Question:
HELP - Can't decide between BTC & Froedtert Hospital...

Hi: I have been approved for WLS. However, I do not have any surgery scheduled yet. Tomorrow I am seeing a DR. at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. Anyone else from WI that can give me the pros & cons of either having it done at Froedtert or at the BTC in Belvedire? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.    — Karen A. (posted on November 26, 2000)

November 26, 2000
Karen - By ALL MEANS...go to BTC!! They specialize in weight loss surgery!!! They know exactly what's going on with your body from a little twinge to a major pain! They are fantastic! I'm almost 4 weeks post-op and encourage everyone to go to a facility that specializes in some as major as WLS!!! The aftercare and follow-up diet is the best and ensures you of lasting success with your new tummy! Good luck! Lacy
   — Lacy G.

November 26, 2000
Karen, I am a graduate from BTC in Belvidere and actually live in Belvidere, too! I of course urge you to go to BTC because I had a great experience there. I had Dr. Schlesinger and, even to this day, if I have a problem, I can call and talk right to him to get an answer (the problem I had was what medication I could take for a knee I strained playing soccer). Depending on who you are looking at at Froedert, I would check them out very carefully as I know someone who had terrible complications due to a certain Dr.- not necessarily the hospital. Bottom line- go where you are the most comfortable! If I can answer any questions about BTC- plears e-mail me. The staff is great and so is Dr. S! Good Luck!
   — M B.

November 26, 2000
Karen - By ALL MEANS...go to Froedtert!! The practice of Schulte/Namdari/Chua (all bariatric board certified) have done hundreds. They have a dedicated wing on the surgical floor just for weight loss surgery. Both my wife & I are "graduates". I think both BTC & Froedtert are excellent. It boils down to how close you live to either. If you're in one of the border counties, go to BTC. If you're in the metro area, stick with Froedtert. If you're in the metro area and have any questions for myself or my wife, drop an e-mail to meet for coffee at Webb's. I'm one year out/160 down; my wife is 5 months out/70 down.
   — blank first name B.

November 27, 2000
I don't know about the other hospital, but I went to BTC in belvidere. I had an absolute WONDERFUL experience there. Despite what i was there for, the nurses were great, the doctors are excellent. They specialize stricttly in WLS. This is all they do all day long. They are so sensitive to your needs. They also give you that family oriented feeling. I loved it. I am soo glad I went there. My doctor is Eric Schelinsger who is not only a cutie pie, but he actually cares about your progress. My experience there was truly a remarkable one. I was there for three days. I have read some things that other people go through with their stay in the hospital and I have been blessed to go to BTC in belividere. No, I do not own stock with the BTC in belvidere, but I will tell you this, they backed up their word in what they said they was going to do. So, of course, I recommend BTC in belvidere. Please don't get me wrong, I don't know anything about the other hospital. I am sure they might be great as well, but had to let you know of my experience with the BTC in belvidere. Hope it helps!!!
   — Angela A.

November 27, 2000
This is another endorsement from a BTC alumna. I had my surgery August 18, 2000 and had a very good experience. The pre-op testing and training is excellent and the post-op care was wonderful. Becuase they specialize in working with the morbidly obsese they take precautions to reduce problems with breathing and blood clots that can be issues for us. There are several staff members who have had the surgery and they are able to give very practical assistance with daily living issues. The nutritional follow-up and training is very good and the healing diet was a real help. My surgeon was Dr. Boe and my follow-up visits have been very supportive and encouraging.
   — Nanette T.

November 28, 2000
I had Dr. Nakeeb at Froedtert and everything went great. Hospital care was good, too. Email me if you have questions re: either the surgeon or hospital. GOOD LUCK!
   — P K.

October 15, 2001
By all means go to BTC. Their after surgery support care and information is the best around.
   — Michael H.