Patient Testimonials - Memorial Healthcare

Donna H - Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

"I looked into bariatric surgery after experiencing a heart attack. Not only did I have blockage in an artery, I was having a lot of knee pain and had undergone two scope procedures (one on each knee). I've lost 90 pounds in the 8 months since my surgery and have so much more energy. I feel better overall and have no more knee problems. Bariatric surgery changes your life. You feel better healthwise and better about yourself. The weight loss has improved my life 90%. As for Dr. Tomita and his staff, they were wonderful with me and their other patients."

Donna has lost 90 pounds since her laparoscopic gastric bypass in December of 2009.

Susan A - Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Susan doesn't ever want to feel the way she did the day she discovered she weighed 374 pounds. Susan says, "At that time, I had high cholesterol and blood pressure problems and was getting up several times a night to go to the bathroom because of the excess weight. I tell anyone who asks about bariatric surgery to 'Do It' and not talk themselves out of it if they feel it is the right choice for them. Today, I no longer get up in the night and don't have to take cholesterol medication. I recently took my nieces to Cedar Point and was able to stay the whole day and rode
every ride they did. I loved Dr. Tomita and his staff. They were absolutely all around great to me, and I wouldn't have gotten through it all without the nurses at Memorial Healthcare and Sandy Bulemore, the bariatric nurse. In addition, my husband was wonderful during the entire process and is so proud of me".

Susan lost 204 pounds since her laparoscopic gastric bypass in April of 2009.

Jennifer P - Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

For Jennifer, the decision to have bariatric surgery was based on preventing a
variety of health conditions others in her family already had developed. According to Jennifer, "I wanted to be proactive and have the surgery before I developed those conditions. I did it all for my three kids. Now, I have more energy and can play longer
and do more with them. As a part of the bariatric team, I have a brand new perspective
from the side of the patients and can see how truly caring and attentive our staff is
with all of our bariatric patients."

Jennifer lost 53 pounds since her laparoscopic gastric bypass in May of 2010.

Pam W. - Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

When Pam looks back to why she decided to have weight loss surgery, she recalls a very private and personal decision. "My main reason was that I didn't want to have the same health problems my mother had. She had been overweight, had diabetes and died of renal failure. I saw myself heading in that same direction and realized I needed to make a drastic change in my life." Over the years, Pam had tried other diet programs and was able to lose weight, however, she was unsuccessful at keeping it off. "When I finally made the decision to have surgery, I decided on the gastric bypass procedure. Dr. Tomita and the team at the Memorial Bariatric Center are just awesome! They were compassionate, supportive, really listened to me and answered all my questions." Since her surgery, Pam is off her blood pressure and GERD medications. "I love shopping with my daughters now - there are so many more options! I get on the floor and play with my grandchildren and can even cross my legs. I know it sounds funny, but before my surgery these things were impossible."

Pam Lost 100 pounds since her laparoscopic gastric bypass in January of 2008.

Laura K. - Adjustable Gastric Band

I love having the extra energy after losing 97 pounds. I feel confident and healthy and
no longer take insulin for my Type II diabetes. Who would have guessed that my job
these days would be to motivate others through professional development, leadership and communication training? I still have about 30 pounds to lose so I'm having my band filled a little more to help me continue losing about 2-3 pounds per week.

The gym and I have become pals, if not exactly friends. I work out for about 60 minutes each session using different machines to keep from getting bored. This surgery was the best thing for me, and Dr. Tomita is wonderful.

Laura (Lansing) lost 97 pounds since getting her adjustable gastric band.

Jason G. - Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

I had heard about bariatric surgery and other diet programs
had not been successful. Then, I saw an article about a
FREE orientation given by Dr. Tomita and thought being able to have the surgery close to home might make it a good future option. The thing is, after I listened to Dr. Tomita's presentation, I knew I wanted him to do my surgery. I weighed 450 pounds in 2006. I have nothing but the greatest things to say about Dr. Tomita and his staff. They have been with me every step of the way, and I've gained a lot of self-confidence and faith in my abilities to be a good husband, father and role model for others.

In the past, I've just been a spectator, and now I'm on the basketball team. I am not the most talented, but running up and down the court and keepin up is a victory.

Jason (Corunna) lost over 200 pounds through laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Dale S. -

I had bariatric surgery at Memorial Healthcare because I didn't see the need to drive all the way to Grand Rapids when the hospital here was able to do the surgery. My daughter was going to be starting Kindergarten in the fall, and I wanted to be able to keep up with her and do things with her class.

I've lost over 160 pounds so far and feel so much better than I ever could have imagined. Dr. Tomita and Sandy are right there every step of the way to help you reach your goals.

Dale (Perry) lost over 160 pounds after his bariatric surgery.