Jon Schram Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

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'!

So far so good. Dr Schram is very personable.
Surgery went well. We even liked the fact that
he led a prayer with my wife and I before wheeling
us both to surgery. Have had alot of post op questions
for the staff and they are always willing to help
and find an answer. The care at the BTC which is
located at North Ottawa Community Hospital in Grand
Haven, Michigan. The nursing care was fantastic.
I am in the health care field and can tell when things
are being done, and they did everything right. The discharge
plan and after care again is fantastic. We have had several
calls from the dietician to follow up on our eating
plan.

Very informative and friendly. Staff also
were nice and answered all questions.

Professional, did not rush me and freely answered all of my questions. His office staff was great very friendly and the fact that several of them had had the surgery was very reassuring. His nurse I found to be the most helpful, she shared her experience with me. I did feel a little frustrated with the insurance/surgery schedule dept. as they did not return my calls. I spoke to the supervisor and she took great care of me. All in all, I am very pleased with my experience. I will update you after surgery, hopefully I will still be a happy camper.

I have not had the chance to meet with Dr. Richards. I have everything ready except for my phyc evaluation 11/20. I am transfering from BTC in Holland MI. They were out of my Net-Work, but I recieved a out of Network waiver. This whole insurance thing is very confusing for me. I really felt that BTC were dragging there feet. I had a million questions regarding my insurance and how much I would pay out-of-pocket, I was never given a direct answer. I just felt they should be more up-front with Insurance issues.
11/25/01
I have once again changed my mind. I have decided to go with Dr. Schram from BTC. Dr. Richards nurse felt I would need 6 months to 1-years of counseling before WLS. I can not wait that long. Although I would like to have laperscopic. I meet once with Dr. Schram and he seemed very nice and concerened.

My first impression of Dr. Schram was that he was caring and compassionate. I still have that opinion of him.
His office staff was friendly and as some of them had already been through the surgery they were very understanding.
I haven't found anything that I didn't like about Dr. Schram. I was very touched when he came into pre-op and said a prayer with my family and me.
After care is stressed very much. As Dr. Schram is a part of the Bariatric Treatment Center, all patients get detailed nutrition and care instructions.
During the initial consultation Dr. Schram went over all of the risks and side effects with me. I was informed of everything that was going to happen to me before , during,
and after surgery.
Iwould rate Dr. Schram as excellent. His surgical competence and bedside manner were both great.

I had to change dr due to insurance. Saw Dr Schram Yesterday and he was very nice and attntive. He answered my questions and even though he has been doing this surgery since Feb I feel very confident about his skill and knowledge. My husband feels the same way.

I had my consultation with Dr. Schram last week. He seemed very nice, compassionate and knowledgeable. I also met with Jessica, from his staff, who had surgery last November. She went over all the details of surgery and also answered questions I had. Both were very helpful and did not rush us at all.