, Mary-Anne (Koko)

Was it Barix that told you that you were too far away?  perhaps too far away for THEIR liking, but by no means too far for you if you're able to make the trip. Another couple possibilities for MI... Dr Lutryzowski (I'm pretty sure I spelled that WRONG) or Dr Hares... both in MI, and both (mostly Dr L. though) have EXTENSIVE experience both as a bariatric surgeon, as well as dealing with OHIP paperwork.  Many people on the DS forum from Ontario have gotten their surgeries through Dr L. (he also does RNY if you're set against the DS) In NY, I know of some who have gone to Dr O'Malley and his team in Rochester with good experiences. Sorry, can't give you info in Dr Caruana... just figured I'd toss you a few more options. Best of luck.

Hi Sean, Barix didn't have the facilities to monitor my congenital heart disease.  It was U of Michigan that said it was too far.  I have had a look the availabiliies around Buffalo because I can get there and back quite easily.  Detroit was a nightmare, train, $200 for the cab ride return to Barix.  I have also heard of a new Toronto doctor who apparently has a shorter than 3-year waiting list (6 months) so I'll give him a try first.  Thanks for all your help, you've been great.  Take care, Mary-Anne

ps just click on my surgeons name will bring you to his page on this

Would you please let me know how Dr. Fitzers is as a physican and how things went for you.  I have my first appointment with him in 2 weeks.   I would like some honest feed back on the process, how is the dr to deal with, good support, how was the hospital ? etc

http://www.drgrabermd.com/ and also Canadian Patient - Weight Loss Surgery Support Group
When: Last Sunday of the Month 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where:

Tanglewood Community Centre
30 Woodfield Drive (Just off Merivale Rd. by Costco)
Napean, Ontario
Contact: Cindy Martin [email protected] or 613-762-5404 for more information

I know Dr. O' Malley 's team does a lot of surguries on people who come down from Canada they even have a good deal with a local hotel and they discount the price and shuttle you to and from hospital  hotel only 40 a night  FYI   just a thought

Thanks, Ken, I'll look him up.  Take care, Mary-Anne

alot of pt;s from canada use dr garber in utica ny also there is one in rochcester at strong hospital...

Thanks so much, I love your handle, it's just what I want to do and the time this is all taking is what scares me so much.  Take care, Mary-Anne