"I have my first consultation with Dr. Krause on August 22, 2001. His nurse was really sweet!! I had just called Beaumont Hospital a month ago and they didn't have any Bariatric surgeons!!! Thank God my insurance company had me try again!! (Can you believe it!! lol). He just came to Beaumont from an Ohio Bariatric Center in mid-July!! I'm sooooo excited to find a surgeon on my insurance's ppo list!! This means that my surgery will be covered 100%!! I will have ZERO out of pocket expense!!! Praise God!! He has cleared a path for me with lightening speed!! I only decided to have this surgery and asked for God's help on Monday, and this is Thursday. He works fast, doesn't He, when his children need him!!
08-24-01: I had my first consultation with Dr. Krause on Wednesday. My first impression? "How in the world did such a petite man get into obesity surgery?" He is a very slender man, nice looking, and extremely comfortable to be with almost immediately. He makes you feel at ease so quckly and easily. It was really nice. By the end of the consulataion, I was so impressed by him, by his knowledge, and by his willingness to spend extra time with me if/when I needed it, that my husband and I came out of their feeling as confident in him as I have ever felt with surgeon. I don't like doctors/hosptials much at all, but he made me feel so comfortable with the procedure, the pros/cons, and the entire process, it was unreal. I hope my husband does not ever have a reason to fear this operation or wish I had never had it. We have a great surgeon, and I believe in him.
His office and staff... were just a typical office and staff! I think I overwhelmed them with all my paperwork completed on the first visit (except my darn diet sheet), and didn't know quite what to do with me. :) They were really nice after they got me in and settled, and after the visit with the doctor, even though I know they had to stay longer after work because of me!!
What I least liked is that he is so new to Beaumont. He has a track record in Ohio, and it is an excellent one, but I would have liked to have seen a track record here in Michigan. But, if that is the only thing to use to hold someone back... it isn't enough to stop me!
Aftercare is the ultimate importance to Dr. Krause. He is really concerned about appropriate nutrition and demands that you meet with a nutritionist at least monthly for tests and talks, just to make sure you are doing well. It isn't something that is going to stop happening in one or two years, either. He wants you to see a nutritionist pretty much forever. Just to make sure you don't fall into the woes of malnutrition, which are one of the highest problems with this type of surgery. He really made me feel good when we discussed liquid vitimins and mineral suppliments, and what should be taken more of, etc. We spent a good deal of time on that and making sure my husband and I were aware of all the negative things that could possibly happend before, during and after the surgery. He wanted us to make a well-informed decision, and once made, have the tools to get and stay health.
There is not a structured aftercare program yet, but as I said earlier, he has a post-op nutrition and medical check-up schedule for you to keep.
He addressed the risks of surgery head on, full discloseur, no holds barred. He was delicate and appropriate, but he made sure you were very aware of all the risks.
I would rate him a 9.5 out of 10.
Surgical competence is best, by all means!! Yet, having that bedside manner is almost as important. I'd rather have someone with both, and I think I have found him.
12-20-2001
If you are considering Dr. Krause for your surgeon, you need to go no further. He is awesome. He is so patient, caring, and wonderful. He answers questions, even nervous silly ones, with total seriousness, but has a great sense of humor, too. He is so thoughtful and caring. He is an excellent surgeon. After one week I am out Christmas shopping and really feeling great, and if you look at my profile, you will see that I am one of the more"difficult" people!
He's great. His aftercare is fabulous. He calls back same day on every question, no matter what. I have never felt in more competent surgical hands than I have felt and feel in his. (I have had several surgeries, too!!)
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