"I cant say thanks enough to Dr. Dan. He is just not a life saver but a memory maker also. I started my weight loss journey a year ago May 2012 after a friend of mine had hers. My whole family is or were over weight and many members have not lived past 50 years of age. After turning 35 and thinking every day that I only had 15 years left to live I decide to call. The first visit to the office (35 years old and 363 pounds) I was scared to death, embarrassed, and ashamed of my weight and the fact that I was looking into surgery was overwhelming. As I sat there in the office crying as they are taking my measurements. I was so ashamed. The intake person asked why I was so upset. I said because I can't believe that I let this get so out of hand. He said it was okay and that I should be proud of myself for wanting to make a change and to trust him a year from now I would be happy I came to the first visit. At that moment I knew that this was just not a business for them, but they actually cared. Then Dr. Dan came in and introduced himself, he was really soft spoken shook my hand and explained the program to me. I remember explaining him my family history and that many only lived until 50 and that was only 15 years left for me. He reassured me that this hopefully would add many more then 15 years on. As the process went on the staff walked me step by step through each test and evaluation and I felt really good and comfortable about the decision I made to have surgery. They prepare me very well for life before and after surgery and the classes you sit through are really educational. But I must admit during the class about the actual surgery, I did have a panic attack. I could not breathe and started crying. The staff took me out of class and talked to me. They reassured me that I could talk to anyone of the staff members at anytime, and they reminded me that this surgery was an elective operation and if I did not want to do it I did not have to do it at all or could put it off(again showing they are just not a business of making people skinny). Well anyway I still had my doubts but after talking to my family and young sons about what I would be able to do after surgery like riding roller coasters, flying on a plane, and riding bikes. I decided to go through with it. I made up my mind when I lost weight the first thing I was going to do was take my boys to Disney. The last visit before the surgery I met with Dr. Dan again I told him my doubts and he reassured me that I was in good hands that he has completed the surgery many times and has never lost any one and that I was not going to be the first. My surgery was on Nov 1, 2012. Since may 2012 I have lost a total of 113 pounds no complications and the team has been very supportive with the follow up appointments.
Most recently I started having gallbladder issues there was no questioning who I was going to have it removed. Dr. Dan completed that surgery May 23 2013. Before the surgery the nurse asked why I was so calm I stated because I knew I was great hands with Dr. Dan. Happy to report no problems with that surgery also.
I am also proud report that in April we did take our boys to Disney, on a plane, road all the rides, and created a lifetime of memories.
Thanks again Dr. Dan for making that possible and for the many memories that are about to come. "
