Institute for Advanced Bariatric Surgery at MISH Bariatric Center

Tell us your personal story, or tell us about yourself: When I was younger I was always very physically active. In my late twenties I started putting on weight, gradually but consistently. My health slowly became affected: sleep apnea, board line diabetes, acid reflux, etc. This restricted my activity and my quality of life. I have a 7-year-old and wanted to be around to see her graduate college, get married, etc. I have dieted for years but with limited success. Since my surgery I feel great. I am active again, hiking 20-30 miles a week. I am truly enjoying life again without interference from my weight. Which medical problems did you have before surgery? High Cholesterol, Diabetes, Heartburn, Sleep Apnea, Joint pain. Which medical problems have (I) improved or(R) resolved since surgery? R - High Cholesterol, R – Diabetes, R – Heartburn, R - Sleep Apnea, I - Joint pain. What limitations on your daily functions has weight loss improved? I have increased mobility. Would you recommend weight loss surgery to a friend or a family member? Yes, absolutely, I have recommended it to several people. Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering weight loss surgery? The discomfort of surgery and the recovery was minimal. The results are truly life changing, all of my medical issues prior to surgery have resolved. I feel great (like I did 30 years ago.) My weight is no longer a consideration in anything I do. Any other comments you would like to share: It’s fun to be able to go into a store and buy any clothes you want. Tell us about your experience with the office staff: Excellent, Friendly. Tell us about your experience with the surgeons: Excellent, I have been very satisfied and impressed with the level and quality of care. Tell us about your experience in the hospital: Excellent, great care, pleasant experience.rn rn

Tell us your personal story, or tell us about yourself: Before my surgery I was hardly a person at all. I could not stand or walk for more than a few moments. My life existed in a chair or in bed. I honestly hated what I had become. Since the surgery I no longer need to use motorized shopping carts, I frequent the gym every week. In general I just feel healthy and no longer limited by my size.rnWhich medical problems did you have before surgery? [X] None. What limitations on your daily functions has weight loss improved? I can walk or climb stairs without panting. The gym is no longer a place that terrifies me, now that I can move around. Would you recommend weight loss surgery to a friend or a family member? Absolutely, and without a doubt! I am a great supporter of weight loss surgery. Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering weight loss surgery? All your little fears, all those chains, don’t let them hold you back. This surgery will change your life. Any other comments you would like to share: I think I’ve already summed it up, but again this surgery was great. I take any chance I can to be a cheerleader for it. Tell us about your experience with the office staff: The office staff is amazing. They remember my name and treat me like a friend, not a patient. Tell us about your experience with the surgeons: Both surgeons have been wonderful. Most of my experience has been with Dr. Kaniewski, but both of them are very knowledgeable, understanding and kind. Tell us about your experience in the hospital: My stay was in and out. Due to an unexpected hernia my surgery was longer, but I was still in and out in just a few hours and treated with care the entire time. Please share any comments about the seminars, aftercare, or any subject you would like to mention: The seminars were helpful and answered all of my questions. The aftercare has been great. Most visits are in and out, very simple.rn rn

Tell us your personal story, or tell us about yourself: I am 46 years old and have been battling my weight since college. I have tried every weight loss pill and plan you can think of. My family has a strong history of diabetes and heart disease and I did not want to end up battling those diseases because of my weight. I finally decided I could not lose the weight on my own and turned to MISH for help. I am so glad I did! I want to be healthy for my kids…Which medical problems did you have before surgery? Back Pain, Joint pain. Which medical problems have improved or resolved since surgery? I - Back Pain, I - Joint pain. What limitations on your daily functions has weight loss improved? Climbing stairs is getting easier. My knees do not hurt as much as before. Would you recommend weight loss surgery to a friend or a family member? Yes. Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering weight loss surgery? This process has been much easier than I anticipated. The physicians and the staff at MISH have been wonderful. Tell us about your experience with the office staff: Very kind, helpful and supportive. Tell us about your experience with the surgeons: The surgeons take time to talk with you and discuss thoroughly the process before and after your surgery. They to have been very kind. Tell us about your experience in the hospital: Very comfortable and reassuring. Please share any comments about the seminars, aftercare, or any subject you would like to mention: I have been completely satisfied with my care throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend MISH to anyone considering weight loss surgery.

