Comparison: Alexian Brothers / Kane Center and University of Illinois Chicago

[almosthome 91]

Keep in mind this is based on my personal experiences so far. If yours were different or you have more to add, please chime in! No particular order:

1a. UIC's info session was short and to-the-point, highlighting the essentials.

1b. The Kane Center seminar was thorough and over two hours long. For someone who has already done a lot of research and spent time in the forums here it would be almost 100% redundant. But I did like that they brought in four post-op patients for unscripted testimonies/Q&A. The surgeon also showed footage of the actual procedures being done (bypass, band, and sleeve).

2a. UIC offers patients a lot of options with respect to the pre-op diet and Vitamins. During the pre-op diet, as long as I'm not getting too many carbs, any Meal Replacement Protein shake is fine. My Vitamins can be cheap prenatals combined with any brand of deficiency-specific supplements. They will use regular follow-up labs to determine if a patient needs more or less of certain vitamins.

2b. The Kane Center has a 'partnership' with Bariatric Advantage and wants everyone to buy (expensive) B.A. shake powder and vitamins through them.

3a. UIC does not offer bariatric support groups. The psychologist might recommend OA or group therapy, but that's it.

3b. The Kane Center holds and strongly encourages patients to participate in local bariatric support groups.

4a. UIC accepts Medicaid. It is located in an urban area and attracts a lot of diverse patients.

4b. The Kane Center does not accept Medicaid. It is located in the suburbs, and the info session was attended by, well, suburban people-- some diversity, but much less than in Chicago.

5a. The UIC surgery office is often crowded, chaotic, and disorganized. Some appointments must be scheduled well in advance.

5b. No significant basis for comparison yet, though the coordinators were above average in making me feel welcome, comfortable, and directed. It was easy to get an initial appointment for the week after my inquiry.

6a. The UIC medical staff are down-to-earth, efficient professionals who always provide customized care.

6b. No basis for comparison yet.

[SugarFreeMe 293]

Here's my biased opinion for what it's worth.

I was referred to the Kane Center by my PCP, she and the practice she works at only recommend this center because they are a Center of Excellence in Bariatrics. My first experience with them was the seminar that like you I found extremely informative. When I went to my first appt with the surgeon (Dr Paul Guske) I was met by a nurse who treated me with the utmost respect and explained everything she was doing. Upon meeting Dr Guske and talking with him honestly, I was hooked. He is very compassionate and I never felt like I was the "fat" person in the room. He was/is very respectful and so encouraging. We talked for a bit about the different procedures, my health issues and then he asked me which procedure I thought was best for me. He was glad I had already chosen RNY, but he said if I had picked another he would have respected my decision. Thru the whole pre-op process I never felt like I was on my own. Every and any question I had was answered quickly and kindly, no matter how small or large, real or imagined in my head. During my final pre-op appt with Dr. Guske, he was very reassuring and I felt completely comfortable with what was about to take place. And then there's Alexian in Hoffman Estates. I've been in many and actually worked at a hospital but I have NEVER seen so many caring people who know what their doing. The nursing staff on 2 South that takes care of bariatric surgical patients are the BEST. They know what you need, how you feel and how to help you more often then not without you even having to ask. There wasn't a single disrespectful person there. I never felt like I was being judged or condemned because of my weight or situation. So if I ever had to refer someone, it would be to the Kane Center, Dr. Paul Guske and Alexian in Hoffman Estates. They are all top notch in patient care, compassion and understanding. Again, it's my unbiased opinion, but I feel quite confident in referring them to anyone. Best of luck with your journey

[SugarFreeMe 293]

Quick add - I don't have to buy their shakes or Vitamins. They supplied me with a list of Vitamins you can get at Walgreens and they really only worry about your Protein intake, but it doesn't "have" to be Bariatric Advantage, although as you state, they are in partnership with them so they offer that product in office.

