Spectrum Health Medical Group Lakeshore Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Center

I am amazzed.... MDr. Scram is a very down to earth Doctor, he spent so much time with me, more then should of been allowed for anyone person. But he answered each and everyone of my questions. HIs Staff are a wonderful group of people, kind and thoughtful. I have been in many doctors office's. with many medical problems. ANd i was impressed with everything I heard and saw. I rate my experance 10. The only bad thing, was noise children in the waiting room, with parents, that didnt watch there children.

I met with Dr. Schram about one week ago and was very impressed with him. He seemed to be a very soft spoken, patient man. He took his time and answered all my questions and I did not feal rushed at all. He was very upfront with how difficult this opperation is and what type of life changes that I must be willing to make for this to work. He is very supportive and feels that aftercare is as important as the surgery. Says that this is not a mircle thing and that I still have to be willing to work. He also calmed all my fears about this surgery and my life after the change. I would rate him a number 1. However I felt that the lady that weighs you and takes some history is not very plesant and not supportive of this surgery. She stated that she was knew to BTC. So she might have just been learning her job.

Dr. Schram seem to be very onfoormed and professional at my first consultation in February, 2002. I'm a bit concerned because he has only performed 150 surgeries, but his partner, Dr, Poplawski, has done over 1000. The office staff is okay, but I have been communicating with Cindy by phone the past two months. She could be more understanding and explain the process better, I think. These are impressions; however, and since I haven't had the surgery yet, may be premature.

Dr. Schram was the doctor I saw on my initial consultation meeting. He came across as very kind and sympathetic to my needs. He was very willing to spend the necessary time to answer any and all of my questions. He even drew little pictures, describing the basics of the open RYN procedure. Some of it sounded a little rehearsed but I just thought, "he must do this ALL DAY LONG, of course it may sound a little rehearsed."
Overall, he seemed like a great doctor. We'll see as time goes on.

On Jan.23,2002 I met with Dr.Schram. He seemed very nice and not in a hurry. He answered all the questions my sister and I had. Jessica was great, we both loved talking to her. The front office staff were busy and seemed like they needed more staff, but friendly and helpful. They handle all the insurance paperwork. What a relief.
I will update after surgery.

First impression was favorable. (3-20-02)
Office staff at the time of the visit were amiable, however, after providing insurance and medical records to copy, the records were not returned to me, nor was the insurance information retained or processed.
Follow-up from the original contact: Tammy McVeigh indicated the information needed to be forwarded to her for followup with Insurance Dept.
I have yet to get approval from Insurance to date (4-10-02)

My first impression of Dr. Schram was that he is a polite, patient and caring man. He explains everything completely to you and takes his time to make sure you understand what you are getting into. His office staff is always helpful if not immediately they will get back to you as promised. I am very glad to have Dr. Schram as my surgeon. He is very concerned about you and your well being after the surgery. He has a well structured aftercare program. I would rate Dr. Schram as a 10! He is both surgical competent and has excellent bedside manner. He says a prayer with you before you go into to surgery. He makes you feel wonderful about yourself and what you are about to do to change the rest of your life.

OH gosh...what can I say about Jon Schram? He, oh my, well, loves the Lord! He is so welcoming and warm, you meet with him and are immediately welcome, and want no one else to operate! Isn't it funny, how you can be put at ease in seconds by someone who holds your life in their hands? LOL...
His staff are gracious, gracious people, the Friday before I had surgery (Monday), I received a phone call of congrats and good luck, I mean, how cool is that?
Due to many, many surgeries and health problems, I KNOW SURGERY...and He took such good care of me, his after surgery demeanor is as gentle and caring as prior to it. When I went into surgery, the hospital bought everyone who came with me breakfast! Again, how cool is that? I had no gray areas or empty spaces upon or after surgery, they left no stone unturned and we were given the number to the office and told to use it, before, during and after hours, they acted like they wanted us to call lol...Anyone who's considering Bariatric Treatment Center in Holland/Grand Haven Michigan, please do it, don't go anywhere else.
The nurses on the floor...priceless, one sat on the bed with me and cried with me, one came in to tell me stupid jokes, that's what we called them...stupid jokes!!! The staff was just like being surrounded by sisters or close friends, honestly, it was the best experience I've ever had in the hospital, and I've had many.
The surgery though, it's the roughest one I've been thru. Being cut from breastbone on down...way down is hard. Moving and the desire to move is awful, but the girls there root for you, and are patient but firm (*blush*...I kinda was a hard patient when I had to get up lol). Something that impressed me immensly was that everything from chapstick to a utility to help us ummmm..in the bathroom was provided so there were totally NO embarrassing or uncomfortable requests! I lacked for absolutely nothing while in the hospital. Thanks No. Ottowa Cty. Hospital and Bariatric Treatment Centers, you're a blessing.

I thought he was very nice and seemed compassionate. He explained everything in detail and took the time to answer my questions.

His office staff was a little rude. Most of my wait time in getting scheduled was due to their slowness. I really had to stay on them and call frequently to get them to move. They have a tendency to blame someone else instead of checking on the correct answer.

He emphasized that this really was a physical behavioral modifcation process. He was going to make it physically challenging to eat too much and the wrong things. Not that I couldn't if I wanted to, but it would probably make me sick.

He had a staff member who had the surgery come in and talk to me and tell me exactly how things were in a way I could understand and not in medical terms. That was GREAT!! I got no nonsense information.

I would recommend him.

02/02/02- Cool date, huh? Anyway, I have an appointment with Dr. Schram on Feb. 13, 2002. I have BC/BS Traditional/individual instead of Intermed. I realized it was the best one to use through BTC. I may have to wait 6 months for pre-existing condition, but at least I'm on my way.
I'll update once I go for my consult.

02/14/02- I met with Dr. Schram yesterday for my first consult. He sure did make me feel better about my fears. He explains things so clearly. He is very patient and he will sit and talk with you until he's sure you're satisfied. I feel very confident in him and I think this will be as pleasant as it could be. He took the fear out of it for me. I will probably have a date in 3 or 4 weeks. I'll let you know. See ya'!