Question:
BMI-40 with no co-morb. Looking for a surgeon in the chicago suburb.area

   — Lacy H. (posted on October 6, 2003)

October 6, 2003
Even without co-morbidities, a BMI of 40 should qualify you for surgery. Look in the database on this website for info about surgeons. There are a lot of them in the Chicago area, mostly north and west suburbs, but spread around. That database will give you info on the doc's qualifications, types and numbers of surgeries performed, where s/he is located, and if they're with a special program or not. There are also patient reviews so you can read what others' experiences were.
   — Vespa R.

October 6, 2003
The best program in my opinion is Central Dupage Hospital Bariatric Treatment Center. (Winfield) And Dr. Klem is a wonderful surgeon. He is also the medical director of the program. They have free informational meetings every month. Your first consult you will see the surgeon, nutritionist, and nurse practitioner. Then if they except you into the program you have to see a pulmonologist, and the bariatric psychologist. You may have to see a gastroenterologist is they request that. They have several support groups available and an exercise program specially designed for us. Then post op you meet with the bariatric team first every few weeks then every 3 months, after 18 months they want to see you once a year. They do not just let you go post op! Here is the main number ask for bariatrics 630-933-1600.
   — Kara J.

October 7, 2003
Lacy, there are many good bariatric doctors in the Chicago area. I went through The Wish Center (TWC) which has an office in Downers Grove. I found them to have a very well rounded program, more so than the group my husband just went through with is Suburban Surgical Care out of Arlington Hts with an office in Elk Grove Village. My husband's doctor's group are very good surgeons, do not get me wrong but TWC has all of the other professionals that you will need to see in their office in Downers Grove. With other surgeons you will need to go and make all your apts with the other professionals then they will confer with one another, it just makes the process longer. TWC's web site is www.wishcenter.org or look for my husband's doctor's web site www.suburbansurgicalcare.com or email me and we will chat. PS both of the doctors I have just mentioned have seminars that you can go to. good luck
   — ChristineB

October 7, 2003
Please consider University Surgeons office in Rush hospital. I had Dr.Deziel. It only took me 1 month from my primary care referal visit till surgery date. here is the #(312)942-6500
   — hooterzgirl75

October 7, 2003
i really think that this surgery is a big decision to make and if you are not SMO you should try everthing possible to lose your 90 or less pounds because this is not the easy way out to a weight loss that is obtainable through diet and excersise, i think that WLS is for people who cannot lose 100 lbs or more and have other problems that accompany being SMO This is a huge lifestyle change that if i were only 90 or less pounds overweight i would not have made
   — Tracy R.