June 24, 2008

Dear Dr, Shah and staff,

From the moment I met my very own consultant (yes…a person that I later understood would actually walk me through the entire surgery process herself) my questions were answered, financial concerns met, and options became clearer.  With very little waiting time, I was personally greeted by Dr. D. Shah, who patiently listened to my concerns, offered me privacy, dignity, respect during my examination, and soon I felt safer than I could imagine with the unfortunate decision to have my breast implants removed due to a leak.  I was afraid of the surgery, what a leak could mean for me, and what my breasts would look like post operatively.  Dr. Shah took his time carefully, honestly, directly answering my questions, and offered solutions/alternatives according to my comfort level.  In short, my care was customized to meet and fit my specific needs.

The day came for surgery, and it was again a pleasant surprise to find that the operating room staff including the cheerful receptionist who registered me with my privacy in mind, to the caring Nurse who greeted me personally in the waiting room (I was only in the waiting room for a few minutes) and escorted me to the changing area herself were mirror images of the excellent attention I received in during my initial office visits.  When I emerged from the changing area, she was waiting for me!  She took my arm and guided me to the area where Dr. Shah would see me pre-operatively, and inserted an intravenous line with skills second to none.  Infection control measures were not overlooked by me as I noticed careful attention to hand washing, spotless floors and equipment, and immediate removal of debris. 

On my way into the operating suite, I felt like I was escorted by angels…I felt so safe…like I had friends that would watch over me while I was asleep.

Post operatively, I had no time to wonder about pain, or fear, as my nurse and doctor were by my side continuously reassessing my needs and meeting them immediately with reassurance, medication, comfort, whatever was called for.  When it came time to discharge me it was according to my needs, my safety, and my progress…at no time did I feel hurried or like I was a burden to the staff. 

I hardly had time to get home before I received a friendly phone call from my nurse inquiring about my pain and comfort!

The very next day I returned to Dr. Shah’s office for a repeat performance of kindness, caring, respect, and all-around gladness for me that I had completed my surgery.

Now…for the REAL surprise.  On Sunday (yes, a weekend day) Dr. Shah himself called my home to check on my pain, wound progress, and general feelings of well being.  Can you believe it?!?!?  Fabulous!

Unfortunately, I did experience a post operative problem in that the very next morning after speaking to Dr. Shah my wound opened.  I returned unannounced to the office, where I was whisked into  an examination room, whisked immediately back to the operating area, wound attended to by Dr. Shah, and the problem was solved before I had a chance to be afraid about it!!

Here’s the thing…I must have looked scared out of my mind…Dr. Shah wrapped me in a blanket and escorted me himself to a post-operative observation room following this second procedure.  I felt so safe, so cared for.

Weeks and months go by, and still Dr. Shah himself calls to check on my well being, feelings about my surgery, and I really do believe he is happy that I am happy.  I have never met a physician like him and my surprise diminished about his office, his nurses, his staff being so extraordinary.  It comes from him.  He offers nothing but the best for his patients.  I feel as though each one of us is precious to him, and that he actually takes pride in our success and will not give up until we are satisfied and back to living our life with no worry about why we came to his office in the first place. 

I will never forget my experience, never forget how Dr. Shah treated me, how his staff comforted me, and if I, my friends, my family need or want surgery there is no place else I could possibly recommend.

Thanks again!!!

What procedure was performed?

I had a tummy tuck, and lipo done on my stomach and hips.  The interesting thing is that I had this surgery exactly three years to the day after I had my gastric bypass surgery.

I had it primarily to get rid of the excess skin that was left after my weight loss (following the gastric bypass).  Last summer it got really hot, and my skin would rub and get raw and irritated—in fact, Dr. Shah removed two huge handfuls of skin.  You could say I did it for health reasons and to help boost my self-esteem, but it was more than that.  It wasn’t about the bikini or clothes; it’s about completing the cycle I started and about finally being able to be at peace with myself and the skin I’m in.

How long had you been considering this procedure?

