University of Illinois Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Center
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Weeeeeeeeee, I finally met "THE MAN" Dr.Vitello.He was all that and a bag of chips.He's very charming,down to earth, a great sense of humor,and very informative, even to the point of discussion his patients mortality rate!! His office staff( Mary ) was very kind, and patient,and she was also very informative.He's very professional and understanding,he did'nt talk very much about after care but he gave me a very detailed handout, outlining what to expect for after care.I really was'nt very concerned in the after care process.Before,and during the surgery process is what I was totally interested in!But his over all rating from me on a scale of 1 to 10,I'll have to give him a 20! He was great!!!!! Now lets see what I'll say after I have my surgery!My PCP said that he's going to do everything in his power to see to it that I'm approved by my Insurance company.So Dr.Vitello,said that I should have my surgery sometime in Aug.2001 YEAAAAAA :)Oh by the way, our meeting was an one on one meeting. (I think that Dr.Vitello is very shy,maybe that's why he likes to do group meeting)
very professional and ready to listen and answer all of my questions. Post-op, my impression was the same. His nurse was somewhat cold and matter of fact on my initial and follow-up visit, very busuness-like. When complications arose, I was always sen by one of his residents. They always assured me that they were in constant contact with him. This was not reassuring to me. I didn't perceive his aftercare as being very informative or structured. In regard to the risk, I felt that all my fears were put to rest and all questions answered. I have rated him very high and have referred at least six people yo him. Surgical competence and bedside manner was great.
Dr. Vitello is the best!
He has always taken personal interest in my care and personally contacts the patients to schedule appointments. He is up front and honest about the procedures and I would highly recommend him. He is extremely knowledgeable of all the risks involved and took the time to explain everything. The followup care was great and he was available to answer questions.
Dr. Vitello answers his own phone, returns messages, and answers his email messages. He is a very straightforward and no-nonsense person...sometimes too much so. His need to do everything himself caused problems for me when it came to my insurance.
I switched from Aetna HMO to BlueCross BlueShield PPO, another of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plans, after checking the BCBS plan book and website to verify that Gastric Bypass Surgery, Dr. Vitello, and the University of Illinois Hospital were all covered. Unfortunately, they had eliminated one of their departments and changed their pre-approval procedures when Dr. Vitello wrote to them, and he was unwilling to give me a date for the surgery under their new procedures. It was all worked out with the help and persistence of one of the BCBS Customer Relations Representatives, but I believe it would have worked out sooner if Dr. V. had not been handling his own insurance claims.
I chose Dr. Vitello because I did not want to be treated in what I felt would be a hospital-factory atmosphere and I did not want a lot of structured aftercare. I preferred to be given the information and allowed to make independent decisions and choices outside of a group setting. He and his nurse, Mary Dewberry-Lait, gave a LOT of pre-op information, both verbal and written, to prospective patients; and they made no bones about the risks and possible side effects of the procedure. After my surgery date was set, I was given post-op info and told to call if I had questions. My support group meeting days are over and I don't wish to go back to them, so Dr. Vitello was perfect for me...competent, experienced and straightforward.
To Whom It May Concern,
I had gastric bypass Surgery September 25.2000 at the age of 47 --
After participating in progressive evaluation through Dr Charles Baum-UIC Wellness Center, Chicago, Illinois, and in conjunction with my primary care physician, Dr Elizabeth Lincoln-UIC, Chicago, Illinois, it was deemed that I was a perfect candidate for obesity-related surgery.
I was scheduled for a laparoscopic procedure with Dr Santiago Horgan-UIC, Chicago, Illinois. However, after the laparoscopic surgical procedure had progressed to a certain point, it was determined that I was not a candidate for this method as the left lobe of my liver was too large. The laparoscopic procedure was aborted, Dr Joseph M Vitello-UIC-Chicago, Illinois was brought in, I was converted to the open procedure, and surgery was completed.
Three days later, I was back in the operating room due to complications postoperatively diagnosed as acute abdomen with anastomotic leak at the site of a laparoscopic jejuno-jejunostomy. This second surgery was performed by Dr Vitello.
Several days later, I was again in surgery for drainage of an inter-abdominal abscess. This surgery was again performed by Dr Vitello.
Subsequently, I spent a few weeks in the UIC Intensive Care Unit and at one point , my close friends were making funeral arrangements. I had an eventful recovery and a real challenge not to "give up." My eventual positive progress warranted care reassignment to the surgical floor of the hospital followed by a week in the rehabilitation unit. I was discharged from the hospital mid November to continue my recuperation at home.
Now, eight months beyond the initial surgery, I am realizing significant weight loss, and subsequent health improvement under te care and medical guidance of Dr Vitello. He also facilitates support groups.
I know that this type of surgery is becoming more and more the answer for appropriate candidates to regain their health. While my situation is unique, I wanted to use this public forum to:
1) Not only publicly thank Dr Vitello, who stepped in and took over my case, subsequent surgeries and health recovery guidance. I believe that his direction of activities and own participation helped to save my life --- my friends, who stood vigil on the "worst of days," commented on the compassion and care that this doctor exhibited.
2) But also, to advise potential obesity surgery patients to do their homework on types of obesity surgery, seek recommendations, and be advised that the risks are real and do happen. If complications arise, you want to make sure that you are in the most knowledgeable and compassionate medical hands.
Dianne Fischer, Chicago, Illinois
I had my first consultation with Dr. Vitello on Thurs. April 26th. I liked the fact that it was very informal. He told it like it is and didn't promise anything. He just said that he is giving people a tool to use and they are the ones that have to make it work for them. I hope he gets the after care program up and running that he is talking about.
My first impression was that he was very detail-oriented and matter of fact. He seemed to take time with me more so than other doctors usually do. He was very careful to point out all of the risks and he wanted to be sure I understand this was a tool- not a magical solution. The only thing I don't like is how difficult it is to reach him. His office is at UIC medical center in Chicago and just calling his office is a chore. He hasn't mentioned much about anytype of aftercare program yet. I'm 5 days post-op and my first follow-up visit is this Thursday, so we'll see if he mentions something then.
Overall I liked that he took time during the initial visit, but I'm a little concerned about the aftercare and how difficult it is to reach him.
My HMO only approves Dr. Vitello, he called me at home on a Friday evening and made an appt with me the following week. He seems very nice however; I am already scared, so, we will see how the first consult will be.
03/21/01-I had my first Consult with Dr. Vitello actually I was very impressed, he explains everything and very easy to talk to. I don't feel as if I am just another number to him. I am sure I am, but how many times have we all been to the dr and you are in and out? Well, not this Dr. very pleasant. I am glad God brought me to him!!!! We shall see, for how long the Paperwork will take now..UGH!! I am looking at a May or June surgery if I get approved. Which I know this chick will..
04/20/01-Well things are doing well at work and I need due to disability if and when I get my approval looks like who knows when for my surgery now..I am still hoping JULY
very matter of fact... kinda left it up to my primary md. after his authorization it took about a week to get a responce from dr. vitello but but he did state that he has been extremely busy.
aftercare i dont think is very structured but not sure yet. all the risks addressed at hte first meeting.