Testimonials

Hi,

I had a procedure done last week and Dr. Weil took time out of his busy day to spend with my twins! And my daughter fell a little bit in love!

Thanks so much,

Jodi
Highland Park

I had surgery with Dr. Weil on November 16, 2009 to fix a bad fracture with tissue and nerve damage on my right foot. I already had surgery with another doctor a year before at Northwestern Hospital and my foot was becoming deformed and I was in a lot of pain. Well my surgery with Dr. Weil, Sr. was very successful and after 8 weeks I no longer have any doctor appointments. One thing I think made my surgery a success is I listened to him after each appointment. Dr. Weil stressed to me to keep weight off and always wear the boot when walking and use the machine called Vital Wrap to ice the foot. Well I wore the boot 24/7 except going to bed and taking a shower. Vital Wrap is wonderful for instant relief. Listening to the doctor and taking it seriously by not walking on the foot too soon made the difference. My post x-rays showed the healing and after sometime the swollen will go down. My only advise is to listen to the doctor, take his directions seriously and you will have success. Don't work out too early, it will come soon enough. The other note I would like to say is Dr. Weil is a specialist for feet, not hip replacements, knee replacements, etc. Also his stafff is the best I have ever seen and his nurse, Pam is such a huge asset for Dr. Weil.

Sue
Des Plaines, IL

Hi Dr. Weil,

You asked me to let you know how I was doing since I last saw you the beginning of December. Well, I'm doing wonderfully! The only time I have any pain, and it's slight, is if I'm standing for a long time. Yesterday I walked all over downtown, which is what I did the day before all of this began, and this morning there was no pain at all.

I have listened to you, and haven't worked out yet, but I will begin soon. I know—every other day, and ice after.

I cannot thank you enough for your treatment and expertise which has made a huge difference in my life. I enjoyed meeting you very much.

Have a wonderful New Year!

Sincerely,
Mary
Chicago, IL

Hey Doc! I am writing to let you know of my ESWT and office visits from start to finish. When I got there on my first visit I liked the fact that you were straight forward and didn’t try to sell me ESWT and let me know it was not a covered (insurance) item. I had just gotten a shot from my referring doctor so my foot was feeling good. You introduced me to Jennifer and said when and if I decide to do something please call her and she will take care of it from start to finish. She did.

I called several months later and came in and got my first treatment followed by the 3 other two a few weeks apart and we talked every time and I did feel like you were really listening and wanted to let you know I appreciated that. Still and all my foot was not feeling as good as I would have liked. Once again you took the time to listen and we talked about a moving forward game plan. From here is where I really to emphasize my treatment by your staff; in particular Jennifer (She was great!!). The plan was to send in for insurance approval for orthotics. Jen had me get molded so that if they approved them then you get them done and I could come back when complete and be good to go. She said if they say no, we will go to Plan “B” which was using my fourth “freebie” ESWT, and then see how that took and go from there to Plan “C”, which was surgery.

I was called the next day by someone and told that insurance wouldn’t cover the ortoics and if I wanted I would have to pay $550 now. I said to hold them and I will think more on them and get back with them. Then I asked to speak to Jen and schedule the fourth ESWT treatment. I really thought this would be a hassle or was thinking something would be less than before being on you. It was not and you handled it just like normal and one of the things I want to report in this letter is the fourth time was the charm and my foot has felt 100% better since.

Everything seemed great until…I got a bill wanting me to pay approx. $125 for my part of the bill for work that was never done and what the insurance didn’t cover on the orthotics that they did pay for. I called and talked to someone who I’m sure was more than happy to hand this over to Jen to take care of. (I was not happy) The first thing Jen said was will take off everything on this bill that’s not right and make everything right.

She had me come in for another fitting which did not have the office co-pay since I was there before for that. (A cheap guy like me appreciates that). Made the next appointment for the fitting and said if I had any issues on the bill we will finalize them after the fitting. Today after the fitting she walked me out to the waiting area, spoke to Lindsay personally and had her correct the bill to what made sense and then had Lindsay (who was also very nice) go over the bill with me in detail. Then Jen stopped back in and made sure I was a “happy camper”. This was the right thing to do, the professional thing to do, and the nice thing to do. They took a wrong and made it right. Please accept my compliments on your work, Lindsay’s work, and especially Jennifer’s work. She is the best! Please feel free to share this and use me for any reference.

Thanks,
Bob
Franklin Park, IL

Dear Dr. Baker and Dr. Bongiovanni,

I would like to sincerely thank the both of you for your service and dedication put forth in the healing of my foot. I would not be where I am today without your expertise, guidance, and diligent care.

