Hey all,

Been lurking for about a week, had some issues creating an account, but that finally over and I'm ready to get started.

(a little background about me first)

I've had weight issues all my life, I'm a male, currently 21, and if i had to guess weight i'd say around 450+. Ive tried many types of diets, most of the times it will work until about 20 lbs, then i start gaining again. I currently have 2 jobs, and spend most of my extra time working with music (I'm a musician), but am looking forward to putting in the time towards a better me.

I've not yet consulted with a doctor, to be honest, my current doctor has ruined my view of most doctors. If there is anyone in the chicagoland area that could help (I'm looking for a doctor, but will also be looking for a surgeon) it will be greatly appreciated.

If there is anything you would like to know about me, feel free to ask.

Thanks!

You can and will do this!! I don't live in Chicago but I know that you are going to work out the struggles and be on your way to a better you!! I support you in all you do to better yourself!! The next song you play after you loose the weight will be music to your own ears!!!

I googled bariatric doctors in Chicago and got a ton of hits. I've found that some patients love their doctors and after I went to their seminars, I didn't like that doctor as much or, their staff totally sucked. The bariatric industry is riddled with lousy support staffs. It seems like it's a requirement in the medical professions.

Find 3-6 bariatric doctors and visit their websites. Call or make a reservation for one of their seminars. Go to as many as you can. You'll get a better idea of who they are and if you are comfortable with the doc and the staff.

tmf

I agree with tmf.

I live near Madison WI and am very lucky that my insurance/clinic has an excellent team. It's a comprehensive program that is not just for WLS patients but all wanting/needing to lose weight. In addition to the seminars, if you have a chance to visit their clinic look for things like larger chairs, bathroom stalls that are either larger or have doors that open outwards instead of inward and just the mood of the staff. It's things like this that show they are ready and willing to help you where you are at now on your journey.

Best of Luck!!!

Hi,

I'm also from Chicago I'm at UIC and content with their service.

I'm in Chicago as well and I've been going through the process with UIC with Dr Elli. He's awesome and I was banded 5/15/12. So far it has been 5 months since I began the process with them and I have been pleased so far. The nutritionist are great and understanding in my opinion.

Fist off, thank you to everyone for responding. It means a lot.

You can and will do this!! I don't live in Chicago but I know that you are going to work out the struggles and be on your way to a better you!! I support you in all you do to better yourself!! The next song you play after you loose the weight will be music to your own ears!!!

I read your post shortly after you posted, and still don't know how to respond in a way that will show you how much I appreciate your post. It nearly brought a tear to my eye. After so many put downs for some family members your words have came across more powerful then anything anyone else has ever told me, and it's stuck. Your statement just blew me away. Shortly after reading it I finally told an uncle of mines about my plans and he will be with me at the consultations. Thank you!

I googled bariatric doctors in Chicago and got a ton of hits. I've found that some patients love their doctors and after I went to their seminars, I didn't like that doctor as much or, their staff totally sucked. The bariatric industry is riddled with lousy support staffs. It seems like it's a requirement in the medical professions.

Find 3-6 bariatric doctors and visit their websites. Call or make a reservation for one of their seminars. Go to as many as you can. You'll get a better idea of who they are and if you are comfortable with the doc and the staff.

tmf

This is good advice, and i will be following it, Thank you!

I agree with tmf.

I live near Madison WI and am very lucky that my insurance/clinic has an excellent team. It's a comprehensive program that is not just for WLS patients but all wanting/needing to lose weight. In addition to the seminars, if you have a chance to visit their clinic look for things like larger chairs, bathroom stalls that are either larger or have doors that open outwards instead of inward and just the mood of the staff. It's things like this that show they are ready and willing to help you where you are at now on your journey.

Best of Luck!!!

You guys are great! This is something that i didn't think of (and i work a lot with marketing/brand image/perception) It only makes sense. Thank you!

Hi,

I'm also from Chicago I'm at UIC and content with their service.

Is there anything you would of changed about the staff or the doctor?

I'm in Chicago as well and I've been going through the process with UIC with Dr Elli. He's awesome and I was banded 5/15/12. So far it has been 5 months since I began the process with them and I have been pleased so far. The nutritionist are great and understanding in my opinion.

I will be making some calls on monday to try and get a consultation. Thank you!

Quick Question for everyone. I will be calling my insurance today to see what information i can get, however, I'm not entirely sure what to ask them. Anyone have some suggestions for what i should ask? (BCBS IL)

Hey, everyone. First of all, you can do this On my 21st birthday, which was June 2, my dad gave me the surprise of a lifetime. he said that he would pay for me to get the lap band if i qualified. I am 5'7" and 230 pounds. i have been overweight practically my whole life. i do not have any major health issues NOW. But i am worried about my future. My dad had gastric bypass done about 7 years ago. He weighed over 500 pounds. Now i believe he is down to 275. He HAD sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and was borderline diabetic. All those problems went away after his surgery. i do not want to have to get to the point of weighing twice what i do now, nor do i want to wait until i get these problems to fix my weight. I have tried dieting and i lose about 10 pounds then nothing else, i get discouraged, and eat. Is there anyone out there who may have similar problems as me? i am just hoping that i am able to qualify for this surgery. It will be a life-changing moment and i cannot wait to be healthy and able to do things that i cant do now. I just need support right now with this.

Hey, everyone. First of all, you can do this On my 21st birthday, which was June 2, my dad gave me the surprise of a lifetime. he said that he would pay for me to get the lap band if i qualified. I am 5'7" and 230 pounds. i have been overweight practically my whole life. i do not have any major health issues NOW. But i am worried about my future. My dad had gastric bypass done about 7 years ago. He weighed over 500 pounds. Now i believe he is down to 275. He HAD sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and was borderline diabetic. All those problems went away after his surgery. i do not want to have to get to the point of weighing twice what i do now, nor do i want to wait until i get these problems to fix my weight. I have tried dieting and i lose about 10 pounds then nothing else, i get discouraged, and eat. Is there anyone out there who may have similar problems as me? i am just hoping that i am able to qualify for this surgery. It will be a life-changing moment and i cannot wait to be healthy and able to do things that i cant do now. I just need support right now with this.

Happy belated birthday! Its great to see that you have a strong support system and also someone who's been through something similar. I know you will reach your goal.

Just got off the pone with northwestern. Scheduled an appointment for their seminar (Dr Nagle) (recommended by a friend who had a gastric bypass).

Any suggestions on what to take with me? Also should I go to multiple seminars or are they basically all the same. What should I look for?

Any advice that helps will be greatly appreciated.

@gottobeme I still have your advice in mind!

Thanks all.

I went to a seminar at NW and you just need a pen and maybe a pad of paper. If after or during the seminar you decide to go w/NW for the WLS, you can fill out the application while you are there so that you can get a headstart. They give you a purple folder w/a list of names and numbers of team memebers so that you may start to make appointments. On the application will be questions about medical history and also medicines that you have taken. There is a page that ask you to list all the diets you have tried in the past. Not intimidating but to be prepared have that info with you only if you want to fill out the application and turn it in while your there.

Oh and I forgot, your insurance info also.