"OK, my first impression of Dr. Hess was that he was a very soft spoken man. That was very soothing and he was easy to talk to. He was not the physician that I began with and I didn't know what to expect but he was just as assuring as Dr. Forse and just as personal. He also made me feel like he was talking to me. Over time, I became much more confident about my surgery because I became much more confident about him. His office staff was excellent. The clinic was not new to me because I had been there for nutrition and weight loss years before so I know some of the people. His personal staff, his nurse, secretary, etc. were very accommondating and friendly and they made it easy to laugh when I came in. Which was great because I was getting very nervous towards the end. When I was waiting for my approval his staff didn't act impatient when I called and were very assuring and helpful. They seemed to do things in a timely manner so that there was not a lot of waiting. I really can't say that there was anything I didn't like about Dr. Hess. If you are considering being a patient I think it is very important that you be honest. Don't be afraid that he will turn you down he is really fair. I will admit I liked to drink and he could have made me wait a whole year before doing my surgery but he asked me to stop for 3 months and even though it was not easy I did. He did the surgery about 2 and a half months after our discussion and I felt much safer because he knew all about my past and just what to expect and follow up on. So always be brutally honest with your doctor. This is not a situation where you don't want the person taking a knife to you to know everything about your body. As far as aftercare, don't expect to get away with anything. He doesn't allow shortcuts and neither does his staff. They know it's hard at first but they also know what's best. I am in my 5th week and they have not altered from the program no matter how much I moaned and groaned about my diet. I think that is why I feel so good now. I have only had one episode of dumping and I did that because I didn't listen and put salt (which is not powdered seasoning) on my eggs. It was not a good experience. If you listen you won't dump. Even something that your stomach does not like won't make you dump if you just take very small portions and wait before taking more. At least that's my experience. I would feel some pain and nausea but I did not dump. I was taking water aerobics and as much as I would like to get back in the water they just won't allow it. Although I feel much better and I am all healed on the outside his nurse won't give me permission to do even that much stomach exercise "I mean water aerobics" until at least 10 weeks out. They don't take chances. I have been allowed to do the arthritis water class though. Although I can't do the hoola with them (ha..ha). "
