I just don't know what to do- I just got a call from my Dr, also very upset (they all lost thier jobs), Provena Mercy Hospital cancelled the Wish Center Program in Illinois!

My surgery date is supposed to be in 8 days, I have already started my 2 week liquid diet and they tell me today they dropped the program!

My husband and I have both been going through the program, are self pay, and have spent an ungodly amount of money already. My whole life is revolving around this date both at work and at home and I feel like the light at the end of the tunnel is a freight train!

My husband called the hospital administration and tore them apart, I don't know whether they will change thier minds and honor my surgery date or if I have to possibly spend more money to go to the Texas facility. I have been crying my eyes out...do I go have a steak, or do I keep my liquids going. I am just so devastated about this...

OMG - that's horrible. I'd be devestated also.

All I can think is to keep on the hospital and make the point that they've taken you money to this point, and they need to honor it I guess.

That is horrible. I'm so sorry :-(

Make sure they send you all of your file. Get all of your paper work as of this date. Labs, results, etc. If you have to go to Texas, it will be ok. It might cost you more but it will be ok. I was self pay also and I live near your state. I flew to TX and Im glad I did, I had a great outcome. No complications whatsoever. I had all of my pre-surgery stuff done at home and then brought it with me to TX. I didn't have to have anything re-done. The doctor I went to's website is www.felixspiegelmd.com check it out. I was able to have my surgery within 2 weeks of choosing him. Best of luck! I feel so bad for you for what you are going through! What a bummer.

I understand your anger, I would be absolutely furious if I were you. Ok, so they decide to cancel the program. It seems to me the smart thing to do, business and image wise, would be to say we are accepting no more people into this program, but will honor those who are already scheduled. Wow, what a poor business practice. Let us know how this all turns out.

I had my surgery at the Wish Center at Provena Mercy on 8/15. Does this mean that the Wish center will completely close in IL. I am scheduled to have my first fill in approx. 2 weeks. Do you know if they have a plan for aftercare for their patients already banded?

:girl_hug:

I'm so sorry this has happened! If they won't refund ALL the money you've spent to date, you should look into hiring a lawyer. I'm not sue-happy but you've spent a lot of money. What if you were buying a house? You give a deposit, you choose your tile, carpet, cabinetry, and then the builder decides they don't want to make houses anymore. AND they keep your money? NO WAY.

I'd be furious and screaming!

Good luck, let us know what happens.

Yes, Dr. Rosen is dedicated to his patients and I am sure he will be available to support you as soon as he relocates. They are contacting patients currently. He was not included in the decision, the hospital has new administration and they pulled the plug on the program. I have a number I will send on a private message for you to call if you want to join us in our vehement complaints.

Good luck to you as well.

That would be awful. Can they direct you some where else or maybe give you some ideas as what you can do?

I got the call late yesterday afternoon and it is possible I can go to the Wish Center in San Antonio, but again- more money. I am already on the 2 week preop liquid diet, so I don't know if I should go off the liquids or stay hoping something turns around here. I am going to wait for some calls back this morning and hope they at least honor the surgeries they have scheduled. I am nearly out of tears right now and can't even comfort my self with mashed potatoes and gravy...

I would be more than happy to join in on the complaints with the hospital. I was very satisfied with my care by the Wish center and am so upset to hear that Mercy has chosen to discontinue the program!

Dr. Rosen & Dr. Iwanicki have both been VERY helpful through my banding process, so I am sure that they will find a way to continue their support of their patients. Don't give up your liquid diet. You have obviously commited yourself to the band so I just know it will all work out for you!

Diane, please PM me with any additional information you may have or with anything that I can do to help sway the decision of the hospital.

I am so sorry this is happening to you. Please keep us posted.

From what I have heard, a new CEO came in and made a whole bunch of changes at the hospital, including dumping the Wish Center program. The group at the Wish Center have all been so supportive and the program so thorough.

The number to name I was given is Kris Pike 630-801-2560, Hospital Administration number is 630-859-2222. Anyone who wants to call and complain on behalf of fellow bandsters and future bandsters we welcome your help!

That sucks! I have no idea where you are located, but Dr. Heydari in Crystal Lake Il does lapbands at Centegra Memorial. That's where I got mine done and was thrilled with the program. Dr. Heydari is an excellent surgeon. Might be something to look into if the Wish Center won't honor your surgery.

Hope you get it all figured out and can get banded on schedule. I can't believe the hospital would end the program and leave patients hanging like that. Seems like they should at least complete the ones they already have scheduled.

I am so sorry that this is happening to you. It is a very nasty thing for the hospital to do and i must say that i am surprised that they are shutting the program down, the lap band makes so much money for hospitals. I wish you the best of luck.

I just don't know what to do- I just got a call from my Dr, also very upset (they all lost thier jobs), Provena Mercy Hospital cancelled the Wish Center Program in Illinois!

My surgery date is supposed to be in 8 days, I have already started my 2 week liquid diet and they tell me today they dropped the program!

My husband and I have both been going through the program, are self pay, and have spent an ungodly amount of money already. My whole life is revolving around this date both at work and at home and I feel like the light at the end of the tunnel is a freight train!

My husband called the hospital administration and tore them apart, I don't know whether they will change thier minds and honor my surgery date or if I have to possibly spend more money to go to the Texas facility. I have been crying my eyes out...do I go have a steak, or do I keep my liquids going. I am just so devastated about this...

My surgery is back on for the same date thanks to the diligence of Dr Rosen at the Illinois Wish Center and his wonderful staff :clap2: The Director of Surgery called to apologize for the emotional roller coaster they put us on and I am back to looking forward to joining you all in bandland!!

Thanks to any and all who called and voiced thier support in behalf of us and for all your kind words of support!