Question:
For those of you in Michigan, has anyone compared BTC with St. John?

I am currently looking into WLS and have recently heard about Dr. Sapala and Dr Wood at St John Detroit Riverview hospital and their "micropouch" procedure. My question is, has anyone compared the Bariatric Treatment Center in Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti to Dr. Wood and Dr. Sapala? If so, what are the differences? If you have had one of these people do your surgery what are the pros and cons? Thanks    — Jaymi B. (posted on November 11, 2001)

November 11, 2001
Hi. I had Dr. Wood as my surgeon. He is a wonderful surgeon. I had heard warnings about the hospital staff at St. John's that made me nervous. I talked to Dr. Wood about the Micropouch and he had told me that they did the standard RNY for many years and after having to redo a percentage of people because they gained the weight back, they developed the Micropouch. They haven't had to redo ANY of the Micropouchs because of regaining of weight. That was very reassuring to me. I chose Dr. Wood because of the Micropouch and my trust in him. I had my husband stay with me almost around the clock in the hospital because of the rumors I had heard. I did have some trouble which you can read in my profile. But many don't have any trouble with the staff there. A few bad apples I guess. I think we have very good choices in surgeons here in Michigan. I would actually recommend ANY of them to my family. I have heard wonderful things about the care in the BTC after surgery...compassionate and attentive. It's basically what procedure you want. I am happy with my choice and would do it that way again. I haven't heard any BTCers say they would do it differently either. I hear all their surgeons are great too. I was just sold on the Micropouch ;) Feel free to read my profile and/or email me anytime:) Good Luck..it's a big decision and not one I took lightly either. Good for you, for doing your research!
   — Nicole P.

November 11, 2001
I had the micropouch by Dr. Wood. I love it. Yes some, not all of the care givers at the hospital seemed to be "busy" and in a hurry, but over all, I had good care. Dr. Wood and Dr. Sapala are very caring, knowledgable, and excellent surgeons. I chose the micro pouch because it does not stretch, no acid reflux either. almost 3 months and 60 lbs gone! It is according to what procedure you want. www.micropouch.com is Dr. Woods site, it explains the differences there in more detail. Best of luck with your choice.
   — Phiddy B.

November 11, 2001
I am also from Michigan. When I first started doing my research, I thought that I was going with Dr. Wood. I suggest that you look into www.duodenalswitch.com. I was chatting with someone on this site and they told me about that website. I am so glad that it was I decided to do. I would do the same procedure over in a second. I am down 51 lbs. in 3 months. You can come home from the hospital eating solid foods. I had some scrambled egg the first week of being home from the hospital. But just remember, do your research and make the decision that you feel is best for you. I also have no complaints about the hospital. I thought that the staff was wonderful. They even gave me a private room.
   — Angela S.