Bariatric Treatment Centers
Lisa,
I had my surgery on 11/13 at 6:00am, so I was just before you! I agree that Dr. Brolin was wonderful.
You are doing wonderfully. How is it for eating for you? It seems that I can not eat anything solid (like meat) and pasta sticks in my throat. I usually just eat soup, Cream of Wheat, and drink protein shakes.
Keep me posted as to how you are doing.
Carolyn
310/232/-78
Hi Cara,
I went to BTC in Langhorne, Pa for a consultation back in October 2003. They were very nice and seemed well prepared. Dr. K has done over 1000 surgeries. He only does open, at least back in October. The issue I had with them was they weren't up front with me about the payment/insurance.
After a couple of months of waiting for approval, I found out that I had been approved for the surgery, but with out of network benifits. The sales rep at BTC new about my approval for over a month but never contacted me. She claimed my insurance company and BTC were trying to come to an agreement. I found out they had been talking for almost 2 years, with no agreement in sight.
I did speak to a Sales Manager about my situation. What she said is that BTC would accept a payment of $25,000 from me up front. That's a discount of $25,000 - $45,000. I'd have to fight with my insurance company to be paid back for the money I laid out. I'd probably receive around $7,000 back from my insurance (BC/BS).
I decided to go with Dr. Mehta of Mehta Bariatric Centers. He is also out of network, but will accept a $3500 up front payment. He'll submit the rest to the insurance company.
If he gets a full payment I'll receive back my $3500. I dont think that will happen, but I do know that the hospital fees are covered under my insurance. He does mostly lap surgery.
As i ramble on, and on, What I should have said from the begining is, call your insurance company and see who takes your plan.
Good luck in whatever you choose to do. You'll meet lots of people on this board willing to tell you their story. Mine is just begining. I have my surgery on Tuesday.
Sue
Cara,
If the amount of experience that your surgeon has, is one of the important factors for you.....I would suggest Dr. Rafael Capella in Ramsey, NJ. I think he may be a little ways from you, but in my opinion, he's the best. He has the most experience in the tri-state area. And if I'm not mistaken, the lowest complication rate in the US and outside the US. He also teaches the procedure. He has monthly information nights and support group meetings in his office. He and his son, Dr. Joseph Capella are in the practice together. Dr. R. Capella does the gastric bypass surgery and Dr. Joseph Capella does the plastic and reconstructive surgery. Their website is www.capellasurgery.com.
Good Luck with your search.
~Lisa