University of Chicago Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity Bariatric Center

Dr. Alverdy is wonderful. He is personable, friendly, caring and skilled. My impressions of him only got better as time went on. His nurse, Kim, and the two dieticians are also wonderful. Everyone there is very concerned and pleasant. I feel free to ask any question at any time without worry. I had two visits with him pre-op that were group visits (4 of us) and we all had surgery on or near the same date. That was nice because all of our post op appointments are scheduled on the same day and we get to "compare notes" before our individual appointments. The after care program is very structured. I met with Doctor or Kim and a dietician for my one week and 2 week post op visits and they explain every thing in the next step. Overall I rate Dr. Alverdy and his team an 11 on a scale of 1 - 10.

My first phone call to the Center was in February of 2001 and at that time the first available appointment was in October! That was the longest wait! But it finally came. Dr. Alverdy did the initial physical exam and I immediately knew he had all of my trust. He had an incredible understanding of obesity. He gave me a whole new outlook when he explained that he didn't really believe much in the notion that obesity is an emotional issue. He said I was a good candidate for the surgery, and explained that it would take a few months for the insurance to be approved. A few months stretched into several (sleep study and more referrals, etc. thrown in for good measure)but I was finally scheduled for surgery on June 3, 2002. I was a little put off by Pat McGinty at first, but I think she is just busy running the show. Kim Nevens is spectacular! She was never too busy to take my calls, answer my pages (especially the first few days after I got home from surgery). Annette and Heidi, the nutritionists are very helpful and understanding. Overall, I would rate the program at U of Chicago to be outstanding. By the time my surgery date came around, ALL of my questions had been answered to my satisfaction, I understood the risks, knew what to expect after surgery, and felt very well taken care of.

Dr.Prachand is absolutely wonderful. He spent alot of time with me and was very thorough. He answered all of my questions, and he did not seem like he was in a hurry. He explained everything to me from pre op to post op and beyond. He told me exactly what is going to happen in the OR and the risks. Without scaring the crap out of me. His staff was wonderful and very patient. Everything is very organized and they don't keep you waiting.

Dr. Alverdy was a good surgeon, very knowledgeable, organized and has been performing this type of surgery for a long time. The whole staff was well educated regarding how to answer your questions and actually everything was really spelled out for you. I found myself having no general questions for any of them because they covered everything in the first appointments. The whole process gives you all the information you need to make up your mind about the surgery and Dr. Alverdy includes all the possiblities both good and bad.

The aftercare is as thorough as the preinformational visits.

I would definitely recommend Dr. Alverdy.

Dr. Alverdy was direct and to the point. But I liked that and realize that he is a very busy surgeon, so he really cannot afford to spend lots of time with anyone unnecessarily.

Very nice guy. I highly reccommend.

Dr. Prachand just started doing bariatic surgery at the University of Chicago this year (2002), although he has performed over 40 bariatric surgeries. Even so I had to go on a waiting list for an appointment. I personally prefer doctors who are good listeners and who freely answer questions (mainly because I am a talker and I always have lots of questions). Dr. Prachand is an excellent doctor. I really can't say enough good things about him. He was patient. He listened. He answered all questions, even those which got into the specifics of the surgical procedures. He understood the emotions I was going through prior to surgery (anyone who says they are not scared silly is probably not a good candidate for this surgery; it is a very serious operation). He went through the risks associated with the surgery twice; when I had my first consultation with him and again when I came in for my consent meeting. Because I had previous abdominal surgery he explained that I was not a good candidate for a laproscopic procedure, but he would start as a lap and convert to an open if necessary.

Dr. Prachand is an excellent surgeon with a great bedside manner; a combination I did not expect.

The staff at University of Chicago Hospital was very competent.

After surgery I had no complications. Dr. Prachand emphasizes exercise and being as active as possible.

Dr. Alverdy was very nice and helpful. I did not expect him to be as nice as he was. The staff was helpful as well. I had a mixup with the date of my initial consultation, but that was not his fault. It was the fault of the scheduler. Overall, I think that he is great.

My first impression was that he is very straight forward,thorough and has a view that the patient should be treated mentally and physically. His office staff and him are so busy that they basically get you in and get you out. Are you alive? Yes, then they are happy. I am sure it will be different when I am post op and actually have a problem. Hopefully that will never happen. I have FULL faith that Dr. Alverdy and Kim Neven R.N. will be FANTASTIC!!!!! Pat McGinty, the patient coordinator, is so overworked that she just cannot handle anymore work thus she can come off as somewhat cold. Don't let that phase you. She is so busy especially now that she has two doctors to take care of. My advice is to kill her with kindness, get all your paperwork together and give her early deadlines as to when you need it. Amazingly she manages to keep all files and things organized. You may have to remind her to get things to you but all in all she does a great job. The rest of the office staff is extremely courteous and welcoming. My other piece of advice is to make a list of any and all questions you want to address with Dr. Alverdy. I will tell you more when I am post op and review the service at the hospital. I keep hearing nurse horror stories and there lies my nervousness as well. More to come later.

Overall rating for Dr. Alverdy, Kim, Pat and the program is A++++++++!!!

Dr John C Alverdy is the kindest man Ive ever met in my entire life yet he tells it like it is. He is very straight forward and will not sugarcoat anything. I dont know about you all but thats what we should be looking for in a doctor. My impression of the doc has only become better overtime. As i stated in my profile I had some complications after surg (as some folks do,not the docs fault) and he helped me thru it just as a best friend would. DR Alverdys staff couldnt be more perfect. Kim,his head nurse,has put up with so much from me,and others Im sure,questions,phonecalls etc and is still an angel and heidi too,shes the nutritionist,what a blessing to have people like this around for people like us. There is nothing I didnt like about my Doc,how could dislike anything about a human being who helped me help myself. Aftercare is very important to Dr Alverdy and there is an extensive aftercare program at the U of C. Dr Alverdy's bedside manor is without a doubt,wonderful,his warmth and honesty is refreshing and makes you feel truly comfortable. Even as he rearranges your insides) HA HA HA HA

Only met with him once for a few minutes. He was very nice and was willing to answer all my questions. Their program is very well structured. I had to meet with the program coordinator, a nutritionist, a psychology resident, and the surgeon. They all had a meeting to decide if I could be considered a candidate. I like this "group" approach. The only complaint is the wait for appts and surgical dates. I called in May to schedule my initial appt and wasn't able to get in until October. I was approved in Dec for the surgery and was scheduled for a March date.

POST-OP>> Dr Alverdy and his staff were wonderful before, during, and afterwards. The whole staff at U of C (with the exception of a few nurses and the transportation department) were wonderful and supportive. The risks and complications are explained prior to the surgery and I felt like Dr Alverdy truly left the decision to the patient. He didn't try to sway you one way or another. He and his staff are very professional and always there to answer questions or help get you through a rough time. I am very glad that I chose this facility for the surgery.