Question:
Anyone that used Northwestern Memorial Hospitals

I have waited 3 months and I finally have my first appointment on Monday 9/22/03, at the Wellness Institute in Chicago. I am seeing the medical director, Dr Kushner (internist). If I understand it correctly, if Dr Kushner sees fit, my next appointment is with a mental health professional, a nutritionist and an exercise specialist of some kind. If they all see fit, after classes or group meetings of some kind, I guess I would see a surgeon. I have heard people say they had to attend a 12 week class, and others have not. I'm not sure if the requirements are based on how prepared the patient seems to be or what. Any clarification would be great. The actual question I have is this: Do I bring a list of my questions about WLS with me to the internist or should I set that on the back burner for awhile and ask the surgeon? I don't think I actually see the internist again, so I am not sure I want his answers if he isn't the one that will hopefully be operating. Thanks in advance for your input!    — Angela T. (posted on September 18, 2003)

September 18, 2003
Hi Angela, Me and my husband both ahad surgery at Northwestern I had mine on 6/9/03 and he had his 7/28/03. Please email me privately if you wnat and I can discuss the details with you [email protected]. In the menatime, The first appt is with the Dr at the Wellness Institute, I too see Dr Kushner. He is a weightloss guru, has written books etc. He is very thorough. If he sees fit that you may be a candidate for surgery you will then see the dietitian and a psychologist. If he does think you are a good candidate I would try to get the two appts in the same day to speed up the process. You may see the dietitian more than once, some do before the meeting the surgeon, that is the next step. Teh surgeon will have a consult. If he belives you are a good candidate, at that time they will begin the process to get insurance approval. They tell you to expect it to take upt to a month. However mine only took 2-3 dys. You have to be your own advocate at the insurance company and the surgeons office to make sure they get things done when they are supposed to, stay on top of things. My surgeon was Dr Prystowski, he is the Director. I had my surgery open, there are 3 other doctors who do it lap. The entire process can take a few months so be prepared to wait. It is well worth it and Northwestern will take good care of you. I would ask questions to the surgeon and the internist. You will follow up with the internist, surgeon and dietitian for 1 year after surgery so bring your list of questions for all of them. You definitely will see the internist many times before and after surgery. It isnt as easy as seeing the internist he refers you to the surgeon and that's it. i have heard many say this at Norhtwestern, not true. They make sure you are eligible, mentally physiclly etc. I have seen them turn people away because of one reason or another. They also expect you to be knowledgeable and to have done your research too. The psychologist does ask you this and he wnats to make sure that you did not wake up one morning and decide to have surgery without weighing all of the options and risk. Good Luck and email me if I can help.
   — Lisa G.

September 19, 2003
Hi there ... I had LAP RNY at Northwestern Memorial Hospital on 06/18/03 ... I went throught the Wellness Institute (Dr. Kushner) and Dr. Muryama did my surgery (he's now at the University of Hawaii hospital ... wish I could go there for my follow-ups!) ... anyway ... the Wellness Institute has a very thorough and seemingly drawn out process, just as the previous poster (Lisa) mentioned. I'm sure they will handle your situation appropriately ... only words of advice when dealing with them, is don't leave there without your next appointment scheduled, and you may have to wait a bit. As for being prepared, when I met with Dr. Kushner, the psychologist and nutritionist (all individually), I think I cried at each appointment, and I think they thought I was a nutcase, but they still thought I was a good candidate for surgery, and here I am today! Good luck ... please email me if you have questions or just want to chat ... [email protected] LAP RNY 06/18/03 -60
   — Karyn B