How Long?

I'm scheduled to attend the informational meeting at Mt Carmel 07/16/04. Does anyone know what happens next? I've also gone to OSU and had all of my prelimiary appointments (psych eval, PCP, and dietician). I'm going with whoever can get me in first for RNYLap. With OSU, I still have to wait on them to receive all of my reports from the appointments, then they will review my case. MT. Carmel and OSU are the only two places where my insurance has network Doctors.

I'm not trying to flame here, but it's not always a good idea to go with whoever can get you in first. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with shopping around - You need to research the surgeons in you plan, make appointments with the ones you think you will like and make an educated decision. Which program has the best after-care program? After-care is just as important as the surgery itself if not more so. Which surgeon has the lowest complication rate? Sometimes the ones who can get you in the quickest can do that for a reason - maybe others don't want them for some reason and their schedules are more open. I know it's hard to be patient - I've been there/done that. I was lucky though - I researched for almost 2 years, decided that I was going to BTC (now Barix) even though they were out of network and there was the potential of a large bill. Once I made my decision, I had my consult and surgery in less than 7 months. Luckily, I already met the majority of my insurance requirements so I didn't have to wait long for approval. Also, I ended up with only $1,500 out of pocket - Aetna picked up 95% of my bill. Not bad for out of network - I think that because it was considered medically necessary, that upped what they paid - but I didn't know that going in and I was willing to risk a $10,000 bill in order to get what I felt was the best care around (I also looked into OSU and Mt. Carmel and decided against them). Just make sure you are getting the best surgeon, best facility, and best aftercare that you can get even if it takes a few months longer to get it. It will be worth it in the long run. Good Luck.

Carolyn M, why did you decide against OSU and Mt Carmel and to go with BTC? Where is the best plase to start checking out DR's and aftercare?

Carolyn, I certainly appreciate your response! Why did you choose not to go to OSU or Mt Carmel?

I concur with most of what Carolyn said, but I would absolutely never have such a serious surgery at a stand alone center that is a 20 min ambulance ride from a major hospital with the staff and resources to save my life. If I have complications down the road, I can go to the ER at OSU and they will already have access to my records and of course my surgeon. But that's just me, and my decision. I know that there have been several people who have raved about Barix. It's just not for me. I didn't even explore Mt. Carmel because I thought that would have been a hospital and a surgeon. As far as I am concerned that is not a collective group of professionals working in unison toward my goal. ie nutritionist, the bariatric program at OSU in general etc, surgeon, psychologist etc. The aftercare is what I am after, along with the pre-surgery education. Hope that helps, -Anne