Need Surgeon/Hospital recommendation in Columbus Ohio

Greetings all. Wow! I'll cut to the chase.. I've been trying to get approval for surgery for over 5 years. I finally gave up a year ago after my insurance would wait the maximum time and just send me a "No, we don't cover that" letter. I changed jobs, and decided to try again. It seems that the clinics are being a lot more thorough in screening candidates than they used to be. I tried a few local surgeons (here in Milwaukee, WI) and they all said it would be months before they could even submit for pre-approval. So I called the last surgeon that I jumped through all of the hoops for (dietician, psych eval, etc) and asked him to put it through my new insurance. To my surprise it was approved 2 weeks later! I called the insurance company (Humana) and asked if I could transfer that pre-auth to a different surgeon and they said "Sure!" Awesome! I'm moving to Columbus in July transferring from Milwaukee. I desperately need referrals for good surgeons there doing lap RnY. I am 370 lbs 6', and need a doctor who is patient and won't open me up because he/she doesn't want to miss a hockey game or something. I carry most of my weight in my gut and it won't be easy, but I REALLY don't want to be opened up unless it's to save my life or something. Any recommendations? If you don't want to post publically, feel free to email me at [email protected]. Thanks! Joseph Michaud

I would recommend The Ohio State University Medical Center. Dr. Needleman and Dr. Melvin both do LAP and are excellent surgeons. Dr. Melvin is so good has corrected the mistakes of other surgeons. I know this because I have a relative who's surgeon really messed her up and she finally was able to travel to OSU for Dr. Melvin to go in and correct things. I had Dr. Cook, due to my high BMI I had to have open. They have a committee that reviews your information and decides which surgeon you will have. I would hope you would be able to use your same psych eval...but I believe you will need to meet with their nutritionist.

welcome to ohio in advance! my hubby is from pulaski/seymour area of wisconsin--and i have to warn you that things are diff here in ohio! having said that--i had my surgery at btc( which is now barix) in groveport - which is a suburb of columbus--i believe that they are starting to do lap there-i had dr stelmack and i love him--

I also used BTC in Groveport (just minutes southeast of Columbus) and they were fantastic. However, where many insurances are concerned, they are considered out of network. You'll just need to see who your insurance covers in the Columbus area. I have heard that OSU is great (as a previous poster stated) and there is a Dr. Custer at Mt. Carmel who is supposed to be pretty good. Welcome to the Buckeye State and good luck with your surgery.

Joseph! Welcome to Columbus!! First, a little about me. I am an RN at OSU. I had Dr. Melvin do my Lap RNY July 10 of last year. My husband is having Dr. Melvin do his RNY in June. As far as recommending a place, OSU is your best bet. I am a Research Nurse, and of course I did a great deal of research on who and where. Dr. Needleman also does Bariatric surgery. I would recommend them above and beyond any one else. While I am sure the BTC is ok, here is why you should come to a hospital for your care. BTC is a free standing surgical center. They can not handle emergencies such as patients requiring vent assistance after surgery or any other medical emergency that could happen after wards. You would have to be transported to a major hospital ( like OSU ). If there would happen to be an emergent situation, OSU has the ancillary staff right there. Also, BTC do not prepare their patients as thoroughly as does OSU. Basically if your insurance covers it, or you can pay, they will do it. Education is vital to your success. Not only do I work with the Nutritionists and program director, but I know how concerned they are for patients well being and success. They have a wonderful follow up program as well. I know it has been a long road for you, but make sure you make a safe decision. Dr. Melvin is Chief of Minimally invasive Surgery and basically is Dr. Needleman's boss. Dr. Needleman's primary specialty is Bariatric Surgery. You are getting cream of the crop with either surgeon. Take it from a nurse that works there. We know our docs, and I wouldn't recommend any one else. I would be more than happy to give your phone numbers and names of people to call. My work email is [email protected]. Take care, and good luck with your move and the new life that awaits you! Valerie Lap RNY -116 pounds

If you can get approval, I strongly recommend Dr. Trace Curry at Deaconess Hospital in Cincinnati. He's a very caring physician with a staff to match. His number is 513 559-2100. Good luck.

I have heard great things about Dr. Martin in Dayton. I would also recommend Dr. Curry in Cincinnati. He is doing amazing things here and comes highly recommended by every doctor I have asked.