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Surgeon TestimonialJoseph D. Afram M.D.Dr. Afram was the first face that I saw when I walked into his office. He was standing at the reception desk signing off on some paperwork. He called me over and showed me the reception desk, which is great....because I was really lost, his office was just that BIG.
His office staff was excellent, they spoke to me politely and did not treat me like, oh gosh, here comes another fatty trying to sign onto the easy way out of obesity. They were very cordial, no attitudes. The woman at the desk gave me all of the paperwork that I needed to fill out before the seminar.
There was nothing that I liked least about Dr. Afram.
I feel that future patients should know that he Dr. Afram knows his stuff. He has been doing this for over 20 years and has performed over 3,000 surgeries. He is very nice, friendly, knowledgeable, and also a little funny.
There were no bad feelings or uncomfortable feelings toward him, his staff, or his other two surgeons.
He emphasized aftercare as a part of his normal routine to all patients.
Future patients should also know that your surgery will be performed at George Washington Hospital in DC, which he is just a 5 minute walk from his office to the hospital.
He did address the risks of the surgery. Some things I knew and some I didn't, but I feel that I learned a few things that day. After the seminar, he took you into his office one on one (along with his other two surgeons) to see if you felt that the surgery would be something that you would want to do. Also to see if there were any questions that you may have had that you did not want to ask in front of all of the other prospects. In private, he asked you personal questions pertaining to your health, medications that you are currently taking, along with any allergies, etc. He asked me about all problems whether they were medically diagnosed or not. He even asked about whether you feel that you snore.
I would rate Dr. Afram, on a scale from 1 to 10, a 10. Finally a 10.
I think that surgical competence and bedside manner are both important, because you need to feel that your surgeon is able to be trusted with your life in his/her hands. Plus you feel great that IF you have a problem, that your surgeon would be passionate and sympathetic to your needs and concerns. Also, it's good to know that he will be willing to begin to look into ways to assist you in correcting them. Member Interests
- Books & Literature - I love to read books, mostly fact, it's a great stress releiver.
- Business & Career - I work in the Property Mgmt field and appearance is everything.
- Family & Friends - I have very supportive people around me regarding my decision for the surgery.
- Birds - My family has two parakeets, their names are Yankee and Jet.
- Parenting - I have one son.
- Bicycling - After surgery and some weight loss, the bikes will be pulled out.
- Cards - I like to play cards of all kinds with friends and family.
- Bowling - My son, husband and I love to bowl. We like it when it's alot of people.
- Nail Technician - I went to school for nails, but few benefits...like hubby, son and myself.
- WLS in your 20's - In August, I will be 30, so I had to quickly put this quote in before I turn 30.
Latest Surgery Support Comments
 Comment by AmyRG on 2/7/07 12:13 pm
 Comment by MsSasha on 8/23/06 6:41 am
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Hi Nicky,
So glad to hear that
you are home and
doing okay, and
finally on the
losing side.
---Sharon M.--
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8/20/2008 / 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS POST-OP on August 20, 2008 3:21 pm
Hello OH,
What's been up. I have not been here since my surgiversary, which sucks, and I admit, I have neglected the site and my friends a bit. I know that you all understand.
I have been so tired, not being able to enjoy weekends off to just rest.....because I work almost every weekend at my busy job....retail. SUCKS, but at least I have a job, right.
I am doing ok though. My weight is stable at 155. The only time I actually gain a few pounds is when my cycle is about to come on, but when it goes off, my weight goes back to what it should be. I am so proud of my success with WLS....I just cannot say it enough.
I need to post some new pictures of myself.....I really forget to take the camera now that I have lost all my weight. LOL. I am blessed to have been able to go through this experience and come out on top.
Well, this was just a quick post to say hello and to let all of you know that I am still living and hanging in there. Take care all, and until next time, take care.
NICKY
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6/20/2008 / 2ND SURGIVERSARY! on June 20, 2008 4:36 pm
Hello WLS Family!
I just wanted to make a quick post to report to all that today is my second year post-op. I had surgery two years ago today and I am so pleased that I have decided to embark upon this journey....in that, I understand that my journey is not over, but I am proud of how far I have come in the two years since WLS.
I also would like to say to those considering surgery, just do your own research. I have a friend who I have known since 7th grade, and for the most part, on and off, we have remained friends over the years. She is too considering surgery and has a million and one questions for me. Mostly, because I think she is so scared.
We have discussed that she is scared before, which is normal. She has to do a 6 month waiting period with the insurance company that she has. Her surgeon that her Primary Care Doctor recommended is Dr. Li. ( I hope I spelled that right, she operates her practice somewhere in MD.)
