Institute for Advanced Bariatric Surgery at MISH Bariatric Center

Dr.K is a very friendly and caring doctor. She is there for me at any given time. Her staff is very helful and i love to visit with them while i am waiting. She told me all about the lapband and also told me what to expect after the surgery. This whole experience has been great and I would do it all over again!

At my initial visit to Dr. K's office, I was very, very nervous, but knew what I wanted. The entire staff was friendly, efficient and helpful. The facility was very clean and easy to locate. I spent over an hour and a half with Dr. K. and she answered every question I had regarding the procedure and complications. To date I have had no complications due to the surgery and have only had two fills since having my surgery in April, 2006 and I am very, very pleased with the way I feel physically and mentally. I am so happy I have referred both my mother in law and my husband along with others.

Dr. \"K\" seems wonderful. I have heard and read great things about her. Getting to know her a little bit at the info. seminar and then at my initial consult confirmed all those positive references. Her practice is cutting edge (no pun intended) and she is highly competent, thorough and caring. She and her staff/facility appear top-notch. I'll provide more updates as the process moves along!

Tell us your personal story, or tell us about yourself: This surgery is the best thing I ever did for myself. I was 600 lbs. Wheel chair bound and very unhealthy before surgery. Less than a year later, I have lost 285 lbs. I can walk and I feel better than I have in 10 years. Which medical problems did you have before surgery? Back Pain, Heartburn, rnSleep Apnea. Which medical problems have improved or resolved since surgery? I - Back Pain, R – Heartburn, R - Sleep Apnea. What limitations on your daily functions has weight loss improved? I can walk; do things around the house and yard. Would you recommend weight loss surgery to a friend or a family member? Yes, I have recommended it to a very close friend. Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering weight loss surgery? It is scary, but it can also be the best thing you have ever done for yourself. Tell us about your experience with the office staff: They are friendly and knowledgeable. Tell us about your experience with the surgeons: They are the best. Very professional, and they understand the needs of the bariatric patient. Tell us about your experience in the hospital: Very nice and simple. rn

Tell us your personal story, or tell us about yourself: I am an Alzheimer’s nurse who has uncontrolled HTW and had two back surgeries, and ready for hip surgery. I looked into other lap band clinics and they could not compare with the experience and education found here along with the statistics of post surgical infections and mortality rates. I have lost over 20 lbs. My blood pressure is stabilizing. I can move freely with minimal to no hip pain now, but the best part is I feel ” pretty” again. I know that’s shallow but I haven’t felt that way in 10 years and it feels really good. I’m smiling more, and every day people comment on how much weight I’ve lost and how much better I look. I even like to be touched and hugged again. Which medical problems did you have before surgery? High blood pressure, Back Pain, High Cholesterol, Heartburn, Joint pain, Fatty Liver. Which medical problems have improved or resolved since surgery? I - High blood pressure, I- Back Pain, I - High Cholesterol, I - Heartburn, I - Joint pain, R - Fatty Liver. What limitations on your daily functions has weight loss improved? I can move quicker and with less pain and I can sit with my legs tucked under me. Would you recommend weight loss surgery to a friend or a family member? Yes, I have, to a niece and nephew. Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering weight loss surgery? Do it, do it now for yourself and no one else. You’ll never regret it. Any other comments you would like to share: I had to take a loan out because my insurance would not cover the surgery, and you know what it was so worth it. Better than a new car and so much cheaper. Tell us about your experience with the office staff: Great. Tell us about your experience with the surgeons: She’s the best. Love her credentials and love her personality. Tell us about your experience in the hospital: Everyone is very patient and kind, answered an question I asked. They were also great with my husband who was anxious and calmed him down. Please share any comments about the seminars, aftercare, or any subject you would like to mention: I like the fact that if you have any concerns you can call and get answers. I also like the fact that the surgeon herself called after surgery to check up on you.rn rn rn

Tell us your personal story, or tell us about yourself: I finally got to the point where I couldn’t stand being uncomfortable and invisible. I had to do something, and I am so glad I did. Which medical problems did you have before surgery? High blood pressure, Back Pain, High Cholesterol, Infertility, Sleep Apnea, Joint pain, Asthma, Fatty Liver. Which medical problems have improved or resolved since surgery? R - High blood pressure, R- Back Pain, I - Sleep Apnea, I - Joint pain, I – Asthma, I - Fatty Liver. What limitations on your daily functions has weight loss improved? Freedom of movement. Would you recommend weight loss surgery to a friend or a family member? If they feel it’s the best option for them then by all means. rnAny comments that you would like to share with those that are considering weight loss surgery? Follow the doctors’ orders! You’ll appreciate the weight-loss journey so much more. Tell us about your experience with the office staff: Everyone is so wonderful and supportive! Tell us about your experience with the surgeons: They’re the best!! Caring and considerate. Helpful. Tell us about your experience in the hospital: I was treated like a queen. My whole family was treated very, very well.rn

