Question:
Who has gone thru the Bariatric Treatment Center?
They do not have a branch in my area however, it is appealing to me to go thru an organization that deals with only wls. I want someone that will help me with my insurance and it sounds like a lot of drs don't do that. Opinions? — Jennifer F. (posted on August 20, 2002)
August 20, 2002
I am 7 weeks post op and a patient of BTC Belvidere, IL. I never in a
million years thought my new insurance (had it ONE MONTH!!) would allow me
to have this surgery. But what I believe is the expertly worded letter and
follow up from BTC insurance rep Jeff, I was approved in less than 2 weeks
for the entire amount! I am 29 years old, 5'5, and weighed 269lbs. I had
no medical conditions and took no medications which is why I thought I'd be
denied. THANK GOD for the experience of those at BTC. I have had ZERO
complications, feel great, and am down over 40lbs in 7 weeks. I too could
have chosen a Dr that was closer to me, but I chose to drive the few hours
in order to deal with experts that do this surgery everyday. I couldn't
reccomend BTC more. From the insurance reps to the hospital staff to my
SAVIOR Dr Berkiwitz...I couldn't have asked for more caring and supportive
people!! Good Luck to you on your journey!! Best Wishes, Tonya
— Tonya H.
August 20, 2002
Hi! I've not yet had my surgery but I did just get approved
for my RNY at BTC in Langhorne, PA. I did not think my insurance
would approve on the first try but because of the great wording by
BTC insurance reps I had no problems! I live in NC but like you wanted
a place that only did WLS. I researched for awhile and found that my
best bet was to go with BTC. The people are great and they really care
about you and do all they can to help! Good luck and if you have any
questions please feel free to email me! God bless!
— Rebekah A.
August 20, 2002
DO IT!! I went through the BTC in Ohio. I have never been so impressed
with a group of doctor's and nurses. I can't express how great the whole
experience is. As a hint to the degree of care, both my roommates work at
hospitals and were speechless. The extra touches they have are nice--chairs
that are big enough and gowns that fit. They handle everything with the
insurance. (It only took me a month to get approval). My family was so
impressed that my sister is going for a consultation with Dr. Kazmarski at
the PA site. I can understand that you would be worried about traveling,
but the nurses said they had people come a long way to use a site that is
specially trained in Bariatric Surgery. Most of the literature I've read
says that traveling is fine, as long as you remember to stop and walk.
Best of luck in the decision--Tiffany =)
— Tiffany D.
August 20, 2002
Well, I gotta chime in here too :) I used the BTC in Wylie, Texas for my
RNY on July 10th, 2002. The surgeon I had was beyond superb. The nursing
staff was simply the best. Pain management was prompt and caring. All, in
all, it was the -best- experience I have ever had at a hospital, bar none.
In fact, I really don't know how they could have made it any better.
Another thing that a lot of folks don't mention about BTC is the after care
support. The price I paid for my surgery also includes 1 year of follow-up
visits to my surgeon, lab work, access to a dietician, and access to
support groups in 2 nearby cities for patients that had surgery there. The
package is very complete. To me, the follow-up support was at least as
important as the facility. I would highly recommend BTC to you.
— Greg P.
August 20, 2002
I had my rny at the Bariatric Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan. It was
probably the best experience I have ever had in a hospital. My surgeon was
excellent! I would highly recommend BTC, it's what they specialize in.
— stacjean
August 20, 2002
My daughter and I both had surgery with Bariatric Center in Holland Mi.
They did all the paper work with the insurance co. I never even talked to
the insurance co. at all.
— charanewme
August 20, 2002
I had my surgery at the Bariatric Treatment center in groveport ohio on
June 24th. It's a excellent hospital and everyone there is having the same
surgery. And they do all the dealing with the insurance company.
— Samitra D J.
August 20, 2002
— Denise W.
August 21, 2002
I had my surgery through btc in Belvidere, Il and my DR was Dr Boe. The
entire experience from the initial consult to surgery and on through a
check up have been the best experience i have received as far as health
care. I cannot tell you all the wonderfull things that were done but
everything an overweight person could need was addressed by the hospital,
Dr, & staff. knowing what i know now and with the stories i have heard
from others who went through regular hospitals i feel i would travel to
anywhere to make sure i had the care of btc. i feel like i sound like a
commercial but this is my experience and what a fabulous one. This is the
best in my opinion.
— LYNN K.
August 21, 2002
I am waiting for insurance approval and having surgery at the new BTC
hospital in Langhorne, PA. Just from what I've experienced with them, I'd
recommend BTC to anyone.
— [Deactivated Member]
August 21, 2002
Although I love my doctor and his staff and have had a really good
experience (with the exception of a seroma), I would have liked going to
BTC in Belvidere. But insurance wouldn't cover it there. One of my best
friends is a post-op RN at that BTC and if any of you are lucky enough to
have had Barb, I'm sure you did have a very nice experience!
Best wishes - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -53lbs.
— Anna L.
August 21, 2002
Go for it. I have received approval and (weighting) for a date. The people
at B.T.C. are GREAT!. I will be having surgery at the Langhorn Hospital.
— stew18
August 22, 2002
Okay--I have heard nothing but wonderful things about BTC in Wyle and at
first I was very excited about having my surgery there. Although I havent
had my surgery yet (AUG 26th) I have encountered a few things that have
caused me not to be so fast to reccommend them anymore. My first consult
was with Dr. Idle--he explained the entire procedure I would be having
(Laparoscopic). After being lied to for two weeks I found out that Dr. Idle
no longer practiced at that hospital and I would be getting another surgeon
but would have to wait much longer so that I could be fit into her
schedule. The next time I went to BTC was for my pre-op visit. I dont know
if it was because I was the last patient they were taking that day
(11:30a.m.) but the first person I encountered was not friendly at all. I
was there from 11:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. for testing that could of taken half
that long. I was put in a room that was too hot and I would sit there for
20-30 minutes alone in a room while the doctors would come and go. The last
person I saw that day was a nurse although her bedside manner was lacking
manner. I had fasted since yesterday afternoon for all this testing and not
one time was I asked if I needed some water or juice or a cracker, the
couple sitting next to me in the waiting area finally requested something
to drink since they had fasted over a day. I had studied for over a year
for this surgery and the nurse was put off with my questions--especially
when I found out that my surgery would not be Laparoscopic so I had some
more questions. Her answer to my questions was that I would just have to
call the surgeon, but I was afraid if I showed doubt in the surgery they
would cancel it. SOOOO I am now having surgery on Tuesday and not once have
I meet my surgeon or been asked to attend any support group. For you I
just recommend you ask many questions in the beginning and do alot of
research so you know what to ask and what to expect. Good Luck and See you
on the other side- SMILES
— MELISSA M.
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