Anyone in the Akron/Tallmadge area?

I'm looking into WLS and right now and I'm quite confused as to where to start. How do I find a Dr that will recommend WLS, should I go to Cleveland or stay in Akron, how do I pick a surgeon? I'm fairly new to the area, been here a year and a half, but as a stay at home mom, don't get out much. Any advice for this new and WLS confused Ohioan, please.

Hi Welcome you will find tons of info and support on this site .. for starters i would talk to my primary care dr and she how he/ she feeels about WLS if you dont have one email me and i am happy to give you my drs name he is awesome !!! [email protected] Also start looking into surgeons we have 2 very good ones here in akron and they do Lap i know at st v in cleveland you have to have a certain BMI or they do open ..i chose Dr Zografikis At Summa they seem to have a great follow up program and he is just an all around nice man . so start goin to seminars .. find a pcp and read everything you can get your hands on .. good and bad .. too help you make the decision if this is right for you ... Best of luck !! Missy

Hi Rhiannon, I had my surgery in June at University Hospital in Cleveland. I love the program up there! I did look into several other programs but this is by far the only "true" program that I found. They have awesome support groups both pre-op and post-op. Everyone on staff in the bariatric program attends all the meetings including the surgeons! I also like the fact that when I had my surgery there were 2 qualified bariatric surgeons doing my surgery! They always do surgery in tandem! They look at everyone as an individual up at UC. There are guidelines but they also consider the individual....so if your BMI isn't over 40 but you have a co-moribids you may qualify. Also they are the ONLY program that does NOT ask you for a deposit! St. V's makes you pay $$ up front....for adminstative fees....so does City and General..... I think the first thing that I would do though is to check with your insurance company. Look at what surgeons they cover as well as the hospital. Mine would not cover Akron City or St. Vincents.....also check to make sure that you do not have exclusion on your policy. All you have to do is call and ask is WLS covered and is there a cap. They can also tell you what they require. Mine needed a 5 year weight history, a 6 month supervised diet and recomendations from my PCP and of course the surgeon. You could ask the hospital that you choose to recomend a weight loss friendly PCP. They have dealt with a lot of patients and may be able to direct you to a PCP. Good luck! I am so happy that I went where I did and I get the best of care! Sue 320/155/130 goal

hi rhiannon, im in cuyahoga falls, but having my surgery at St Vincents, ... I have medical mutual as my insurance and wasnt able to go to akron city or general (dr z no longer accepts mm patients for wls) but i am very happy with my decision to go to the cleveland center for bariatric surgery .. my advice to you is to first find out what your insurance covers, what drs and hospital is covered.. I had to do all the leg work myself, also find out what your insurance company will need from you to get approved, that will help speed up the process .. good luck in your journey .. michele

I live in Green (southern Summit Co) and I go to Dr. Kelly Moorhead on White Pond Dr. in Akron. She's a hop, skip, and jump off 77. She suggested the gastric bypass surgery to me, and I scoffed at her, that surgery wasn't for me! Fast-forward a year and a half, and I told her, I want the WLS. She was thrilled! She did everything in her power to put wind in my sails. She is supportive, loving and kind. She is behind me 100% of the way. I went to Barix Clinics in Groveport (Columbus) and think the world of them. I got the best possible care, as everyone on here thinks they did, too. Dr. Kelly Moorhead (330) 869-8530 470 White Pond Dr. Suite 100 Akron She's in practice with her husband, Dr. Collin Moorhead. Julie in Green/Uniontown

Hi We're practically neighbors! I have an excellent doctor at West Avenue Family Practice, Dr. Schmeiser. I've had him for about 6 years. He's right off of Tallmadge circle. He's very supportive of this surgery but I'm not sure if being a new patient he may want you to try a specific diet first. One of his nurses has had the surgery herself. I'm having my surgery on Dec. 21st at St Vincent's with Dr. Sonpal. So far my experience with him and his staff have been wonderful. They seem highly experienced in what they do...that's why they are very busy and if you call to ask questions it may be a day or two before they get back to you. But even so, I don't mind waiting because I feel going with them I've made an excellent choice. If you chose to have the surgery I wish you the best. I'm sure you'll decide on a great surgeon no matter who you go with! Leah D

I'm already five months post-op.

Sorry for the confusion but I was speaking to Rhiannon to let her know about my doctor in her area. I must have hit reply instead of the button at the top of the thread.

Do you currently have a PCP? I am 5 weeks post op out of Akron General hospital lapband done by Dr.Chylsta he also promotes other types of WLS. I to am not native to this area and began my research on lapband.com an option you might want to check out. I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, just email me. Good Luck in your WLS journey. Elaine