Susan S.
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Loyola Center for Metabolic Surgery and Bariatric Care
"The support group is well-attended and there is a lot of give-and-take. People are encouraged to ask question and talk to each other about their concerns."

Swedish Covenant Hospital
"I was impressed by the breadth of this program. The Psychologist, as of 11/02 when we talked, is seeking a Nutritionist with experience working with bariatric surgery patients. Other hospitals use generalists who deal with the entire hospital population. The Psychologist sent me written materials describing the program. I was impressed with his professionalism."

Alexian Brothers Medical Center (COE)
"I have not had surgery yet, but have gone through the pretesting. One thing I noticed is that the Nutritionists are thorough and talk about things like the importance of getting the right kind of calcium (citrate, rather than carbonate, because carbonate is not absorbed by postop pouches). I have not found hospital or private Nutritionists who specialize in working with gastric bypass patients. We are still a fairly new population and not much research has been done on the long-term physical effects of the surgery. Does anyone know of a nutritionist specializing in gastric bypass in the Chicago area? (or even somewhere else; I'd ask my questions via long-distance telephone call)"

James M. Kane Sr.
"I heard about Dr. James M. Kane, Sr. thru a co-worker of mine. Dr. Kane, Sr. did her open Roux-N-Y gastric bypass and she recommended him highly. Dr. Kane has several other doctors in his practice, including his son, James M. Kane, Jr. I did not get to meet Dr. Kane until he was scheduled by his office (their choice) to be my surgeon. My one appointment with him was about a month ago (09/02). My surgery is 12/6. I was impressed with Dr. Kane's bedside manner and his background as a pioneer in performing bypasses. Apparently, he's been doing it since the 1970s. My co-worker told me that he does only open procedures, but I found out from his office that he is also doing laparoscopics. Apparently, he just started doing laparascopics. He only had 15 minutes to spend with me but was patient in answering all my questions. Since there's only so much that can be discussed during that short period of time, I have scheduled a second appointment with him to ask more questions and determine whether he will do my surgery as an open procedure, with removal of my gallbladder and repair of esophageal hernia, or as a laparascopic, which he offered me during the first visit. I told him I'd prefer an open, to avoid further surgery down the road (i.e., if my gallbladder went bad) and because the doctors can see more things during an open and repair them, if need be (e.g., bleeding ulcers). He agreed to do an open, but I have further questions about whether they can determine the condition of my gallbladder sufficiently to not require an open, as I've heard of several people who still have lots of pain 6 months after an open. One other person had no pain. So, go figure! My impression of Dr. Kane has not changed over time. Nor has my opinion changed about his office staff. They are extremely competent and responsive to patients' needs. If the doctor isn't available to answer a question, they can connect you to his nurse for a call-back. That impressed me. Aftercare is extremely important in Dr. Kane's practice. He offers twice-a-month support groups at his hospital, where preops and postops can meet, discuss and interact. The groups are large (about 200 people), but have a skilled facilitator (addictions counselor) who is good at involving people in participating during the meetings. Dr. Kane's patients have started 4 websites at Yahoo.com (under health/dieting category at the Home Page and then use "Kane" as the search word. They include: general, vitamins/minerals, protein and postops who are more than 1 year "out." The 1-year-out site involves restricted posting. Anyone can "lurk" and read the posts, but only those at least 1 year out can post. Aftercare also involves mandatory attendance at a 3-hour meeting shortly after surgery to discuss exercise, diet and other concerns. Dr. Kane did not address the risks of surgery during our meeting, probably because I had become well-informed ahead of time. I consulted his administrative office (located in another state; it handles all his paperwork and follow-thru of all preop testing). I asked if any of Dr. Kane's (and other doctors in his practice) patients had died. They were at first reluctant to discuss it, but finally said that the answer was "yes." Apparently, they lose very few patients. The person emphasized that the answer was "yes," but to ask the surgeon and he would tell me why. He and I didn't have enough time to discuss it at our first visit; I intend to ask him next week. I would rate Dr. Kane excellent, so far. I know of his excellent reputation and I have seen his great bedside manner firsthand. One area I wasn't completely satisifed with was Dr. Kane's info re: what vitamins to take. He said to only take a multi and calcium, and to eat 3 meals er day. The dietician (also a required preop meeting) said to eat 6 meals a day and take certain other vitamins/minerals. I think it may have just been a matter of a difference of opinion. Plus, Dr. Kane specializes in surgery, not the dietetics aspects. New patients should know that they should do their homework well before their first appointment with Dr. Kane. Go to the support group meetings. Listen to the "posties" and ask questions. Find out what will be required as part of the surgery (e.g., giving yourself daily shots in the stomach of Lovenox, a blood thinner, to prevent possibly fatal blood clots). Exchange phone numbers or e-mails with as many people as possible and follow up. Talk to a good therapist about the emotional issues. The surgery can be sabotaged if the patient doesn't follow the "rules of the pouch." Theserules are in writing and people should obtain and copy it prior to the dietician meeting. Surgical competence is definitely preferable to a good bedside manner, but I'm glad the office assigned me to Dr. Kane partly because of his great reputation and bedside manner. Getting questions answered re: this surgery requires a team approach and proactivity on the part of the patient. Seek out many different peoples' expertise about specific things. One last suggestion is to not go "hog wild" before surgery. At least, if not losing weight, maintain, don't gain. You will have all the fewer pounds to work off afterwards and will have gotten started on watching what you eat. Also start exercising and plan to continue once medically cleared to do so after surgery. That way, you won't have to go "cold turkey" on changing your habits. My comments are strictly my opinion and do not reflect other patients' experience. "
About Me
Chicago, IL
Location
45.7
BMI
RNY
Surgery
04/07/2003
Surgery Date
Oct 20, 2002
Member Since
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