Question:
For those choosing the BTC, how do you feel about their facilities, surgeons, etc.

I have had a consultation with a surgeon at the Bariatric Treatment Center that is fairly close to my home. It seems that most on this site have opted for a general hospital as opposed to the BTC. I realize that they are not in many areas, but for those who used the BTC facilities, I would like to know how you felt about the care you received both before and after the surgery. Did you experience any complications? If so, what were they and how were they handled. Thanks, Carolyn    — Carolyn M. (posted on January 31, 2003)

January 31, 2003
Both my husband and I had surgery at the BTC in Wylie, TX. We both had very good experiences with the facility and the staff. I did have one pain-related complication. My IV backed up several times and I was without pain meds for several hours on day two. Yikes. That wasn't the fault of the BTC -- I have weak veins. I really liked the fact that the surgeons at the BTC have done so many of this exact same surgery and that everyone there was in the same boat, so to speak. I am 10 months out and have lost 109 pounds.
   — jm3218

January 31, 2003
I had surgery at BTC in Belvidere IL, I was satisfied that they were as good as any other hospital with the bonus of this being their specialty. Their anasthesiologists, nurses, respiratory care, lab etc are all attuned to taking care of obese patients. The equipment was all there etc. I know at the hospital where I work awhile back we knew we were getting a patient that was quite larege and aquireing the equipment was a big issue. Not very respectful not to have approrpiate equip. I have read articles about hospitals having wall mounted toilets and them breaking off with obese patients sitting on them. how embarassing is that? I was not taking my chances.
   — **willow**

January 31, 2003
Hi, I had my surgery at btc in columbus oh.... I was extremely satisfied with the facility, nurses, all,... They specialize in this surgery and are appropriately equiped to handle the larger patient, Their follow up care is excellent, they have nutritionist that will work closely with you... Also at the columbus facility there is a lot of the employees there that have also had the procedure so they are more empathetic to you... Now for my gripe... It is really hard to get ins. people to return your phone calls... You really have to stay on top of them to make sure the appropriate paper work gets to where it needs to go... Also my aunt also had her surg at btc in columbus and was extremely satisfied, we are approx 2 1/2 hrs away and the drive was truely worth the great experience and excellent care. I will be 2 yrs out in April and I have lost 152 lbs and I love life to it's fullest... Good luck and feel free to e mail me...
   — Bonnie S.

January 31, 2003
I had my surgery at BTC in Ypsilanti, MI and could not be happier with my results. The doctors and staff there are so wonderful and caring. I recommend to anyone considering this surgery to travel if they have to just to get to a BTC. WLS is all they know and do in their facilities. The first time I walked through the doors at BTC I knew it was the place for me. All the furniture was oversized and geared at making overweight people more comfortable. So I figured that if they went to the expense and trouble of making their waiting room that inviting that the rest of my care and stay would be just as wonderful and I was definately right. They are at the top of the Weight Loss Industry and will continue to grow. Good Luck with your decision and know that you will not be disappoited in BTC.
   — DRutherford

January 31, 2003
I had my surgery at BTC in Grand Haven Michigan. I can not speak highly enough concerning the care I received and continue to receive. All the people I've come in contact with are awesome. I was treated like a queen in the hospital.
   — JUDI H.

January 31, 2003
This may be repetitive, but I was really pleased to be in a facility that specialized in weight loss surgery. Everyone you encountered was familiar with what you were going through. I had RNY at BTC in Ypsilanti, MI in Sept of 2001, and I've since lost 150 lbs (within 15 lbs of goal). I went back to BTC for surgery last week when I had my abdominoplasty with the reconstructive surgeon they have on staff. It was another good experience. The support services they offer are very valuable too - dieticians who always return calls, support groups, regular follow-up visits (that are covered by the cost of surgery), insurance department that takes care of all of the hassle, lots of staff who are post-ops, etc. I'm sure that there are lots of good options, out there, but I don't regret my choice at all! Good luck with your journey!
   — Claire P.

January 31, 2003
I am probably just repeating what others have said here, but I was very impressed with the treatment and the facility BTC has in Ypsilanti. The staff was great to me, and I really liked the fact that everyone was there for the same reason...I wouldn't be catching pneumonia from some weird bug some sick person brought in...and the staff knew how to deal with larger size patients with knowledge and understanding. I am going back for my tummy tuck there in 2 weeks!
   — Susan S.

February 1, 2003

   — Denise W.