Does anyone have any experience or had surgery with Dr. Bipan Chand at Loyola? I am still in the approval process for insurance (I have H M O insurance thru BCBS so I had to start with my PCP before I could even get the referral to see the surgeon) and I am scheduled to attend his seminar on Jan. 5th, but I'm trying to get some feedback from others who have used him for surgery. I couldn't find too much about him on this site. My PCP said I would be referred to either Loyola or UIC (my choice) but I do not know too much about either bariatric program and Loyola would be closer (I live in Mundelein, IL) and I thought that would be easier for appointments, attending support groups, etc. I appreciate any feedback I can get!

Would love to know if you continued through the Loyola program. I am currently starting that program and seeking feedback from others who have been there before me. Thanks in advance for any insight you could provide

Hi Felisity, I was just at the bariatric information seminar at Loyola last Saturday. How is the process going for you so far? Did you get a surgery date yet?

Hi! I just had gastric bypass on Thursday and Dr. Chand was my surgeon. I would rate the whole program at Loyola about an 8 out of 10. I kind of dragged my feet a little so the process took a little longer. The psychologist, Dr. Wool, is fantastic. The general dr, Dr. Bartfield is also great. The coordinator, Yvette, is AWFUL. She called me up telling me I wasn't going to get my surgery done because I was taking too long to get appts in. Which, I was, but I had some personal stuff going on and when I did make appts for some of the visits I needed, I was able to get right in. She then proceeds to tell all the doctors I was trying to rush getting my surgery when I wasn't. After that I told the dr I didn't want to deal w her again and I never had to. Ok, as far as Dr. Chand. He is a great surgeon. He will expect you to know your facts and kind of know what's going on w the whole surgery, but I don't think thats a bad thing. He is always right on time so if you have an appt w him for anything don't be late! You really won't see him that much. But it is very obvious he knows what he is doing and is vey good at his job. Everyone at the hospital kind of scrambles a little bit when he shows up, but again, not a bad thing. He is very well respected at Loyola, which is the person you want to be rearranging your guts!!! He checked in on me everyday after surgery I was at the hospital and answered any questions. Overall, I've had a pretty good experience w Loyola, just book as many appts as you can early because things fill up quick!!

Thanks for the info Chiashley. I'm still up in the air about what hospital to have my surgery. Either UIC (University of Illinois medical center), Loyola or Northwestern. I heard nothing but great things about the doctors at all 3 hospitals.