Abbott or U of M??

Hi I recently moved to Minnesota and live in NE Minneapolis.  My insurance requires Abbott or U of M for care.  Since I know nothing about either hospital, just wondering if anyone could give me their experience and/or opinion of either.  I had lap band in July and will be needing a fill asap.  I did try to make an appt with U of M and finally gave up as it was very difficult to get anything set up and they kept sending me to *someone else*.  Should I try again?  or should I try Abbott.  also which Dr. are best for WLS, specifically lap band patients?  Thank you, Dyanna

Hi I just wanted to say WELCOME to the boards....................Good luck to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to Mn! I had my surgery at the U of M and I can say, I wasn't very pleased with the after care. I was pleases with my surgery, no issues there. I feel like they weren't very good with all the post-op stuff.

Yes I went in for all my appts and always left with more questions and never got my questions answered. For example, I had asked them to give me a range or where I should be weight loss wise and I still, after 18 months, have not gotten an answer. The answer I got was "you lost over 100 pounds...you are a success" that wasn't what I was looking for.

I actually recently just switched to Abbott and so far I really like it.

Just thought I would share my experience with the U.

Good Luck!

Did you call 612-626-6666?  That is their call center number and usually easy to set up an appt...

If I was a band patient and needed fills I would see Dr Leslie at the U, He is also at Abbott.

Welcome to MN!! I haven't had surgery yet and am not having surgery at either of those hospitals so I am not really much help. However, I used to work at Abbott and know it is a well respected WLS program. My best friend is having surgery at Abbott in January and is seeing Dr. Drew. She is having RNY and I am not sure if he does lapband.

One other note...I did go to the lapband support group at Abbott once and it was very very nice. There were two members who stayed afterwards with me and told me all about their experiences, showed me pictures, and answered tons of my questions. (Thanks agian ladies!) Also, the coordinator for the support group was very helpful and has had surgery herself so she knows both sides of it.

Good Luck to you!
Have a great wkend!

Kirsten

I am a patient @ Abbott (I'm also an Abbott employee) and I thing the Bariatric Center here is top notch!!!  Good knowledgable dietitians, and the RN's are always there to answer your questions.
They are also very good directing you to which surgeon best fits your type of surgery and care.  My surgeon made a promise to me at my consult and again the day after my surgery when he saw me that they will follow me for life. Which isn't something anyone else had really told me doctors at other programs say. I've heard this about the other surgeons within the group as well.

My sister had her RNY done by a U of MN surgeon 3 1/2 yrs ago and her follow up was there.. and she didn't like the surgeon or the follow up care she got.. and essentially did not go back for any further follow up. She's now transferred her care to Abbott as well and is under my surgeons care.

I've heard some not so great things about the U of MN program.. but who am I to judge not having ever dealt with them?

Stacy

As someone else said, try to get in with Dr. Leslie - he's at the U and at Abbott, so call both places about seeing him. No matter which place you go to, come to the band support meetings at Abbott - 2nd Monday of the month, 6:00 pm, 6th floor of the Piper Bldg. The meetings are open to anyone, no matter where they had their surgery or have their after care. Good luck!
Jean B.