Question:
I saw my gynecologist yesterday and she told me that the BTC in Ypsisilanti, MI

where I am scheduled for surgery does not have an intensive care unit. I contacted the BTC and they confirmed that if a patient has a serious problem they are taken by ambulance to a hospital. My doc said if a patient developed an embolism they could die in the ambulance. I am concerned, but I hate the idea of starting the process all over again. Opinions please....    — Judith A. (posted on October 10, 2001)

October 10, 2001
That was another one of my reasons for not opting for BTC. When I intervied the doc, he informed me that they operate out of a small community hospital and you would be taken by 'air ambulance' (read helicopter) to St. Joes in Ypsilanti. Not my idea of good care given I was 494 and had co-morbidities. I elected Marek Lutrzykowski, MD in Bloomfield Hills MI for my surgery. I interviewed by phone or in person every doc doing WLS in the Metro Detroit area. I liked Dr. L the best and the DS procedure the best. Good Luck to you!
   — merri B.

October 10, 2001
Judith, I had surgery at the BTC in Belvidere, Il and, while I can't tell you what to do, I can relate my experience. I investigated this surgery as I am sure you have, extensively. I have 2 very good friends who happen to be Doctors, as well as having an very good relationship with my OB-GYN. When I presented this worry to them, all three said go to BTC. They didn't think the ICU thing was important because BTC has all the life saving equipment in house (one of my friends even called and talked to the surgeon himeself- asking much more important medical questions than I could think up!) If a patient need some kinds of TREATMENTS that BTC doesn't have the equipment for (because it isn't needed often) then they may transfer to another hospital. My friends said that the expertise of the BTC Docs (doing only one kind of surgery and doing it ALOT) is the thing you want. My experience was flawless- so much so that I went back for hernia surgery 1 year later when I could have gone elsewhere. They watch you extremely closely the first 24 hours. I have seen complications on this web site happen at larger hospitals where there is an ICU. Bottom line, though, YOU need to be comfortable. If you aren't, then perhaps you should go to another surgeon or hospital. You need to have peace of mind about your surgeon and hospital! Feel free to e-mail me if I can help answer any more questions.
   — M B.

October 17, 2001
Judith, I think you have to look at the positives and negatives of what you have available to you. From my own personal experience, I would definately recommend BTC. My surgery was done at the BTC in Ohio and I have been very impressed with the pre and post program! It is a personal decision in which you should consider your risks. Hope this helps!
   — Melissa B.

October 17, 2001
I have also chosen BTC. I work in the medical field and I have a surgeon who did my galbladder and I have attended many of his surgeries and although he is a wonderful, competent Dr. I chose to drive 4 hrs. further and go to a lot more hassle to BTC. I have researched completely and I am impressed with the fact that this is all they do all day every day. I am convinced the nursing staff (which you will rely upon heavily for several days) will be more considerate and understanding of what is going on and a LOT more aware of signs and symptoms for post-op complications. Look at all your options weigh out the pros and cons and good luck to you.
   — Aimee P.

July 27, 2002
I asked Dr. Rogers about ICU care. He was right when he told me that there's a major hospital down the block. You can actually see it from the parking lot of the BTC.
   — Christine M.

August 5, 2002
Hi, I have a bit of experience in this issue as a paramedic. It's the company I work for that transfers patients to st. joes or the U of M from btc in ypsi. I'm not sure who told one lady a helicopter would transfer you but that's not exactly true. Even before btc was that and was beyer hospital usually they sent patients by ground, it can actually take longer with warm up and cool down times and assembling the crews to go by air. Most helicopters also have certain weight limits also, usually depends on their fuel status and crews weight. The stretcher built into the local helicopters ambulances can manage 250 to 300 in a pinch.. Our ambulance company has micu ambulances which are quite apt and capable. Most smaller hospitals have very small icu's or no icu's even, it's not just bariatric patients that might need to be transfered. It happens all day every day, we transfer patients in need of specialized care to other hospitals all the time. I don't think btc sends many patients out and when I've been there on a call, people seem pretty good at their jobs. That is surreal too, wanting the surgery and going their picking up post surgical patients..lol..I personally think the specialized care you get at any place specializing in large people might in fact help to keep you from developing clots. Just a thought!
   — jennifer B.