Hello from Chicago

[drj 0]

Anyone out there from Chicago?

I was banded 14 months ago, and I'm still trying to figure it all out.

Now I'm figuring out how to use this message board. Your reply would help.

[sunnykim 0]

Hey my fellow chicagoan... There are not many badsters in Chicago.. But Welcome!!!

Kim

[Indababy 0]

Hi! I'm from Chicago as well. I am not banded yet but will be on April 7th. I'm glad you posted this -- good to know some other Chicagoan bandsters!

--Linda

[Waiting4Jesse 0]

Hey you guys....

I got banded on Monday (20th). :nervous

Today I stepped on the scale and I weigh more than I did the morning of surgery... what's up with that?!

[sarahv 0]

Hey there all! I'm a bandster wannabe (self pay delay) in the Chicago burbs! Nice to meet everyone!

Waiting 4Jesse: I just read Carnie Wilson's book and she experienced the same thing after surgery (although she had gastric bypass) - it's a side effect of surgery/anesthesia(sp) I'm pretty sure it's just Water.

[sarahv 0]

Where was everyone banded? By what doc?

[drj 0]

I looked into West Suburban Hospital and Loyola. Though I can't recall the the doctors' names at West Sub, they are a father and son team and are very good. They performed the GBypass or GBand on a few of my friends.

I, however, switched my insurance to Loyola (for other reasons) and found Dr. Shayani. To me, he is the best doctor. He hs a great sense of humor, though he has never had a weight issue himself. And he has good bedside manner. He will see you when you need an adjustment, even though it may not be a Wednesday, the day he typically does them. He knows his patients by name. He had done over 500 surgeries at the time I was banded on 12/30/04. And he has statistics on each of us that he presents to his prospective patients in their pre-banding support group on the second Monday of each month. On the fourth Monday of each month is the post-banding support group for Loyola's LB patients. He is a great doctor. I know a lot of people who have had surgery and aftercare with him. They feel the same way I do.

drj

[Waiting4Jesse 0]

I got banded at Swedish Covenant Hosp. by Dr. Agos. He's a good guy. :clap2:

My insurance didn't pay. The hospital has a package rate if you're a self-pay. It's about 16K.

[Indababy 0]

I will be banded by Dr. Rumbaut in Mexico on April 7th. Very nervous and excited!

--Linda

(Also in the Chicago burbs -- southside, GO SOX!!!)

[sarahv 0]

I'm excited for you too!! Please let me know how it goes with Dr. Rumbaut & Monterrey.

I'm trying to decide between him & Barix Clinics in Belvidere! The $ difference is about $3300.(more here) But - Rumbaut is said to be 'the rock star' of banding so please keep me posted!!

[shackdog 1]

I to am a self pay, and have found that several hospitals in my area that are doing this have package deals, doctor fees are extra. Mine is just shy 11000.00 for the hospital and doc and his assist 8000.00 here in Idaho