Question:
Dr Schram or Dr Scholtens? Which one?

I'm having difficulty choosing between Dr Schram of Bariatric Treatment Centers-Holland MI and Dr Scholtens of Academic Associates-Grand Rapids MI. I have done pros and cons of both and the only difference in the two is the length of time from now until surgery is done. Just wondering if anyone could share their personal experience with either Dr.    — Sara N. (posted on February 21, 2002)

February 21, 2002
I checked for you and found that both of these doctors are in the database of this site. Go to the top of any page and click on the "find a doc" link. If you follow instructions, you will get to your state's page that lists the surgeons there. Click on view comments and you will find a listing of insurance companies that have approved surgery with this doctor along with members'comments (with links to their profile)and e-mail addresses. Here is that page http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/showdocs.phtml?State=MI Good luck! Hope this helps. Shelley
   — Shelley.

February 21, 2002
Hi.. I chose Dr. Scholten and I have not regretted it AT ALL. He is an excellent surgeon, very nice, great support systems (which I can't take advantage of because I live 10 hours away.) His bedside manner is great. Overall I was very happy with Dr. Scholten. I have some stuff on my profile about him. I had to travel a long way despite who I chose, and I researched a lot of surgeons and I am so happy I went with Dr.S. Hope this helps! Laurie-UP-MI
   — Laurie L.

February 21, 2002
I've heard that Dr. Scholten requires you to lose ten percent of your excess weight before surgery, whereas BTC doesn't. That's something you might want to keep in mind. But I have heard wonderful things about him as a doctor. Hope this helps!
   — [Anonymous]

February 21, 2002
I had Dr Scholten and think he is a wonderful, gifted surgeon. His office staff is very supportive and knowledgeable. My only complaint would be that he is so very busy that although he is personable visits remain very basic and quick. I had an initial visit with the BTC prior to knowing about Dr. Scholten. I am so happy I found Dr. Scholten. He is very through pre op. The testing he does has probably saved my life. The time pre op seems like a long wait but we are talking about a lifetime and you can do things preop to help you get to your ultimate goal. He does require weight loss prior to surgery and has cancelled surgery for people who have not done this. He did not give me a specific amount and I lost about 12 pounds pre op over the course of a year. This was enough to satisfy him. I think he does this because even after surgery diet and exercise are needed and it helps you to begin good habits. It also reduces the amount of fat around your internal organs making the surgery easier for him and safer for you. How can you complain about that? I did not meet Dr Schram, hopefully some of his patients will reply to your request and give you their thoughts. I know you will make a good decision, enjoy the journey, Kathy
   — kathleen S.

February 21, 2002
I had Dr.Scholten. I had surgery on Dec. 3rd 2001. He was a wonderful gentle man and his office staff is also wonderful. I have not had any complications at all.
   — Melissa D.

February 22, 2002
With Dr.Scholten you have to lose 10% of body fat do a liquid diet b4 the surgery and he has a much longer waiting list. I have also heard some not so nice things about his PA Randy.You will only see Dr.S 2 times. Once for consult and then for afew minutes b4 the surgery is what I have been hearing. I had my consult with the BTC in holland and IF they accept your insurance (they wont accept bc/bs pos) they can schedule your surgery much faster and the hospital in Grand Haven is WONDERFUL. Keep in mind this is just MY opinion. I am having a consult with Hurly Center in Flint in a week or so if anyone has info on them please pass it on. Good luck to you in what ever you decide to do.
   — Sassy M.