I am trying to lend her as much support as possible, where she is in the decision making stage, because her primary care doctor recommended her a good candidate for WLS. I advised her to ensure that she does her research and to take things slow.
I also advised her to make all necessary and things that she feels is unnecessary things for that matter known to her doctor and surgeon.....that just may save her life.
Today, I was watching Judge Greg Mathis and the last case on the show was about two sisters feuding over a Cadillac that their deceased mother left behind for the both of them to share and if they decided to sell the car, they would both split the money received for the sale.
The mom and the two sisters were always together and shared everything, despite of one sister was a punk rocker, and the other was super conservative, they were still a close knit family when their mom was alive.
Mom decided to have Gastric Bypass Surgery and she unfortunately passed away from complications from surgery. Mom instilled in her girls throughout life that if ever she passed away before the girls, she wanted the girls to split her belongings and property equally amongst them, should the unthinkable happen.
I say this to say, there have been several people that I came across when I was looking into surgery on this site who did not make it through surgery. Some who passed after surgery from no complications dealing with surgery at all, and there has been bad things that people will tell you regarding surgery.....about the risks, etc.
I just wanted to say, let your own health and happiness be your decision maker. Continue to stay true to yourself as to what YOU feel you need to fulfill your life and please do not let others thoughts of WLS influence your decision.
DO YOUR RESEARCH, DO YOUR RESEARCH, DO YOUR RESEARCH.
With that being said, I am signing off. I am still just a email away for those who would like to ask me questions or even be your supporter for your WLS journey. I love making new friends, especially in this capacity.
TO ALL, ENJOY LYFE TO THE FULLEST AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES!
To all my friends saved on this site, I just want to say thanks to each of you for every kind thing that you have ever said to me. Although this is not the end, I just wanted to say, you have touched me and I thank u. You all know who you are.
SPECIAL THANKS TO: NICOLE (NIKNAC0701), CHRISTINE (ARMY WIFE), VIK2U, MY SISTER IN REAL LIFE BLACK BUTTERFLY, FREEDOM2007, GIFTED0523, RAVEN08, NICHOLEF29, PJsMOMMY, TRULEEBLEZD2006, MINDYCB, BROWN_EYESEXY......
UNTIL NEXT TIME!
NICKY | Click here to leave a comment.
3/27/2008 / ONE YEAR, THIRTY-NINE WEEKS, TWO DAYS POST-OP! on March 27, 2008 7:20 am
Hello All.....I apologize for not responding to your emails promptly. I am soooo sorry about that. I have checked up on all of you guys and sent my personal emails. I have been great. I am almost 2 years out of surgery and I am still learning things that I can tolerate (FOOD) and things I cannot. I need to remember to take my vitamins.
I have been doing great. I get compliments all the time, especially yesterday when I went to see my friend / co-worker, Sara who had surgery with Dr. Afram on Tuesday, March 25th, and she is doing great. She tells me all the time that I inspired her to have the surgery and that makes me smile. That means that I am in many ways a walking bill board. LOL.
She was diagnosed with sleep apnea two weeks before surgery, so she was kind of uncomfortable with the confines of that and what she had to do to get oxygen in, but other than, that she was doing well. Sipping water / juice diluted, eating jell-o and showing her wonderful spirit. I am glad that she has chosen to take this road and I will be here with her every step....she works with me and she lives close by.......that's wonderful.
It was great to go to the hospital and see her and it was also amazing when her step-mom pointed out to the Nurse Practitioner that I had surgery there in that hospital and less than two years ago.....wonderful. I was blushing hard when I kept getting the compliments. It was embarrasing beccuse I was not there for me, I was there for Sara...but the compliments were nice.
I am so amazed at my success with WLS and I would not change it for a thing, especially the shopping for clothes. Well, other than working hard, nothing much is going on, but live and living.
To all of my OHelp friends who shouted me out on your page, THANK YOU. I am glad that what I had to say has inspired you. I will be forever grateful....and for my other half to think that me going to visit someone in the hospital has no rewards...he is soooo wrong.
Imma do me...I am not worrying about that. I am here for you all and I will remain to be that way, no matter what anyone has to say.
Well, until next time......take care and don't stop emailing.
NICKY
2/13/2008 / ONE YEAR, THIRTY-THREE WEEKS, TWO DAYS POST-OP! on February 13, 2008 5:22 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!
Hello everyone. I know that I have not been on the site for a few weeks.....I am doing well though. I am happy to say that. I am sooooo pleased with my WLS results that I often forget about this site, which is a bad thing to admit. I am so sorry.
Other than working, I am not up to much, but being a mom and a wife. This past weekend, my family and I flew for the second time....for my son, it was his first time. We went to New York, which is where my husband is from.
