Help Needed Making Decision

:help: I think this forum is great. I'm a 29 year old guy with a BMI of over 50 who is considering the Lap Band. My wife is due with our first child Aug. 3rd and I'm worried about my weight and weight related health issues. Has anyone had the procedure done in NW Chicago? If so, who was your surgeon and what was your experience like with him/her and the hospital? Thanks ahead of time for your time!!!!

New Self Bariatrics, which has an ad banner on this board is a possible source for a surgeon and they have offices in Arlington and EGV. Life Weigh Bariatrics in Downers Grove is another possible surgical office for you to go to. See Dr Jeff Rosen or Michael Iwanicki's info in the IL bariatric doctor surgeon list. There are many other doctors in the Chicago area. You will need to go on the IL list and see who you can find that does the band. Chris

First of all - Congratulations on your baby news! Your health and your new baby are excellent reasons for looking into WLS options. I have just begun my journey into all of this. The first thing I did was to go to a seminar. I met Dr. Peter Rantis, who is a surgeon for Surburban Surgical Care Specialists [formerly (or associated with) New Self Bariatrics.] The seminar was held at St. Alexian's Holspital and it was very informative. You have the opportunity at the end of the seminar to schedule your consult. The office staff has been incredibly nice and helpful. I am waiting on insurance approval right now, so I have no actual surgery/hospital experience to speak of but I have been really impressed with SSCS so far. 1/866/716/5263 is their number. I wish you the nest of luck in the coming New Year. Health and Happiness, Kari

I had the band done by Dr. Iwaniki and Dr. Rosen at Lifeweigh bariatrics. I love the staff there and all the support from the doctors. I met Christine and her husband at the support group and I love the interaction with the fellow support group members. When deciding on a lap band, you really need to evaluate what kind of "program" comes with the surgeon. TO be successful, you need a complete package. jeannine

DITTO DITTO DITTO. In fact, I always say that "surgery was the easy part". When I was 15 months post-op I thought I "had it down". I stopped going to the nutritionist, weighing in, etc. ... and 10 months later, when I went back for my 2 year labs, I found out I had gained 20 pounds. I wanted to get back on track, so I started back up with my nutritionist, therapist, and started seeking out support groups. I am still going to as many support group meetings as I can. I enjoy meeting new people and the opportunity to learn something new (not to mention make new friends), which can be in any form from any one (a speaker, new or "seasoned" post-op, pre-op, surgeon, etc.). There are many excellent surgeons in the area, but as Jeannine mentioned, you MUST consider the post-op program, which should include some type of support group meetings, nutritionist visits, and some type of therapy (they do surgery on our stomach, not our brain, so any "issues" you may have had previously won't miraculously disappear with the weight). Best to you ... Karyn

I also had my surgery through what was called New Self Bariatrics. I think their new name is Kane Center for Bariatrics. Anyway they have an office right in Arlington Heights and do an informational seminar almost every Saturday. I think it is great that you can see at your young age how neccessary good health will be for the future of your new child. Heck you'll want to participate and be around to see him/her grow up. Anyway, only you can make the desicion as to whether WLS is for you, but I do recommend going to the seminar. They will go over both Lap Band and RNY Gastric Bypass and you'll have opportunities to get your questions answered by a surgeon who does these proceedures all the time. Here is the link to their website: www.suburbansurgicalcare.com Their phone number is : 847-255-9697 Oh yeah, the most important part, my surgeon was Paul Guske and he is just fantastic. A really warm and genuine guy. Best of luck to you and happy, healthy new year. Ronna

Hi Dan...I just wanted to add my 2 cents to the other comments. Perhaps you would like to check with your insurance company first to find out who and what they cover. That may influence who you go to and what procedure to have done. Good luck! Linda O.

Thank you everyone for your replies. I'm plan on attending a seminar as was suggested. You guys have been very helpful. Thanks again.... Dan

I am having the lapband done at Northwest suburban community hospital, in belvidere. ph#815-547-5441. My drs. name is Dr. B Boe. He is wonderful. His staff has been great. i can call anytime with questions and they are nice enough to help. I orignally was scheduled for Dec27th. Through pre-opt testing we found out I had alarge gallstones. I knew this kinda, but was hopping I was wrong. Anyway had the gallbladder removed on the 27th. Go back to see Dr Boe onThe 11 Of jan. If i'm doing good we can set up the lap date. Dr boe even called me himself the day after I had surgery to see how I was doing before I took the 2.5 hr drive home. I did not want to stay in the hospital all night. So we went to comfort inn in rockford. Dr boes staff worked very hard for me to get my insurance to cover this with out much help from me. I do recommand them highly