"I had requested a bariatric suite when my surgery date was scheduled, and again when I registered the morning of surgery. The suite was awesome, there was a sitting area with a separate televison for visitors. There was a recliner that also functioned as a bed, which was nice as my mother stayed one night with me.
The staff was professional, courteous and friendly. I experienced horrible gas pains in my back, and my nurse was on top of things. She was able to get something aside from my PCA pump to alleviate the pain.
I had nursing assistants in my rooms to help when ever I needed.
I was treated with dignity and respect which is most important when you are in the hospital.
I would go back to OSU anytime, except it is a 100 miles from my home."
"I have not met Dr. Needleman yet, but I like what I have heard. I trust the Ohio State University Hospitals, feeling they are most capable of handling anything that may come along.
It has been nearly 2 months since I was told by OSU that I was "approved" for their program. Since then I have traveled to Columbus for another psych eval and nutrional consult. Both I have already completed, but have had to complete again with the professionals associated with OSU. Included in the nurtritional consult, I was required to have a MedGem reading (measures the bodies resting metabolic rate), the cost was $50, on top of my copay, and will not be covered by my insurance.
I am becoming quiet frustrated as I feel I am being drug along, despite having insurance approval. I already jumped through hoops with my insurance company, I don't feel I need to do this for a surgeon.
This week I had approx 10 lab tests drawn, and faxed the results to OSU. Friday I was told by Shannon, their program manager, that my case would be reviewed by the multi - disciplinary team next week, and at that time it would be decided weather or not I was accepted into their program.
Now, I have to do a 4 week diet program, and maybe I will be scheduled to see the surgeon in a couple of months.!!!!!!!! AAARGGGHHH, I'm not happy. I have been going at this for nearly a year, have battled the insurance company, and feel I'm being needlessly scrutinized by the the OSU bariatric program.
I met Dr. Needleman on 1/31/06, and he is worth the wait!! His staff is awesome, energetic and friendly. Dr. Needleman is very professional, but very down to earth. He doesn't have a good complex that some doctors have. He explained everything to me and my husband in a mannner that was easy to understand but not condescending.
Anyone else that is interested in having this procedure done at OSU should be aware there is a lot involved, this a very structured program, but this is all to provide the patient with the greatest chance of success. I"
