Dear Dr. Shah,
I wanted to write you personally and express my thanks for your generosity by providing the funds to purchase the 10x10 Disaster Canopy Tent. We needed it desperately as a tool in disasters and community relations and did not have money in our budget to purchase it.

The Salvation Army serves Kern County through an emergency food pantry, utility assistance, low income senior feeding program, tutoring and scouting programs, disaster response and a variety of other programs designed to meet the holistic needs of our community in need. I am enclosing a brochure that covers a more detailed list of ways we serve.

Please feel free to come by our building and see us in action as we serve greater Bakersfield, one need at a time.

Again, thank you for your kindness and support. You are appreciated!

Surrendered to serve,
David Ebel, Captain
Corps Officer and Kern County Coordinator

'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.

With sincere appreciation for your kindness and generosity. Your kindness means so much to me. You are the greatest! And will always be close to my heart. You are truly a very giving person and your kindness will always be remembered...

Dr. Shah,

Thank you for your kindness and expert surgical skills. Feeling whole again is like a new lease in life. I appreciate every thing you and your staff have done for me.

Dr. Shah and your wonderful staff,

Hope you know how much your special thoughtfuness is appreciated. A nicer group of people would be very hard to find. With sincere thanks to every one of you.

Thank you for eveything!!

To Dr. Shah,

Thank you so much for all you have done for me. Words do not describe my gratitude. All the work you did to care and fix another surgeons errors is unbelievable. I truly do not know the words to express how thankful I am. You really are an angel and may you always be watched from above.

To Katie April and Staff,

Thank you for being so kind and always answering my huge amount of phone calls. April you are one in a million and thanks for all that you have done for me.

Dr. Shah and Staff,

Its a genuine pleasure to thank all of you and to let you know that your kindness will long be remembered.

Thank You,

Dear Dr. Shah and Staff,

I feel compelled to write all of you a sincere letter of thanks. I would have liked to convey these heartfelt thanks to each of you. I would have liked to convey these heartfelt thanks to each of you in person, however this surgery and the excellent care received was the answer to years of prayers and I would have been in tears.

I started my first diet when I was eleven and it has been a long and painful journey for thirty three years to finally find a system that works. I was raised in the Air Force moving every two years throughout the U.S. and Europe. This made it very difficult to establish friendships based on who you are rather than your outer apppearance. Needless to say kids can be very cruel as well as some adults. Three years ago, at 330lbs and such severe pain in so many areas that I couldn't ignore it any longer I risked what little pride I had left and sought medical attention. In one summer and three surgeries, God blessed my life. I no longer suffered from severe headaches virtually everyday. I was able to move and walk and bend without pain. I felt as if God had given me a second chance at life. Finally being able to exercise I went from 330lbs to 240lbs and being virtually pain free. God is awesome! Deciding on plastic surgery was not an overnight decision and I knew to even consider it I had to have in place daily exercise and a healthy eating plan. I was very frightened about comming in for the consultation as I realized I still have a long way to go. I wasn't sure how my request would be received. I will be forever grateful for the kind, compassionate, and professional attitude I received from each of you. This surgery is a step towards a life long dream and I will never be able to convey how truly grateful I am. I thank God each and every day for his blessings which includes all of you and the wonderful care I have received. Please accept my gratitude from the bottom of my heart.

All my love and thanks,

I'm appreciative of your kindness and caring. I know working me into the surgery schedule made for a long, rough day for you last tuesday, so I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated it and appreciated your great care durring this healing process.

Thanks a lot!!

Dearest Dr. Shah,

Thank you for all the fabulous things you do for us on a regular basis. We want you to know you have aquired three endentured servants for life. Loyal and willing!! Thank you again!

All our love,

Dear Dr. Shah,

'How did you do it?' Asked the Caterpillar

'It isn't where you are, It's where you see yourself, it is both the journey and the destination. If I didn't have the destination in mind, I would have never made the journey.'

Answered the Butterfly.

Thank you for making my journey a little easier!!

Dr. Shah,

It was great to meet you and your staff. Your plans sound so exciting. Thank you for your time and consideration for such a wonderful opportunity. I am looking forward to meeting with you again.

Thank you

Everyday I look in the mirror and Thank you!! I couldn't believe it when I saw my before and after pictures. My husband loves my new body and it has given me so much more confidence.

