Edmond Medical Center Bariatric Unit Closing!!??!!??

I heard on the news last night that the Bariatric Unit is closing in Mid-July. They feel that it is more financially sound to close this unit and develop other areas of the hospital to better serve the growing community. I am soooo sad about this. They were wonderful. They treated me very well. It was a hard surgery and recovery wasn't exactly a breeze, but this was the best hospital stay that I ever had. The nurses were extremely attentive!! The facilities were comfortable. It was loud at times, but it wasn't unbearable. So if we have problems or something, what hospital will we use? I just had to vent!! Kari

Sorry to hear they are closing. That is kind of scary not knowing where to go for support or help. If you are still wanting to stay in the Edmond area, you could check out the WeightWise hospital that just opened in March. I had my surgery done there in April and they are wondeful. They also have an emergency room there if you need it. Their address is: Foundation Bariatric Hospital of Oklahoma 1800 S. Renaissance Blvd Edmond OK 73013 For more information contact WeightWise @ 936-8200 They have support groups the first Thursday of every month, the next one is July 6th. Dr. Walton, the surgeon who did my surgery will be there as the guest speaker, so you can come and meet him and ask any questions you might have about some follow-up care or emergencys. The support group is open to everyone, those thinking about surgery, those who have just had the surgery and those who are post-op for several years. It doesn't matter who did your surgery, it is open for anyone needing or wanting support! You can also check out the weightwise website @ www.weightwise.org for more information. Weightwise headquarters are located here in OKC, so I don't think they are going anywhere. The hospital is just for Bariatric patients, they also offer plastic surgery for anyone thinking about having it done! I hope this might ease you mind a bit. If you have any questions you can always e-mail me. BTW, if you check out my profile, I have photos of the hospital, my nurses, and just posted some of the gym that they have on location at the hospital! Best of luck! Jane Wen k

At the end of last year, when I heard that the Weightwise Bariatric Clinic was opening, I thought that I would be having my surgery there. However, when I called them, they were not in my insurance network and had no plans to be in the near future. So that shot that idea. Dr. Walton is in my network, but that doesn't cover the cost of the hospital itself. It is frustrating. I am sure that Dr. Gornichec would just have me go to another hospital that he does surgery at, but Edmond is so much closer to my house. I really wouldn't consider using another surgeon unless there was just no way that Dr. G would be able to take care of me.

Well, that is understandable if they don't take your insurance. Are you expecting to have to be in a hospital again soon, or are you just trying to be ready just in case? Some of the people that come to the support group, had their surgery done at Mercy, you might think about that hospital (if you havn't already). I would think that your surgeon could recommend somewhere for you to go, although I understand about being closer to home. I live in Moore, so it is quite a drive to Edmond, but I think it is well worth it! You are still more than welcome to attend the support groups if want. I have been to the last 2 and have learned alot from some of the other people who have had the surgery! Jane

Jane, I am not expecting to go into the hospital anytime soon. I hope that I can avoid that place for a LOOOONNNNGGG time. However, we all know that sometimes you need to go back in. So I am just trying to be prepared. Thank you for your invite to the Weightwise Support Group. I may show up sometime at a meeting. I also live quite a ways from Edmond. (Near Stillwater) I really would like to have a support group in Stillwater as there are quite a few of us in that area. Kari

Where is Dr. Floyd going to go? I have an appointment Wednesday. I heard other doctors don't want to see you. I drive two and a half hours to Edmond to get fills so I am worried about it. Anyone know?

Dr. Keith in Norman will do the fills for you, I believe. I was told by them some time back that they would and it would be 175.00.

Does this mean there will be no more bariatric surgery at Edmond Medical Center? Or--just that the wing will not be devoted solely to bariatric patients any longer? I am supposed to have RNY with Dr. Pearce in July.....

Hi! Call Dr's office and ask about it. If they are closing Dr. Pearce may go to another facility he has priviledges at. Surely they won't cancel??!! Keep us informed!! GOOD LUCK!! Deborah L.

I just went to a lapband seminar last night at the Edmond Medical Center. They are indeed closing that facility, but Dr. Gornichec is starting one at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma and things will continue on. Marcia