Institute for Advanced Bariatric Surgery at MISH Bariatric Center

I have never felt like an object in the office. The doctors are very helpful and offer good advice to help me get through all the changes in my life.

Would you recommend obesity surgery to a friend or family member and why?
I would recommend this surgery only with advice. Make sure you are ready for a complete life change. Your health, mental well being, and family and friends. It's not simple, there is nothing easy about it, but if you want to live and go back to the rich life waiting for you at the end then this is an excellent option for someone like me who has tried too many diet plans.

Dr. Kaniewski was wonderful! She answered all of my questions, prepared me well for surgery and did a great job!

Please share any comments about the seminar/support group, your aftercare or any subject you would like to mention:
It was very helpful leading up to surgery for education and support. I found after surgery I was more interested in living life than going to support groups. I would enjoy an e-mail support group by stage of surgery, if it was ever formed.

Would you recommend obesity surgery to a friend or family member and why?
For the right reasons, at the right time and only if the person was fully informed of all of the risks and benefits, I would recommend it.

Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering obesity surgery?
Do your homework! Get informed about the pro's and con's of weight loss surgery. It is not something to be entered into lightly. Do not do it for anyone else, but you!

The surgeons are great. I would recommend the surgery to anyone. Dr. K has a GREAT bedside manner and Dr. S isn't bad either. Thanks for everything you have done.

Please share any comments about the seminar/support group, your aftercare or any subject you would like to mention: The seminar/support group is a great way to find out a lot of information one need either before or after the surgery. I think if you had Spot Advertisements on the radio you might get a lot of people who do not know about this procedure and then they can come to the seminars. You need to market this more.

Would you recommend obesity surgery to a friend or family member and why?
Yes, because I feel it can only better a person. I am proof of that.

Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering obesity surgery?
Make sure when you have the surgery you follow it and abide by it. If you do not, why even have the surgery. As long as you follow the doctors advice you will do fine.

The doctors really care about me. They encourage me to call if I have a problem or even just a question. They are always immediately responsive. I feel they are the best doctors I ever met. I would travel across the country to have Dr. K perform any other surgery I might one day need.

Please share any comments about the seminar/support group, your aftercare or any subject you would like to mention: The support group is a good information tool. Seeing the surgeon monthly for several months after surgery is the best aftercare. These were not 10 minute general reviews. The doctors spent at least half an hour with me each time!

Would you recommend obesity surgery to a friend or family member and why?
Yes, I would and I HAVE recommended a co-worker. If my positive experience can save another persons life, then I want every morbidly obese person to know this option is viable and you CAN be successful.

Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering obesity surgery?
Dr.'s K and S have my highest recommendation as physicians and surgeons.

Tell us about your experience with the office and surgeon/surgeons:
Dr.'s K and S are wonderful. The experience was overshadowed though, with the dealings with the medical insurance company.

Please share any comments about the seminar/support group, your aftercare or any subject you would like to mention: The seminar/support group has been wonderful. Every meeting provided new information and insight.

Would you recommend obesity surgery to a friend or family member and why?
Yes. I already have - the years of your life wasted with frustration, discrimination as a large person and depression are not worth NOT doing this. This is NOT an EASY answer but it WORKS.

Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering obesity surgery?
Know your insurance company; what they do and do not cover. If you develop a good rapport with one representative, always ask to deal with that person. Research surgeons. Find one that you are comfortable with. Do not be afraid to ask hard questions. Patience in this process is a MUST!

Tell us about your experience with the office and surgeon/surgeons:
The Dr.'s were very nice and professional.

Would you recommend obesity surgery to a friend or family member and why?
Yes. To improve overall health.

Would you recommend obesity surgery to a friend or family member and why?
Yes.

Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering obesity surgery?
Best thing in the world!

Tell us about your experience with the office and surgeon/surgeons:
They always make you feel good about yourself and always listen to you and are very concerned about you. Are very helpful in answering questions and to try to solve any problems.

Would you recommend obesity surgery to a friend or family member and why?
Yes I would. They would feel so much better about themselves. Also, health wise they would feel great.

Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering obesity surgery?
Just look at pictures of others that have had the surgery and what it did to their health.

Tell us about your experience with the office and surgeon/surgeons:
Dr. Kaniewski and Dr. Sabharwal are awesome doctors who take special care of each patient needs. Whenever I had a question or concern they are there to lend a helping hand or give support. William is a great office staff. He was always helpful and nice.

Please share any comments about the seminar/support group, your aftercare or any subject you would like to mention:
I really appreciate the dedicated care you receive after the surgery. Not only was I given a tool, but the doctors also educated me on nutrition and the life long results of having a bypass.

Would you recommend obesity surgery to a friend or family member and why?
I would recommend this surgery to my friends who have struggled over the years to lose weight. The surgery gives you a life long tool to use to maintain your weight. Unlike some diets where you regain the weight plus more.

Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering obesity surgery?
Some people are very negative when they find out you have had bypass surgery. Don't let others opinions make your decision. Do research and find out for yourself what will be best fir you.

Tell us about your experience with the office and surgeon/surgeons:
Both my husband and I had the surgery, so we've spent considerable time with both doctors. We both had complications. Mine minor and my husband's were much more serious. I credit the doctors' conservative approach and excellent skill in saving my husbands life as well as to resolving my problem as quickly as possible.

Please share any comments about the seminar/support group, your aftercare or any subject you would like to mention: The doctors are very responsive and always make themselves available, which is a comfort zone in the event of post-op problems. They return calls promptly and take all calls seriously. We hated to call, but we had to a few times and their responsiveness was impressive.

Would you recommend obesity surgery to a friend or family member and why?
I would not "recommend" the surgery because I feel it is a very serious decision that needs to be made strictly by the individual. But if they would like my opinion, I'd say I was glad I did it. I went from a size 22/24 to a size 8, lost my high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I no longer take any prescription meds and have good self esteem. I have recommended Drs. Kaniewski and Sabharwal to others who want the surgery.

Any comments that you would like to share with those that are considering obesity surgery?
If you decide to have weight loss surgery, I have no problems recommending these doctors - they are excellent in their field and top notch. I highly recommend them.