Kandy T.

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I went to a WLS seminar through the Kane Center about 2 years ago and had decided not to go through with the WLS at that time.  I am finally in a place where I know that gastric bypass is right for me.  Originally, I was going to go back to the Kane Center (they wanted me to attend another seminar since the last one I went to was over 1 year ago) to begin the process.  Then I found Lifeweigh Bariatrics in Downers Grove, IL.  I read great things about Dr. Rosen at the center and wanted to go someplace closer to home (and closer to my parents, who live in Downers Grove).  I attended a seminar at Lifeweigh on 4/10 at 6:30pm.  Dr. Rosen was the presenter.  There were about 7 or 8 other people who attended the seminar.  After the seminar, I knew I wanted to have my surgery with Dr. Rosen and Lifeweigh.  Not only did I really like Dr. Rosen, but I loved the approach the center has with getting you used to your new eating patterns and exercising PRIOR to having the WLS.  This way, you are more accustomed to life AFTER the surgery and already know what to do.  Lifeweigh approaches WLS as a whole lifestyle change and they are there every step of the way with support groups and in-house specialists (Nutrionist, Exercise expert, etc.) to guide you.  They even have a workout facility in their office!  Impressive.  I remember going to the Kane Center seminar 2 years ago and there were probably 50 people there.  I just couldn't imagine getting personal care with all of the patients they get (granted, not all of them at the seminar went on to have the surgery).  I also liked that Dr. Rosen focuses soley on Bariatric surgery.  The surgeons at the Kane Center also do other surgeries.  I just felt the Kane Center was too "commercialized".  I had a better comfort level with Lifeweigh.  My first appointment with Lifeweigh is for 04/29!  It will be about a 4 hour appointment, as I will speak with the Dr. one on one and with the other staff members there at the center to go over my current eating and exercise habits.  I am a smoker and I already know I cannot have the surgery until I am 30 days smoke free.  I have decided to quit cold turkey on 4/15 so that there is no delay in getting a surgery date.  I have BCBS-TX and I already know my health insurance will not cover the procedure.  I work for a small company who pays for my health insurance premiums in full, so they have WLS excluded in the policy.  So....I will wait anxiously for my 4/29 appointment.  I have already filled out the necessary paperwork to bring with me to my first appt.  I cannot wait.  If all things go well, I hope to have my surgery in June this year.  I am going for the gastric bypass instead of the lapband.  I just can't imagine having something foreign in my body.  I'd rather be cut, I guess.  Weird, I know.  Besides, with my current weight and history, the gastric bypass is the right choice for me.