I had talked about it with my husband for two to three months before; at that point, he said, “Go and look for a surgeon.”

What were your biggest fears regarding the surgery?

After meeting Dr. Shah, I didn’t really have any fears.  I had to reschedule once because I hadn’t lost the weight Dr. Shah said I needed to before he would safely perform the procedures.  I wasn’t really scared though because he had answered all the questions I had…I was just ready.

What made you choose Dr. Shah at Beautologie to perform your surgery?

I went on the Internet and looked, and he was the first person I saw.  I went to his site and looked at the testimonials and listened to him talk about what was involved in the surgery.  I went in on that Thursday, and we met Dr. Shah.  As soon as he left the room, my husband told me, “This is who we are having do your surgery; we’re not even looking elsewhere.”  I knew as well that I wanted him to do it the moment we met.  Beautologie is the cleanest facility I have ever been in, and the sound of Dr. Shah’s voice was so calming.  If I was scared, his tone calmed me.  I knew I was in good hands.

Describe your consultation & pre-operative experience?  Did Dr. Shah thoroughly answer all your questions and address your fears?

Oh yes!  Originally, after my gastric bypass, I went from 315 pounds and got down to 199.  I met Dr. Shah at the end of November (2007), and at that time, I was at 220; he told me that for my safety, I needed to get down to 190 before he would perform the surgery.  Well, I had been walking, but before the surgery, I walked three miles a day, and with Dr. Shah’s encouragement, I finally got weighed on the day of my (rescheduled) surgery: I had hit 191 (laughs)…yes, he did it anyway.

How was the actual surgery & recovery process?

It was similar to my c-section…I did love my pain pump, but I was up and around on the fifth day after surgery—I could get up for the bathroom before that though.  Even with any pain, I would do it again in a heartbeat, without any hesitation!

How do you feel about yourself and your appearance after surgery?

Dr. Shah has helped me complete my cycle.  I feel complete; my life is totally complete, and now it’s just maintenance and healthy diet.  It’s funny: My sister has weighed 110 her whole life, and I’ve been jealous of her all my life.  I was always the big girl and always a food person.  Just recently, she said, “I’m jealous of YOU”…and I answered, “BE jealous!”

What has changed in your life as a result of having this procedure at Beautologie?

Before, I couldn’t walk, couldn’t breathe, and I had sleep apnea; my doctor had said I could die of a stroke.  I was 300 pounds.  Now, for the first time in my life, I have a flat stomach!  I am also walking without my (post-surgery) girdle now, and my stomach muscles can hold my stomach in for the first time ever; before the surgery, my muscles were gone, and Dr. Shah fixed that.

Would you recommend the center to friends & family?  If so, why?

First, let me just say that I LOVE Dr. Shah!  The completion of my cycle is because of him.  Before (after the bypass surgery), I was jumpstarted in the cycle.  Now, it’s completed.  I would do it again, right now, and if I have any other surgeries, I will go to Dr. Shah.  I would recommend him to ANYBODY.  After my surgery, he said to me, “You are the reason I do these surgeries.” 

'I am happy to be the first to recommend dr.shah! I recently had lipo and abdominoplasty, and am not only happy with the work he has done, but I love, love, love his staff!! the post surgery care and attention that is paid to the patient is priceless. all of his patient coordinators are wonderful, and very helpful. I was able to call dr. shah any time day or night if i had a problem or just wanted to ask a question. He makes himself available, which only adds to the quality of his wonderful work!!!'

Dear Dr. Shah,

I just wanted to drop you a line to say how pleased I am with my new 'physique' I consider my recent surgery a huge success. All thanks to you!!

Thanks for being such a skillful yet down to earth surgeon. You're the greatest!

Dr. Shah and Staff,

Thank you for your continued support durring the past year! I wanted you to know it was greatly appreciated! Three months- pain free- now I just have to work on the weight gain. I might have to come see you again for help with that! Sorry this wasn't in person, however it's tax season and I'm rarely out of the office now.