The think I liked best about Dr. Kaniewski was her encouraging attitude. She called me at home several nights to check on me and make sure things were going ok. The staff is very accommodating and friendly. They get to know you on a first name basis and recognize you when you come in. My overall experience with my surgeon and her staff was wonderful. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is considering bariatric surgery.

A great loving caring Dr.

Tell us your personal story, or tell us about yourself: To struggle with weight all your life is emotional. I have learned so much about me through this entire process. I recommend the band to those who really have tried everything, but warn them that it still is a life change. I am taking it one day and step at a time and really look forward to the final result and keeping it that way. Which medical problems did you have before surgery? High blood pressure, Back Pain, Sleep Apnea, Joint pain, Asthma. Which medical problems have improved or resolved since surgery? I - High blood pressure, I- Back Pain, I - Sleep Apnea, I - Joint pain, I – Asthma. What limitations on your daily functions has weight loss improved? Stairs, energy, attitude, confidence. Would you recommend weight loss surgery to a friend or a family member? Yes. Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering weight loss surgery? It starts the day after the surgery and is on going for the rest of your life. Any other comments you would like to share: Make sure it is for you. I doesn’t fix the problem on its own. You have to do the work, but if you want to feel good, you will find it is worth it. Tell us about your experience with the office staff: Great Staff. Tell us about your experience with the surgeons: Very understanding and comforting. Tell us about your experience in the hospital: Over in the blink of an eye. Please share any comments about the seminars, aftercare, or any subject you would like to mention: Great information!

This surgeon is wonderful. My first meeting with her was not what I expected, in a good way!rnShe really took her time with me, didn't make me feel rushed to ask all of my questions in a hurry. It sounds like she is going to be very strict with me as far as pre and post op diet. That's okay though, she's the doctor!

Dr. K was a wonderful surgeon. The office is very nice and staff greeted me like I was important. During the initial meeting I was part of a seminar she holds to explain the surgery process. The information presented was very informative and presented in a way that everyone could understand. She was open to questions and had patients come share their stories with us. She did not sugar coat the risks and was very upfront with ways this might not work so that I had to do some hard work of soul searching for myself. She is honest with she can only do her part, patients need to follow the plan for it to work. She can only reduce how much I eat, not what I eat. rnrnThere is nothing I can say negatively about Dr. K that would not happen with other doctors; like couldn't get an appointment on the day I wanted it. She does have her assistant do much of the follow up care but both were involved with my surgery so this was not a shocker. Surgical staff after surgery was accommodating and very cautious. They got me up walking around a couple of times during the night, very inconvenient when you want to sleep. Understandable thought since I did not want blood clots. They were attentive to bathroom needs as well. Discharge was quick for me and I spent less than 24 hrs (from surgery to release). I was encouraged to call if I had problems and when I did her, Dr. K returned my phone call from home and calmed my fears about normal bleeding that was taking place. The touch of personally calling is what she instills in her staff and they all treat you like a member of the family. rnrnThe aftercare that Dr. K offers is the best around the Midwest and why I love her so much. Dr. K from the first seminar will be talking about the after care support and education. Dr. K stresses the need for education and about educating ones self to make the tool work. That this operation is not a magic pass on all the bad eating habits we have made, but is an aid in helping us lose weight. They have many thing included that other doctor’s nickel and dime you over, the support groups are great and offer much need information on a continuous basis. They are open to suggestions and work hard to accommodate everything. The surgery center is newer and they are always updating it and the staff. They have a bariatric nutritionist, exercise guy, and a psychologist they work closely with. There are different support groups lead by different people so all needs are meet including one lead by patients for other patients. The sharing of information is encouraged and we as patients are encouraged to support one another so that we all succeed. rnrnI would rate Dr. K as A+ for both her knowledge of different types, risk and benefits of bariatric surgeries and for her bedside/recovery care. Please contact me if you want more information about Dr. K!rn

She never talked down to me. She doesn't rush me in and out. She takes the time to actually hold a conversation with me and my husband. She incouraged us to ask questions.

First impression, Great. You never feel like and inconveinance or rushed for time. They will call you right back if you just have a question or schedule an appointment if more is needed. The office staff is fun and efficient. You feel important and welcome. Not like a traditional office where you are just a number. After care is one of the most important structures with this group. they have several options for support after the surgery. I was told exactly what to expect and who would be there to do it. They are a well oiled team. I am Very happy I made the right choice with them. Rate them--1 to 10, I would say a 15!