I had back surgery as an infant, which resulted in neuropathy in my foot and three toe amputations and countless infections. When I first came to your office back in August, I was quite frustrated with the medical care (or lack thereof) that I’d been receiving. My problems were recurring, and I felt as though I was getting nowhere, or even going backwards. I searched locally for another doctor for a second opinion, and was repeatedly told that the doctors didn’t see patients with a condition like mine. I originally found out about Weil Foot & Ankle Center by doing some online research on a Saturday morning, reading about Charcot. When I dug a little further, I realized that your offices were in Illinois thus I immediately picked up the phone to call to make an appointment. I cannot explain the excitement that I felt going to get another opinion in such a well-regarded establishment.

I have only wonderful things to say about Dr. Baker and Dr. Bongiovanni. They have both been a true testament of what a doctor should be: honest, caring, practical, down-to-earth, and just plain nice! I have felt comfortable around the both of them and respect their immense knowledge of properly caring for the foot. They both were not only concerned with treating the existing problem but finding ways of prevention to avoid future problems. They took the time to ask me questions about my lifestyle and gave me practical solutions that fit appropriately. They did not just come in, look at my foot, offer a few phrases and leave; they spent on average 20-25 minutes each visit to talk about what was presently at hand.

Since then, I have visited your office on several occasions. All of the staff are so kind and really put forth the extra effort to accommodate me. I live about 75 miles away, and each visit was scheduled to see both of my doctors within a short time period to save on having to make two trips.

I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Baker , Dr. Bongiovanni, all the nurses and staff for the exemplary care I that I received. I would highly recommend Weil Foot & Ankle Center to anyone looking for a physician. Thank you again.

Cordially,

Kate
Wauwatosa, WI

Hi, Dr. Weil,

I know you're busy, so I'll try to make this brief...

My name is Trip Swindell (Major Swindell), and you performed a bilateral scarf on me in 2001 (I was the patient with hypermobility, or "double-jointedness").

I live in Houston, now, and just yesterday, I had to choose a local podiatrist to extract a shard of glass from my foot. It just so happened that I was seen by Dr. Michael Mineo, who was amazed by your work and the range of post-surgical mobility I have. He told me that he's known you for many years, and his son is currently gaining internship experience as a volunteer in your office. He went further to tell me that you are the top podiatry surgeon in the country... perhaps the world!

What a small world, huh?!

Thank you for everything you've done to make my life what it is today... I'm completely pain-free and more physically active than I've ever been.

Trip Swindell
Houston, TX

Dear Dr. Bongiovanni: (or as known in my office "Dr. BonJovi")

I thought I would drop you an email to give you an update on my progress with my new orthotics and Arizona brace.

Honestly, I was a little apprehensive when I left your office with my new devices. They initially felt obtrusive and uncomfortable. Within an hour I felt very secure and comfortable in the Arizona brace and actually left it on all day. (as you suspected I went all out!)

I have worn it every day with the exception of the last two days because I was in Phoenix for a night and wore shorts and topsiders. Even being without it my left ankle and foot felt much better, better than they have in years. I still have slight heel pain but much less than before. I cannot tell you how liberating the feeling is. I have seen over three different Podiatrists and Orthopedic Surgeons and nobody was able to give me the level of relief that you and Dr. Weil have given me. I would just like to express my deepest gratitude to you. Your help is so greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your honesty and professionalism and more importantly, your talent! You should be very proud. You guys are awesome.

Sincerely,

Dr. James Kakos
one happy patient!!!:-)

My Weight Loss Success Story – 172 pounds lighter!

I was always on the heavier side once I graduated from High School and was on my own. I really never paid attention to my weight just figuring I had the rest of my life to get healthy. So why do anything about it right now when I can just enjoy myself.

In January of 2007 I had surgery on my right ankle by Dr. Weil, Jr because I wasn't stable when I walked and I would sometimes fall. Dr Weil told me that one of the reasons I am having so much of a problem was because of the extreme amount I weighed and the pressure that weight placed on the ankle. He said losing weight would help.

I saw my General Practitioner and she did blood work for cholesterol and took my blood pressure, and heart rate. My cholesterol was off the charts at a whopping 386, my blood pressure was 189/99 and my resting heart rate was 112. She was very worried about me, told me losing weight would help me increase my overall health.

I decided that enough was enough and to get going on a weight loss program. When I weighed in I just cried when the scale read 404 pounds!

I set my goals small because I didn't want to think of the larger picture. My sights were set on losing 5 lbs at a time, then my first 10%. I followed the plan, began exercising and the weight started to fall off; before I knew it I lost 100 lbs by Christmas of 2007!