[almosthome 91]

That's relieving! The info folder just has so many pages on Bariatric Advantage, such as an order form and another page stating in big letters, "Once your surgery is scheduled a fee of $147.48 will be requested for the Meal Replacement Diet."

I do like that nuts and fruit are allowed pre-operatively.

Not so excited about the colon cleanse; just did that for a colonscopy last month and it was hell. From what I've read, most bariatric patients just go on Clear liquids for a day or two before surgery. People, correct me if I'm wrong!

It's good to hear the staff truly care, both at the center and the hospital.

Thanks so much!

[cathyf 9]

I to had Dr. Guske and St. Alexian for the hospital and agree 100 per cent with everything "sugarfreeme" had to say. Had my sleeve done on 3/18 and do my followup appointments this Tuesday. No complications and always treated wih the utmost respect by everyone at the hospital and the Kane Center. Dr. Kane was actually the one who came to check me out of the hospital and see how I was doing. They truelly work as a team with the patient being their true priority. Only place I went to so nothing else to compare it to but have no complaints.

[piercedqt78 658]

I had my lap-band at UIC. I had a good experience, but Dr. Horgan is no longer there. Who is the current surgeon?

[SugarFreeMe 293]

OMG Cathy - I had my RNY on the 18th (7:30am) and also have my follow-up on Tuesday (2:00). Did you not just love the nurses at the hospital? They were all so nice and caring. I also loved that everyone gets a private rooms. No sharing space, having to share a tv or listen to someone snore, although I did hear someone hacking all night long the first night. Fixed that the second night with earplugs and a closed door. Talk about a small world. Dr Guske is the best, so kind and compassionate. I'm so glad my PCP recommend them to me. Like I said, I would have no problem recommending them to anyone.

AlmostHome, check on alternates to the Bariatric Advantage when you see them. I didn't question them on that, but Dr Guske did talk to me about Vitamins from GNC so I'm sure they'll give you a list of alternates to the shakes.

[mrs.melmcc 18]

@@SugarFreeMe how long did it take for them to schedule your surgery after everything was approved? I was cleared by the pulmonologist last Tuesday and I'm still waiting for them to call. It is quite frustrating since I ended up needing a CPAP before I could get clearance.

[SugarFreeMe 293]

I actually called them and spoke with Donna. I told her I was done with everything and asked if she had everything she needed or did I need to call someone and get her paperwork. She said she would check her file and let me know. The next day she called with a date. She's always so busy and doesn't mind the call, so I'd call her if I were you. Maybe someone didn't give get what she needs and you can help the process. Don't be afraid to call. Donna is awesome.

[mrs.melmcc 18]

That's exactly what I did this afternoon. She said she should be calling me tomorrow with a date!

[SugarFreeMe 293]

Keep me posted, and know that when she says she'll call, she will.

[mrs.melmcc 18]

She called this afternoon. My date is May 12th! I'm so excited!

[SugarFreeMe 293]

She called this afternoon. My date is May 12th! I'm so excited!

Congratulations!!!! Which hospital are you going to? I was at Alexian in Hoffman Estates. I can't explain enough how awesome the staff is there. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mrs.melmcc 18]

I am planning to go to Alexian in Elk Grove. It is closer to my house so easier for family to pick me up. I start the pre-op diet this Monday.

[SugarFreeMe 293]

I'm sure they're just as great in Elk Grove, I think it's an overall philosophy regarding excellence in patient care. The pre-op diet isn't all that bad. The first day you feel like your triumphant, second day is "I got this", then on the third day you feel it. Headache, tired, yucky. After that I was fine because you start seeing the scale move. I lost 10 pounds on the pre-op. Try to mix it up, they should have given you a list of different things to mix in, do it or you will get bored. Also, as you go the shakes will start to taste sweeter and sweeter. I have a really hard time with them now post-op. I've switched to Muscle Milk light, they don't taste overly sweet and they have great Protein.