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HI Trish, Welcome to OH... I had my surgery at St. Vincent and I LOVED my doctor (Ben-Meir), I would recommend him again in a heart beat. Hes just outstanding. The hospital & CCBS program, not so much. If I had to do it again, I would go to the Clinic. I have a lot of friends that have had it done at CC recently (within a year of so) and their experience with the Drs there, the program, the information, everything including the hospital was just outstanding completely polar opposite from my personal experience @ St. V. I know a lot of people here love ST. V so Im just giving you my opinion not a recommedation! Also, about the difference in their programs one thing is that @ CC they don't charge you the "membership" fee that ST. Vincent does (which quite honestly, I have yet to benefit from one penny of my $250 fee! and it goes up based on when you give it to them. the closer to surgery, the more it costs) They say its for all the materials, website, clothing exchange, NUT, paperwork, etc. Cleveland Clinic, that is all included in your surgery costs. There is no additional fee. Secondly, ST. V requires your out of pocket co-pays up front. For instance for me, I had an 80/20 with a $2,375.00 out of pocket max that they required to be paid prior to my admission to the hospital. So I had to wait from Oct to the end of Feb when my insurance changed to an EPO where I only had to pay $400. I had my gallbladder out at the Cleveland Clinic and just found the hospital to be superior. I found St. V hospital especially the rooms and the equipment old and dated. The rooms just didn't have the hospital "clean sparkle" to it. It seemed dirty to me. Ask for a tour of the floor though. Im sure they could accomodate that. I don't mean to sound down on St. V or partial to CC, and I know that each hospital, program and Dr has their pro's & con's. Im sure you could find people here who would have had a not so positive experience with CC too. But that's exactly why you asked your question. To get all perspectives. How could you ever make an educated decision for yourself if you only heard the positive. Just remember, what ever program/Dr./hospital you choose, you will have a very long relationship with them. There are follow up Dr appt.'s, support meetings, etc. So be sure you have researched and completely are comfortable with what ever program you choose. Best wishes to you and I hope that you find what is right for you. I still don't regret my decision. I would definately do it again. Kym =)

Hey Trish, Welcome! I had RNY at St. Vincent 17 mo. ago. I would recommend the program. Good patient education, good staff. Small world too, my wife is from Madison. If you have any specific questions, send me a PM. Doug

thank you for that, I am searching hoptials, I went to St V one, so I will look into clev clinc