My biggest focus was to become healthier and fit for the rest of my life now and not later when it would be harder to do. I wanted to live an active, fun, healthy life and not have my weight hold me back from doing anything.

I went back to the doctor in March of 2008 to be re-tested and my doctor was shocked by my new look! When the tests came back, my cholesterol had dropped 240 points to 146, my blood pressure went down to 112/78 and my resting heart rate is at an average of 38!

Now I am able to walk almost 6 miles a day, feel fit and really feel great about how I look. And my friends and co-workers are seeing me as the inspiration to lose weight and get healthier for themselves.

Total inches lost since I started in Feb of 2007:

Waist – 33 inches
Hips – 27 inches
Chest – 19 inches

I have gone from a size 6x to a 16 in tops/blouses!

I have gone from a size 32 to a 14 in pants/jeans!

I have gone from a size 34 to a 12 in a swim suit!

The most important thing I am proud of is the hard work that I have done to make sure that I never see myself be at where I was in weight ever again.

My thanks goes to all the people that have helped me along the way from personal trainers ( Cindy Huber) my weight loss leaders, Dr. Weil Jr., Dr. David, family, friends and the 110% of support from my husband Brian without whom I couldn't have done this!

TOTAL WEIGHT LOST SINCE FEBRUARY 2007 172 pounds!!!

Sincerly,

Heather
Mount Prospect, IL

Hi Dr. Amarantos,

I just wanted to update you on my progress. As you recall, I had the "procedure" (sticking ten "pins" in my Achilles) on April 24 and my boot came off on May 15. I was making nice progress through 5-6 weeks. I was feeling slight discomfort in running, walking, etc.

However, after that period of time, I became conscious of a new found strength taking root in the affected Achilles. In playing tennis, and basketball, I noticed absolutely no discomfort in the foot. In fact, if you recall, from the time I had plantar fasciitis, or whatever it is called, I had discomfort from my low back foot (not the technical term I know) whenever I would start walking after being inactive for a period of time. I recall a discussion where you said the worst thing invented was earth shoes. Well anyway, all of the discomfort is gone. In short, my right foot area hasn't felt as good for at least ten years.

I want to thank you for your care.

Doug
Highland Park, IL

Dr. Weil,

It's been a long time since we spoke, but I wanted to drop you a note and say thanks for the healthy tendon. Just got back from Israel and the Maccabi games. What a ride me and my family had. Happy to report that aside from some bad blisters, the tendon was a success.

I am truly appreciative of you rushing me in when you did to get the tendon done. It allowed for a gradual and not hastened fitness improvement for the summer tournament. In all, I lost over 15 pounds and felt great. I know that I would never have been able to do that without your help.

Thanks!!!

Russell
Arlington Heights, IL

Dr. Weil,

This is long overdue...

In August 2007 I came to see you with terrible pain in my feet. You quickly diagnosed my problem and suggested surgery. Prior to the surgery I lived with constant pain in my feet, legs and back. The pain remained even when I was off of my feet. I felt like an old man at 47.

The surgery was in September of 2007. The recovery lasted well over a year. It was hard on me physically and financially. Today I walk around with new feet, no pain, no need to stay off my feet and I marvel at how much better my situation is. Every time I spend the day on my feet golfing, walking exercising I think about how you have improved my life.

I would like to take this opportunity to officially thank you for your good work I truly appreciate it.

Terry
Arlington Heights, IL

Hello Dr. Baker,

As my foot approaches healed status, I reflect on the long healing time. I know we had a rocky start, mostly because I was scared and concerned about my family. Even then I knew that your concern was for my health. As the weeks passed, and we each learned how the other thought, my respect and appreciation for you grew. Thank you for understanding, even when you didn't agree, what was important to me and developing a treatment plan that accommodated those factors..

Not only are you wonderful, but your staff is amazing als. Both Heather and Rachel make me feel comfortable, relaxed and optimistic. They also help me laugh (and if I can see the humor, I can do anything). Usually Rachel takes care of me. She is so thorough and efficient as she gets everything organized and ready. When I was still using the wound vac and there was an unpleasant odor when she removed the dressing, she reassured me that it the closed dressing generated the smell and usually it was worse. She has followed through when things change, calling my insurance company and then letting me know the plan. She always makes certain I understand what I need to do during the week and can follow the plan.

Thank you again for all you have done. I feel very fortunate that I chose Weil last year. You and your staff are an asset to Weil.

Hello Dr. Weil, Jr.,

Just wanted to wish you a happy holiday season to you and your family. I still tell everyone I know about your practice and the care you give your patients!

May the holiday season be happy and joyous for you And the coming year be also healthy and joyful!

