Anyone from Central Illinois?

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone here is from the central illinois area? If so who was your surgeon, did you like them? Also where was the surgery held? How was the after-care program? Any feedback would be great! Thanks *~Kerri*~

Kerri, My surgeon was Dr. Max Hammer. He is with Memorial Medical Centers bariatric program. I loved him as a surgeon he has great bedside manner. I was able to have my surgery only 20 miles from my home at Memorial in Springfield it was great. The after care program is wonderful. There is a dietician and physical therapist to help you with your learning of the after care of surgery. There is also support group meetings. I have Health Alliance but I know he takes other insurance as well. If I can be of any help let me know. Diana 315/233/?

Hi Kerri: I am from Beardstown Illinois. My surgeon was Dr. John Sutyak with the Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (COMP) clinic in Springfield Illinois. This clinic is awesome. Cindy the head RN knows her stuff. Dr. Firdose is the head PC physician for referrals to the group. Erin is the nutrionist and she treats you like a human being. Sandy Vicari is the support group therapist and she is awesome also. My surgeon is a 10++++ bedside manner and a sense of humor and a very caring individual. They also do their surgeries at the Memorial Medical Center, they have a before care program to prepare you for the changes that will happen and an absolutely wonderful after care program... Support groups and support from the clinic I feel is what makes you successful in this endeavor. Having the surgery is the easy part following the restrictions and guidelines is the hard part as well as getting in that exercise. This group at the Comp Clnic really and truly care and want you to do the best, and it shows in the care that you receive there and how they treat you as an individual not a number or dollar signs! Ramona

Hi Kerri! I am not far from you here in Central IL, just over in Taylorville. I have to second everything that Ramona said in the post before mine! I, too, went to the COMP clinic in Springfield and have nothing but the utmost respect and love for the staff there. Dr. Sutyak is an awesome surgeon (he's also a trauma surgeon and an instructor at SIU School of Medicine). He has the BEST bedside manner I have ever seen and is very thorough in answering any questions and addressing concerns. The aftercare is most comprehensive and I feel that I have really gotten to know everyone there personally. I go back on the 29th for a follow up visit and am seeing Dr. Sutyak and Erin, the dietician and can't wait! They are but a phone call away if we need anything at any time. My surgery was at Memorial Medical Center and the staff there transcended any expectations I had on my surgical experience. From the nurse who inserted my first IV to the volunteer who wheeled me, my belongings and flowers out to the car on my discharge day - everyone was truly wonderful. I look forward to the monthly post-op support group meetings and every follow up visit because I know that they everyone is supportive of me, my journey and my goals. I can't express to you how wonderfully I feel about the people at the COMP clinic and how greatful I will be to them forever. I wish you the best of luck in your journey, wherever it may lead you!! Huggzz, Cathy PS - if you have any questions, feel free to email me anytime! Just click the email button under my post or from my profile!

I'm from Peoria and went to Peoria Surgical Group -- Dr. Stephen Marshall. I can't say enough good about their program. When you sign up with them, you sign up for life! The support group is great and the doctors want to monitor you until you go to the ever after. I would not even consider a program that only has followup for 2 years. Deb -160

Kerri, I went to Dr. Sidney Rohrscheib's IL Bariatric Center in Clinton. It had been recommended to me by a friend here in Effingham who had the RNY, and several people in our local support group also went there & were very pleased. Dr. Rohrscheib is a very kind, but rather quiet man. Not sure of his age--I'm guessing about 40? I liked him. Very thorough in his explanations, very patient w/ questions, doesn't seem in a hurry. Bariatric surgery makes up about 80% of his practice. The clinic is brand new and is staffed by THE most helpful, sweet, understanding nurses & receptionists, as well as dietician & physical therapist. The program is most likely similar to others--nutritional classes for pre-op & of course excellent after-care. Surgery is done at John Warner Hosp. in Clinton. It is a TINY, "homey" kind of hosp.! The staff is completely used to the needs of Dr. R's patients and are there w/ great personal care. I know you'll be in great hands no matter whom you pick--I think all of the above recommendations sound great too. The important thing is to choose a surgeon who has done an ENORMOUS number of bariatric surgeries and one with whom you feel a rapport. Best of luck! Jo 295/259/160?

Kerri, I am near Bloomington. I went to Barix in Belvidere for my surgery. I had Dr Vaughn and I think he is the greatest! The after care is very conservitive but the suppoert it great. I have a question all I have to do is call. Tina

It was good talking with you tonight!! That guy is still at my desk and it's 3:10am!

Oh Gosh..... ......... maybe he's lonely Let me know how your consultation went today!!