DS Surgeon in Illinois?/Advice

Hi Everyone!  I was "banded" 10/2007 and it was the worst mistake I have ever made.  I had it done by a general surgeon and he was new at it so I was never able to hit that sweet spot.  So I am now looking into revision surgery.  I am scared to death at the thought of another surgery, but I have got to do something.  From the dsfacts website, I did find a DS surgeon in Illinois and he is in Chicago.  I live over an hour and a half away from the city.  I was hoping to find a surgeon closer to home.  I have an appt in April at BMI Surgery in New Lenox to see about a band to RNY revision.  With a BMI over 50 I believe the DS would be best.  Any thoughts?  Any other known surgeons in Illinois??  Thank you all in advance?

You would be very lucky if you live in a state with a well respected DS surgeon, for there are only about 50 or so worldwide.  That list is nothing compared to the surgeons who will do revisions.  The DS is a complicated procedure enough on it's own.  Add to that the unknown issues associated with your band or a RNY for that matter, and most of them are not interested.   Here's a list of known revision to DS surgeons what someone posted on another thread:

Dr. Keshishian, located in California

Dr. Rabkin, located in California

Dr. Stewart, located in Texas

Dr. Simper, located in Utah

Dr. Elariny, located in Virginia

Dr. Roslin, located in New York

Dr. Buchwald, located in Minnesota

Where in IL do you live?  I am having DS revision this month in St Louis, MO

Des Pere Hospital My new self program, Dr J. Stephen Scott.  Phone 314 966 9640 call them to discuss it.  He has done WLS , lapro  25+ years and started the DS  and revision to DS last year.  Good results and a great surgeon , in my opinion.  He did my sleeve two years ago.

I am scheduled for 3/26/13. 

Though I was fortunate enough to have a DS surgeon in Indiana, I did look into going to Chicago as well.  it was about the same travel distance for either one.

I used to live in Chicago, back in the days when the DS was "experimental", and the hospital that did them there was University of Chicago Medical Center.

Hi there!  I was banded in 2006 and HATED it!  I gained over 100 lbs and found myself with a BMI of 58.  In 2010 I was referred to  Dr. Prachand at U of C who was AMAZING!  I had a ton of crap to deal with from my insurance and he really fought for me and stepped up to bat for me.  He is kind with a patient bedside manner.  My first appointment with him he sat with me for over an hour to talk about everything and answer all of my questions.  To this day if I have any questions he is more than happy to answer them and help.  If you would like ANY information about him please do not hesitate to PM me.  I ADORE him and HIGHLY recommend him.

Lyss

My advice? Come and meet with Dr. John Rabkin when he is next in Chicago for our support group or talk to him now. He has done about 100 DSes for patients in Chicago (we traveled to San Fran for his mad skills). He is one of the best at complicated revisions, too.

I had a virgin DS with him 5 years ago, at a BMI of 55.5 (344 pounds) and I have stayed at about 150-160 pounds. I eat what I want and enjoy life to the fullest. He does great work and his office staff are great, too.

I don't want to malign anyone, but I don't really know anyone who has a stellar experience with the Chicago DS surgeon you are referring to. When I tried to see them for my DS years ago, they were, well, frankly, ******** I ran from their offices. We have had some of their patients come to our Rabkin support group because their post-op support is not particularly supportive.I am not sure how happy they are to do revisions, either. Be sure and check before you waste any time.''

www.paclap.com

Nicolle

An hour and a half drive to get to a good DS surgeon is NOTHING. You have obviously done some research and know that the DS has the best results of any wls and is esp valuable for people with a bmi over 50. The travel is just a logistic consideration and should not determine what operation you will live with for the rest of your life.

   Go to chicago. Get the operation that is right for you. You won't regret it.

Larra