NORTHWEST ILLINOIS

[Nakhshin 0]

Anyone have a recommendation for a surgeon in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Thank you in advance.

D.

[BandedBrunette481 310]

I had my surgery through Alexian Brothers and don't have any real complaints. My surgeon is good, and I haven't had any serious issues with my care. I will say that my surgeon is personable when I see him, but I don't feel like he really knows me personally, you know what I mean? He's still just my surgeon. But he's good at the surgery part, so that's enough for me. I also like that they have many office locations to choose from and I don't have to go to the hospital for fills and follow up appointments.

If you're looking for a more personal connection with your surgeon and just as adequate after care, you can try going to Central Dupage Hospital. I've had friends who have had their surgery there and they have had nothing but good things to say about their experiences.

The main difference you'll find is that the requirements and "rules" for the LapBand are similar, but different for each place.

Alexian Brothers moves at a faster pace after surgery, meaning you will move to a new food stage each week post op (liquid, pureed, soft, regular). You will also have a 2 week liquids only diet before surgery as well. And my surgeon allowed me to get 3 cc's put in my band at my first fill. I haven't had any complications or problems with moving along this fast, but it does make some people nervous. My surgeon also does his fills under a fluoroscope (an x-ray machine that allows him to see the port and band) which helps him know how much Fluid to put in or take out.

At Central Dupage Hospital, they have their patients do a 2 week liquid diet pre-op but they are allowed to eat one small meal of just Protein and veggies with their Protein shakes. They also require their patients to stay in the pureed food stage for around 4 weeks before moving on to real food. And they are less aggressive with their fills, meaning 1cc is pretty average for a first fill there. They seem to have a more slow and steady wins the race kind of program. You also have to go to the hospital for all of your fill and follow up appointments. They also don't use the fluoroscope for fills unless they suspect a problem with the band and want to see how it looks when you swallow liquid. Not that that's a bad thing, just a difference!

So it all depends on what you're looking for really! I'm sure there are other places to go in the northwest suburbs, but I thought I'd give my input on the two I am familiar with.

Best of luck to you

Edited July 5, 2014 by BlissfullyBanded