Who does the Lap DS in Illinois?

The only center that I have found so far is at the University of Chicago. They seem very good and very expensive too. 40 - 50 thousand without insurance. Are there any other Lap DS surgeons around the area who you would recommend? Thanks, Newbie with Questions

Barry, I would try posting this question on the OH Duodenal Switch forum. I don't think many DS'ers regularly visit the state forums or main forum. You'll be really pleased with what a friendly and informative group of people are on that forum. For a current, validated list of DS surgeons worldwide, go to www.duodenalswitch.com - also a lot of good information there! Don't be surprised if you have to travel for your DS, as there are far fewer surgeons who perform the DS vs surgeons who perform RNY or Lap-Band. In fact, many DS'ers who had to self-pay have traveled out of the country, to Spain, Mexico or Brazil. If you have no insurance coverage, ask about that option on the DS forum also. Best of luck on you journey! Beverly Open DS with Dr. Gary Anthone, Omaha, NE sw/272, cw/210, gw/152

Barry, hello and welcome to the IL board. Like the other poster mentioned there really aren't any DSers that come on this forum. You will find a few that post on the main forum once in a while. Your best bet is to go to the DS forum on this site and ask your question. I glanced through the link that Beverly gave you. On that first page it has a list on the middle left side for "Procedure" click Compare the DS with the RNY, then click ASBS site, then just keep clicking next at the bottom of the page until you come to where they talk about BPD/DS. It does caution people there that the person needs to go to an experienced physician and have life long follow up after having this procedure. On the ASBS web site I also noted that there are only 2 surgeons in the Chgo area that perform this surgery I think at the UIC downtown. Also try going to the home page on this site and on the upper left side there is a box that is titled "Featured Topics" and the duodenal switch is one of the featured topics. Come back with any questions that you may have and someone will try and answer your questions. Chris

Newbie, I just had Lap Band surgery in Clinton, IL. The Illinois Bariatric Center has an office in Clinton. They perform surgery in Clinton and At Carle in Champaign. I just had the Surgery on 10/31. Dr. Duane Tull was fantastic. My hospital bill was $13,000.00. I haven't gotten the Drs. portion. I was lucky, my insurance is paying the bill. Terri

My husband is also going through the clinic in Clinton but having his surgery at Carle also. Isn't it wonderful!!!!

Hi Terri, I too had my surgery done in Clinton, IL, on Sept. 20 by Dr. Duane Tull. You are right Dr. Tull is wonderful. My insurance paid for my surgery as well. The nursing staff at St. John Warner Hosp. treated me like a queen. I would recommend them to anyone. If you need to talk please let me know. Maybe we can exchange contact info. The extra support is always needed. I have been trying to locate a support grp. here in Decatur, Il but haven't had any luck. I hope you are doing well. Yolanda