Question:
I need a surgeon in/around Chicago. HELP!!
Hi -- I've been dealing with the Wellness Center at Northwestern Hospital since May...and have finally decided to look elsewhere. They keep putting off sending my file to the surgeon, saying I'm "not ready," but will not give me specific things to do to get ready. I've been researching this surgery for two years and want to find a place where I'm treated like an adult. Recommendations? I have Humana, if that helps. Thanks! — Tamara K. (posted on August 13, 2002)
August 13, 2002
I had surgery with Dr. Frantzides at Rush Presbyterian St Lukes in Chicago.
He is a wonderful surgeon, he takes the time to talk to you and to answer
all of your questions. I would definately recommend him to anyone.
— Colleen B.
August 13, 2002
Tamara, try clicking on "Find a Doc" at the top of the page.
Click on "Illinois" and you'll find a whole list of surgeons and
comments on each of them. I am in the process of waiting for my first
consult with Dr. Ken Printen in Evanston. I haven't met him yet, but have
talked with LOTS of his patients who are extremely satisfied. Good luck!
— CarmenLin
August 13, 2002
I know exactly how frustrated you feel because Northwestern Wellness Ctr
told me the same thing in 1999, I also decided to look elsewhere. I checked
out 5 docs in the Chicago area and went with DR Printen at St Francis
Hospital in Evanston. I would highly recommend him, he was one of the
pioneers of the rouen-y surgery and has done over 4,000 surgeries. He takes
time with his patients and has a very warm personality. If you would like
to know more fee free to e-mail me.
— Tammy N.
August 13, 2002
hi there i had open rny at delnor in geneva done by dr batty i had hmo bcbs
he was in my group no pshych tests required only doppler veinous for legs
to rule out blood clots and cardio clearance and a ultra sound on
gallbladder cuz if you have stones he will remove while he is in there i
was referred to him in dec, after preop tests were done i had open rny on
feb 8 this was very fast to me especially since the holidays were right in
the middle of all of this he is an excellent surgeon with a conservative
approach he leaves pouch 2 to 3 oz big he said at 1 oz patients got the
weight off but were always sickly feeling ive done amazing through out this
whole thing i feel well look well and have lost over 120 lbs since february
the only thing is i feel hes an incredibly busy surgeon so the after care
or support is limited once you are post op but hes a wonderful skilled
surgeon best of luck to you
— carrie M.
August 13, 2002
I am 6 weeks post op and from Chicago myself. I went to BTC and saw Dr
Berkiwitz. I cannot say enough good things about him, his staff, the
hospital, and my entire experience. If you have any questions please email
me at [email protected]. Good Luck!!
— Tonya H.
August 13, 2002
Tamara, I HIGHLY recommend the WISH Center. They work out of Downers Grove
-- specifically, Good Samaritan Hospital. I cannot even begin to tell you
how thorough and complete they are. I went for a consultation w/BTC and
they did not even come close to the care offered by the WISH Center. They
have a website, www.wishcenter.org, and I suggest you attend a free seminar
so that you can meet one of the surgeons. The only thing I would do if I
were you is that I'd make sure you REALLY want to go through them prior to
scheduling a consultation. During the consult you meet with the nurse,
billing dept, surgeon, nutritionist, psychologist, and exercise
physiologist. They put you on a 6 week program in which you try the type
of diet (eating 6 times a day, w/high protein snacks) and exercise plan
that you'll be required to have post-surgery. They really emphasize the
seriousness of the surgery and the lifestyle changes, and have been there
for me every step. They also offer post-op support group, which is HUGE.
But, most of all, they treat you VERY well and are very understanding of
everything you're going through. When I had a few minor issues after
surgery (thrush and nervousness about my incisions), they responded to my
calls almost immediately, and even let me come in to have my incisions
double-checked (they were fine, I was just worried). And, I was AMAZED at
the wonderful hospital staff at Good Sam Hosp. They were fantastic -- the
whole floor was bypass patients, and were just so supportive. I am very
satisfied with both the WISH Center and Good Sam and really urge you to
check them out. Feel free to email me w/ questions.
— Karen B.
August 13, 2002
I went through the WISH Center in Downers Grove. They have a whole system
for the surgery, and Support Group meetings. All the surgeons are very
experienced in the field of baratic surgery. They have seminars that you
can go to and hear about the surgery. E-mail me and I'll give you some
phone numbers if you want. I had my surgery on 4/22 and I'm down 80
pounds. It was the best thing I could have donw for myself. Good luck to
you!!
— Donna W.
August 14, 2002
Well,
Good luck in your surgeon search! I highly recommend Dr. Constantine
Frantzides at Rush-St. Lukes Presbytarian. He performed my surgery and he
is wonderful and a great surgeon! I have recommended a few people to him
and they all are grateful to me. With this note, I would recommend that
you make an appointment with his office and see how smooth things move
along. You can get a surgery date sooner than the other Surgeons in
Chicago! Dr. Frantzides was my third choice and I am forever grateful and
he was a godsend. I don't recommend Dr. Alverdy because he will make you
wait too long for your surgery date and his office does not seem to be
professional when it comes to contacting his office and getting your
surgery date. I also recommend Dr. Vitello because he is a great surgeon,
however, he only does the open procedure and if you want less scars and
minimum surgical incisions you would do better going with Dr. Frantzides
because he is the Lap surgery King in Illinois and he has more experience
then the other surgeons in Chicago. I am glad that I chose the
Lap/procedure because you can't tell that I had surgery and I like that.
Just go into the browse the surgeons profiles and look what Dr. Frantzides'
patients are saying about him. Pay a visit to his waiting room and look at
all of the happy people who received surgery from him and you won't be
disappointed whatsoever!!!!!!Good Luck! Shirley M. Look at my profile
also, if you have any questions just email me and I would be glad to help
out in any way that I can! I even have post-op food items!
— Shirley M.
August 14, 2002
I would recomend the BTC in Belvidere, IL. I think someone else also
mentioned it. My surgeon was Dr. Bowe. He was GREAT. The BTC staff is
GREAT! I also looked at other places. The Wish Center did nothing for me.
All there surgeons are out of network for some...which means you cover a
lot of the cost. I HIGHLY recomened the BTC! Good luck :)
— Gina L.
August 14, 2002
I had my surgery at BTC in Belvidere. I really found it reassuring to have
this surgery done in a hospital that was focused and experienced in
providing quality care to morbidly obese surgical patients. My surgeon was
Dr. Boe and he was wonderful. I had a very easy recovery from the actual
surgery.
— Nanette T.
Click Here to Return