We generally drive, but got great rates, so we flew. I was not uncomfortable on the flight at all. I was pleased as to how much room I had in the seat though.
I flew in 2005 when my husband and I went to Bahamas and I was ok, not 100% comfortable. I had very little room in my seat to move around in or re-position myself. Didn't quite need a seat belt extender, but I was just there on the plane, tight in my seat.
Hopefully, I can return to Bahamas this year to celebrate my WLS success. If so, that would be just great.
Well, I just wanted to sign on a make a quick post, which I will try to do at least once a month. Unless, I have something mind blowing to say....LOL. Well, take care and I will be in touch.
Continue to email me personally, and I will respond to the email. Well, take care until next time.
NICKY
1/14/2008 / ONE YEAR, TWENTY-NINE WEEKS, SIX DAYS POST-OP! on January 14, 2008 7:08 pm
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.
I know it's been a while since I posted. I am working and life is taking me for a few turns with moving, relationships, juggling home and work and the whole nine. So, I apologize for not being here for you all.
I have been so crazy busy. No excuse really. I have not even gone to the Internist like my surgeon said when I saw him in November 2007. Then my next appointment was scheduled for February 6th, and I know that I have to cancel it. I have not even done what I had to do before going back to see him.
I have an interview with the school system here on January 23rd, 2008....hopefully, I will get the job, that way I will have better hours. Not this open one day, close the next day, mid shift the next day....I HATE THE SCHEDULE, but LOVE THE JOB! So, will report back and letcha know the deal on that. Other than that, just been stressing a bit. Lost a few pounds.
I weighed myself today and I am 147. I just went off my cycle, which generally on your cycle, you are a bit heavier....so, I need to stop letting things get to me like I do. I have to do the juggling act.....and I will.
I will post back to update the weight in a week. I am not getting bigger, I guess that's a good thing. Well, other than that, I have just been shopping like crazy at Steve & Barry's for the Sarah Jessica Parker clothes. STILL.
I still love what she has to offer in the clothing line and I will continue to shope there. I mean that. If anyone else experienced that I have with her clothes, please email me and let me know. I love her clothes. They have currently this Winter Liquidation sale that everything in the store is $ 8.98 or less......I have been twice since then.
The first time, I spent $ 168 and the second, I spent $ 116. I cannot speak enough about her clothes. Well, enough about that. I am about to sign off. Keep me in your prayers. Take care until next time!
NICKY | Click here to leave a comment.
11/26/2007 / ONE YEAR, TWENTY-TWO WEEKS, SIX DAYS POST- on November 26, 2007 5:43 pm
Hello all.....I am so sorry that I have not been on this site in several weeks. Things in my life are busy. I am back working, congrats to me.....and it's in the retail field, so the hours are killing me and my family. Some days, I open the store and some days I am mid shift, and most days, I am closing the store to turn back around the next morning to open. So, needless to say, I am burned out already and it's only approaching a month.
I am proud to be back in the workforce, and the perks are great, but the feet are killing me. Other than that, I am doing just fine healthwise.
I finally went to see my surgeon, and I was 156 on that day....because my period was creeping on me. He said that I look amazing and he was proud of my WLS success thus far.
I told him of my jittery feeling= which he said it's caused by a blood sugar drop so I should always keep something sweet with me. I thought that I would never hear him say to have sweets.....YES!
I also asked him about a few other things, which I got answers to. I am glad that I went. The only thing that I did not tell him was the fact that I have bowel issues.
Not that I am not going, it's just that certain things that I eat, sends me to the bathroom, which leads me unsure about having those things again.
Like tonight, I had a small cheeseburger from Five Guys and a few fries....yep. I was on the toilet. Yesterday, I had a burrito from Chipotle.....no sooner that I finished chewing 4 bites of the burrito and several chips.....yep, the bathroom.
I am kinda scared to mention that to him, but I am eating normally. I am not over eating at all. I am still eating small portions and getting in protein and all that......I am just unsure what's good with the bathroom stuff......
I guess when I go back to see him in February 2008, I will finally disclose that to him. He ordered me to have bloodwork done and we will also discuss that when I go back in February unless he sees something outta the norm. Well, I am gonna go now.....my TV is about to come on.
It's been great being back on here posting. I will try to keep it up. Take care....until next time.
NICKY | Click here to leave a comment.
10/30/2007 / ONE YEAR, NINETEEN WEEKS POST-OP! on October 30, 2007 4:50 am
Hello all. I know it's been a while since I have posted. I have been crazy busy. I am still maintaining my weight and I am still happy with the progress.
I only have to get to my surgeon's office. My husband has a doctor's appointment on the same day that I want to make my appointment and I am not sure if we can do both.
