University of Chicago Medical Center

Hello Everyone,

We much condideration, I think UCM will be the best Center for me.

They have all 3 options for surgery, and I am hearing they are the best hospital in the Chicagoland area.

Does anyone have any insight on that particular location? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
 

Did you check UW Madison? It's probably closer and a Center of Excellence. Several of us in the greater Rockford area went there. We love the docs and the program there! Usually BC/BS pays for Centers of Excellence.

Connie

No I didnt check UW of Madison
I think I will REALLY like University of Chicago Medical Center. Did you have DS or RY?

Do you know of any support groups, that I can attend around the Rockford area while in the process?

Datrace, I do believe that Berts4(Dawn) and Connie plus Connie's friend Kay all went to Madison. They all have had success in their PO life with this center. As far as support group, there is one that either Connie or Dawn will post about a couple days before. It is at the College of Medicine on the 3rd Monday of the month. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/IL/3981824/Rockford-Suppor t-group-Monday/ here is the link from when Connie posted it earlier in the week. Touch base with any of them for more info.

I am so glad you are going to see docs who do more than 1 surgery--it should be no surprise when those docs tell you that the ONLY surgery they do is the ONLY surgery you should have. Shocker, right?

I had my DS in San Fran with John Rabkin because he has more experience than the U of C guys, BUT I have been an angel to a handful of U of C DS patients and they had GREAT experiences with them. I have visited them in the U of C hospital and the hospital is clean and the nurses have been great.

I do know the following people on OH had their surgeries with the U of C docs:

carmen 3823 (just had hers there in March/April)
biggeekgirl (had it a couple of years ago, just had baby a week ago)
scaryreader (had her DS a couple of years ago)
Sandra N. (and her hubby, Charlie had their DSes on the same day about 9 months ago)
Julia K. (had her DS a couple of years ago)
chickflickstyle (she and her hubby had their surgeies about 8 months ago)

All are doing very well, to the best of my knowledge. I'm sure they wouldn't mind it if you PMed them, too.

Best of luck to you!

Nicolle
 

Thanks for the information....can you tell me how the Angel thing works?

Sure. Once you pick your surgery and surgeon and get a date, you can ask someone to be your OH angel (or sometimes people volunteer when they see you have the same doc, etc.)

They communicate with you before, during and after your surgery. They report back to the OH board on how you are doing, etc. and can be an information resource to you when you are pre-op and post-op.

It's good to have someone in your area so they could visit you in the hospital. Also, I think it's good to have someone who has your surgeon, etc. so they can help you with their direct experience. For example, they can say "oh, that's normal protocol for Dr. XYZ, I did that, too" when you're feeling confused or something's not quite "right" after surgery.

Nicolle

Hi Datrace,
I am thinking about UCM too. I live in Arkansas but would stay in Huntley.IL
with my sister so I can have her take me there and visit me so I'm not alone.
After you have your appointment let me know how it goes.
Pam

Hi Pam,

I went to the informational session yesterday. I think the program is GREAT! I dont think it is anything like the weight lost centers. I have my dr apt, psy, nutr. appointment on Aug12th.

I am soo looking forward to it.

Have you check with you insurance? I have you contacted the UCM?

Trying to make an appointment. Having a difficult time. Can never get a live person!!
Have you had any WLS before?  Had RNY in 1995 and have gained 101 pounds in last 2 years!!