Chip Locke
Early 2004
I've been referred to Dr's Scholten/VanderKolk in Grand Rapids, MI and have also been investigating MMPC (Dr.s Baker, Foote, Kemmeter)I'm looking for any information about them or any other recommendations in the West Michigan area.
3/16/05
I wrote the statement above early last year (2004)and was somewhat disappointed at the lack of response to my request for information. However, I pressed on! I decided to continue with MMPC (Michigan Medical, PC)(http://www.MMPC.Com) as I was impressed with their reputation in general and the "multi-disciplinary" approach in particular. The more I have learned, the more I think the multi-disciplinary approach is the best method going. I've read a lot from individuals who had the surgery and were not given any type of real pre or post op support, education, etc, and it seems that many of them have had problems either losing the weight initially, regaining it later, etc. I understand that the multi-disciplinary still is no guarantee, but I believe your chances of success soar with the size of the team supporting you! I attended an orientation where I was surprised to see not only one of the surgeons, but ALL three! They had (on a weekend, mind you!) a panel of individuals representing most if not all of their team. Surgeons, Nurses, Behaviorist, Surgical Physicians Assistants, Administrative/Insurance people, Dietitians, Exercise Physiologists, etc. Not only did these individuals do presentations of one kind or another and answer questions from the dais, there was an informal gathering afterwards where you could "mingle" with the Surgeons/Staff and ask them anything you wanted face to face! After being exposed to this, I couldn't imagine undergoing this type of procedure and not having all of those people behind you. I've seen a Nurse, an Internist, a Behaviorist, a Registered Dietitian (twice!), attended a number of Support Group meetings which are conducted by many of these same individuals (including occasionally the Surgeons!), have had a number of tests done and am scheduled for my Surgeon consult on March 30. All of this (except some of the tests) done under one roof! I feel lucky to have this Practice available to me, as I read about many who have to go a long way to receive this kind of attention. Well, we'll see how it goes on the 30th!
5/14/05
Received a call on Thursday, May 12th from the surgery scheduler. I'm scheduled for May 27th! Only two weeks away. That has triggered quite an emotional whirlwind. Hopefully, excitement will prevail!!
5/23/05
Had my last Pre-op appointment a few hours ago, quick run to the lab for some blood work. Next call should be from the Hospital 48 hours prior to confirm some things. 4 days left!
