Orlando_mom

I had success with the band but I learned to deal with the discomfort. I was very tolerant of the vomiting, acid, weird sounds coming from my throat/belly..because I was losing weight and that was the goal. I was about 184 pounds before the surgery and at the time they took out my band (slippage) I was 133 pounds. I was really sick when they took it out and hadnt eaten normal foods for awhile and was down to just liquids (which I was regurgitating as well). I began to even vomit my saliva. I was running to the bathroom 3-4 times a night. But I did lose more than I ever have and I dont regret having the band placed. My only regret is my decision to have Dr. Marema be my doctor. I am not demanding but I think it is in good taste to have someone call me to follow up right after the surgery. Especially since I didnt see him at all even in the hospital post-surgery. I dont believe they have offices in Lake Mary. I was told that they only see patients in the Sand Lake Orlando location and St. Augustine. Dr. Koppman was nice- I only met him at the end of my journey. He was the one I saw who admitted me to the hospital for dehydration and said the band should come out. THe slippage was diagnosed by a upper GI. Anyway, I hope my experience is atypical of that office. I just felt compelled to share my experience. I will not be considering revision at this time. I would NEVER go back to Dr. Marema's office and I would not recommend him to anyone (not even my worst enemy). I am really curious as to why Dr. Kim no longer practices with him. I am doing my best to manage my weight myself. My primary doctor has prescribed Phentermine as an appetite suppresant and that seems to help. Good luck with you on your new adventure. Hopefully you are satisfied with the care you receive.

I met Dr. Marema in 2007. Upfront, he was very nice. Before I booked my LAP BAND surgery, the office was responsive to my questions and concerns and seemed to care. Dr. Marema performed the surgery at Celebration Hosp. I was discharged and NEVER heard from the office again. Dr. Marema nor any of his staff called to check in on me. I never even saw Dr. Marema in the hospital for post-op visit (rounds). A few days later I called with some concerns and told the office I wish they would have given me a courtesy call to see how I was doing. My husband is a doctor and ALWAYS calls his patients post surgery. Fast forward three years, I had a complication with the band (slippage) and it needed to come out. Dr. Marema's office hours are terrible and no longer has hospital priveledges in Orlando. When I had my complication I had to either drive to St. Augustine to see him (I was in no condition to do so) or wait 2 weeks. The nurse was less than helpful and even rude. She told me I was "overreacting, and that I should just stop panicing". 24 hours later I was in the hospital with dehydration. Since the band has come out (30 days ago) I have tried to call Dr. Marema to ask some questions. I was informed yesterday HE DOES NOT TAKE PATIENT CALLS UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY. I WOULD HAVE TO MAKE AN APPT TO ASK A SIMPLE QUESTION. Furthermore, since I dont have the band placed they dont consider me a patient in the practice!! Even though I had a lap band 30 days ago and I was considering a revision surgery. I am very frusterated with the lack of patient care and concern. I have given this office so many chances and every time I am disappointed. By the way, I NEVER have left a negative review of any professional. Being that my husband is a doctor- I am very sensitive to patients being difficult. I assure you that I was a very reasonable patient. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU NOT USE THIS OFFICE.

I met Dr. Marema in 2007. Upfront, he was very nice. Before I booked my LAP BAND surgery, the office was responsive to my questions and concerns and seemed to care. Dr. Marema performed the surgery at Celebration Hosp. I was discharged and NEVER heard from the office again. Dr. Marema nor any of his staff called to check in on me. I never even saw Dr. Marema in the hospital for post-op visit (rounds). A few days later I called with some concerns and told the office I wish they would have given me a courtesy call to see how I was doing. My husband is a doctor and ALWAYS calls his patients post surgery. Fast forward three years, I had a complication with the band (slippage) and it needed to come out. Dr. Marema's office hours are terrible and no longer has hospital priveledges in Orlando. When I had my complication I had to either drive to St. Augustine to see him (I was in no condition to do so) or wait 2 weeks. The nurse was less than helpful and even rude. She told me I was "overreacting, and that I should just stop panicing". 24 hours later I was in the hospital with dehydration. Since the band has come out (30 days ago) I have tried to call Dr. Marema to ask some questions. I was informed yesterday HE DOES NOT TAKE PATIENT CALLS UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY. I WOULD HAVE TO MAKE AN APPT TO ASK A SIMPLE QUESTION. Furthermore, since I dont have the band placed they dont consider me a patient in the practice!! Even though I had a lap band 30 days ago and I was considering a revision surgery. I am very frusterated with the lack of patient care and concern. I have given this office so many chances and every time I am disappointed. By the way, I NEVER have left a negative review of any professional. Being that my husband is a doctor- I am very sensitive to patients being difficult. I assure you that I was a very reasonable patient. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU NOT USE THIS OFFICE.