Advocate Medical Group Organization

I first met Dr. Rosen at a seminar held by the Wish Center (before it was called that, actually) last May. I really liked his style -- he was convincing with the information that WLS surgery is the only way to go for many of us. That, in addition to the statistics he offered, really helped me to make my decision.

I went to see him and his staff last June. I was nervous, but overall they were very good. I was not prepared to be there for the long appointment they had me scheduled for -- perhaps because I was nervous, perhaps because I felt overwhelmed, but it was a little much for me...especially because they scheduled the surgery right then and there.

(more later)

I first met Dr. Rosen at my first pre-op appointment. He appeared knowledgeable and very pleasant. He answered all my questions. The office staff was informative and very pleasant. The only disappointment I had with the Wish Center was the duration of the appointment. I was at the Center for almost 4 hours. That is entirely too long to meet with the doctor and team. The appointment could be handled in half that amount of time with all information covered. The Center does a good job with preparation for surgery(diet and exercise program for one month before surgery). It has a follow up consultation which better prepares you for surgery(another 4 hours)and an aftercare program. Dr. Rosen did address all the risks of surgery. I really don't know how to rate him. I am not a physcian. I have spoken to others who have had surgery done by Dr.Rosen and they are doing well. I am praying that I am in good hands. I can rate the doctor and the staff much better after surgery.

What was your first impression of him? I thought that he was a caring person

How did your impression change over time? It hasent, I still think that I am in great hands.

How would you describe his office staff? They are all wonderful from the receptionist to the therapist.


What should future patients know about him? He is tough he gives you a list and if you dont follow it he lets you know that he is not happy.

How much does he emphasize aftercare? On my first visit he was telling me how important it is to follow all directions for the after care. I was impressed.

Does he have a structured aftercare program? yes he does.

How did he address the risks of surgery? I thought that he did a wonderful job of making me feel confident in knowing what I was getting into.

How would you rate him overall? 10 out of 10

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside
manner, or both great? I think that he has a great bedside manner, and I am confident he will be a great surgeon.

I liked him right away, he did not B.S. me, and told me if I stuck with and trusetd the program, I would do well.

My first impression was great. The impression has continued throughout my journey so far. The office staff was very caring and professional. I can not say that there was anything that I did/do not like about Dr. Rosen. Future patients should know that I would recommend Dr. Rosen to ANYONE!! The program that Dr. Rosen has is very strict on aftercare. At every pre-op and post-op visit you see the Dr., an exercise theripist, and a nutritionist. Each visit you are given a list of goals from each person for yourself to meet prior to your next appt. Dr. Rosen was VERY detailed about possible risks. I would rate him and his staff a perfect 10 on all aspects!!!

I found Dr. Rosen as well as the entire staff to be positive and supportive in every way. They do make you help to gather all your medical records, this is to your own advantage to speed up the process.
This clinic has agreat pre care program with exercise diet behavior modification counseling. I felt extermly informed of the whole process. If you do what your suppose to do you will have a safe healthy recovery and weight loss. Going into surgery I had been exercising for 2 months , I was stronger after surgery and able to get up easier and move about with more strengh.
These doctors don't leave any thing out they go over every risk out there. It can sound kind of scarey. Knowing that they are trauma surgeons made huge differince to me, practially any thing that could go wrong I felt they could fix.The aftercare program seems to be important they tract you for 5 years. I rate them with highest regaurds a 10 onthe 1 to 10 scale 10 being the highest.Thier surgical competence and bedside manner are both great.Iknow that they sound too good to be true, however you must work hard too.There are alot of criteria that you must comply with to even be accepted as a patient.I really liked the holistic approach, losing weight in a healthy smart way is important to me.

Dr Rosen seems like a very wonderful dr. He went over the whole procedure with me including all the risks. He is very easy to talk to and soft spoken. The office staff is very nice and take time with you. I have to keep a journal of everything I eat and all the exercise I do for a few weeks. They have a support group which meets once a month. I had to see a psychologist as well as a nutritionist and an exercise physiologist. They all had to approve me before the dr would do the surgery. I am going to my first support group tomorrow so I will know more then.

he is a very nice surgen when I had problems at the hospital he was right there to take care of it. The staff were very through and no question went unanswered.

Dr. Rosen is very humourous and very straight forward. This kind of puts an easy edge on the entire process. He provides a multidisciplinary team of clinicians to assist with evey aspect of this surgery. There is a great emphasis on after care, which provides this entire process with a great deal of structure. I am glad I chose to go with such a thorough program as offered by the Wish Center of Downers Grove, IL

Update! 3/1/2001 I went to a Seminar at the Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center. Dr. Christopher Salvino was the physican giving the presentation. I felt much more comfortable with their approach to WLS when I left the seminar!!!! I had 10 questions before the seminar began. 6 were answered in the seminar. When Q & A time came, I asked the rest of my questions, not once did he seem impatient! He is a very knowledgeable physician. He explained everything very well. Their program is a more rounded program. After doing some research on WLS, I had decided to begin an exercise program and possibly return to Weight Watchers, just so I could get a head start on healthy eating. That was one of the first items they mentioned! They feel that if you begin an exercise and eating program you will do better after surgery! They are very concerned about me as an individual SUCCEEDING! I feel that this is where I want to have my surgery. The office staff that was a part of the seminar seemed very nice. I can't wait to call and schedule my consultation! We were told it will take 4-5 hours for the consultation alone! Not everyone who comes asking for the surgery will be accepted. You meet with a nutritionist, an exercise "coach" and the Dr. (Sorry I can't remember the other two).
You leave the consult with a set of goals you have to meet within a 1 month period I believe, if you do not meet the goals, you have to return when you have met them. I am just so excited about their program!!!! I hope my insurance comes through soon!
4/19/01 I called Dr. Salvino's office and I can't get in for a consult until 6/7/01, boo hoo! Meanwhile, I've been trying to start a walking program and eating "healthier."


6/9/01 I had my consultation on 6/7/01. Everyone in Dr. Rosen's office is wonderful! They are great! My surgery date is schedule for July 18th, Insurance approval pending! I am praying so hard they approve me. Dr. Rosen was very nice, and personable. I felt comfortable and relaxed with him and the rest of the staff. I arrived 40 minutes early because I didn't get into any bad traffic (I had a 3 hr drive) and after filling out the initial paperwork, I got right in. I was able to have my pre-screening labs and EKG done before I left the hospital and my heparin 'script is on file in the pharmacy!


7/8/01 It's been awhile! I went back for my pre-op work on July 5th!!! I am sooooo impressed with the "roundness" of this program! I feel I am ready for surgery because of all the hard work they have put into it. (Dr's office) I am eating healthy, 1100 Calories a day, and exercising daily. I am up to being able to walk for 30 minutes w/a target heart rate of 32 beats for 15 seconds!!!! That is a miracle!! I have been on anti-inflammatory meds for 4 years for my knees. By the Grace of God, I have not had any Voltaren since June 19th!!! I am already crushing meds so I will be used to that. The diet I am on is the diet I will be on after all my liquid, pureed and soft solids stages.
For those of you considering Dr's Rosen & Salvino-You will make a wonderful choice!!!! They care about you as a person. Not a number and not an insurance check!!
So long for now!!