:sad:Hi Everyone!!

I live in Chicago and am looking for a follow-up and fill doctor that accepts medicaid (public aid). Does anyone know of any good doctors in my area that do? Do you know of any inexpensive fill centers? I had the surgery at Mercy hospital in February of this year. I have had one fill of 4cc's in a 8cc standard band and can still eat almost as much as before (although I don't understand why because I have had a fill). I am loosing about 1 pound a week, but I am working out 1 hour a day, 6 days a week and starving myself so that I wont overeat in an effort to drop the weight. I need a doctor who is ALOT more aggressive and doesn't judge their patients as a group. Everyone in my group is having the same issues with the program, we need fills. The doctors at Mercy need the "numbers" to keep their program going and I think this may be why the doctors are not as aggressive about the adjustments so that we will have to keep coming back. I dont really know what is going on. I don't want to become discouraged, I'm so hungry all the time. Please help....

You guys are really great here, love ya....

Hi! My Dr is in Chicago at Mercy Hospital. His name is Dr. Lutfi. He accepts medical card but Im not sure how they deal with people who are already banded. I would contact Mercy Hospitals Bariatric Center and ask them any questions you may have. Good luck!

Thanks, but I want to leave the Mercy program. I don't want to discourage you, but their program is not for me.

I have had 2 dr's in the Chicago area in the last 7 months (since I have moved here). My previous Dr was Dr Vafa Shayani from Day One Health (Chicago Lap-Band Surgery at DayOne - Homepage). I had to leave him because he was no longer covered by my United Healthcare insurance. I am not sure what other plans they take. I would suggest calling them.

My new doctor is Dr Ervin Denham from Evanston Northwestern Hospital. Again, I am not sure what insurance he takes, but his assistant had mentioned to me something about a fill clinic she runs outside of office hours. I think it might be for something like what you are looking for. I will PM you her contact information.... maybe she can help you, or at least point you in the right direction.

Try Sychrony Health in Oak Brook. Fills are $95.

beautyoverlookd,I would also suggest trying Synchrony health in OakBrook,il. I had my surgery done there by Dr. Brad Watkins and the staff there is wonderful, caring and very patient and understanding , I know you will be pleased with all of them, and fills are just 95.00 from what I've seen and heard on this site that is a steal of a deal on fills, plus as I said earlier they are outstanding all the way around and that's very hard to find these days, their # is 630-990-2440, hope this helps you.

Thanks for the information. I too have had such difficulty finding someone to do my fills, since I lost my insurance, at a reasonable cost. Just spoke with their office and they have accommodated me. Thanks. Will post after fill.

you just want a quick fix 4 lbs a month is deceit mercy is the best

I've used Sychrony Health in Oak Brook. They even take Mexican banded patients. Which is really great. Fills are only $95. They did a great job, I'll be going back to them for my next fill

I just got back from Synchrony Health. This was the second time I've been there for a band adjustment. I can say that they do a damn good job. I can't say enough to you fellow Chicago area, Eastern Illinois and Western Indiana and Southeast Wisconsin Bandsters that this is the place to go to. As usual,, Dr. Watkins, Karen and Melody and the rest of the staff are the "BEST"!

Give them a call, 630-990-2440

Thanks Dolittle,

I called there today and made an appt for later in the week.

Hello All! Quick question...I live in Chicago and was banded in Mexico (I paid out of pockect) and was wonder if $595 is the going rate for fills the 1st time? Thanks!

$595 for your first fill?!? Heck no. Call that place listed above and get yourself a $95 fill even if you have to drive a ways to get that price.

sexy2be, contact me and I can give you my Dr.'s info, fills are only 95.00, guaranteed and they do excellent work, I promise you , you'll love them from the 1st time you speak with them they are "Awesome", and I am more than happy to refer you.

Hello All! Quick question...I live in Chicago and was banded in Mexico (I paid out of pockect) and was wonder if $595 is the going rate for fills the 1st time? Thanks!

I had the same problem ,except they wanted more! I was told one amount before I went to Mexico to have my lapband, then the bait and switch came! They jacked the price up to just under $1000.00!!! I was furious and found Dr Joseph Vitello who charges $150 for fill and does the flouroscopy @ Good Samaritan hospital in Downers Grove ($125.00). I live in Des Plaines, and the suburban clinic in Hoffman Estates was just looking to punish any patient that got their procedure done in Mexico and pretty much was biased from the very beginning. That is NOT the type of doctor or clinic that I would support.

There is no reason to support any clinic or doctor that treat people like that.

at work and frustrated. I too am a patient at Mercy hospital. I need a fill doctor also. Mercy hospital has lost my surgery report so that do not know what size band i have so they are guessing with the fills. how do i get a report to take to that fill doctor yall are talking about if the report is not in my file. just real sad.