I will say hello to you as I will be driving my brother dave in for his plantar fascitis surgery in January I still say; You are the BEST doctor I have ever encountered in my life!

Best wishes during the holidays, and sincerely,

Gary J. P.

Hey there Dr. Weil, Jr.!!

Just wanted you to know that my feet & I survived one of the most brutal trainings I've had in the 3 years I've been doing this. We had our 1st long train along the lake, starting @ Wilson Ave w/the turn around DT-supposed to be 16 miler. I went out early & had gotten 2 miles done before the team had started. Extremely hot/hume w/very little hydration provided along the trail-kind of like last year's Chgo Marathon, except we had opportunity to buy water/gatorade at the stands along the beach.

Well I proved my age-"old lady status/SPED Teacher" My partner & I totally missed both the 8 & 8.5 mile markers & turned around @ mile 9, thus doing 18 miles. I made it back to Wilson, feet feeling Great!!! knee bit tight & rest of my body sore. Again I waited all night for the "pain" in my feet that I traditional get. I woke up & automatically started my feet exercises against my wooden base board of my bed. (I think the soreness of the rest of my body put me into automatic pilot to do this) After about a minute, I realized that my feet were the only part of my body that was feeling great!!

My partner on the other hand is suffering like I used to. I'm hoping that this will convince her to make an appointment with you!!

My feet & I say "THANKS!!!!!"

Lorrie
Westchester, IL (Born 1956)

” I had surgery on my bunion and hammer toe on my left foot five months ago. It has been a great experience with Dr. Lawton, and I could not be more pleased with the results. I have been back to work for 3 months and I have no pain. Now I can polish my nails for the first time.”

Gail, Nurse Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital

I was referred to Dr. Lowell Weil, Jr. by my orthopedic surgeon when I asked him for a good "foot" doctor. Little did I know what a really good "foot" doctor I was about to work with. Dr. Weil performed a bunionectomy and corrected the windswept toes on my left foot. I had very little pain and healed quickly from the surgery. I was very happy with the outcome.

Probably, the most impressive outcome with Dr. Weil was when he performed surgery to repair a ruptured anterior tibialus tendon in my right foot which I tore completely when I slipped on the ice. My recovery from this surgery was phenomenal. I had almost no pain immediately after the surgery. I was in a cast for a month and a boot for another month. But within twelve weeks of the surgery, with some physical therapy, I was walking normally and the physical therapist was astounded at how quickly I had recovered. On my twelve week follow up office visit, Dr. Weil was very surprised at how well I was doing after such a short time. I found Dr. Weil to be very personable and very forthcoming with information about how he would do the procedures I was scheduled for and what the possible outcomes of those procedures would be. I never felt rushed during office visits or post surgically. He always made time after surgery to explain everything as many times as I needed to hear it until I was satisfied that I knew exactly what needed to be done on my part in the healing process.

Martha (Born 1944), Libertyville, IL

"As a healthcare professional, I have not only had opportunities to work in various institutions; but, I have also had the responsibility to evaluate practices as well as personnel who provide health care services. From an actual patient's view, I believe I have a new appreciation for the work that rarely receives the recognition that is so deserving. It is difficult to articulate my satisfaction with the level of care that I personally received. I was extremely impressed with Dr. Lowell Weil, Jr for his knowledge, expertise and the time he expended to ensure that I was duly informed about my treatment options. It was reassuring that he took time for me to explore alternative options prior to the surgical intervention actually taking place. Dr. Weil took ensure that explanation were provided regarding the proposed procedure and he permitted me the opportunity to be directly involved in the strategy of my care.

An added bonus was the Foot and Ankle Institute website which I found to be extremely helpful in attaining additional information that I might not otherwise would have thought to inquire about, it was also beneficial in preparing me for what to anticipate regarding the surgical procedure as well as post-op care. If future needs arise, I would not hesitate to return or refer others to seek care under the direction of Dr. Lowell Weil, Jr."

Belinda (born 1958), Lake Bluff, IL

"I'm happy to say I have resumed a normal walking life. Dr. Lawton is a really good surgeon, and I would gladly refer him to anyone."

Charmaine (Brookfield, IL.)
Producer for Leo Burnett USA, Inc.