Thank you Dr. for everything!!

Dr. Shah and Staff,

Thank You so much for the beautiful flowers you sent after my surgery. It has been two weeks since my surgery and I am doing very well. I appreciate the group effort with Dr. Ciccotto and so far I am thrilled with the results. You are a very kind and caring doctor.

Thank You for everything!

S.H.

Dr. Shah and Staff-

I just wanted to thank you for the delicious cookies...they were just what the doctor ordered! My family and I enjoyed every last crumb.

Your thoghtfulness was greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

'Your Beautiful Patient'

Dr. Shah and his staff exceeded every expectation I had about cosmetic surgery and the overall experience before, durring, and after my procedures. My intitial visit was very pleasant. The office staff was professional and friendly. Like most people, I was a bit nervous for my consultation, but Dr. Shah and his assistant (Kristie) made me feel comfortable and at ease. In addition to this, I knew Dr. Shah was an experienced plastic surgeon wih impressive credentials and he had hospital privleges (very important), which gave me that extra bit of confidence I needed. These things made my decision easy. After researching my options for two years, my mind as made up, Dr. Shah was the choice for me!

I was able to schedule my surgery according to my schedule, and within a little over a month, I was admiring the results. I underwent three procedures at once, and everything went very well. The hospital staff was compassionate and professional and my recovery was what had been described to me, without any surprises, April, Dr. Shah's nurse, as available for me to call anytime if I had questions.

Overall, my experience with Dr. Shah and his staff has been outstanding. I continue to visit every six weeks for follow-up, and its going to be sad for me when I am done. I'll miss those smiling faces of the nicest medical staff around! Thank you Dr. Shah!

'Your beautiful and very happy patient'

Dr. Shah and his office staff were so wonderful. Very informative and professional. From the receptionist to Dr. Shah it was truly a wonderful expirience for me. I would highly recomend Dr. Shah to anyone.

Dr. Shah is a gentleman, very skillful and I love that. He stops at nothing to make his patients feel like family and is willing to please his patients in his work as a plastic surgeon. He is a perfectionist!

--A Greatful Patient

Dr. Shah and his office staff were great. They were there for any and all of my needs. I would recommend Dr. Shah to anyone! Thank you Dr. Shah.

Dr. Shah and Kati made me feel so comfortable. I recommended so many people who were interested in breast augmentation. The recovery time was only three days for me! Thank you so much Dr. Shah!

Dr. Shah was my third consult while shopping around, ( although he was highly recommended by two previous patients). I was still scared- but after meeting with Dr. Shah and Kati I was ready! I love what I had done and would do it again! Thank you.

I had complete confidence and no reservations about any of my procedures I had done. I wasn't nervous about anything because I had gotten all of the information I would need before sugery. The after care was wonderful. I now feel and look like Dr. Shah's artwork. He is a true artist. I look like I did 25 years ago only my body has a better shape. I love my new curves!

Dr. Shah,

I am so pleased with my surgery. I wish I would have found you ten years ago! You and your staff are awesome! Thank you.

P.S. You are my favorite artist!

Everyone at Dr. Shah's office was very compassionate and informative. I would recommend him to everyone and I already have. My surgery results were excellent and I feel great. Dr. Shah is wonderful and took his time when seeing me. Thank you everyone at Dr. Shah's.

P.S. Kristie Elms was absolutely the greatest! Thank you!

--K.N.

Dear Dr. Shah,

I want to thank you very much for trying to help me, and doing this surgery for me.

As you can see from the picture I am sending, I have come a long way. I know that you cannot work 'miracles' with the way that my body is, but it's so very important for me NOT to look like such a 'freak.' All my life I have fought this battle to be normal, and just to be able to wear a pair of shorts or a revealing night gown, or anyting sexy like most women do.

I hope you understand why I want to have this operation, and why I felt so let down the first time. I have been made fun of, laughed at, and put down so much. I just wanted to feel good about myself for once.

Anyway, I do have faith in you, and feel sure that this time everyting will be okay. I am looking forward to getting on with my life and new body.

Again, I do thank you and your staff for all that you have done for me.

--M.M.

Dr. Shah is one of the most humbe and down to earth doctors I have ever met. I didn't feel akward or intimidated. He was like an old friend and treated me the same.

