LizBee

Hi everyone! I'm in the research phase, searching out doctors and hospitals. I started with Henry Ford but was really unhappy with them. It took a month for them to screen me to attend their information session. After that, (and the great difficulty in communicating/getting in touch with their office staff) I was informed that I would have to pay $75 for a binder I would receive at the information session. I asked the coordinator what was so special about the binder that it would cost so much, and told her that I wasn't aware of any other hospital that charges anything at an info session. She said the price had actually been dropped from $250 but didn't elaborate on what was in this magical binder. So the same night I was supposed to go to HF, I went to Royal Oak Beaumont for a free session. I didn't have to wait a month, I was invited to come that night, and the session was free. I've decided Henry Ford is a racket and I won't give them my money. I have good feelings about Beaumont, but am concerned with how limited their surgeons are with lapband. So now I am looking into Barix Clinic in Ypsi and Lap Band Center in Port Huron. I guess my concerns are that they aren't a hospital system, and I worry that I might be left high and try if their business folds, doctors leave, etc. Any feedback? Thanks!

Thank you everyone, for your feedback! Well, I did go to an info session at Port Huron last week - and I was impressed! I came away feeling much better about PH than about Beaumont. I had tried Dr. Deol originally because she came so highly recommended, but her office told me she was moving to Chicago. Then I tried Henry Ford, but was displeased that they would charge me for an info session. The other info session I attended was at Royal Oak Beaumont, but I would have to pay more out of pocket fees, and it would take longer for them to clear me for surgery. And the surgeons didn't have as much experience with lap band with Dr. Deol gone from their team. It seems like PH is very quick about getting patients in. I have an appt. with my PCP tomorrow, and hope he will sign off on a letter I have created to give to PH so they can give it to my isnurance provider. If all goes well, I hope to have a consultation at PH this month and maybe even a surgery date for January. It's ambitious thinking, but this is my main priority in life right now.

Hi everyone, New to the forum here. I've enjoyed reading the dialogues. Right now I'm trying to get all squared away with assessments at Royal Oak Beaumont, but I'm also researching 2 other facilities (Port Hurona and Barix in Ypsi). I have a consultation this month at Beaumont. I have BCBS PPO, and surgery is covered. Beaumont gave me a "checksheet" type of form that my PCP can sign off on in lieu of 12 months of weight loss attempts. (don't even get me started - I am 29 years old and have been dieting since I was 10 years old, and tried everything from diet pills to acupuncture/aromatherapy.):Banane20: ANYHOW...I was wondering if any of you who went to Port Huron or Barix had a similar checksheet that could be turned into your insurance. My PCP totally supports this, and I am sure he will sign off on the sheet when I see him next week. I don't have documented attempts with him, because he is an MD and the last few years I have tried to go the naturopathic, holistic, exercise route. But I have seen him for 7 years and he knows I have struggled. I'm really tense and nervous, trying not to get my hopes up, because there are just so many hurdles. I'm keeping a positive attitude, but between hidden fees, copays, insurance approval, and all the assessments, I'm so scared all this time off from work, gas money, research, etc will come to naught!