Need HELP in Chicago, PLEASE!

[msnenequeenie14 0]

Hello everyone!

I was banded at Mercy Hospital in Chicago 6/30/08. I have been walking at least one mile or more per day for exercise and doing my best not to over eat and to eat healthier. I have only lost 25.5 lbs so far and to say the least, I am struggling and disappointed. I am for the most part starving myself trying to lose more weight, nothing is coming off. I have never had a fill so my band has no restriction and I can eat whatever I want. This is not what I want, which is why I got the Lap Band. I went to my first post -op appointment and when it was over they said call us in 5 weeks to get an appointment for my first fill and that was it. I have been calling and calling and they never call back, finally yesterday (09/17/08) someone called me back from Mercy Hospital and said they got my messages but not sure why nobody bothered to call back. I asked them for an appointment for a fill, and they cant even see me until mid October, they want me to come in at 630 am and the doctor still might not be able to get to me. Can anybody tell me, can I just go to another doctor for fills? Can anyone reccomend a better more professional office? How much do fills cost? I want so badly for this Lap Band to work for me but it is like the cards are stacked against me or something. *SIGH*:biggrin:

[Ellen86 0]

Hi there, I'm in a chicago suburb! I see an excellent Doctor in Joliet at Silver Cross hospital, I've been told that fills cost about $100. I would VERY highly recommend Dr. Lahman. the number of their office is (815)-723-8571. They're all so nice over there, they should be able to help you out!

[MistyD65 1]

Hang in there! Sounds like maybe you aren't eating enough. Do you know how many calories you take in each day? My nutritionist recommended 1000-1200, and up to 1400 if you are exercising vigorously and often. Since you say you are starving yourself, your body is probably trying to do its darndest to hold onto whatever it gets. Eating more, but still within limits, can actually make you lose more weight.

As far as fills, there are specialized "fill centers" across the country. Fill Centers USA is one that I know of. You are not getting the attention you deserve from your hospital. Does the Lap Band program at Mercy offer aftercare - nutrition advice, counseling, support groups, as well as fills? I think I would call the director of the program and make a complaint about your calls not being returned.

You might check out the Illinois Support group threads here Illinois Local Lap-Band Support - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum to find out more about fills in your area. Best of luck and don't give up!

[loseforlife 0]

Dr. James Kane (Alexian Brothers Medical Center) and His father before him

were and are pioneers in Lap Band and Gastric Bypass surgery. He is in Arlington Heights area. I would at least call to get advice if not help. I will go for my first consult with them soon. I used to work in surgery with the father, James Sr. helping with the totally open procedure. He is very professional and meticulous.

[maguirre67 0]

i go to mercy also when you went for your postop appt you should have made your appt then i aslo was banded on 6/30/08 ive lost 16 pds since band and a total of 38pounds had my first fill aug19th go for my next fill 10/21 would have been end of sept but have court for 2 weeks so i couldnt make it 25 pounds is that all together or just since band since my last fill ive lost six pounds ive lost 21 inches total do you have dr lutfi

[lisaida 0]

Dr. Watkins at Synchrony Health in Oakbrook should be able to see you. Fills are about $95.00. Call 630-990-2240. Good Luck. :thumbup:

[trinidad83 0]

I just had mine done on the 16th by Dr. Lahmann. I strongly recommend him and his group at Silver Cross in Joliet

[msnenequeenie14 0]

I am intellegent. I obviously attempted to make the appointment when I went for my 1 week post-op and they were unable to make the appointment at that time which is why they advised me to wait and call at the 5 weeks mark, they advised they were swamped. Good for you that the band is working for you, it is obviously being maintained properly by Mercy. I am not having the same shiny happy experience with them. FYI, when I talked to them 09/17/08 they advised that they had gotten all of my repeated messages and just not sure why they did not take time to call back. They also advised me that Dr. Lufti, who was my surgeon, will only see post-op patients on Tuesday mornings, this was not an issue that they made clear prior to my surgery. I work for the Police department, and I cannot always be available on Tuesday mornings and I can't call off or request off every single tuesday until they find one they can squeeze me into. They offered me an appointment for 10/14/08, arrive at 630 am and no guarantee that Lufti will see me. I feel like I should be a priority to them just like any other patient, they were so attentive to me before I had my surgery

[ebvillal 1]

I use Dr Denham he is out of Evanston hospital I am not sure what he charges but he is wonderful!!

[maguirre67 0]

im shocked that theyre acting like that when i went they took me right away i hads a 7:00am appt and before i left they gave me another appt i would keep complaining you shouldnt be treated like that i would freak if they did that to me because i live all the way in rockford

[MMDLynn 0]

You don't have to continure seeing the surgeon that performed your lap band surgery - especially one that is not cooperating with you. I would look into seeing one of the recommended doctors above -but first call to have a phone consultation if possible so that you're not wasting time trying to see a Dr. that doesn't have any opening.

Think about it - there are hundreds of Lbanders that get their surgeries in South America and then come back home to the USA to follow up with local Dr.s for all fills. Don't settle for less than average support from anyone - you deserve better than that!

[maguirre67 0]

so have they did anything for you yet

[msnenequeenie14 0]

Nope, still waiting for that fill. I finally got that call back, don't know if I mentioned that, and they told me to show up at the clinic at 630 am on October 14 and its a possibility the doctor will have time to see me, but not promised or confirmed. This really does burn me up. I am really struggling and I really want the band to work for me. I have contacted all the doctors people suggested and they all told me they wont take on a patient that has already been banded by someone else. I am pretty shocked at this! I made it all the way to 29lbs lost, but I had the worst most stressful week last week and I have gained some back, I know its because I ate too much, I just really want to get started with some restriction! Wish me luck!

[msnenequeenie14 0]

Maguirre67 did we see each other in the hospital? were you sitting in one of the wheel chairs down in that hall way waiting for the barium swallow to happen for you? I was sitting down there for a long time, mine just wouldn't go through for a long time???? Just curious to see if we met? I hope we can be lap band buddies, the more I try to be encouraged, the more I feel discouraged creeping back in...

[Angelsma 1]

That is horrible customer follow up if I've ever heard of it. Once you find another doctor (that comes highly recommended) you should ask that your files be transferred because the fills should be a part of the cost of your surgery. Also, from what I understand most people get their first fill (I did) 6 weeks post op. I had my surgery 7/10 and have 3 fills and just now getting restriction w/ the 3rd fill so my heart goes out to you. I hope all goes well.