We have to be back on this side of town before 5pm to get our son from childcare. It's crazy, but I will work it out.
Well, keep me in your prayers and keep emailing. I know some of you, I have kept you waiting for my response, but that shows, if I have not posted since September 19th, I must be busy.
Take care until next time.
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9/19/2007 / ONE YEAR, THIRTEEN WEEKS, TWO DAYS POST-OP! on September 19, 2007 10:36 am
Hello All. I am happy to report that I have been offered and accepted an employment opportunity with Verizon Wireless. Training starts the beginning of October and I am so excited to be a part of their family.
Now all I have to do now is to make my appointment to see Dr. Afram. I tried to make an appointment for this Friday, September 21st, 2007 since my son is out of school, but he does not see patients on Fridays.
So, very soon, definitely before I start working, I will be going to get myself checked out. Other than that great news, nothing really going on here. I have just been stressing over finding a job, that nothing else has even been able to affect me.
Now, it's all over....all I need now is a clean bill of health. I think I am going to have to just drive to the doctor's office instead of catching the train.
During the week, I drop my son off and and pick him up from school and I have to be there to pick him up by 2:45pm, so catching the train, I am not sure if I will be able to make it.
So, I just have to work things out. Street parking is a mess downtown DC. I will work it out and report my findings later. Well, take care. Until next time.
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9/4/2007 / ONE YEAR, ELEVEN WEEKS POST-OP! on September 4, 2007 7:28 pm
Hello All. I am doing just fine, however, I am still occasionally getting lightheaded at times. I felt the jittery feeling yesterday, and I have long since changed my vitamins. So, I still have yet to send the surgeon's office my new insurance card and make my appointment.
I will be taking care of that this week, because I think I may have found a job. My husband talked to a parent who came to pick up her son from school and he asked her doesn't she work for the hospital in this area and she said yes. So, he told her that I have applied for several positions there and I have not gotten a call back.
So, she requested my contact information and made a phonecall and set it up for someone who could get me in to call me tomorrow. My husband called me and told me this at 3:11pm, and at 6:18pm, the woman called me to tell me that she made the call to the appropriate person and that the lady was going to call me.
She gave me the lady's name that is going to call me and I will be waiting for her call tomorrow. Let's pray that this is the thing that I need to get me back in the workforce.
Those of you who know me, really knows that this job is what I need. So, please say a really quick prayer for me. Until next time, take care.
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8/26/2007 / ONE YEAR, NINE WEEKS, FIVE DAYS OST-OP! on August 26, 2007 9:30 am
Well Hello All,
Yesterday was my birthday. I am now 31 years old.....and don't feel any older. I also went to renew my driver's license on Friday and I was overly excited about taking care of this.
On Friday, my husband, my son and my mother went to the Japanese Steakhouse called Sakura in Bowie, MD for my birthday. My mother called my sister (Black Butterfly) to see if she and my nephew wanted to come, but as always...she never answers her phone.
So, it was just us. The food, as always was great. I really love that restaurant. I had a ton of food left over, in addition, I was given a peice of cheese cake drizzled with chocolate sauce with a candle on it.
I did not even finish eating it. I brought it home, and still have not eaten it. But, everything was lovely and I am glad that my husband suggested to go....I love that food.
My last dreadful photo was taken a few months after my son's birth and although I was not the weight that I was when I had surgery, I looked a mess. Did not care about my appearance at all.
Now, I wear a different purse depending on what outfit I am wearing. I am somewhat anal now. My hair has to look good....and it's all about the WLS that has changed my life.
I think it's great. Anyway, when my license was renewed, I made sure the technician had the WEIGHT correct. It read 151.....too happy.
I also went to several companies on Friday, looking professional dropping off resumes for employment. I need a job badly, hopefully all of the 13 contacts that I made, something will come of it.
Healthwise, I am doing alright. I called Dr. Afram's office and told them that I would fax over my new insurance card, which they said they would accept.
My son started school on last Wednesday and he is blending in well with the class. The administrators in the school accepted his Kindergarten report card from the daycare in Manassas that he went to and said that he was in line with where their Kindergarten students are at the end of the school year, and they moved my baby (5 years old) to First Grade.
He is not the smallest child there, which is great for me. I did not want it to look to awkward for him, but I think that he will do just fine.
My husband is an Asst. Principal here in St. Mary's and he likes his job as well. He said that if I don't find a career here, we will only stay on this side until our lease expires and we will go elsewhere.
I never knew that it would be this hard to find employment here....but whatever. I am putting the press on and I feel that something will pan out.
Well, take care, I am about to watch some TV before getting out to go to Big Lots for some household stuff.
Until next time, take care.
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