Question:
I really really want surgery, Do I go with a BTC or Hospital?

I want to know which is better and are the waiting periods the same? I heard that there is less of a wait with BTC's is that true? Please help with Pros and Cons , I am soooo confused.    — JigglyJen (posted on February 1, 2003)

February 1, 2003
I am not sure about the wait times, but I chose a hospital...'just in case' something went wrong. I felt more secure there.
   — GPoynor

February 1, 2003
This is a decision that is very hard for some people. I myself felt more comfortable with BTC since they have the most experience with the surgery itself and they also have less pateints that have trouble afterward. It really does come down to where you feel more at ease. I also chose BTC because of there wonderful after care program. Like that they have anutritionists on hand daily that can answer your questions with just a call or their nurses that are so nice and see to your every need. I would suggest you two different places(one including BTC) and take a little tour and see where you feel you should have your surgery.
   — DRutherford

February 1, 2003
You may not have a choice! Not all insurance policies cover the procedure at BTC. So, you may end up making your choice depending on your insurance coverage. My first choice was BTC, only because they were so close to my home. My insurance would not cover WLS thru them though. So, I ended up having my WLS surgery done at a hospital that my insurance covered. I did feel more comfortable having WLS performed at a hospital where there were specialist avaible in case of an emergency, just in case something went wrong.
   — Susan M.

February 1, 2003
Hi...there was no question that I was going to have my WLS at a hospital. No knock against BTC, but I just felt more comfortable with the surgical staff and hospital facilities at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. <p> I saw in your profile that you are from Baltimore. My sister Sherri Evans (who is an obesityhelp.com member) just had her WLS this past Monday at Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore with Dr. Vanguri. You may want to e-mail her about her experiences with Dr. Vanguri...JR (open RNY 07/17 -142 pounds)
   — John Rushton

February 1, 2003
I wish there were a BTC in Denver. Assuming my insurance would have paid for it, I'd have gone there in a heartbeat. While it's not a hospital per se, the docs, nurses, dieticians, etc. do nothing but WLS. I had my surgery done by a general surgeon who includes WLS in his repertoire, maybe not the best choice in my case.
   — garw

February 1, 2003
Hi!! I know what you are going through, this is a question that boggled me also. I chose BTC. I looked at the University of Iowa hospitials too, but they make you wait at least one year. Also they only did 1-2 per month, whereas, BTC does like 8 per day. At BTC a lot of their employees have had this surgery so they really do understand what you feel and do everything to make you confortable. I thought it was the best choice since that is all they do, and and so many workers have had it done, it made me feel safer. I do not regret my decsion at all and I would choose BTC again. Of course they are not near everyone so that might be a factor to you. What helped me is I made a pros and cons sheet. This might make your decesion eaiser, just make sure you are confortable with whatever you choose, afterall it YOUR body and you don't just want anyone preforming major surgery one you!! Good Luck!--CARRIE
   — Carrie E.

February 2, 2003
I have heard good things about BTC, but I also know some one who has surgery there and didn't have to go through any nutrition counseling...three of us went out to eat at a bufffet and she at the most! Her hair is really thin also, I feel bad that she might not have been told what to do post-op. I also realize she might have and is just not able to follow it. We have to fix our minds before we fix our bodies. Anyway back to the question...as already stated your insurance may not cover BTC. I chose a major hospital because I wasn't sure how my body would respond to surgery and I wanted to make sure if something happened their was a specialist on the next floor.
   — Sarahlicious