Akron Surgeons

Hi, this is my first post and I'm new to forums. I am planning on taking the plunge this year. (hopefully spring?) I have scheduled at seminars at both Akron General and Summa later this month. I also will be paying for the surgery as my plan has WLS as an exclusion. I tried appeals and such with Dr. Jaroch before he left so am not even going to try this time around. Anyone who can comment on either of the surgeons/hospitals I mentioned, paying cash, words of wisdom, etc... ? Thanks!! Happy new year! Joan

Joan, Welcome! I can't comment on Akron General as I went to St. Vincent in Cleveland, but hello. I hope you find the answers you are looking for. Good luck on your journey. Doug

I am from the Cleveland area, so I do not know about the Akron programs. I do want to welcome you, though, as I am also a "newbie" around here. I cannot get over the fact that so many insurance plans have weight loss surgery exclusions. My last plan had that also, I just switched to a new plan yesterday. I am hoping that there won't be any "glitches" in this one that I didn't know about. I have enough trouble just trying to pay the huge co-pays, I am so impressed by your sacrifice in choosing to have the surgery without any insurance coverage. I'm looking forward to getting to "know" you better. Welcome! -Karen

Hi Joan, I just had my surgery Dec 11 06 at Akron General. I love my surgeon. He is so caring and respectful. I hope you can make it to the Jan support group at the hospital. There is a great group on people their that have helped me thru this journey. Send me a message if you have any questions. Dr Chylsta also have a forum on here. You can click the link on my profile. Here is his website. www.obesehelp.org Hope this helps. Molly

Joan, Welcome and good luck on your journey! You are wise to check out both programs and see what fits you the best! I do know that both of the programs charge you $$ up front (even if you do have insurance). I had my surgery 19 months ago at University Hospital in Cleveland. I love the program there as it is a complete program both pre and post-op. I wanted a program that was not going to leave me out in the cold after my surgery. They have a wonderful support group that meets monthly. With the surgery you will lose the weight but it is maintaining the weight that is always going to be a struggle for me! Like I said......check them both out because what fits for one won't fit all! Good luck! Sue 325/goal130/current 123

Hi Joan! Welcome! I can heartily recommend the program at Summa (Akron City) Hospital. Dr. Zografakis and his entire staff are just wonderful. He is no-nonsense and does not sugar coat things. He is very direct and will tell you point blank if you are not doing what he wants. Their program is also pre and post op based. There is a post op exercise program you must participate in. He also has a great lady (Bev) *****ally works to get you approved through your insurance. She has a great deal of experience and some times knows the loopholes to get around the ridiculous barriers the insurance companies throw up. Personally, I am not a fan of Akron General as a whole. I have had two sleep studies there, and I just find Summa to be nicer, staff friendlier, and seems like they have their act together more. Of course this is very subjective, so just my opinion. Summa also has a support group that meets monthly. I think it is the 4th Wednesday, I don't have the schedule in front of me, but if you are interested let me know and I will get you the info on the January meeting. Good luck in whatever you decide! Brett 366/268/228/183 high/surgery day/current/goal

Thanks all who have given me some food for thought (ouch.. i know bad pun). I have the info mtg for Akron City 1/16 and for Dr. Z on 1/29 (this is in Canton so much closer). I have another question on after-care.... I live a half hour south of canton, so about 1 hr to Akron... how often do you need to go back up to Akron after the surgery is healed? you mentioned an exercise program... how often is that? Thanks again for letting me pick your brain Joan

Dr. Z does follow up visits at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, then yearly. I actually haven't started the exercise program yet, and I can't recall the details...I know it is on Saturday morning and I am thinking it is like six weeks...but I could be wrong on that...you will also have 1 pre-op appointment with an exercise therapist, and then two post-op appointments with her also. It may sound like a lot, but believe me I think it is the best thing in the world. I think the follow up is as important, or maybe even more important than everything before the surgery. Also for life you can always call or email Dr. Z office with any questions. He has an on staff nutritionist that is very helpful.

Hi Joan, I too had an insurance company that wouldn't pay, so at the next sign up time I did some research on the insurance plans that were offered where I work and I found one that did pay for WLS (of course you would still need to pass their requirements). I went to Akron General. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Chylsta and his staff. You are treated like a family member. They truly care about you. The care that I received at the hospital was outstanding. I believe that I was told that Dr. Chylsta has chosen the nursing staff that take care of you after surgery, they were very caring and compassionate. And the people at the monthly support group are very helpful. Good luck on your journey. If you have any other questions please feel free to e-mail me. Marti