Re: Looking for a doctor**

[Guest guest]

Hi, . My name is and I also live in Chicago (well, a western

suburb of Chicago). I was also really amazed when I couldn't find a DS

surgeon in this massive city. After all of my research, though, I decided

that if I was going to have WLS, it would be the DS.

I decided on a surgeon first. I knew I wanted this done lap, if possible, so

that narrowed down my choices. After much research, I chose Dr. Dennis

in Atlanta. He had (and has) a great reputation and I was delighted to find

that he was also in network with United Health Care. I was approved for

surgery. I flew to Atlanta twice. Once for pre-op testing and then for

surgery. My surgery was on 2/28/01. I had to stay in a hotel for 4 nights

after I was released from the hospital.

Was it easy to be away from home after major surgery. Not really. Was it a

deal breaker. No WAY!!!

I am so fortunate that I had no serious complications. I have NEVER

regretted my surgery. My life and overall health have already improved so

much. I have soooo much more energy!

So, I guess what I am trying to say is that I was where you are now.

Disappointed at the lack of surgeons in the area and freaked out at the idea

of going away from home for surgery. I will say that it was weird, but I

will take that weird week of my life to now face a future of " normal. " I

have lost over 50 pounds in 11 weeks (haven't weighed myself in a while). I

wore a size 24 pants (and the 24 jeans were too tight to wear) when I went

into the hospital and today I wore a size 18.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions you might have. I am at

posatitude@...

Good luck!

in IL

Dr.

Lap DS 2/28/01

- 50 pounds as of 5/9

<<

2) Why are there so Few Doctors? I live in Chicago there is one of

everything in Chicago but no doctors willing to do DS? Why is that? I have

to admit that makes me nervous. >>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 05/16/2001 5:04:39 PM Central Daylight Time,

posatitude@... writes:

<< Hi, . My name is and I also live in Chicago (well, a western

suburb of Chicago). I was also really amazed when I couldn't find a DS

surgeon in this massive city. After all of my research, though, I decided

that if I was going to have WLS, it would be the DS. >>

I also am from the Chicago area. I too found it hard to believe there was

not a DS doctor in this vast area. I decided I wanted a surgeon I could

drive to. So I decided to go straight to the source (pioneer) and went to

Dr. Hess in Bowling Green, OH. It is an easy drive straight out i-80 and

takes about 4.5 hours. I can leave early in the morning for a post op

appointment and be back by 4 pm the same day. I have gone alone on several

occasion (not when I had surgery though). Bowling Green is a very easy town

to get around also. Dr. Hess is an older (and very experienced) surgeon and

only does the DS open (didn't have enough video games in his day I guess

lol).

Dawn

Dr. Hess, Bowling Green, OH

BPD/DS

www.duodenalswitch.com

267 to 165

size 22 to size 10

have made size goal, weight goal may need to be adjusted.

no more high blood pressure, sore feet, or dieting!

[Guest guest]

2) Why are there so Few Doctors? I live in Chicago there is one of everything in Chicago but no doctors willing to do DS? Why is that? I have to admit that makes me nervous. >>

-

I am south of you in Southern Indiana and I have decided to have lap with Dr. Elariny. I was also surprised that there are no DS doctors in the Chicago area!! As you can tell from the different postings...you have a number of options when it comes to DS doctors and I am sure that anyone from your area will be more than willing to let you know how their travel and experiences have been!!

-Jeffi

PS Feel free to email me privately if you would like!