I was devastated in February when I came down for a rebound and couldn’t walk off the court. I saw the end of my NCAA All-Conference Basketball career when a previous podiatrist put me in a walking boot, for my tendon strain. I contacted Dr. Amarantos and after a preliminary visit with him devised a more custom plan of treatment for me. After an MRI, which revealed a ruptured Posterior Tibialis we scheduled a surgery. Two weeks after surgery I started feeling some relief when the cast was taken off and I returned to a walking boot. Six weeks later I was able to wear my gym shoes with a brace, and I could really notice the vast improvement, I was able to walk with next to no pain for the first time in four months! I was recently cleared for full playing and am grateful for the specialized treatment that I received from Dr. Amarantos. My fears of missing my senior season did not come true, as the prompt quality treatment got me back on the court for pre-season. I will gladly recommend any of my teammates, family, or friends to Dr. Amarantos, in complete confidence that they would receive top-notch treatment.

Thanks Dr. A!
Carlie
Lady Reds Captain
Carthage College
Kenosha, WI

Dear Dr. L.S. Weil SR,

In the twenty years I have been traversing the mazes of medical care, there have been a precious few encounters that measure up to the experience I had last month with you. There have been many who believed they were on top of their game, came highly recommended, splattered with publication, specialization, and honors. Most have schedules requiring weeks of advance booking, with fees to match. You, could teach all of them a thing or two, which, either they never knew or somehow lost along the way.

Thank you. ....for a bedside manner which still emotes curiosity, sensitivity and reasonable rationality... for language that clarified instead of dazzled and dazed...for treating me not only with sharpened professionalism but with kindness, consideration and wisdom you would offer a sister. Thank you for responses to my side-bar chatter, which gave me a glimpse of the man behind the white coat. I left your office informed and encouraged, determined to keep up the good fight, to take the next step, one slightly misaligned foot in front of the other. You delivered the best of what great healers have to offer. And while I know, you know, you are good at your art. You failed miserably the arrogance test.

Great men surround themselves with great subordinates. Every facet of my encounter with your support people; from making the appointment, registering at the desk, giving a history, standing for x-rays, getting copies, or asking follow up questions was handled with patience and professionalism, by individuals who actually felt like they cared enough to get it right and liked what they were doing. There was eye contact, civility, and a sense that one was more than a file or a case to be shuffled. I am still however, undecided about the waiting room. Which do I like best, Boy With Thorn, or cascading water walls? All round, through and through, a class act.

While I don't look forward to the proposed treatment plan, I am reassured and confident that the best man with a great team will be looking out for me.

With My Most Sincere Appreciation,

Mary ,(Woodstock, IL)

I am a 44 year old firefighter that has suffered with chronic heel pain (Plantar Fasciitis) for over 2 years. I also run a few miles several times a week as part of my regular exercise routine. To say that I was frustrated with my pain and the inability to treat it with all the conventional stretching, exercises, inserts, etc is an understatement. After a referral from my Orthopedic Surgeon to Dr Lowell Weil Jr., that was about to change. He was completely thorough in his diagnosis and offered several options for treatment. I had surgery, minimal invasive, last December and was back on my feet in 48 hours. Within a week I was back walking in gym shoes and back to the gym on a light workout within a month. When I say the recovery was quick, it is amazing how good my feet felt. It took Dr. Weil's caution to take it easy at first to keep me from doing more right away. His options for treatment are not offered by all doctors and that's too bad. I have heard horror stories of multiple surgeries with 6 month recovery time. Nonsense - if you suffer from chronic heel pain, give Dr Lowell Weil Jr. a call, I have referred several people to him and will continue to do so. It is 9 months since my surgery and I have had NO problems what so ever with my heel. Thank You again Dr. Weil.

Firefighter - Tom (Chicago, IL)

Dear Dr. Weil,
I just wanted to say an extra thank you for taking such wonderful care of my father this past week. You operated on my Dad, Ivan Rowan, MD, on Monday. From the moment he met you he felt a sense of warmth and kindness. My Dad has been through a lot of surgery and extreme discomfort with his feet for many years now and you have been the first "real" doctor to listen and give him a bit of affirmation and hope. Even if this most recent procedure gives his foot just a bit less pain, YOU have given him a gift of sincerity and professionalism. The extra care you have given my Dad has been greatly appreciated!

Thank you.
Best,
Laura (Dr. Ivan Rowan's Daughter in CA)

Dr. Weil Jr. & Libertyville Staff,

Just wanted to let you know that I was able to complete the Chicago Marathon this past weekend, even though I was in your office with a severe sprain - just 2 weeks before the race!

I didn't hit my sub-4 goal but did finish @ 4:37. My ankle is not happy with me now...so I'm back to ice baths and off the pavement until it heals completely.

You guys were so great to me when I was injured and an emotional mess, so I wanted to thank you personally for the care you gave me that day. Thank you!!!

Lisa, Sr. Loan Officer
Flagstar Bank

The referral of your family and friends is the greatest compliment I could receive! Thank You!

To submit your own testimonial please click here or email testimonials@weil4feet.com