First Impression of Cleveland Clinic Bariatric Program.... WOW!!!

After a long wait I finally got approval from my NY oriented insurance program to get a first appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Bariatrics Program. What can I say!!! WOW!!! The facility is overwhelming!!!!

I had an EGD and Upper GI series the first day I was there. The staff was great!!! I only remember two of the nurses names... Tony and Jan... wonderful caring individuals. Then Dr. Chand did the procedure and he was so nice and made my first EGD testing a breeze.  There were other wonderful workers in this area from the greeter to other nursing staff... that I would love to thank as well!!!

Next it was off to the Upper GI area. I was greeted warmly in their reception area and then taken back for my test. The Radiology techs and Doctor in that area were also terrific!!! They listened intently to my concerns and again made the testing most comfortable. A warm thank you goes out to that entire area as well.

Day two I met with Ivonne ... what a wonderful greeter at the bariatric unit... her nursing skills were superb!!! She was so helpful and her terrific personality was most welcoming.

Next I finally got to meet Dr. Schauer and a wonderful "Fellow" (who preferred his name remain a secret ;-)... as he works under Dr. Schauer)....both doctors listened to my concerns and offered me advice on post RNY Bariatric care.
I opted to meet with Dr. Cetin ... again a wonderful caring doctor that listened and did not make me feel rushed through my appointment at all. We talked about post bariatric weight regain options and formulated a program that I will be working on deligently. 

I highly recommend the Cleveland Clinic Bariatric program to anyone seeking out weight loss options. What a wealth of information and wonderful caring thoughtful knowledgable staffing. Hats off to Cleveland !!!! I look forward to my follow up visits there.

The program is terrific!!! I am very optimistic the knowledge I gained can finally help jump start the weight loss that I hope for  :-). This has not been a commercial but rather comments of another patient that Kim Keyes - Patient Coordinator at Cleveland Clinic Bariatrics helped along with her journey.... Thanks A Million Kim!!!! Looking forward to seeing all of you again ...
Kathy

Kathy-

I'm glad your experience has been so positive.  So far, I cannot say the same.  There haven't been any glaring issues or anything like that, I just feel like a number rather than a person.  I'm not sure why it all seems so disconnected to me, but it does.  I haven't had my surgery yet, but as far as I know, I've completed all the testing and a awaiting insurance approval, I guess.  There really hasn't been much communication with me from the clinic so I don't know if they have all the info they need from me or not.  I guess I'm just nervous and scared about the whole thing and am very impatient regarding a timeline.  I met my surgeon on Jan. 25th, Dr. Kroh and sat with him for no more than five minutes and to my knowledge, I don't ever meet him again before surgery which I find rather disconcerting as well.  I'm hoping that I'll have more personal attention once I get insurance approval.

Kathy,
I agree. I went through the whole nine month program only to be denied at the end. Then the told me, they rarely get Caresource to approve anyone. Noone ever called me back and I had to call over and over again to talk to someone. But, I agree the staff is nice when your there. I have only heard good thingd about St.Vin hospital so I'm trying again through them.
Amy

I too had a wonderful experience there.  I live 6 hours away, so they group everything together, and my day just flies - I go non-stop from the time I arrive so they can get me out of there in 1 day.  I meet with Bariatrics, Liver doc, Dermatology, and Hematology...all in one day - usually out by 2 or 3 pm, starting at 7am with bloodwork!


I cannot speak highly enough.  I was SUPER risky (50+% chance of dying during surgery) before they started to work on me....after they were done, my risk was down to around 25% - yet they still chose to operate!  They saved my life!  And gave me a new me!

I have heard some compaints from "locals" because they are pushed back to get out of towners like me in and done.....

I also had to call repeatedly for updates for insurance...but the squeaky wheel gets the grease, right?  I think they were SOOOO sick of hearing me call daily, they pushed it through in a priority! LOL

Father Don,
My insurance will not cover my VSG surgery or any type of WLS.  I was wondering if you could give me some idea of the approximate total cost of this surgery. Thank you in advance.

My insurance declined it as well...but Cleveland worked with them - I think saying it was the 1st stage of a 2 stage operation.  That I was too risky for and RNY or DS right out of the box....

So, I don't know the real cost.....I had a BUNCH of other things done, so if I mention the ENTIRE bill, you'll have a heart attack and seizure at the same time! LOL

Don,
Thanks for your reply. You are doing so well; you inspire me. This insurance stuff is so disappointing.  My problem is that my insurance will not allow any type of WLS. Thanks again.

Cleveland Clinic is a GREAT place. i have taken my mother and my wife there several times.
Paying out of pocket you may find Cleveland more costly than other places. I know this is true with heart stuff. Sometimes you get what you pay for, who knows.
I had my D/S done at Miami Valley in Dayton by Dr. John Maguire. He has done well over 3,000 surgeies and knows his stuff. The program has great follow-up care and they do not just forget you.
i hope this helps a little. Maybe go to a support group meeting, to get some help.
Feel free to contact me anytime!!!!!

Jim in Celina

I am having my surgery at the Clinic on 8/26.  I started the journey back in Dec 09.  For the most part I agree with you Kathy, everyone seems great!  You do have to stay on top of them once they submit for your insurance.  I called every few days to make sure it went through.  They are so inundated with people, I think  they are just overwhelmed.  But when you meet one on one, everyone takes the time to talk with you and discuss your concerns, etc.  And your right about Kim and Deb too!  For those of you who are considering the clinic, you wont be disappointed if you stay on top of your care, as we should anyway.....