WISH Center

Hi everyone, I am actually from Michigan but looking into having my surgery with the WISH Center in Illinois. I was wondering if anyone has had their surgery there and what you thought of them? Thanks Stacey

Fantastic, all incompassing program. Had my surgery with Jeff Rosen, May 7th of '03. I am home for lunch and do not have much time right now. I will get back with you later on this evening or you can e-mail me and ask me any questions you would like.

I am so grateful to the WISH center for the INCREDIBLE care and support they have given me. I had my surgery (laproscopic gastric bypass) with Dr. Michael Iwanicki on October 24th (Dr. Rosen assisted). You will receive SO MUCH support from them. The dieticians, exercise specialist, phsycologists, surgeon, billing specialist, etc. are all so helpful in making sure that you are prepared for the surgery (and they submit all the paperwork to your insurance - I was approved within 6 weeks!!!!) Followup is also amazing. I would HIGHLY recommend the WISH center. I think that they may be more expensive than some others you might go through, but I think that you get what you pay for.....I have no regrets AT ALL. Let me know if you want some more information - I'm happy to share more thoughts with you. Kate Lawson 240/185/130

I cannot really add much more than what Kate wrote. They do have a pre op diet, exercise, getting your water in, starting your vitamins, eating slowly program. All patients need to go through it. I am not sure how long it is currently for new patients but I needed to follow it and log all foods, exercise, vitamins, water etc for 8 weeks. I was approved by my insurance company in two weeks. The doctor that you see at your first appointment will give you a set of tasks to accomplish. As an example for me I needed to get copies of my most recent pap and mammogram, needed to get clearance from my gastro doc for surgery and from my internist. I had to try and get a surgical report from a past surgery because he wanted to look at it so he knew what he was up against with my open RNY. Because each person is different and has been through different things medically it will be different for you. I think it is one of the most rounded programs around. My husband went to another WLS doctor in our area and their program does not even come close to WISH. You will not go wrong going with them.

I put another comment under Kate's response. You can still e-mail me if you would like.

LOVE THEM LOVE THEM!!!! They are just wonderful they take care of you and make sure you follow through with everything you are supposed! Great patient care! the Dr's are Excellent! Dr. Iwanicki did my surgery but I have seen Salvino and Rosen I like Iwanicki the (he isn't bad on the eyes either) And Dr. Rosen is very thorough also! You will be very pleased if you go through them! Charlene (I had the Lap Band done 4/28/05!)