Brief History

March 2003
I arrived for my appointment early because we were having a snow storm. I left super early because the snow was terrible and yet, there was no way I was going to miss this appointment! When I checked in I explained to the receptionist that I knew I was early but it was too cold to wait in the car. With smile, she said "Of course, wait in here." Then without hesitation, they moved my appointment time up. When I turned around to sit down, I saw WIDE chairs with arms and chairs without arms. To give the patient a choice without humiliation. While I was waiting for my turn, another patient came in who was extremely large and they were able to fit without embarassment as well. He looked at me and smiled that knowing smile. I understand the humiliation that sometimes accompanies the life of a larger than "normal" person.

Soon after it was time to go in and get weighed and get a BP check. The scales were updated and made to accept weights far beyond what they would see in that office .. again, no embarassment for anyone. Then my nurse asked me "How young are you?" What a GREAT ATTITUDE! After that was done she swifly placed a BP cuff on me to take my pressure. Now you need to understand what a joy this was. Usually at a physicians office I get, "hold on, I NEED to get "THE OTHER CUFF". And during my last pregnancy, during delivery, one nurse came back toteing a HUGE cuff, clearly marked {THIGH ONLY}. But here was my nurse at Dr Irguas office, not making even the slightest mention of any special equipment that may be needed. Finially, I told her that they ususally use the other cuff, she grinned and said, yes I hear that a lot. This cuff is the perfect size for you. What a blessing!

Dr Irgau was extremly gentle, knowledable, and helpful. He patiently answered all my 50 bazillion questions. And while he explained all the dangers involved, he also, took the time to reassure me that I was a good canidate for the surgery and that he truly did not expect any complications.

In this office I was treated with great respect from the minute I called for an appointment up to the present ... and this speaks volumes to me.