Joseph M. Vitello Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

My first impression of him was quiet but he followed ALL THE STEPS of keeping me informed. He answered any extra questions w/out hesitation. I had a request that he entertained. The next time I met him was right befor surgery. I found him quietly comforting, genuine and sincere. After surgery I found that he was able to do my request even though it included more work and he was already behind schedule. He was so very genuine and had a compassion for you as his patient. I have nothing to say but the most wonderful things about Dr. Vitello. Recovery at home had a mild glitch where by I had to leave a message. He called me back and followed very shortly with everything I needed.
To the last question, both excellent.

I was given Dr. Vitello's name by another doctor friend of mine. He's direct and to the point, no beating around the bush with him! I found his bedside manner to be quiet yet direct. He will tell you the good and the bad side affects of the surgery. He doesn't sugar coat it, he wants to be sure you know what you are doing and why you are doing it. I've had no serious complications at all, so I'd have to say his ability speaks for itself. I've found him and his aftercare staff to be invaluable! There is now a support group that I go to monthly, it's wonderful to have other people to share concerns and triumphs with! I'm in post-op care now (my surgery was in Aug of 2001 and I'm down 140lbs) and he will still call me as soon as he can when I have concerns or questions. It may take a while to get an appointment, but he's worth the wait!

The above are MY personal OPINOINS based on my personal experiences.

Personally, I loved Dr. Vitello. He covered all the associated risks. I enjoyed his bedside manner. I have an upbeat personality and I was able to relate to Dr. Vitello. Since my surgery, I have sent two of my close personal friend to him.

I participate in a support group meeting when I can in the south suburbs once a month. I heard a lady talking about Dr. Vitello and could not believe all of the negativity. Throughout the meeting I could see that her attitude wasn’t related to Dr. Vitello at all. She had additional problems all by herself. :o)

The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that his office was always busy. He shares offices with other doctors and they crowd up fast. If you are going to see Dr. Vitello, I found that the best time to schedule your appointments were first thing in the morning.

Dr. Joseph Vitello seems to be an excellent surgen. He has explained the entire procedure and what I can expect after surgery. he was very through in his explination and provides a printed packet of information about the surgery and its possible side effects. Dr Vitello seems to take care of his own business. If you call him he is the one who responds not a nurse.

I can't say enough about how good Dr. Vitello has been. Dr. Vitello has even answered my emails when I have a question. He is actually interested how I feel and what he can do for me. I also appreciate that he tells it like it is and explains what he saying so even I can understand.

I feel I was lucky to have Dr. Vitello as my surgeon. I give him a 4 star rating.

My first impression of Dr. Vitello was a no nonsense kind of man.

My impression has not changed.

His office staff are kind and very helpful.

He was not very friendly when I first met him.

He is very straight forward and to the point. He does not beat around the bush he tells it like it is.

No he does not have a structured aftercare program.

Dr.Vitello is very "blunt" and straight forward with his answers. He states, the surgery is a "tool" and you can use to help you get where you want to be.

He is a very good surgeon.

I believe that surgical competence is better then bedside manner.

Dr. Vitello was very professional and informative. I wish he would send my info to my PCP so it can be submitted to my insurance.Nonexsistent staff . Takes a long time to get in for your consultation and he is on a 3 month waiting period for surgery. He Outlined the risks of surgery graphically.

My first impression of Dr. Vitello was he was very upfront and didn't sugar coat anything about the surgery and also very nice at the same time. Since the surgery I have grown fonder of Dr. Vitello. He has been so nice to me eery step of the way and although I moved out of state since the surgery, when I email him with any questions he always responds back within a day o two. His staff at the hospital is great also. Very nice and willing to hep in anyway. I think if your considering this surgery you should contact Dr. Vitello and have him as your surgeon. Dr. Vitello is very direct about your aftercare. He tells you everything you need to do and also lts you know this surgery will work if you work with it. I can't say a bad thing about Dr. Vitello. on a scale of 1 to 10 I rate Dr. Vitello a 100 !!!!!!!! & I didnt' sugar coat any of this either !!! Thanks Dr. Vitello for making me the happiest person ever.

Called the UIC surgery clinic and was told they were not accepting patients. On a lark I called Dr. Vitello's office (got the number from the internet) and he answered the phone himself. He scheduled to consult with me on his day off! He presented copies describing the procedures, all the possible risks/complications and his personal track record (percentage of cases he has performed that developed complications). I found him to be a friendly, introverted, and likable man. Leaving after the first visit, I had all questions answered, including what to do next. I managed my own insurance navigation and got approval within 2 weeks of submitting my letter. I contacted his office and we scheduled my surgery date. A second meeting to discuss my labs, meet the anesthesiologist, etc and it was snip snip for me on 12/03/02. Dr. V. popped in the hospital room for 2 min. a day, most care was handled by residents, students...I don't have a clue who they were! LOL. Anyway, back to the clinic for a 1 week and 1 month follow-up (34 lbs gone forever) and life is fine. I think his surgery skills are wonderful, he is straight-forward and to the point and will take you safely through this life changing ...no make that life SAVING... event. Thank you Dr. V. for giving me my life back!
ONE NEGATIVE THOUGHT: I didn't like the UIC hospital care. The staff was terribly overloaded and I couldn't get help when needed. They took the foley catheter out after day 2 but I couldn't get help getting out of bed and actually had to spend part of a night lying in my own mess.

I liked Dr. Vitello when I first met with him in March of 2000. I wish he would have had more information for me rather than some copies. He was fairly nice, I guess. If I would have had a PPO Insurance I would have gone through Bariatric Treatment Centers instead. The one big thing I disliked was that there wasn't much of a support system, or aftercare program. Everything I've done, I feel has been on my own. I think if he would have had a more structured aftercare I would be happier. He addressed the risks of surgery. As a surgeon, he was great. I have had no complications with my incision. I was laid out on the operating table in a funny position and I'm still having shoulder pain. His bedside manner really wasn't an issue because he only checked on me after surgery. The rest of the time in the hospital I had residents and nurses trying to help. At follow up visits he was wonderful, but still no support system.

I joined UIC 6 months ago as an outpatient dietitian.My job focus is weight management and I refer many patients to pursue this surgery.I soon realized that there was not a dietitian working with Dr.Vitello,this was an area I was quite interested in. So after months of meetings and continual pursuit I soon started working with Dr. Vitello. I think he is an excellent man, he truly cares for his patients. He is very easy to get along with, he is well educated in nutrition (my first love)which really impresses me, and of course he is a remarkable surgeon. I personally have heard no negative comments about him from any of his patients. He emphasizes aftercare, he would like all his patients to f/u forever if possible. He spends quality time with his patients before and after the surgery. He outlines all the risks and provides answers to most commonly asked questions in pre-op visit. Both Dr. Vitello and myself care deeply for the patients, we want to make sure everyone has success with this surgery. It is a major event and we want to provide you with the best care possible. Please read my personal comment regarding the support group. And of course, I give him a 10 out of 10.