"I love that I had Dr. Amy Olsen. I first met her at the support and educational meetings that our program requires we attend for a minimum of 3 months before the surgery can be done. I was hoping I would get her (practice of 3 surgeons doing this) almost from the start. She also came into our meeting with the coordinator where we first learn about all the ins and outs of our program and do our paperwork. Overall, she had made a big impression on both myself and my husband over the 6 months leading up to my surgery, with her personality and how well informed she was on up to date information on the surgeries and all that surrounds them. She was very good about making sure that we understood the risks and all other information that she would talk on each month, and it made a huge difference! Not only do we have a pre-op test to make sure we have learned about the risks, after care, etc., but she also reiterates the risks and many more things during the big pre-op appt. where you have your spouse/support person there, so they get a chance to make sure they understand as well. I was glad that she and her staff, including psych and nutrition, were pushing so hard that we were to begin making changes in our lives from day 1 to make us more ready for the exercise, drinking, and new ways of eating that we do after surgery. Take what they say to heart, make those changes and make them for life. They really do make a difference and made it where I was able to lose 25 pounds during those 6 months of pre-op! She pushes that we come to the post op meetings, as well. Don't think that you just want to have the surgery and go on your merry way. The post op meetings, clothes swap that happens with them, and the online group are all a huge help, just knowing you have people to go to with questions if nothing else. She has us come in for a 1 week post op appt. where we see the coordinator to make sure we are doing ok and double check the incisions. At the 1 month point I actually had the appt. with Dr. Olsen, and I think that it will be her that I see again at the 3 month one. I loved seeing her since I had some questions that my husband hadn't asked after my surgery, and she quickly answered them quite well. They have a 5 year follow up with this program."
