NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!

March 25th, 2020

Dear Patients,

We home all of you are staying home when you can and staying safe! Here is an update for our office:

Our office has always taken pride in the level of support that we offer to our patients. During this time of uncertainty, as we are unable to operate at full service, we have made adjustments and additions to allow for continued program guidance and care.

Under the Executive Order of the Governor we have postponed all bariatric and non-essential general surgeries and procedures until further notice. We now have limited staff. We remain open to see our patients in the office for urgent / emergent symptoms determined by our medical providers. In addition we have added the capability of Telehealth Video Chats allowing us to continue with necessary appointments while keeping everyone safe.

While telehealth visits are available for all patients, we especially encourage all patients who are less than one year post surgery to take advantage of our telehealth system so that we keep in contact during this critical time of life change. Required pre-op weight management visits in addition to those who are scheduled for “Back On Track” visits are also encouraged to utilize our telehealth system. Our office will be calling you the day before your appointment to confirm and explain how the video chats will work. As always if you are experiencing any unusual concerns please contact our office.

Our 4 month, 8 month and 12 months classes are currently on hold. We will inform everyone when these classes can be rescheduled so that you have an opportunity for that group environment at a later date.

***** Due to a smaller staff during the state of emergency, please leave us a message if you call and we will get back to you as soon as possible **********

Here are some additional support ideas for this time period:
Food journals
Eating timers
Look for bariatric meal ideas online
Online Support Groups – Bariatric Eating Support is a good one
Online exercise videos
Be innovative. Use social media to connect with friends and family
Use the buddy system – connect with that one person who will hold you accountable during this time

Stay focused! Stay safe! You got this!
For more information about Coronavirus, See the CDC website for precautions. Or mi.gov/coronavirus

Dr. Brian Gluck and Staff

March 18, 2020

Dear Patients,

In the midst of this unprecedented pandemic and health crisis, Dr. Gluck and his staff would like to inform you of the following: 

1.  Our office is following the constantly changing CDC guidelines.  Non-essential surgeries are currently on hold and will be rescheduled as soon as safely possible. The CDC and hospital will help us determine when this is. 

2.  Effective Friday March 20, 2020 Dr. Gluck and Tricia will continue to see patients who we feel require an in-person visit in the office. This includes those recently recovering from surgery and those that might have concerns that need a physical exam.  Patients scheduled for routine follow-up appointments will be contacted and given the option for a phone visit or to reschedule. Communicating over the phone is an excellent way to evaluate progress, discuss concerns, review expectations, as well as help you to stay accountable to your health goals.  We would also welcome phone visits for those patients who are struggling with weight gain or trying to get back on track. Please, feel free to contact our office if you do not currently have a scheduled appointment and would like a phone visit. Due to the coronavirus pandemic most insurance companies are covering virtual visits in place of an in-person visit, but not all.  As we learn which insurance companies will not allow these visits, we will keep you informed. Also, keep in mind that normal copays may apply. We were told by BCBSM and they are waiving all copays for phone visits at this time.     

3.  Support and Nutrition Classes are currently on hold. We are evaluating this week by week.   For those patients who are scheduled for a 3 week or 8 week post op nutrition class you will be contacted by phone to discuss your dietary advancement.

4.  We currently remain open for product sales and these will be done at the front desk. Please do not just walk back to the store.   Consider ordering online if you are unable to come to the office.  

5.  Many of you have benefited from better health since your bariatric surgery, however, exposure and contracting of the disease remains unchanged. Universal precautions should be followed which includes coughing or sneezing into your elbow, washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and social distancing including avoiding public places unless necessary, limiting exposure to large groups, and maintaining 6 feet between yourself and others.  For further information, please See the CDC website for precautions.  

6.  If you are less than 6 weeks out after surgery and are still healing from your procedure please be smart.  Limit your exposure to people, rest, and allow your body to heal.  

Please call us at (231) 737-8446 if you have any concerns.

Dr. Brian Gluck and Staff