Hi all,

I've been doing quite a bit of research on lap band in the Chicago area and have found out the following information on having it done at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, University of Chicago Hospital, and Day One Health in the 900 North Michigan Avenue building. Thought it may be useful for anyone out there.

NW: Called to register for their seminar. Was told the process was to go to the seminar and if you qualify, you have 6 months of classes to take (a class each month, i believe) before your actual surgery. Seminar was at NMH and given via PowerPoint by one of the surgeons (Dr. Hungness). If I'm remembering correctly, they've done over 1,000 RNY surgeries but only 100-something lap band ones. Seems like NMH has outstanding facilities. I specifically asked about getting the surgery done out of the country and the Dr. said he thought it was a terrible idea and that you'd be hard pressed to find a doctor for your follow-up care in the U.S. Estimated cost of surgery: $20,000 out of pocket.

U of C: Must register online and fill out their questionnaire. Then someone from the office will call you to register you for their info seminar. Seminar was laid back but very informational - U of C is a "Center of Excellence" which means (i believe) they have a very high quality, comprehensive program. Very few programs in the U.S. have been named centers of excellence. They perform all 3 bariatric procedures and do them all laparascopically (this is also rare). They have a team of nurses, dieticians/nutritionists, surgeons, psychologists working to help you achieve your goals. however, the price for all of this excellence? ballpark $50,000 out of pocket - though they say it varies by patient and that if you pay all up front there's a 25% cost reduction. I nearly bugged out when I found out it cost SO much more than any place else. Also, i believe only the first 3 months of fills are free. YEESH.

Day One Health: Called up the office, spoke to a very friendly lady who was able to register me almost right away to talk to their surgeon Dr. Shayani. They're located in the 900 north michigan building with 4 seasons and bloomingdales, etc. Filled out paperwork, had vitals taken. spoke to a very friendly nurse who had had the procedure done - she let me see her scars and feel her port, which was pretty cool. Talked to Dr. Shayani for 20-30 minutes and I felt really comfortable with him. He answered all questions and addressed all of my concerns. Their program (unlike NMH and U of C) does not have you stay overnight after surgery. Dr. S said that 60% of all bariatric surgeries are done on an outpatient basis like they do at Day One. He himself has performed over 700 lap band surgeries and used to be at Loyola for 10 years. They have their finance person and nutritionist on hand should you decide to move forward that day. Oh yeah, cost of surgery is $16,000 and includes one year of free fills.

On one hand, it definitely feels more like a business at Day One - get you in, get you out but everyone was very friendly. At the two hospitals, it feels much more holistically centered on your health.

I'm kinda up in the air between U of C and Day One. I'm meeting once more with U of C before I make up my mind. I'll try to post if I learn anything new.

Cheers,

Spice

Spice: Thanks for all the great information you provided! You answered all the questions I wanted to ask about those 3 hospitals. They all seem sooo expensive for self-payers. I wonder what U of I Hospital charges?

Hi Spice

I had my surgery at DayOne and really like the staff there.

There is a new center in OakBrook called Synchrony Health. I've met some of their staff at their support group meeting and I really felt comfortable there. Depending on where you are located, they may also be somewhere to consider.

Sonia

Hi Sonia. Thanks for the info. Couple of quick questions - how did you decide on Day One? Were you required to do pre-op dieting? How long did you stay after the surgery? I'm strongly leaning towards going there but haven't made up my mind yet. Spice

Picking there was easy - I had family that worked there. I didnt research anywhere else.

Preop liquid diet 2 weeks before.

Surgery date i think i got there at 9-ish. Surgery around 11 maybe if i kinda remember right and we left around 4...?

I had my surgery at Little Company of Mary Hosp. Dr. Cahill has been really great. I got my first fill yesterday and not feeling to many changes yet.

I had my surgery @ St. James Olympia Fields by Dr. Cahill 4-11-08 so everything is going great, Tina the cordinator is great!!!!!

Hey there - thanks for the recap of facilities in Chicago. I'm in desperate need of the lap band surgery and I'm trying to find a surgeon that is covered by my insurance - BCBS PPO. It looks like Dr. Shayani is on my provider list for specialist. I hope that I can get this done - do you know what the coverage is for fills post surgery - is this covered by the insurance or out of pocket? Do you know what the cost is per visit and how often the fills are required? I'm really starting from ground zero and I need all the help and information I can get. My BMI is 50.6 so I know I qualify as I have over 125lbs to lose and I've just moved into the type 2 diabetes stage due to the weight gain. If you want to discuss off the board or if anyone does let me know and I'll send my email address. I'm trying to get insurance approval and surgery scheduled as soon as possible. Thanks for listening everyone this board is awesome!

I had my surgery done at Day One Health by Dr Shayani in Aug 07. He is no longer with Day One Health. He is one of the best surgeons in the Chicago area. I do know that Day One Health offers one year of free fills for self pay patients, after the first year then its 250.00 per visit. Every person is different for fills. You might need 1 or 2 per year or you may need 5.