ANY FROM ORLANDO??

Yes, Dr. Marema is in Celebration. He is also going to open our new US Bariatric office in St. Augustine. Kristen

Hi Amanda, Dr. Marema is pretty terrific. In 2003, he was rated in OH (Obesity Help) Magazine as the #1 bariatric surgeon in the USA. Very skilled and very easy to talk to. You'll like him a lot. I'll see you on the 17th. If you need anything (more info...talking down from the ledge...stuff like that) just call or email anytime. Kristen

Thanks so much Kristen. I can't tell you how much better that makes me feel to hear that he is easy to talk to. Also nice to hear such great feed back in general about Celebration Hospital. See you on the 17th. Are you in that front desk when you first walk into the hospital?

Hi Amanda, I am glad that you feel comfortable with us. You are truly in good hands - mind, body and spirit. No, I am the patient concierge specifically for US Bariatric Orlando, so I am in the back office. I assist patients with financing, as well as assisting with the navigation of the entire patient process from info session to aftercare. So if you need anything at any time, don't hesitate to ask for my help. As far as support groups go, we also have an online support group options you may want to consider until your Wednesdays are free. They are on Monday and Thursday nights (9:00PM - 10:00PM), and Thursdays at lunchtime from 12:00PM - 1:00PM. Happy Easter! Kristen

Happy Easter to you too Kristen!!! The online support groups sound great. I will have to remember to sign on to one or two. You know, I think you might have spoken to my mom actually. See, my father was supposed to have the sleeve last month in Ft. Lauderdale with Dr. Perez, however, in the process of cardio testing to make sure he was ok for suregery, they found a blockage. The cardiologist told my dad he can't have the surgery for one year, but he had already paid. So, my mom called your office to see if it was possible for the office in Ft. Lauderdale to transfer the payment, minus the blood work and stuff he had done, to Celebration.

Yes! I spoke with your mother. How is your Dad feeling? It is not uncommon that we find major health issues during our extensive pre-operative testing phase. Thankfully your Dad found out about the blockage now rather than wait for another critical health issue. Kristen

WOW small world. My mom is going to think that is funny. My dad is feeling much better now. Youre not kidding thankfully he found out. It was kind of funny because his PCP is extremely picky about every detail and our family was like, "just write the letter already". Then turns out, he saved his life. Cardiologist said if he let it go longer he would have had a major heart attack in 6 months. Freaked us out. He is trying Jenny Craig right now and slowly but surely working on quitting smoking. Really difficult for him but he is trying. So I guess you will be the one I have to go to on the !7th so you can take all my money Take care.

WHEW - what a relief!! The smoking cessation will really make a quality of life difference for him as well. As far as the 17th goes: Yep...that's me! Take care!! Kristen

Amanda-- I had surgery at Celebration in January with Dr. Marema. I have been nothing but pleased pink with my decision. The staff at US Bariatrics is #1, but also the nursing staff in the hospital is excellent. I highly recommend Celebration Hosp and Dr. Merema. You will be in good hands all the way around. Wendy

Thanks for the response Wendy. My experience with the staff at US bariatrics has been great so far. I'm really looking forward to everything.