I am so happy with my results! I feel great and I can wear clothes I never thought I could wear. Thanks so very much. I am so happy.

Treatment start to finish was excellent! Everyone was kind, friendly and informative. I am very happy with the results and will use Dr. Shah again. I would encourage older women like myself to go ahead and do what you always wanted to have done!! Thank you Dr. Shah!!

Dr. Shah is a wonderful person and always takes care of his patients. I am glad that Dr. Shah performed my abdominoplasty, it turned out to be great. I also wanted to thank Kati for being a great patient coordinator. She always has time for her patients. She always follows through and makes you feel that you are in good hands. Thank you!

Dr. Shah and his staff are very professional and friendly. They made me feel very comfortable thought the entire process. The phone calls and post-op cookies were great. I could tell that Dr. Shah and his staff really care about thier patients. I would recommend Dr. Shah to anyone considering plastic surgery!

Dr. Shah helped me feel better about myself. He was honest and upfront about what I would need to have done to gain the results I desired. He did just that! I feel more beautiful and better about myself than I ever thought I could. Thank you again Dr. Shah.

Dr. Shah treated me like I was his only patient. I know that being very busy like he is, its not easy especially with the high demand he is in. His knowledge about what I wanted done was amazing. I knew he was the doctor I wanted to go with after speaking with other doctors regarding this procedure. I knew he was the one. Thank you for making my expirience great!

--D.B.

The entire experience was beyond my expectations. The entire staff was professional and very nice. Dr. Shah is the best plastic surgeon! I am totally happy with my breast augmentation, lift and liposuction.

--B.D.

Dr. Shah was very professional from the very beginning to the very end. The staff was very warm, friendly and also professional. Thank you so much!

I really enjoyed the care and friendliness I recieved from Dr. Shah's associates. The staff was awesome! Dr. Shah will perform any other procedures I will have in the future. Thanks everyone!!

I wish every office had a staff that was as nice as yours. The staff neveer makes you feel unimportant or that you are a bother to them. I have recommended Dr. Shah to many friends and family since my surgery.

Dr. Shah is the BEST. I can't say enough good things about him and his office staff!

I would have to say that all of the staff members including Dr. Shah have been absolutely wonderful to work with. Everyone has given me nothing less than superb care and have taken great care in making me feel very comfortable durring all visits including pre and post-p care. No question was left unanswered and I was not rushed through any of my visits. Great care was given to me by all I came into contact with from the beginning to present. I thank you all for your support before, durring, and through my continued follow up appointments.

--S.S.

Dr. Shah has such a great personality and he is very professional at what he does. Although, he is extremely busy with patients, he takes his time to answer any questions. The rest of his staff have his same welcoming feeling. They are all very helpful and friendly. Thank you all for all reassuring when in doubt about what was happening.

Dr. Shah you are my Superman!!! Love you and your beautiful staff. Because of the scars on my face, it had left me with a low self esteem. I'm still healing from my face, its been three months and I can see and feel a difference in my face and spirit! So why not! You gave me the tummy tuck, and wow, I just love it. I just love me more now. Joining a gym and improving on a new me-

Thank you again, you and your staff made me feel special. Love you and your staff-

Here he comes to save the day!

Dr. Shah and his staff were just wonderful!!! All of my questions were answered. My surgery has only been four weeks and I am already pleased with my results, I cannot wait until I am fully recovered. Thank you for giving me my flat tummy again!!

I was expecting surgery to be a painful and miserable experience, but I found that Dr. Shah and his staff did everything humanly possible to make my surgery and post-op as pleasant as possible. My experience was nothing at all like I expected. I would do it again without hesitation if I needed to!

I think what impressed me the most was I had attended one of the seminars for this procedure and i was concerned at the wait time until I could actually have surgery. The next day I received a phone call from your office and they were able to get me a quicker consultation date and surgery time, which was great for my schedule!!!

My experience with Dr. Shah and all of the people in his office was great. They all made me feel at ease and they were the most friendliest people. I am happy with my results and will use Dr. Shah for all my cosmetic needs in the future. Thanks so much!

