John C. Alverdy M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center
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I was referred to Dr. Alverdy by a friend of mine who had the surgery in Sep 2000. I called for an appt in Nov and was given an appt in May 2001. After completing a food log, giving a written medical and diet history, meeting with a nutritionist, a psychologist, Dr. Alverdy and a resident-this is a teaching hospital, my paperwork was submitted to BCBS PPO-Empire. My surgery was approved and scheduled for Nov 13, 2001.
Dr Alverdy was very professional as was his staff. They answered all questions. Aftercare is a big part of the program. There is a support group at the office once per month, as well as several followup visits to Dr. Alverdy and staff. Food logs are required to be sure adequate protein and vitamins are being consumed.
Insurance approval was easier than expected. One reason the insurance co. gave was because Dr. Alverdy's staff completely filled out the required paperwork.
Having attended 2 support group meetings, there seems to be quite a bit of printed material that is given after surgery to help you stay healthy. The support group at the office had at least 50 people in attendance. There is a new support group in the northwest suburbs of Chicago that has about 8 people attending. However, it is open to more than just Dr. Alverdy's patients and from my one visit, it seems that his follow-up was much more substantial than other doctors in the area.
I feel very confident about going to Dr. Alverdy at this time. I will post more after surgery.
I HIGHLY recommend bariatric surgery with Dr. Alverdy. He is a competent, caring man at one of the best hopsitals you can find anywhere. In addition, Dr. Alverdy's support staff (especially his RN, Kim, and nutritionists Heidi and Annette) are wonderful. They were all very honest with me (regarding my health and risks) before surgery, and have been absolutely supportive through the last 4 months post op. I can call them anytime with any kind of health questions or concerns. I believe Dr. Alverdy to be extremely competent surgically and, just as importantly, a kind, caring individual.
I really only spent a short time with Dr. Alverdy, but I liked him immediatly. He is very in control and makes you feel at ease. I liked the rest of the staff that I met and delt with on that day, they all were very helpful an polite. I have a date of August 21 for my surgery, so then I can tell you more.
hes real sweet --im having surgery monday may14 and cant stop thinking about dying and complications and bone loss
I really researched many surgeons, and was very happy with Dr. Alverdy. My first impression of him was he was very friendly and honest. My impression did not change at all. His staff was very professional and very easy to contact with any questions.
The thing I liked least about him was one of his interns. Future patients should know that he does not hold anything back. He filled us all in on the risks (possible death, infections)he wanted us to all be aware of the situation we were entering. He emphasizes aftercare and has many group meetings with the staff. The rating I would give him is a 10. I would really recommend him. To me surgical competence is more important. Sure it would be nice to have bedside manner, but the nurses can handle that. My experience at the University of Chicago was very good. Unfortunately, I did have 2 lousy nurses, but, my other nurses made up for them. All in all do not depend on the nurses to always be there
My first impression of Dr. Alverdy was that
he seemed to be a very busy person.
His assistant that gave me my actual exam
was very very thorough and although she was
a thin person she I liked the comments she
made and the way she made me feel at ease.
Pat is ok although sometimes I think she has
done this so many times that she is just
going through the motions and shows no real
concern or emotion but she is really informative.
Kim on the other hand is her exact opposite
she has a great "bedside" manner and very
kind. The staff were very pleasant and nice
and I like the atmosphere of his office.
Dr. Alverdy did answer all questions I asked
him. I liked best the multi-discipline approach
through the exam/psychological evaluation/nutrition
counseling I felt that all my basis were covered.
I think after care is emphasized alot, also aftercare
with your regular physician so it can continue
once surgical aftercare ends. I think surgical
competence is best but it does need to be tempered
with some bedside manner.
Having already been a patient at the U.of Chicago for two years for post B-Cell lymphoma Cancer I would not have considered going to anyone else. Dr. Alverdy does the RNY surgery laparoscopically. Which is my choice. His staff is wonderfull and very helpful. All you do is make your appointment and they guide you the rest of the way. You meet with the surgery coodinator Pat first, then the nutritionist and then psychologist. All who do their job well and with care. I am pre surgery May 22, 2001 and by the way my 1st son is scheduled for surgery June 26, 2001. I guess my confidence is very high for all of the above. I give the Center a perfect 10!!!
I have only seen Dr. Alverdy once. My impression of him and his staff is of a very professional and caring office. My scheduled appointment was taken on time. There wasn't any waiting. I was throughly examined by one of his interns and then later was seen by Dr. Alverdy. They were both in agreement with my medical conditions that I was a good candidate for this type of surgery. There is a waiting list to get in to see Dr. Alverdy. Dr. Alverdy explained the procedure and the post op care to me and also explained to me that I needed to come back for my regular after care visits. His bed side manner was one to be comended. He did not seem to rush me or blow off any of my concerns. He said that he would take good care of me and I believe him.
I met with Alverdy last July. I liked him and thought he was pretty much on the ball. He wanted to answer any questions I had and I didn't feel rushed. I was accepted for the surgery by his team and approved by my insurance co. by early Sept. However, my husband's employer changed insurance companies a week later so I had to start over with the new one, Aetna. They denied me and took almost 3 months to do it. I am now appealing, but my husband just told me his company is so unhappy with Aetna they will be changing again in April! I am considering changing doc's because Alverdy has such a long wait, and I would have to start all over again in March. There is a 4 month wait to have the surgery once you are approved. I am beginning to think that big scar isn't such a big deal after all. But I have found Kim to be much more helpful than Pat in trying to help get insurance approval. Pat told me it was no use to even submit it to Aetna, and Kim said they often get approved after an initial denial. She has been terrific. If I had any problems I would go straight to Kim.