"Have had conuslt and have clearance for pysc eval. Dr. Ditslear and staff were friendly and informative. I plan to have Dr. Ditslear do my surgery when I can get approval. I have currently been denied due to physician supervised weight loss. My PCP, Dr Mark Lavallee from South Bend,IN is trying to help with appeal.
The only thing that I was a little disappointed with is that I was led to believe that Winlife doctors where doing both lap and open ryn surgeries. They were not yet set up for lap bypass. Dr. Ditslear has extensive experience with other lap procedures but not ryn bypass.
UPADATE:
Had open RNY on May 13,2003. Ended up in ICU for 38 days due to peritonitis. Have had to have 3 surgeries since due to complications. Have lost 102 pounds which I am pleased with. Was stuck for the last three months but am finally starting to lose again! If I had it to do over, I would definately choose a surgeon that DOES A LEAK TEST BEFORE allowing anything by mouth! This simple test could have saved me a lot of misery! ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS OF YOUR SURGEON AND PICK ON WHO HAS EXPERIENCE."
"DR LAVALLEE HAS HELPED ME VERY MUCH AND PERSONALLY CALLED THE EXAMINER WHO DENIED MY REQUEST FOR SURGERY. I BELIEVE THAT HE IS PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR MY APPEAL BEING APPROVED. HE IS A KIND AND UNDERSTANDING MAN WHO TRUELY CARES FOR HIS PATIENTS."