Tell us your personal story, or tell us about yourself: I have been over weight all of my life. I have tried countless diets and exercise programs but couldn’t maintain any program long enough to lose more than 40-45 lbs. I am addicted to food; I have no doubt that I could achieve my ideal weight if I never had to eat again. I needed a life long tool that would help me control my addiction to food while still allowing me to enjoy the food I love. Having had the surgery I wish I hadn’t waited so long. Which medical problems did you have before surgery? High blood pressure rnDiabetes, Fatty Liver. Which medical problems have improved or resolved since surgery? I - High blood pressure I – Diabetes, I - Fatty Liver. What limitations on your daily functions has weight loss improved? Couldn’t walk from the parking lot to my office without being out of breath. Couldn’t attend my kids school programs because it took too much effort. I planned trips based on how my steps I could avoid. Would you recommend weight loss surgery to a friend or a family member? Definitely. Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering weight loss surgery? Take the first step to the rest of your life. Any other comments you would like to share: The band provides instant behavior modification feedback to help you develop new eating habits. It never gets tired, never gives up, and never, lets you down. It is a great tool. Tell us about your experience with the office staff: Helpful, encouraging, supportive. Tell us about your experience with the surgeons: There are not enough words to describe how grateful I am to Dr. K. for her teaching, kindness, and understanding. Tell us about your experience in the hospital: Great, I was in and out without hassle. Great staff.rn rn

Tell us your personal story, or tell us about yourself: I was 422 lbs. Before surgery with numerous health issues. The lap-band not only improved my physical attributes, but mainly eliminated my health issues. I feel that I added 20 years to my life because, before surgery I was on a death mission. Which medical problems did you have before surgery? High blood pressure, Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, Joint pain, Heart disease. Which medical problems have improved or resolved since surgery? R - High blood pressure, R – Diabetes, R - Sleep Apnea, R - Joint pain, I - Heart disease. What limitations on your daily functions has weight loss improved? Working ten hours a day constantly standing on my feet with no fatigue. Would you recommend weight loss surgery to a friend or a family member? In a New York heartbeat- without a doubt. Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering weight loss surgery? Do it- Don’t delay- Improve your life style and live longer. Tell us about your experience with the office staff: Great staff at MISH- everyone is very friendly and helpful. Tell us about your experience with the surgeons: Great Doctors- They take the time to explain everything and answer all your questions. – Not rushed. Tell us about your experience in the hospital: Very nice clean facility- Don’t remember much I was in and out of surgery very quick. Outpatient. Please share any comments about the seminars, aftercare, or any subject you would like to mention: Seminars are very informative. Aftercare is great- entire staff is very helpful and concerned.rn rn rn

Tell us your personal story, or tell us about yourself: When I was put on Metformin for insulin resistance (in addition to 3 medications for thigh Blood pressure) I knew it was time to do something about my weight! Knowing I was unable to control my portion size, I felt the lap-band was just what I needed . . . And I was right! After 12 months with my lap-band I’ve lost over 90 lbs and my insulin resistance is a thing of the past. The lap-band is my conscience and stops me from over-eating. The surgery was the best thing I did for myself and I’m thankful every day for my new life. rnWhich medical problems did you have before surgery? High blood pressure, High Cholesterol, Insulin Resistance, Sleep Apnea, Joint pain, Asthma, Urinary incontinence. Which medical problems have improved or resolved since surgery? I - High blood pressure, R - High Cholesterol, R – Insulin Resistance, R - Sleep Apnea, I - Joint pain, R – Asthma, R- Urinary incontinence. What limitations on your daily functions has weight loss improved? I stopped traveling because I was to embarrassed to ask for a seat belt extender on planes, and now I’ve got my wings back. Would you recommend weight loss surgery to a friend or a family member? I highly recommend lap-band surgery… But only if you’re willing to “follow the rules”. Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering weight loss surgery? Don’t wait till your fifty like I did. Take control of your weight issues now. Any other comments you would like to share: The lap-band doesn’t cure your weight problem, but it’s the most effective tool I’ve found. It works if you work the rules. God Bless Dr. K. and Dr. S. for helping people like me. Tell us about your experience with the office staff: They’re great! Carla (nurse) is right where she needs to be… Helping and motivating all the way! Tell us about your experience with the surgeons: They’re on a mission to treat morbid obesity and I feel blessed to have found them. Tell us about your experience in the hospital: I was queen for the Day… I received the royal treatment and truly appreciated it because I was scared about deciding the have the ‘Elective’ surgery. Please share any comments about the seminars, aftercare, or any subject you would like to mention: I’ve been to almost all the support group meetings and feel it keeps me on track. The nutritional classes after surgery were key to my success. I’m now actively involved with the social support group to help myself and others continue to do the right things. I feel like my MISH family and I are in this together.rn rn

Tell us your personal story, or tell us about yourself: At 24 years old and 350 lbs, I decided it was time to take control of my weight issue and accept I had a serious problem that would eventually lead to major health problems and my quality of life I was no longer willing to accept. With professional consultation, I chose the surgical option because I needed drastic help. I made the right choice for me and have begun to make a healthy relationship with food and with my body. I have accomplished so much in this past year and look forward to many more.rnWhich medical problems did you have before surgery? Heartburn. Which medical problems have improved or resolved since surgery? R – Heartburn. Would you recommend weight loss surgery to a friend or a family member? Yes I would and yes I have. I believe many young people who are extremely overweight will benefit from this surgery so medical problems do not escalate. Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering weight loss surgery? Be prepared to alter your diet. Meat will become very important. It no longer will be about satisfying the mental reasons for eating; it will be about nourishing the body. Period. Tell us about your experience with the office staff: Great people, Awesome building, reliable, helpful and professional. Trust them. rnTell us about your experience with the surgeons: Dr. K is an amazing doctor. I felt very comfortable during the office visits and trusted her to do my surgery. Tell us about your experience in the hospital: The day of surgery I was very nervous, but all the staff was reassuring and had excellent “bedside manors” everything went great.rn