Looking for an excellent WLS Dr. in Illinois (or close by...)

Hello everyone.....I'm a pre-op hoping to have surgery, I feel I'm at the point in my journey where I need to select a surgeon and make an appointment for my first consultation, I have seen my pcp, and have taken several tests, and I'm ready to move onto the next step, I just need some advice as to some good surgeons and programs.....I have thought about OSF in Peoria, Dr. Steven Marshall, and also The Wish Center, If anyone has had any dealings with either of these places, I would love to hear about it. I am also open to new dr.'s. I have bc/bs of OE, PPO, and i realize they are becoming sticklers in paying for gastric bypass surgery, so I may even be interested in self-pay. Thanks for all your help!

Karen, I highly recomend Dr. Hammer in springfield, Il. He has the whole setup from dietician to counselor to physical therapy. I am scheduled for surgery Tuesday and totally trust him. I am not sure if he is in your network but he is defiantley worth the drive. Diana

Not sure how far Peru is from Chicago area, but Suburban Surgical Care Specialist has a pretty good reputation. I am waiting for them to call with my surgery date, which they said they would do by end of this week, so I guess that would be today. Here is there address and phone. Suburban Surgical Care Specialists 1614 Central Road, Suite 211 Arlington Heights, IL 60005 (847) 255-9697

I had Stephen Marshall in Peoria and he is EXCELLENT!!! I can't say enough good things about his surgical skills! Several of my other doctors said he is the best and that's who they would want working on them. My BMI (59) was way over their usual limits (50) for lap surgery, but he did mine lap (I'm pear shaped). And I've had no problems. His personality is not warm and friendly -- he has the personality that most surgeons have. He's very serious when you see him, but if you joke with him, you can get him to loosen up. I've gotten a smile or two out of him. And Melinda, nurse and program coordinator, is the best thing since sliced bread. She is warm and friendly, very knowledgeable and supportive. They work with insurance companies, medicaid, and self-pays. Our support group even has a branch in the Peru area. Good luck with whatever you decide! Deb -111

Dr. Frantzides at Northwestern is IMHO, the best surgeon around if you want LAP done. He can and does do people that other surgeons turn away due to previous abcominal surgeries, high bmi's etc. He's actually a pioneer in LAP surgery, not only gastric bypass. Read my profile if you want to know more about my experience with him, or feel free to email me any time PS, Yes, everyone thinks her surgeon is the best

OSF (St. Francis) of peoria ....ROCKS....they have the only bod pod in IL...besides one collage...also they have 4 doctors that do the surgery...everything you need is right at OSF...they have support groups every monday nite...and the hospital stay is great ...they are the best as far as i have researched...

Karen, hi I am in the NW suburbs of Chgo. I went to the Wish Center in Downers Grove. I highly recommend them, they have a great program and aftercare with a monthly support group. There are also many other bariatric doctors in the Chgo area. Research the find a doc on this site for different doctors in the Chgo area. My husband went to Suburban Surgical Care in Elk Grove Village, IL. They are real good doctors also but their bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired and their office personnel can be crabby. If you can get past those issues and are just looking for a good doctor I would recommend them also. Christine open RNY 5/7/03 Dr. Rosen Wish Center 241/151/130

my brother had his surgery at univ of ill hosp by dr hogan. i had surgery in libertyville by dr. kadowaki. both are far from you. there must be a surgeon in your area that does weight loss surgery.

Hi Karen, I'm not from IL but I have been doing a lot of research on Barix Clinics and i'm finding some great stuff. I'm going to a free seminar and when I was registering I found that they offer seminars all over the country so I'm trying to let others know about them. I could go on and on about the differences in the programs, but I went by experience of surgeons and private facilities...and the only one that came close was Barix. I was reading someone else's messages and they are going to sign a contract soon it sounds like with BCBS. Anyways...you can find the different dates and times at www.barixseminar.com. For me seminars were the best way to get all the information before wasting my tme at a consult. Good luck.

I want to thank everyone for their responses......all the information will come in handy...I'm sure I will be posting more questions, thanks again!