My name is Susan Martinez and I am the Weight Loss Surgery Coordinator at Mercy Hospital. The decision to have plastic surgery with Dr. Shah was one of the best decisions I have ever made. After having weight loss surgery myself, I just needed that extra help to make me feel complete. Dr. Shah and his staff were very warm and compassionate to my needs. Dr. Shah took a personal interest in me and gave me excellent care.

Now, a few months later, I am reaping the benefits of my plastic surgery and have never felt better! My surgery looks and feels very natural and beautiful. Dr. Shah is committed to excellence. Having surgery with Dr. Shah was icing on the cake!

Thank You Dr. Shah from my heart!

- Susan Martinez
Bariatric Coordinator Mercy Hospital

Hi there!

The body is amazing. I can't believe how much I love it. Just last night my friend was giving me all these tight and fitted dresses to try on and she kept complimentaing me on my figure. It is healing very nicely and there is still some hardness but that is slowly softening. Thank you so much for making me a better me!

- A.N.

Goodbye 'before' picture, I found Dr. Darshan Shah!!!!

At five foot tall, the 65lbs I gained with my twins took it's toll on every part of my body. But the only part that refused to bounce back was my stomach. You can do sit ups forever, sister, and that skin isn't going anywhere!

Working in radio, you would think looks don't matter as much as the voice. But looks do matter. I was often the only female talk host at important events such as political conventions and the very exclusive White House Radio day in D.C.. There I would be, doing the interviews of a lifetime (The Vice President of the United States, Karl Rove, congressman and world leaders) and in every photo of those interviews I am doing my best to hide my stomach! (I have photos to prove it) You would think I'd have been more interested in the interview. But in truth, all I could think about was that pooch that wouldn't go away.

It's been almost three months since I had my tummy tuck by Doctor Shah. He took personal interest and care for me. He phoned me on Christmas to see how I was doing! He nagged me to rest. He took my late night calls with silly questions . You see, Dr. Shah was as invested in my success as I was!

I'm still healing, but I have never felt better. I can't wait to interview the next world leader. I'll finally be free to concentrate on the questions, not my pooch. Whatever pain or discomfort from surgery has been well worth it. But I would not do it again without Dr. Shah. Which reminds me.......Dr. Shah.......how about some laser therapy? You'd hate for me to interview the president and be distracted by my crows feet, would you? or, OH! my ripply legs, can we fix them?

I love Doctor Shah. He's not a doctor, he's a relationship.

Inga Barks
KERN Radio, Talk Host
Patient.

PS I welcome any questions people have about my experience with Dr Shah. They can write me at

Just wanted to give you a big thanx for helping me and being there for me. It meant so much to me.

How do you say thank you in the right way? From my heart. I'm so grateful you helped me to get back to a real living life. My prayers are always with you! God bless you and keep you always.

Thank you Dr. Shah for doing such a great job and answering all my questions! I really appreciate everything!

Dr. Shah,
Just a note to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to participate in the FAME interviews. Your enthusiasm & dedication to patients really shined through! I will be contacting you again when we do our segment on Bariatrics. Thanks again!

Dear Dr. Shah & His Staff,
Thank you all for the help and being so kind to our family. It really means a lot to us that you & your staff treated us so well. Especially Tyler. His eye looks 100% better, and we could never thank you for all you have done for us. God Bless all of you at Bakersfield Surgical Center for the kindness you give to your patients and their families. Thanks again.

Dr. Shah,
Thank you so much for making me BEAUTIFUL! I would also like to thank your staff, with special thanks to Jenna! ! Again, thanks for all my life long beautiful changes!

Dr. Shah,
Saying 'Thank You', just doesn't seem to express the gratitude & appreciation I have for you! Nonetheless, allow me to say 'Thank You' for absolutely everything. You've given me more than can be said. I can truly say I love the way I look and that my confidence and excitement I feel is because of you. You are not only talented, but extremely personable. You made me feel comfortable and confident that I chose the right surgeon. You have a gift and many years to come to give that gift to other people like myself. You're wonderful, Dr. Shah!

Dr. Shah,
Thanks so much to you and your staff for all your kindness & compassionate care. I really do appreciate you and all you've done for me. I know I can be neurotic when it comes to my perfection and healing issues, so continue to be patient & reassuring. Thanks also for the beautiful flowers, they came at a time when I was having a down moment, and they indeed cheered me up. You're great Dr. Shah!

