I actually posted the below in the hospitals area as well but thought I'd see if anyone here had any thoughts one way or the other as far as where I should go. I'd be seeing Dr. Shayani at Day One or Dr. Prachand at U of C. Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Spice

Just thought I'd toss this out because I really need to make a decision. I've been approved for lap band surgery at both the University of Chicago Hospital and Day One Health (an outpatient facility).

UC pros: in a world class hospital; program is a 'center of excellence'; really liked the surgeon (who performs all 3 bariatric procedures laparoscopically);

UC cons: co$$$$t (about double that of Day One); will have residents assisting/working on me as it's a teaching hospital; only 3 months of "free" fills; doc has only done around 50-70 lap bands

Day One pros: significantly lower cost; surgeon has performed over 700 surgeries and I liked him okay; "free" fills for a year; surgeon and FT anesthesiologist will be working on me

Day One cons: Facility not equipped like a full hospital should anything go wrong; doc only specializes in lap band and is associated with Inamed so obviously has a bias towards pushing lap band; no overnight stay (and monitoring) - just sorta in and out.

Anyone out there have any advice? I've gotta decide pretty quick.

Thanks,

Spice

Hey Lynn, I just saw that we share the same birthday!

Wow -that's amazing you are the only other person I've come across with my birthdate!!! Yea, to the Pisces ladies!!!!

I'm so excited everyone - I found Dr. Shayani who is now the head of St. James Hospital Bariatric Center in Olympia Fields, IL. I located him through the help of another bandster - Jeni (thanks again Jeni). I have all of my preliminary appointments done last month and paperwork submitted on Monday (7/14/08) and I was approved today -7/17/08!!!

I'm so excited - I also received my surgery date - 9/02/08!

Oh I almost forgot my dear friend Tammy S (Tomosa) -if it were not for you providing the direct contact this would have never happened! Thanks Tammy - I have a gift with your name on it too!!!!

hey there. i'm sorry i didn't see your post earlier - i could've helped you get in touch with him. yeah, dr. shayani has been transitioning into a new spot. he left day one almost right after i had my surgery (which totally freaked me out). but he has been excellent with keeping up with me, doing fills, etc. he is a very reassuring doctor. :wub:

good luck with your surgery!

Thanks Spicegrrrl - Isn't he the BEST!!!! I feel so comfortable with him. He really has a great bedside manner and makes you feel totally at ease. His direct follow up with phone calls & emails are shocking to me as I didn't believe doctors did that these days. What a wonderful surprise it was!

Does your insurance cover your fills or do you have to pay out of pocket for those?