getting there???

I'VE NOW FINISHED 12 MONTHS OF DIETRY APPT., 6+ months of w.w& had my psych eval. ON 7/2 I'LL ATTEND A SEMINAR @ UIC. I'VE TAKEN EVERYONES'S ADVISE & CONTACTED MY BCBS HMO& THEY CLAIM ALLS IN ORDER.I'M EXCITED BUT A BIT NERVOUS...I'M NOT SURE WITCH WLS TO GO FOR????HOPE TO HAVE GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF BOTH&TAKE THE DOCTORS RECOMMENDATION. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THAT SEMINAR? WHAT HAS BEEN OTHERS EXPERIENCE W/ UIC & THE DRS. THERE?

Lavonna, sorry I have no knowledge with any of the doctors with that facility. Is there any reason why you are going clear into Chicago for your surgery? There is a fantastic group of bariatric doctors a little closer to you in Downers Grove called Life Weigh Bariatrics. Their ad is in the lower left corner of this page and also here is their link. http://www.lifeweighbariatrics.com/ We do have a member on this board that lives out by you and went through this group for her surgery maybe she will pop in and chat with you.  As far as which surgery to go with - you and the doctor will need to make that decision together. It ultimately should be your decision as to the lifestyle you want to live PO. What you need to do is become an informed patient and read as much as you can about the different surgeries and then go from there. On the home page of this site there is a whole listing of the surgeries and they are fully explained. You can also purchase books that explain the surgeries. You will find the books very informative and explained in layman's terms. Keep us posted. Christine

good morning christinaB, thanks for your reply. i didn't choose uic, it's where my pcp referred me.as for surgeries?????????? my dear sister whom resides w/ me had ryn about 3 years ago & i've seen her struggle. i don't want that, of course. nor, can i afford it! personally, physically or $!!!!i have alot of responsibilties,4 kids ages 18,14,3&18 months,my sister,husband,i'm a full time health care worker&i work part time private duty.i need wls but i'm thinking of being laid up as shortly as possible for everyones sake. i didn't mention i also need a hernia repaired. hoping they can do a 2 for 1 deal. lol. so what happens at those seminars? hope u have a nice day!

Sorry, I forgot to get back to you on what happens at a pre surg seminar. Well, the doctor or the designee will give you information on the history of obesity in the US, how the numbers are sky rocketing. Many will go into the different surgeries that were available years ago and what is available today. What you can expect with that particular doctor's program and the steps you will go through before they take you into surgery. One of the office staff usually will come in and give you information on insurance approval etc. That is about it in a nutshell.  As far as your sister who is struggling with RNY does she still have contact with her surgeon? She should get back into see him/her. No one should struggle, that is not the norm. My husband and I both had open RNY and we were complication free. I have many friends from church that have not had any issues either. She should not be living with struggles. As far as being laid up for as short as possible, that is something you will need to discuss with your doctor because even with the band if you are lifting patients then you will probably be out the same amount of time with RNY or the band. You will have to check with the doctor as far as having the hernia repaired at the same time. Good luck, Christine

hi christina, thanks 4 the post.i'm excited to be taking another step on my journy to wls.can't wait till mondays seminar. as 4 my sister, she never changed her mind-set. thus, has difficulties.have a wonderful 4th. i'll keep everyone posted.

Thanks, glad to be of help. Christine

u of c will try to talk you into DS they do this with everyone!! I would call Dr Frantzides office he is fantastic and he gives you the benefit of ds(no dumping) with the Rny  (He preserves the nerve that causes dumping) You also don't get the chronic diarrhea and terrible gas that  most get with DS. plus it is laproscoptic and he is the best in the state! He use to be the head of the u of c but now works with northwestern. I was going to go to U of C I was very dissapointed with them and I don't recommend them to anyone. best luck to you on your journey to wellness.

hi deelight, the more i read/learn/hear/whatever the more i wonder! what insurance do u have?my pcp referred me to u of c that's why i'm going there. i haven't gotten any positive feedback on u of i. really u r the only one. that says red flag to me. i'm excited about the seminar though but thanks for the info. happy 4th to you.

Lavonna, I had my surgery at UIC on May 9th.  I had lap RNY with Dr. Ayloo, and everything has gone smoothly.  For me, there was no choice.  UIC was the only place that was covered by my insurance. But I have no regrets.  I was treated well there.  I will say that I didn't get the education or support that others seem to get when they go through bariactric centers.  I am hoping to start attending support meetings this month in Wheaton, as I refuse to drive 1-2 hours for a support meeting dt CHicago.  I never attended the information session you asked about.  Didn't know they had one!   Best wishes, Susan

HI SUSAN, GLAD TO HEAR THINGS ARE GOING WELL FOR YOU !WHAT TYPE OF INS. DO YOU HAVE?I HAVE BCBS HMO & MY PCP REFERRED ME TO UIC. THIS IS WHY I'M GOING THERE.I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL FEEDBACK. BY THE WAY, HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU FROM YOUR INITIAL VISIT @  UIC TILL SURGERY? ALSO, ARE THOSE SUPPORT MEETINGS JUST POSTOP??DO YOU MIND IF I ADD YOU TO MY FRIENDS LIST SO I CAN TOUCH BASE W/  YOU ?