NEW and considering surgery

Hello Everone! I am so inspired by looking at pictures and reading about experiences. But what I really want to know if anyone has had surgery by Dr. John Alverdy at teh University of Chicago recently? If so, what was the experience and your opinion of him and the staff? I made a second appt w/Dr. Alexander Nagel at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Downtown Chicago just for another surgeons opinion. Is this a good IDEA to shop around?

Very good idea!!!! I wanted the Lap-Band and the first surgeon I went to told me that it was out of the question and so was lap/gastric (because i have a scar from a previous surgery) So I would HAVE to get OPEN GASTRIC BYPASS-----which Scared me at first....anyway I kept looking kept asking questions and after 2 yrs of research I am having the LAP_ BAND after all. With Dr.Prystowski (Dr. Nagels will be assisting as well) Northwestern is great!!! Very informative- together with the Wellness Center. Keep your appt. with Dr. NAgel you won't be disapointed. Also keep reading the message boards and profiles it will help so much you will be amazed at how many awesome people you will get information from. Good luck, Lisa

Hi...............shopping around is almost always a good idea. As far as poster Lisa saying the first doc told her absolutely no lap-band because she had a scar, what he meant was HE didn't want to do it. I have had MULTIPLE abdominal surgeries and the scars did not interfere. My sis had several surgeons tell her no for one reason or another but finally found one who was thrilled to be able to help her. She's lost 170 pounds and is healthier than she has been for many years! Don't let that little two-letter word hold you back!