BTC in OH--any info???

Hi, I am 51 years of age. I have 130 lbs. to lose. I live in Blacksburg, VA, and am considering going to the BTC in OH for Bariatric Surgery. If anyone has had surgery there and could tell me anything abt. the center there, it would be very helpful. I have just begun the process of trying to have my surgery there. I tried to get a consult. with a doctor locally and he can't even see me for a consult. until the year 2005. I don't want to wait that long. Besides, I figure that since the BTC does these surgeries on a daily basis that they would possibly be best in the long-run. Thanks for any assistance you can give me concerning the BTC in OH. Sincerely--Deborah

I my 2 friends went there, and they can't talk enough about how great they were. I unfortunately can't have mine there because Blue Cross Blue Shield won't cover the surgery at the facility. But will cover it elsewhere. My friends sister and cousin had it there also and they are doing great. Krista

Hi Krista, Thanks for writing. I'm happy to hear that your friends went to BTC and were pleased with the way things went there. I have been reading mostly excellent comments on the BTC. I'm sorry you can't have yours there. I hope to set up a consult. in a couple of weeks. I talked with them today. They said that our insurance should pay w/o any problems. I hope so. I'm hoping things will go smoothly and quickly, but I might be dreaming abt. that. One can hope. When are you having your surgery? I hope you have it soon and that everything goes well for you. Deborah

i have emailed you-go there!

Yep, Dr. C.'s right about after-care. I've waited as long as almost 2 hours just for a tube to be removed , which took all of 5 minutes. They definitely over scheduled that day I was in there, which was 10 days post-op and was not the most comfortable wait. The receptionist can be rude. As far as the pre-op tests, surgery, and hospital stay....they were awesome!!! I have no complaints whatsoever about the nursing or pulminary staff. I'd recommend them to anyone wanting the Open surgery. My PCP is doing my bloodwork now since BTC only requires it done every year. I feel more comfortable knowing it is done every 6 months or sooner and we can correct anything wrong sooner. They also have a number that you can call anytime if you have a question. My surgery was scheduled for 6 weeks after I got the insurance approval. All of my pre-op tests were done at BTC. After surgery, you need to go at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, (I had to go at 3 months too, but that's not common), 6 months, 1 year, and every year after that. You get bloodwork done at 6 months, 1 year, and then every year. Upon discharge, you'll get a huge notebook filled with after-cae instructions and a ton of recipes. I still use mine at almost a year out. If you have any other questions, feel free to email me! [email protected] ~Jessi

Good morning, I just wanted to let you know, Deborah, that BTC does perform this procedure laproscopically, as well as open. In the past, we did not offer lap due to the higher complication rate, but as those rates have decreased, we have begun offering the lap procedure as an alternative to the open for qualified candidates. Please feel free to email me if you have further questions about BTC's program. Sincerely, Leslie Fitz Patient Service Representative Bariatric Treatment Centers

I had my surgery at BTC in Groveport, Ohio last June. I thought they were great. The facility, staff, everything. I have had absolutely -0- complications and I haven't had any problems with scheduling my appointments or getting in. I only had to go back at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. My surgeon has me getting my blood work done every 3 months and this last time, my PCP said everything was great and I requested a copy of my labs. Well, the same day I got my labs in the mail, I got a letter from my surgeon telling me to take a B complex and an iron pill daily. He seen my low levels in my labs when my PCP didn't. I seen it also when I got my copy which is why I always get a copy of my lab work. There is also a phone number that you can call to talk to a nurse or a dietician pretty much 24/7. I don't know what everybody expects as after-care, but for me, the visits, quarterly labs and a 24 hr. phone line is plenty for me. Insurance can be an issue since they are considered out-of-network by most plans. I have Aetna and the facility and surgeon were out of network, but they still ended up paying all but about $1,500. of my bill. I honestly don't understand why they paid so much, but I'll be darned if I ask. If you choose BTC, I don't think you'll regret it.

Hi Carolyn, I just now saw your email. Thanks for writing. I'm so glad to hear that your surgery went well and your post-op. That is GREAT. I've spoken to them several times now. Just abt. all that I've heard abt. BTC has been excellent. That is good to know. I think my insurance will cover the surgery. What is the total cost for the surgery, or does it differ w/each patient? I forgot to ask that. I'm just hoping that our insurance will pay it. We seldom use the insurance except for dental and eyes, so it would be great if they can come through for me. I'm glad they paid most of yours. I know that was a blessing. Are you happy with your results of the surgery? What is it like to eat now that you are healed and can probably eat normal foods again? Do you enjoy foods, but just not as much of it? My husband is tall and slim. We enjoy eating our meals together. I just hope that if I have the surgery we can still enjoy eating together. He feels guilty if he eats w/o me, so I don't want that to be a problem. Sounds silly, but it is important. I don't really think I will mind that I can't 'keep up with him' with eating. It's more imp. that I get this weight off and KEEP IT OFF! Thanks so much for your input. God Bless! Deborah

Hi Deborah, My total cost for surgery was $59,614.98. This included the pre-op visits, anesthesiologist and surgeon. My surgeons bill was over $9,000 but I had a small umbilical hernia that was repaired as well as adhesions from previous surgeries that were removed so I don't think that was the standard fee. My hospital bill was $47,141.98 which Aetna paid all but 1,500. They paid all of the surgeons fee as well as all of the pre-op costs and anesthesiologist. Other than the fact that I'm a slow loser (I was a lightweight to begin with starting at 238 pounds and 5'4"), I'm overjoyed with my surgery. I've lost 70 pounds and need to lose only 24 more to get to my personal goal of 144 (normal BMI for me). I still enjoy eating - my husband and I eat out about once a week. I can eat anything - just not a lot and for the majority of the week I behave and eat like I know I should. Sometimes (last night for example), I indulge and have a no-no - like chips and salsa. I try to "save" my treats for when we go out so I don't feel guilty having some french onion soup or a roll. It just takes a little time and patience and figuring out what to fix to eat that you can both enjoy. My DH fixes either chicken or pork for dinner just about every night. We also have a veggie (usually green beans) and something else that our kids like (baked beans or a pasta). We don't have a lot of variety because a lot would go to waste. When we go out, we go somewhere that I can get a chicken breast or steak (we prefer Applebees) and vegetables. I usually substitute side dishes to get what I want. I'm sure you'll do fine - if you have any questions - feel free to e-mail me directly. I may not respond quickly as my mother is having some health issues and I'm out of town a lot, but I will respond eventually. Good Luck