Dear Dr. Shah,
Thank you very much for what you have done for me. You have made my life so much better. I don't have eyes looking at my chest. God has made you a very special person by caring about other people's feelings. Thank you again.

Just wanted to say thanks for all your help. It really means a lot. After all the I have went through it was nice to find someone with compassion. Again, thanks.

Dear Dr. Shah,
I'd just like to thank you & your staff for being so kind to me. That basket of cookies couldn't have come at a better time! I was just beginning to get my appetite back! Perfect timing! Thank you,

Dr. Shah & Staff,
I just wanted to say thank you for everything. Dr. Shah, you did a beautiful job on my breasts. My boyfriend and I are very pleased. The staff is very helpful and friendly. Thank you so much.

Dearest Darshan,
Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. You are a wonderful guy. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. If you are in Chicago, come see me!

Thank you for my new look. I am so happy with it. I appreciate you both for your kindness & for making me feel comfortable. You guys are the best! Thank you so much!

Dr. Shah,
Thank you so much. I am so happy with my new additions!

I cannot express how much better I have felt since my surgery. I have been given a new life in more ways than one, and not a single neck or back pain has been experienced. My reduction has been one of many positive changes in my life and I want to thank you for making that possible. Thank you.

Doctor,
I am not having any more surprises. In a months time you will have forgotton me and the trouble I caused you. God bless you!

Thank for everything! Always,

Dr. Shah,
Thank you for all that you have done for us. You are a very gracious person. Thanks.

Dr. Shah,
Thank you so much for your friendliness and your professionalism. I am very pleased with the results! You did a good job.

Dr. Shah,
Thanks so much for all that you did for me today. I know it took a big portion of your morning, so please enjoy Cafe Med on me since you were so kind in not charging me. I just want you to know how much I appreciate all that you do for me! From your high maintenance patient and friend.

Thanks so much for all that you do for me. It's not forgotton, and it is greatly appreciated!

Dr. Shah Thank you and your staff for caring at the follow-up calls. It really encouraged me, that I might have a chance with Kaiser to okay the knee plastic surgery. Thank you Dr. Shah for everything you've done!

Dr. Shah & the Shaanti Staff - We would like to extend our appreciation for hosting a mom's nite out for our Twin & Triplet mothers. Our girls walked away with a renewed sense of self and some look forward to using your services. Thank you once again for taking the time, patience and sincerity Dr. Shah!

Dr. Shah & Staff,
What a nice surprise. I think this is the first time ever that I have received flowers from one of my doctors. They are very much appreciated as are you all for thinking of me.

Dear Dr. Shah, You were recently mentioned in one of our patient satisfaction surveys as providing great care to them. They stated 'he is the best'. I want to thank you for your open mind to solving tough situations and your team effort toward providing high quality care. Thank you.

'The Girls',
I wanted to let all of you know how thankful I am for every single one of you! All of you were so patient & kind throughout my entire surgery & recovery. You were all not only professional, but extremely friendly, which made me feel very comfortable! All of you are great! Thank You!

Dr. Shah,
About two years ago, my best friend and I went out to a nightclub in town. I was having a good time until a complete stranger came up to me and cupped my breasts and said How cute! This guy has baby boobs! and the crowd around me laughed. I quickly left the club with tears in my eyes. I hated the way I looked and from that night on I have purchased every shirt in the biggest size I can find. Now, days after my operation I look into the mirror and I see and feel a difference in my body. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am so happy and so glad that I decided to have this done. Thank you very much for the cookie basket, too!

Dear Dr. Shah,

We wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your services to the University and to our Physician Assistant Program during the spring semester, 2004. We are most appreciative and grateful for the time you spent teaching our physician assistant students.

As a clinical preceptor, you provide the tools to enhance the students knowledge bases and their understanding of the profession they have chosen. Your dedication and abilities as a preceptor prepare our students upon graduation, to successfully take their place within the health care team as qualified professionals.

Your role as preceptor promotes our goal of building the highest quality physician assistant program in the country. We look forward to continuing your association with Western University throughout the upcoming years.

Sincerely,

Roy A. Guizado, M.S., PA-C
Chair, Primary Care Physician Assistant Program

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.

What was your primary motivation for undergoing this procedure?

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.”